Whitehorse, capital of the Yukon territory, largest city in the Yukon with population of around 25,000 - half of all the people who live in the Yukon. This is so believable as we have been in towns with only 492 people recently. We actually found a Wal-Mart. Whitehorse was named because the early settlers called the Yukon's rapids "whitehorses," thinking that the rapids looked like the mane of white horses. This explains why our Brit friends call white caps "whitehorses." OK, that makes sense. I'm not sure I ever knew why we called them white caps! We plan to be here for several days, so tomorrow is a "see-the-city" day. This will be our last provisioning city before we enter Alaska. We are trying to learn what we can take back into America. Seems strange to ... read more

Last night, we decided to get an early start in the hopes of seeing better wildlife. Our little canine alarm clock (Princess) accommodated us by waking up at 5:00 am. We got everything ready and started rolling at 5:30; much later than dawn up here in the wilderness with at least 18 hours on daylight. We had not gone ten miles before we saw another black bear. Then, down the road, buffalo herds. We stopped just past a bridge where a buffalo was grazing and, before we knew it, he was right beside the coach. We got to Watson Lake by 8:30 am, so we drove to the local Wye Lake, fixed breakfast and enjoyed the view before checking into the campground. Population of Watson Lake is around 1600. It is home to the famous Watson ... read more

Connected with friends Ross and Linda Johnson, Mike McWilliams and Jack Hoskyn in Dawson Creek, BC after driving the short distance from Grande Prairie. Spent the first evening catching up on their sightseeing and ours and comparing notes. Yesterday, we went to the "Mile 0" start of the Alcan Highway for photo ops and sauntered around town. Watched a movie about the building of the Alaska Highway and the hardships endured to get it done in time to help secure Canada and the USA during WWI. Today, a side trip to Chetwynd, home of the International Chainsaw Carving Championship, held the 2nd week-end each June. Sure wish we could have watched the actual carving of these logs. There are 12 teams consisting of a lead carver and an assistant from all over the world. Total carving ... read more

Day 4 and we are still in the lower 48, driving through Wyoming and into Montana. We will stay in Billings tonight, Shelby tomorrow night and into Canada Friday morning where we will connect with a Heritage friend, Scott. That's when the beautiful scenery should blossom with pictures for posting. We are enjoying daytime temperatures in the 70's, but it does get cold at night. Yesterday, when I said how beautiful the mountains are, Jim replied "The ocean is beautiful." So, those of you who know him know he's still kicking and screaming all the way! Montana is definitely "Big Sky" country. And, we found Moose Drool beer at the campground! ... read more

Today is "clothing-packing" day. After checking the weather for many cities enroute and finding a 63 degree swing in temperatures, I am perplexed at just how to pack with space and weight restrictions.... read more