As we think back on the highlights of our trip there were many. Jasper National Park, AB, the highway from Ft. Nelson to the Yukon border for all the wildlife, Miles Canyon in Whitehorse, Dawson, Tombstone Territorial Park on the Dempster highway, Top of the World Highway, Old Denali highway, Homer, Kluane Lake, YT, and the Cassier highway were all special places. There were a lot of others but we had been there before and had done a number of things that we didn’t do this time.
Maligne Lake, Jasper, AB
Miles Canyon, Yukon River, Whitehorse, YT
Tombstone Territorial Park, YT
We didn’t make it to Valdez or Haines and Linda didn’t see the things I did on the return trip so we to need return for those (at least the Cassier highway). It is difficult to say if there were places we wouldn’t go back to, it depends on the weather and the time of year as well as just what we want to see or do. I wouldn’t have skipped any of the spots on our route as all are worth seeing.
The place that really impressed me was Tombstone Territorial Park on the Dempster highway. Its stark rugged beauty really was incredible. It would be spectacular in the fall (late August early September) when the colors change. Same goes for the Old Denali highway. We saw Denali in late August in 2005 and the colors were something to behold.
Denali Nat’l Park
Old Denali Highway
Along the Glenn Highway
Kluane Lake
Our planning, preparation and the equipment/spare parts, etc. we brought along did the job as we didn’t need any of it.
The Alaska Highway is not the Alcan Highway of old. For the most part the highways are modern and suited for most vehicles in good condition. There are frost heaves, potholes, and gravel stretches for construction but if you slow down it is fine. Your vehicle will get dirty but that depends on which routes you take. Don’t worry, it washes off!
It was a trip we will never forget! Of course, now we are thinking about where we will go next.
Finally, as most of you know, our trip was shortened due to our daughter's emergency surgery and unexpected arrival of a very precious, tiny grandson. Our daughter is healing well and our little guy, at 1 pound 14 ounces, with the help of many caring doctors, nurses and family, is a little fighter and stable at this time. We hope the long road ahead for him will not have too many twists and turns and that he will be able to join his parents at home some time in November.
