BC - SE To the Beginning of the Alaska Highway
7/14
Left the Yukon and into BC. Right after the sign about buffalo in the road, there were some buffalo, a pair and then about 10 together. The leader was a big bull.
Buffalo
There were also 2 black bear along the road.
Black Bear
Went to Laird Hot Springs to camp, even though it was a short day of driving - only about 140 miles. The springs were really hot - taking a while to get in.
Hot Springs
If Mary Anne lowers her head net, the mosquitoes will have no chance - there were quite a few at the campsite - lots of warm stagnant water beelow the hot springs pools. The upper spring was the coolest and deepest, and the lower spring was hotter by the inlet – cooler as you went further down the stream. It is a popular campsite for those coming and going on the Alaska highway - about 478 miles from mile zero at Dawson City.
7/15
Big day for animal sightings - lots of buffalo by the road
Buffalo
We were watching the little one - a big one was watching us - and in the background was a very large bull.
We also saw black bear
Black Bear
and some stone sheep – by Stone Mountain.
Stone Sheep
Also saw a few caribou, including one big male in a wide part of the road. We stopped and he came pretty close and snorted at us.
Caribou
A large buffalo
Big Buffalo
Went by both the high and the low points on the Alaska Highway - then it flattened out pretty good.
When you think that the Alaska Highway was built in about 8 months in 1942, it is amazing. It was a war effort because of the fear of the Japanese attacking Alaska. They did get on 2 of the Aleutian Islands, but that was all.
We should pass Dawson Creek (mile 0) and then get into Alberta tomorrow.