Sunday, July 15
Dawson, YT – Chicken, AK – Tok, AK
We left Dawson this morning at 8am and arrived in Tok, AK at 1pm gaining one hour as we are now on Alaska Time. The temperature was in the mid 40s when we left and the day varied from the low to upper 50s.
We began the day with a Yukon River crossing via the George Black Ferry. There was no wait (and no fee!) as the border crossing into the US doesn’t open until 9am and it is about 60 miles from Dawson.
The crossing is interesting as the ferry pulls up to the gravel bank and cranks up the power to hold it against the gravel bank. It then lowers the ramp and vehicles drive on. Once loaded it makes the crossing in about 5 minutes and repeats the process on the other side.
Once across we were on the “Top of the World Highway” and for the first several miles we were looking down at the clouds or were in them (like driving in fog). About 10 miles in the clouds began to lift and we could see more of the sights below us. Some sights were above but most were below us so I assume that’s why it’s called the Top of the World Highway. It certainly feels like it as you drive along.
This is looking back on some of the road we traveled
We had some rain so the road was muddy in addition to being somewhat rough. Clearly not as bad as some had told us but it did bounce us around a bit.
The views got better the further we went. There were several times we stopped to take what we thought would be a great picture but the camera couldn’t possibly capture what we were seeing due to some of the distances.
We made it to the BIG town of Chicken, AK. From there to where we rejoined the Alaska Highway (Tetlin Junction)is paved but it road was full of dips, dives, bumps and frost heaves. But, we are still in one piece. We were able to travel faster on this stretch. Going to Chicken we did 30-45 mph, from Chicken to Tok we were able to do 40-55 mph.
As we approached Tetlin Junction and Tok, Alaska, the Alaska Range came in to view.
We are at the Tok RV Village which is expensive ($42.50/night) but the sites are spacious compared to other places we have stayed and it is quiet and clean. The park also has a nice RV wash area (fee based) which we really needed, and good internet for light use and $6.95/day for heavy use. We chose the latter. And look how close we are to the trash can!!!!!
Tomorrow we will proceed to Fairbanks for four nights.
WOW the Alaska Range looks magnificent! Are there other people out on the highway?
ReplyDeleteThe only places that we have had moderate traffice was around Whitehorse and Fairbanks. Tok had a little more but much of the time we are out there by ourselves.
DeleteAt times we overtake a vehicle or one passes us but that is about it.