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.