Hi Loved Ones,
We traveled across Saskatchewan, Alberta and a good ways through British Columbia. Alaska is looking like a reality. We are meeting more and more folks headed that way too. Tonight we are camped with 5 couples we camped with last night as well. It seems we are lucky to be between group caravan tours. Traffic has been very light and the roads are in better condition than I expected. When I consider the vastness of the highway and the long distances between outcroppings of civilization I am amazed the roads exist at all. Internet here is minimal and will not let me post a picture. I will try again later. I have a bunch that I want to share.
Since leaving Dawson Creek, the 0 mile marker of the Alaska Highway, we seem to be skirting the eastern edge of Canadian Rockies, but have had some long slow climbs along with the inevitable descent. According to The Milepost Alaska Travel Planner, one section we drove today used to be called “Suicide Hill” because it was one of the most treacherous hills on the original highway. Today it is still precipitous at 6% and 9% grade. I take my hat off to Bob for his managing of the descent. We stopped at the brake check area before starting down. The turn into the pull off was sharper than it looked so the brakes got a good test. After have a bit of lunch we set off down the mountain. As we pulled out it started to rain. OK, deep breath. At first it was just steep and winding, then, close to the bottom, there was road construction and the road surface was a mixture of mud and loose gravel. I held my breath. We made it safe and sound and no burning brake smell.
The scenery is spectacular, lush green in varying shades with white birch interspersed. We drove through two areas that had burned, the first looked like a controlled burn because there was still growth on some of the trees. The second was the result of a forest fire last year that jumped the highway. Over 8000 acres were burned and at one point the highway was closed due to smoke. There are still signs up informing drives of the fire area and warning us that we enter at out own risk.
There are also game crossing warnings everywhere. Bob saw 3 deer and I saw a moose/elk carcass. I could not tell which. I did see 2 reddish brown crane like birds. I have looked through field guide and have not found anything close in appearance whose range is in this area. I will have to try another guidebook.
It is a lovely, cool evening and I should take a walk to burn off the Saskatoon berry crisp I made for dessert.
Until the next time.
I love you all!
Cora