This is the 11th in a continuing series about our trip through Canada to Alaska
“Those people who turned back are more focused on the destination than the journey.” Monique Zander
WiFi – FINALLY! We haven’t had WiFi available for a few days, including Thursday morning when all power was out in the metropolis of Watson Lake, Yukon Territory. It’s part of the journey. To celebrate being connected again, this edition of Our Alaska Trip blog is divided into two parts: 1) Notes on our travels and 2) Impressions of RVing to Alaska.
CHAPTER 1 – THE LONG, BORING ALASKA HIGHWAY
This Is the Scene Before Us for Many of 1,500 Miles of the Alaska Highway
When we left off on our blog two days ago, we were excited about the prospect of feeling the rubber on our 10-ply tires rolling onto the famous Alcan Highway, which is officially the “Alaska Highway” because it was built by the U.S. Army in 1942 to get materiels to Alaska needed to head off a Japanese invasion. It was originally called the Pioneer Highway and the Military Highway … now is officially Hwy. 97.
At about 9:50 a.m. we were on the road headed toward Fort Nelson, B.C., and then the fun began … and faded. During the intervening 283 miles, we saw a Walmart/Sam’s Club truck, the carcass of an animal that had died of boredom, and a bicyclist pumping up his tire on the side of the road at Mile 235. If this was a tough ride for us, we couldn’t imagine what he was going through.
A promised highlight of the drive was the Honey Place, billed as the world’s largest glass beehive. Like many other attraction along the way, it had a CLOSED sign on the side of the building. [We did see a swarm of bees circling the place, probably waiting for it to reopen.]
Earlier in the day we flew past fuel pumps at Pink Mountain, electing to fill up at Sasquatch Crossing since we live in Sasquatch’s cousin, a Bigfoot trailer, but there was no fuel there, so we went about 100 yards to the Husky station, which was closed. It was back to Pink Mountain to fill up at $1.19 per liter. And this is a good time to mention that we now appreciate the advice of filling up the tank whenever you can. We have passed numerous service stations that are closed.
When we entered a patch of farming country after about 200 miles of this monotony, I suggested we might consider agriculture since we were already growing weary. This, the longest leg of the journey so far, could be characterized as a journey between monster trucks carrying large cargo, and, on the good side, the ^^^ signs along the way indicating bumps weren’t as devastating as the previous day’s drive.
Now, please don’t get me wrong. We have been on other beautiful, but monotonous highways in America, and the prospect here of seeing incredible vistas in a day or two keeps us ready for more driving.
Muncho Lake, B.C. -- Surreal Beauty
We saw no muskeg mires (the name for the deep muck that the Army contended with in 1942) or permafrost, which, as it melts takes the road away with it. As mentioned previously, while in Dawson Creek we watched an outstanding PBS movie about the building of what the American Society of Civil Engineers labeled, “a Historical Civil Engineering Marvel.” Seeing all the pain and pride that went into its construction made us eager start at Mile 0 of the Alaskan Highway.
In the eclectic Fort Nelson Museum there is a mini-theater that features another version of the history of the road, this one much different than the PBS production. This less-polished film filled us in on improvements made after the road officially opened in August 1942.
For a big finish on the day, we walked through Marl Brown’s auto museum. 
Our tailgunner’s wife, Madeline, asked Marl if he’d been here all his life. “Not yet,” he told her. Two years ago this month, Marl drove a 100-year-old Buick from Fort Nelson to Whitehorse and back. He has a wonderful display of antique cars in operating condition.
Monique and I have seen a few animals on the way, but not nearly as many as our fellow travelers report. Common sightings are black bears, bison, stone sheep and moose. We may be the only one’s to see (and photograph) a beautiful red fox, and today a wolf watched us go by from the side of the road.
There hasn’t been as much delay as we expected from bad roads or road repairs. There have been a few incidents of damage to caravan vehicles; however, all of them seem to be typical when you consider we are a group of 20 rigs, and the distractions are many. We’ve been lucky.
And for me, Wednesday was one of the most important days of the trip: we crossed into Yukon Territory. Lots of people have been to Canada and the number who have traveled to Alaska is incredible. To me, the Yukon has always held a special fascination. It symbolizes wilderness and hardship. After all, it was the patrolling grounds of Sgt. Preston of the Royal Canadian Mounted Police with his heroic dog, Yukon King. No change in scenery since British Columbia, but I’m still excited.
CHAPTER 2– THE RV EXPERIENCE
Tuesday while enjoying the heat of Liard Hot Springs, we met some folks heading back to Manitoba after having a boat excursion cancelled and because two of them were afraid of driving on the high roads. Asked about enduring the boredom ahead going down that same highway, one gentleman replied, “No problem. At our age we can’t remember what we saw yesterday.”
Monique and I have no problem being together for these long hours. Yet, the opportunity to run into other members of our crew at roadside cafes and in the campgrounds makes the trip more enjoyable for us. Another plus for group travel.
Even with fairly manicured roads, this is not a trip for the timid. We met a lady who was begging her husband to turn back because she didn’t like conditions of the private campgrounds. They are overflowing with RVs and tent campers, and although the owners appear to be trying to do everything they can to accommodate their guests, it can get to be a zoo. Remember, they can’t exactly run down to the hardware store to buy items to make repairs. What we’re seeing mostly is trees, with a few rivers and lakes, and every now and then a service station/restaurant without a closed sign, but mainly trees.
If you have a car or RV problem along the way, be prepared for inconvenience. We heard a report of a truck that needed service, and at three repair shops the travelers were invited to make an appointment for the next day or beyond. And, despite the advice of the local mechanics, the repair wasn’t needed.
Lower back pain from being in the vehicle everyday for long hours can creep up on you. Mine was allayed by a dip in the sulfur-rich Liard Hot Springs. I wanted to stay there for two weeks, but our travel schedule wouldn’t allow the break.
And speaking of that, the nature of the planned caravan is that we have little free time, time to rest or do minor changes and repairs to our RVs. Is that good or bad? Well, if we traveled on our own and wanted to stay two weeks in Liard Hot Springs or three days in Dawson Creek to rest up a bit, it would mean that our trip would take longer, and it would play havoc with any reservations for side-trips ahead.
Prices of diesel and gas vary according to the remoteness of the service station from $0.83 up to $2.00 a liter (a liter is just a little over four to a gallon). Food prices also rise as you get further into nowhere, but, in the defense of the owners, their cost of electricity and other services does too. We’ve indulged in very good cinnamon rolls two days in a row.
The weather has been beautiful, warm and party cloudy for most of our journey. I personally welcome the low-hanging clouds as a variation on the theme of abundant trees with beautiful dark green rivers and the Northern Canadian Rockies in the distance.
70,000 signs in Watson Lake and 7,500 Hats at Toad River Lodge
From the “Never-Bored RVers,” We’ll see you on down the road.
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A promised highlight of the drive was the Honey Place, billed as the world’s largest glass beehive. Like many other attraction along the way, it had a CLOSED sign on the side of the building.
Civil Engineering
The biggest down side to a caravan in my opinion is the fixed schedule and the inability to stay a day or 2 longer someplace. I think the security and camaraderie more than make up for it.
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When we entered a patch of farming country after about 200 miles of this monotony, I suggested we might consider agriculture since we were already growing weary.
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Recently He was started the old Buick and drove it around the yard. Isn’t the scenery amazing. We couldn’t get over the Canadian Rockies. I look forward to reading your blog and hope continue to have a safe trip.
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This post has remind me some of the great memories which I spend with my friends in Alaska. It seems that you guys are having quite great fun.
Jim Hutt
Thanks so much for your wonderful travel log. The wife and I were scheduled to make the trip to Alaska this summer. But due to my medical problems, surgery and chemo, we are having to pospone the trip until next year, Lord willing. We are enjoying your experiences and pictures as you are able to share them along the way. I know that your travel log and pictures take some time to generate and share. Those of us that are currently unable to make this trip can at least get a glimse of the nature’s beauty of the U.S. and Canada. I look forward to reading your experiences along the way, great job! Many thanks from South Texas. Hope to see with my own eyes what you and Monique are now experiencing and enjoying along the way.
Ken C
Boring can be good. I drove to Whitehorse in the early 60s in an old jeep as a scout car ahead of my sister’s 50′ x 12′ trailer home that they had overloaded with all their worldly possessions – blew 6 tires on the trip. Road mostly gravel/mud then. Couldn’t get above 25mph without blowing tires! I had a horrible toothache the whole way. Boring would have been nice.
Barry S
Thanks for such a great write. As for Sergeant Preston and Yukon King, all I can say is, ” ON King…..ON you Huskies.”
Frank
Thanks for your Blog, it is VERY interesting! I made the trip in 1981 on our honeymoon, and still remember all the sites you are talking about. Man….I gotta make time to do it again!!!!!
Thanks again for writing about your trip!
Jerry X Shea
Just did this trip last year. Driving I-5 in California can be boring, driving the Alcan, no way. Just take a look at the photo you posted above tell me what road in the lower 48 you drive all day long and see that beauty? I guess everyone has their own definition of what is “boring” but I have to go with Jeff Glazer above. Sounds like this trip will give you a good perspective of what “full timing” is like. Works for some and not for others.
Still enjoy reading about your travels and remember every place well.
Bill
We took the same trip last year with another tour company. You are pretty much following the same route we did. We loved the trip and made it in our Cameo 5er with only a few defective tire problems. We enjoyed the museum at Fort Nelson and met Marl. What a great guy. He started the old Buick and drove it around the yard. Isn’t the scenery amazing. We couldn’t get over the Canadian Rockies. I look forward to reading your blog and hope continue to have a safe trip.
Alice
I’m loving your blog. I have too many fond memories to ever be bored of the trip but it is an endurance drive to be sure.
I’ve driven the Alcan 9 times, plus took the ferry once. Each time is an adventure. The first time I drove it was in 1964 in a brand new Karman Ghia. I’ve driven it twice alone and in every season. One of my favorite spots is Liard Hot Springs. Well worth a two week stay! And Winter in Liard, wonderful!
Expensive fuel, closed businesses–it’s always been that way. Although even more closures October thru May. The roughest time on the road is Spring, very messy and rough.
Watch out for rocks. They take out a windshield in nothing flat. When you get into Alaska, make sure everything is battened down and take her easy, usually lots of ^^^ though they never used to give you those lovely warnings.
All that said, I’m feeling the need to do it again, and go for number 10.
Happy trails! Oh yes, I was one of those crazy people reciting Robert Service and doing the Can-Can in Fairbanks, entertaining the tourists! When my kids and I get together, we turn off all electricity and fire up the kerosine lanterns and recite him still…”The Northern Lights have seen queer sights..”
Peggy
You labeled Chapter 1 as: ‘…CHAPTER 1 – THE LONG, BORING ALASKA HIGHWAY…’
I love reading your updates and how it is traveling in an RV…
As I said in an earlier post, I have travelled this same route with my husband via motorcycle…
I was the passenger; we were together 24/7; only a 3.2 gallon gas tank on our first ride to Alaska; remember Pink Mountain; a couple of the areas where we were luckly to get gas and who had those HUGE cinnamon buns… I remember two of those places we stopped at I had used one of our debit cards and didn’t look at the amount until we were at our next destination… I was so disheartened that they were so dishonest…!!! I keep saying “..I will trust people…” and then something like the large-overcharging occurs…
Believe the Alcan Highway is the Alaskan/Canadian Highway…
Abundant trees – I’m not sure but think they are ‘fir’ trees that can be seen thoughout the mountain ranges, etc, especially from Yukan Territory towards Whitehorse and Alaska…
We found many of the gas stations were closed on Sundays but the owners said “…just knock on our door and we’ll get you some gas…” Some of the litle stations/cafes were set back off the road where we had to turn around and go back… Once we stopped then so many others saw us (motorcycles; RV’s; campers, etc) and stopped too…
Watson Lake and the ‘Sign Forest’ – I have a sister and brother-in-law who nailed their sign from Oakdale, Connecticut in one of those areas… We stayed in the area of Watson Lake twice in 2009 (once up and once back)… Personally, it was hot; dirty and nothing available for the traveler… Very little air in the motel room, etc… We had decided in the future we would bypass that area even if it meant riding further…
Love the picture of you on the ‘open road’ with all the trees, bush etc on the side of the road… I was happy to see the trees/bush cut back at least 20/30′ along each side of the highway… Certainly helped in seeing the animals alongside the road – moose are really huge animals along with the buffalo…
It was so interesting and love what you are passing onto others… Thank you…
Don & Irene Ritchey
We have made this trip nearly every year for the past 10 years or so as we live in Northern BC (Terrace) it makes the journey easier for us. We have gone both ways often going up Hwy 37 out of Kitwanga and returning down the Alaska highway and twice taking the Alaska ferry from Skagway to Prince Rupert BC only 1 1/2 hrs away from our home. That is a journey fondly remembered but somewhat costly.
We often go up into Alaska as well as the North no matter whereis such an experience. The Yukon once had a slogan “the majic & the mystery” We also always go it alone as it is truly the journey not the destination.
Memories last for a lifetime and I hope you capture all the north has to offer. You will likely return.
Jim Sathe
I am following this closely because we made the same trip in 2008. This brings back many memories. We loved the whole experience except the last 60 miles before the Alaska Border.
Anyone wanting to read my blog on our trip can go to http://www.jimrosietravels.blogspot.com
Eagerly wating to hear of your future adventures.
Jim
Kurt Hammerschmidt
Something to look for when you are in Alaska is a book of poems by Robert Service.
They all speak of the life of a miner during the gold rush days of Alaska and most Alaskans are very proud of his poems. Many bars in Fairbanks have recital contests.
Or at least they did when I lived there in 1964.
Bert Smith
I have made the trip 6 times and it was never boring I enjoyed ever minute of the trips. The first trip was 1964 and the last trip was 2006. O what a bunch of changes were made. I hope to make the trip again in 2012
Bert Smith
I have made the trip 6 times and it was never boring I enjoyed ever minute of the trips. The first trip was 1964 and the last trip was 2006. O what a bunch of changes were made. I hope to make the trip again in 2012
Jeff Glazer
Having been both a Trekmaster and a Tailgunner on Alaska treks I agree with many of the things you say. The biggest down side to a caravan in my opinion is the fixed schedule and the inability to stay a day or 2 longer someplace. I think the security and camaraderie more than make up for it.
I have to strongly disagree, however, with your characterization of the ride as boring. We never got tired of the beautiful scenery, and there were always interesting animal and sights around the next bend. Yes, some stretches were longer than others, but we always looked forward to new sights and new adventures.
Your descriptions of the gas stations was right on as was that of the campgrounds. Those campgrounds are what our family refers to as a “dancing bear.” The amazing thing about a dancing bear is not how well it dances but that it dances at all. Some of these campgrounds barely eke out a living in the middle of nowhere. I always appreciate that they are there at all. And with rare exceptions the people are always terrific to work with.
The one most important things to bring on an Alaska Trek is a sense of humor. Things will go wrong. Roll with the punches. It makes for a great story when you get home. Like the time I left a campground on the Cassiar Highway with the parking brake on in my toad. 300 miles to the nearest new tires in my size. How we made it I will never know.
If you like to drive and are willing to take things as they happen the Alaska Highway is an absolute must for an RVer.
Bob West
I assume you either got the wifi after power returned or in Whitehorse. The scenery will be lovely along the way and you will have some frost heaves but overall the journey is the key. Always interested in the perspective of those enjoying the trip. I especially enjoy your reflections on a guided caravaan. We considered that and then decided to go it alone but the folks running together seemed to be having a lot of fun as well.
jim
sounds like ur having a great time.
i would think the benifit of riding with a caravan would be warning of the upcoming permafrost.
a litre is greater than a quart. i think there are 0.948 liters/qt. ur doing a little better on fuel prices than u think. although, $2/litre is high no matter how ur convert it.
my wife and i are really enjoying ur trip. we look forward to ur post.