Whitehorse, YT

Sunday, July 8th thru Wednesday, July 11th

Hi Country RV Park to Downtown Whitehorse


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Sunday after we arrived and set up we kicked back and relaxed for the rest of the day.

Monday we caught up on laundry then drove into Whitehorse to shop for groceries and a few other things that morning. After lunch Linda got out her travel sewing machine and went to work on another placemat and a potholder. I guess sewing is her thing! I went into town for some industrial strength mosquito spray as well as bear spray. We've needed the mosquito spray for most places so far but not here as there are very few around the RV Park. We will be traveling to some more remote areas and staying in Yukon Government Campgrounds and expect them to be plentiful. The bear spray is something I have serious doubts about being necessary, but again, we will be at some pretty remote locations and it is one of those things they sell to tourists that keeps the economy going.

Tuesday we did the tourist things in town:

Beringia Interpretive Centre

Linda with her new friend (wooly mammoth) in the Beringia Theater.

The power went out just after the film ended so we went next door to the Yukon Transportation Museum. The power was out there as well so we took in the outdoor exhibits and then returned in the afternoon to see the indoor exhibits which were quite interesting. They included lots of history of early Whitehorse, Skagway, Dyea, and a number of other locations. Included were horse drawn sleds and wagons, trains, boats, and an extensive history of aviation.

Yukon Transportation Museum

This was a US Army vehicle that we assume was used to transport heavy loads over soft soils when building the Alaska Highway. Glen is standing next to the front wheel which gives prespective on just how big they are.

This DC-3 is on a pivot and is a wind direction indicator. It was really changing directions with the 40 mph gusts.







S. S. Klondike

After a nice lunch at a downtown deli we toured the S.S. Klondike sternwheeler that plied the Yukon River. Not exactly cruise ship quarters but fairly classy for the time (in service from 1929 to 1955). Second class passengers had to remain on deck back near the sternwheel. First class passengers had a quite nice dining room and a lounge area. From the lounge, passengers were able to view the river in comfort and style.

Wednesday

White Pass & Yukon Railroad Station

This is the station for the White Pass and Yukon RR which we've traveled before between Skagway AK and Carcross, YT. The Yukon River flows behind it.

Downtown Whitehorse

A view of downtown Whitehorse. You can find everything you need in Whitehorse, including one of the best quilt shops in the North. My quilting friends need to check it out: www.bearspawquilts.com

Yukon River in Miles Canyon

We took a hike today (Wednesday) on a trail overlooking the Yukon River toward Canyon City. We didn't quite make it that far as we are not quite the mountain goats we once were. What we did see was beautiful though and the river was actually the color you see here.

A view of the Yukon River outside of Whitehorse from the road.

Suspension bridge crossing the Yukon at Miles Canyon. We did cross this on our hike.






Miles Canyon and trail to Canyon City

A couple passing by agreed to take our picture if we returned the favor. This was just as we were preparing to set off on our walk with Sadie.

Glen and Sadie set to begin the Upper Canyon City trail.

Sadie and Linda. Hiking on the trail to Canyon City. Note the wildflowers. I have yet to identify these but will soon. One interesting tidbit I learned today is that when the Fireweed blooms all the way to the top of the spike, summer is on it's way out!! I'm happy to report that all the Fireweed I've seen still has several inches of bloom left. Phew!

MV Schwatka slowly making progress against the current

We chose to walk instead of riding the boat up the river. I think we had the better view. These boats cruise up the river through Miles Canyon and around Schwatka Lake for a hefty fee. I consider our walk today one of the major highlights of our time here.

Our campsite

The Hi County RV Park is one of the best we have stayed at so far. Good Wi-Fi until everyone tries to get on it and video Skype in the evenings. The sites are clean gravel pads separated by a few sparse trees but it worked for us. The cable provides 81 channels of STUFF and like at home not much worth watching. Also here, for those of you who might be considering staying here, are very clean showers, a large laundry facility and a first class gift shop.

We fueled the truck and extra gas cans, hooked up to the trailer and will be leaving for Moose Creek, YT or somewhere along the road to Dawson City, YT in the morning.