Monday, March 17th
2014
(Haines Junction, YT
– Tok, AK : 296 miles)
The time was changing between Yukon and Alaska so we
were gaining extra hour and it was relatively short day (six plus
some hours). We slept in and enjoy slow and easy morning. The place
we stayed in was nice and had kitchenette with supplies for
breakfast. Nice breakfast and views of the majestic mountains not so
far from the town. When we were getting our stuff into the car it was
till bloody cold. It was probably our first day (in long time) when
it was really cold (a bit later we were told that it was about minus
2 degrees of Fahrenheit). We left a bottle with water in the car and
it was frozen. Gas station (so cold) and tiny (expansive) coffees.
Less and less convenience and civilization (sort of). So, so, so cold
… however the views that were surrounding us were so incredible.
Finally heading to Alaska. Pretty much the same description as
yesterday. For about two hundred miles we saw 25 cars (including
three semi trucks). The road was bare and dry, however, we finally
“met” the famous frost heaves
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Frost_heaving
– the road damaged by unstable land and frost. The speed limit was
90 kilometers per hour but mostly we had to go slower than that. It
made the trip quite long and tedious. By the Lake Kluane (frozen and
covered with snow) we saw six Dall sheep (some type of mountain
sheep) on the road. There were more running on the side of the
mountain. It was interesting view, animals did not really care about
us, we slowed down and almost stopped and watched them to cross the
road. What a highlight of the day. Few spots on the road with gravel.
Still – pretty decent drive. Few settlements – closed or really
empty looking ones. Most of the time we had this really amazing
surroundings – tall and snowy mountains as far as we could see.
Other than that we were just so tired of this long trip, and we are
still going and going. We passed the Canadian customs station and
drove another 30 kilometers to the US one (bumpy gravel road). Just
before the border station there was pull off with “Welcome to
Alaska” sign and a monument showing international boundary. The
boundary is never ending clearing in the forest, as we were standing
there we were looking at this straight empty space just going towards
the sky. The US border, passport check, few question, check our pears
(fruit from outside of the US and Canada in not allowed). And …
surprisingly … there were no other cars passing the border. 90 more
miles to Tok, Alaska. Speed limit was 55 miles per hour (what the
hell), the road was in excellent condition (what is different here
from 20 miles away Yukon?) and the scenery was as beautiful as
before. Though we just wanted to be done driving. Tok – about 1400
people – some industrial buildings, few stores, few gas station, a
lot of snow. We stopped by Public Lands information center – small
and cozy building – helpful lady – display of native crafts and
Alaskan animals (large bear). Abundance of booklets and maps, will be
easier to figure out what we can do in Alaska. Not much else in Tok.
She was surprised and said something like “Just March and we have
already visitors”. Our accommodation – really nice a comfortable
cabin. We put our stuff in and drove back to the town. Gasoline.
Restaurant – we were so hungry – pretty decent food. Back to the
cabin and enjoy the evening. Last day on the road. LAST ONE.
