Travel Buddies' Adventures: We made it to Alaska! (Twice)

Well, we did it! We crossed over the Canadian border into Alaska!

This morning we left Destruction Bay (Historic Milepost 1083) heading for Tok, AK (Historic Milepost 1314). That’s a 241 mile trip, not that far but we left early because we heard there’s a long stretch (about 90 miles) of “permafrost” rough road. Before I explain that, you need to know that Beaver Creek is 116 miles from Destruction Bay & 113 miles to Tok. So, it’s about halfway (keep that thought in mind)

So it seems back in 1943 when the Alaska Highway was built, there was a report written by the Highway Engineer about the toughest job of grading was in building the 90 miles of road from the Donjek River in Yukon Territory to the US Border. Swamp ground underlain by permafrost, numerous creeks, lakes, rivers and a thick insulating ground cover made it difficult to work. Permafrost is permanently frozen soil. Anything that causes the permafrost to melt will cause the ice-rich soil to liquefy, and liquid soil has little strength & will subside. Then if the soil refreezes it will expand or heave. This wreaks havoc on the drivability of the road surface.

Here’s the sunrise over the Kluane River as we get ready to head out

Burwash Landing is one of the oldest settlements in Yukon.
Home of the worlds largest Gold Pan

Here’s one of the many snowshoe rabbits we saw (not much other wildlife out this morning)

See the orange flag, that is Canada’s way of saying “Be careful”

And the road continues

And then……this

Look at the detour on the left (see how thick the “permafrost” road is!)

And then it got pretty (kind of)

Then I see this in the Milepost trying to figure out what those things are on the side of the road

These are the structures along the highway

So we’re coming up to Beaver Creek & Buckshot Bettys
(supposed to have awesome scones & cinnamon rolls)

We stopped at Buckshot Bettys in Beaver Creek,(Historic Milepost 1202) , I go in and get us some coffee & goodies & we get on our way. The road continues to be “iffy”, but not too bad. Next thing I know, we’re crossing the border OUT of Canada & IN to US. (Historical Milepost 1221)

Since I didn’t realize it was that close, I didn’t get a good shot of it, but here’s the pics!

No problems crossing in, and on the way we go. We’re back to miles now (not kilometers) and now in Alaska Time Zone (another hour "gained”/lost)

Alaska Highway is now Hwy 2 (not 1 anymore)

Check out the sod on top of this cabin

I couldn’t get a good pic, but this is a description of US version of structures to help with “Permafrost” Love the comment!

Fixing to cross over the Tok River & will soon be in Tok, AK

Yeah! We get to the Campground, I pull out my wallet to pay for the site & guess what? My Visa card is NOT THERE!!!! I left it in the credit card machine back at Buckshot Bettys!!!! Surprised smile

So……….I called them, they had it (she said she calls US Border Patrol 3-4 times a DAY to let them know she has credit cards left there), Mr. Charley paid for the site; we drop off the camper & head BACK!

Back over the ROUGH PERMAFROST ROAD!
Back over the Canadian border (the border patrol smiled when we told him what I did), got to Buckshot Bettys, got my card & headed BACK.

Back over the ROUGH PERMAFROST ROAD!
Back over the US border (the border patrol LAUGHED when we told him what I did) & got back to Tok.

Finished setting up the camper, walked the girls, sat down for a few, then headed to Fast Eddy’s for dinner. Got back & like a fool, I get my computer out, edit my pics & then start writing this blog!

So here’s a view going BACK into Canada