Thursday August 19, Junction Alaskan and Cassiar Highways, YT

…..JUST WAITING….



We were feeling quite confident this morning that the road would be opened, along with close to 100 other vehicles who were all queued up. There was no wind and it was much cooler. People were out of their vehicles, clustered in small groups just waiting for news, lots of stories were doing the rounds. Then about 10am word came that the road was closed for the rest of the day, and before long most of the vehicles had gone, taking the longer route south along the Alcan. We decided that we would sit it out, there are so many places on the Cassiar that we want to visit and there is no way we will drive back along it from the bottom. There are maybe half a dozen others doing the same.

Laura and Eric (the cyclists we met yesterday) rode in about midday and after much discussion decided to stay the night. For them the route is about 300kms shorter and not as many ranges to cross.

We joined some of the other “refugees” at the diner for lunch and a chat. Reg lives about an hours drive down the highway where he and his son have a gold claim. He had driven up the highway yesterday morning when it was open and now can’t get back, he has to wait until it is open.

We spent the day going for walks, checking out the crew that man the road barrier hoping for more news, but nothing, and reading. Another forced lazy day!

11pm…..Well we have had a great evening, surprising what happens on the road! Another Born Free motorhome pulled in to camp, and Betsy and Dave from Florida came to see us. Before long it was drinks in our “house” and Eric and Laura, who we have nicknamed “the kids” joined us. Out came the king salmon and a salad and we had a shared dinner….and more drinks. What a night…