Wednesday June 23, Whirpool Canyon, Milepost 524, BC
Miles 140
We have noticed that almost 75% of the traffic on the Alaskan Highway is RV’s or caravans, going both ways, and very little else. Alaska, Yukon and Northern BC survives on tourists. In previous years we have taken routes that are not major tourist ones and this has meant that we have been stopping in towns that are not used to seeing tourists. We feel as if we are just one of many this year, and so far have not come across any real characters…..sorry Lynn will get some people soon!!!
We were sorry to leave last nights great campsite, but it was on the road again. The first stop was in the little town of Toad River which in fact boasted a small school, airfield and one store which was humming with the breakfast traffic! It’s claim to fame is the collection of almost 7000 caps, pinned to the ceiling. Evidently people keep adding to them.
The Northern Rockies are beautiful, very mountainous and winding with glacial rivers and lakes. The most picturesque was Muncho Lake and we found a great spot to have lunch. Ian got the fly rod out, only to find that it was very shallow so no joy. Met a French couple traveling with 2 children under 4, they had rented a van in Miami and had been on the road for 4 months with 2 more to go. I didn’t envy them traveling so long with little children.
The next stop was the Liard Hotsprings, set in a wetlands area with a 5 minute walk across the boardwalk to the springs. It was all set in a very natural environment and the water was really hot. Great to have a soak in the water that ranged from 42 to 52 degrees. Couldn’t manage the hot section though.
We had left the mountains and the road opened out following the Liard River.
Wildlife on the road has been minimal, although missed a photo of a herd of bison lying beside the road. No place to stop. We have seen numbers of mountain sheep, and they seem to be attracted to some mineral on the roadside that they are licking.
Found another very good free campsite tonight near the Liard River where it swirls violently through a canyon. The heaps of large logs caught on the side indicate the force that comes down during storms.
Ian is in his element collecting firewood for the campfire, there is so much around that we have a great fire every night.
We have noticed that almost 75% of the traffic on the Alaskan Highway is RV’s or caravans, going both ways, and very little else. Alaska, Yukon and Northern BC survives on tourists. In previous years we have taken routes that are not major tourist ones and this has meant that we have been stopping in towns that are not used to seeing tourists. We feel as if we are just one of many this year, and so far have not come across any real characters…..sorry Lynn will get some people soon!!!
The Northern Rockies are beautiful, very mountainous and winding with glacial rivers and lakes. The most picturesque was Muncho Lake and we found a great spot to have lunch. Ian got the fly rod out, only to find that it was very shallow so no joy. Met a French couple traveling with 2 children under 4, they had rented a van in Miami and had been on the road for 4 months with 2 more to go. I didn’t envy them traveling so long with little children.
We had left the mountains and the road opened out following the Liard River.
Found another very good free campsite tonight near the Liard River where it swirls violently through a canyon. The heaps of large logs caught on the side indicate the force that comes down during storms.
Ian is in his element collecting firewood for the campfire, there is so much around that we have a great fire every night.
Comments