Back into Alaska

August 17: Headed out in search of a post office as we wanted to mail postcards we made last night. They are for our grandchildren and we wanted Canadian stamps. Stopped in Destruction Bay but post office is only open M W F. Found out mail  only comes up this far on those days.


Drove between mountain ranges and through the Kluane River Valley and Donjek River Valley. Did not see any large wildlife but did see more swans, red neck grebe, north pacific gray jay, and some merlins.

1900+  feet peaks (see below for detail)

Glacer with 2000 feet thick ice

The Yukon has solved both the expense of road repair and law enforcement for speed limits. They are called frost heaves. You just mark with a red flag at the location. It is not possible to drive more than 35 MPH or you get to buy new springs for your vehicle and take lots of aspirin for the headache you get from hitting the roof our your vehicle. Thus there is also no speeding as the speed limit is 55 MPH. We did note that their repair crew for pot holes was one individual and a pickup truck full of asphalt and a shovel. We saw two “crews” on the highway. Maybe VDOT should consider this idea with their budget problems. At Burwash Landing we saw the world's largest Gold Pan.

Went through US customs and again a couple questions (new one) wanted to see our vehicle registration.

On the US side miles of road being redone, miles of gravel and dirt with a pilot “follow me” car. Did note every mile for 30 miles there was a road sign saying “gravel road next 1 mile”.

Arrived at Tok and back on Alaska time. Got gas, made appointment for oil change for Escape To for tomorrow. We are staying at the Chevron Station in Tok, its free, because we filled up with gas. By the way it is a parking lot with a dump station and free water.

Had dinner at a local joint. I had the special an old fashion truck stop dinner, meatloaf, mashed potatoes and gravy, roll, veg and a huge salad bar. Edna had cheeseburger and onion rings. Food was excellent and was a homemade dinner. They served no alcohol. Only coffee and soda. Tomorrow we are also staying in Tok and will have wifi, hookups and a laundry to use. Staying at the Sourdough Campground and will try to win a free breakfast at the pancake toss at 7 PM tonight. 

Next wifi location will be 5 days.

Haines Highway

August 16: Left Haines and headed up the Haines Highway towards Haines Junction and Destruction Bay.  Stopped at the Chilkat Bald Eagle Preserve and walked the interpretive trail. This is mainly a winter council grounds as 1000’s congregate here since the water stays warmer and the chum salmon spawn in November.

1 year old bald eagle waiting for salmon in river

Labrador Tea

Passed through US and Canadian Customs. We got questions on the US side when leaving. Always ask different questions each time we cross the border. The only question that is always the same on both sides “do you have any firearms?”.

Stopped at pullouts along the road and got a great picture of Trumpeter Swans. Haines Highway is a road with great scenery and some beautiful lakes. At Haines Junction we finally reached the Alaskan Hwy.It was being widened . As it runs along the very edge of Kluane Lake, it was necessary to blast some of the mountain to connect to a new bridge being built.It could only be worked on  in the summer when the Dall Sheep are on their summer range. Hope to see the sheep on our trip home.

Looking down Haines Highway

Campground was a provincial park, fire ban in in effect as it is very dry, so no campfire. Campground is on Kluane Lake, the largest lake in the Yukon. Sat outside and grilled our halibut and had it in wraps with glass of wine. We are in short sleeves as it is a warm day.

Haines AK

August 15: Edna’s up and started day at 7:30 with 4 loads of wash at the laundry. By the time chores were done and breakfast finished it was 11:00. The museum and the Indian Center does not open till 1:00 PM on Sunday so we will skip. We are only going 9 miles  Stopped at a small fish store and bought some fresh salmon on the way to Chilkoot Lake State Recreation Area On the way to the campground you drive along the narrow park road beside the river. This is salmon fishing season for both man and bear, and both were sharing the river. There was a mama brown bear (coastal grizzly) and two cubs , some fishermen got out of the water and some stayed in fishing. You are supposed to get out of the water and give the bear plenty of space.

Found a campsite, campground was pretty full. Some fishermen were packing up to leave and told us we could have their site. They said it was one of the best ones, and we agree they were right. Set up camp and went and paid the $10.00 fee in the self registration box.

Later, we walked down to the lake and on down the river where the bears were earlier. No bears, however talked to a park ranger and he explained the fish wier and salmon count procedure. On the way back we watched two eagles fishing. They were sitting on a dead tree hanging over the river and suddenly one hopped into this swift running current. He got his fish and it was so big he had to paddle with his wings to get it to shore.

Had our salmon for dinner, made a few postcards from our pictures and planned our next day down the Haines Highway.