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Published: July 26th 2013
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Amazing views along the way! Day Three: Friday July 19
Fort Nelson BC to Liard River Hot Springs, BC Provincial Park 191 Miles
This was our best day so far to see wildlife as we traveled. Today we spotted a bear, sheep, and a fox. We are just amazed at every turn at the beauty. The aroma in the air of the wild flowers and the pine trees is intoxicating and so refreshing. We had to unhook the car across the street from the camp grounds this time. Our camp site was one that I had always longed to get, completely surrounded by trees you couldn't even see your neighbor.
We took about a half mile walk on the boardwalk to the Liard Hot Springs. They felt so good ranging from temperatures from the 90's to over 110. I was so tired and the springs were so relaxing I was going to lay down until our briefing and fell asleep till morning, Pat had to go by himself.
Day Four: Saturday July 20
Liard River Hot Springs, BC to Watson Lake, YT 132 Miles
A few steep downgrade hazards today, but again amazing views. Pat and I are in awe
of how the road was ever built and especially in such a short time. Just before arriving at our campground, Downtown RV Park, we crossed into the Yukon Territory. Never in my life had I imagined being here. I didn't even know exactly where it was or how you got here. But am I ever glad we did. It is so remote between each town with endless views. I can't stop taking pictures.
Soon after we arrived we walked as a group to the Signpost Forest. It was started by a U.S. Army soldier Carl K. Lindley, working on the construction of the ALCAN as the Alaskan Highway was originally called. Travelers are still adding signs to the collection, which numbers more that 72,000. Our Wagon Master hand made a fabulous wooden sign for all of us to sign. Pat and I brought an old Texas dealer plate dated 1985 a very special year for us. It was the year his Dad, Dudley, died. We felt a dealer plate was apropo since Pat retired. We hung our sign with Jim and Connie's.
That evening we had a hamburger cookout prepared by the staff, then walked over to the
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The Stone Sheep Northern Lights Centre to see a presentation of the aurora borealis in the planetarium. It almost makes me want to come back in the winter to see the spectacle in the sky in person. Almost. Wye Lake Park was just across the steet from the park and was so beautiful with the fog on it the next day before we left.
Day Five: Sunday July 21
Watson Lake, YT to Teslin, YT 163 Miles
Seven miles into the trip this morning we met one of our biggest challenges, crossing a suspension bridge under construction. It was down to one lane and that is being generous. One of the lady drivers got too close and tore off her lug nut covers. Patrick did great. We stopped for a delicious breakfast at 14 miles. We deserved the bacon and eggs today.
There was a great hiking trail at Rancheria Falls that overlooked two falls. We took Leisel with us on the walk. There were beautiful views of the Cassiar Mountains, followed by the Continental Divide alone our drive. The Divide marks the point between rivers that run into the Arctic Ocean via the Mackenzie River and those that
run into the Pacific Ocean via the Yukon River. We crisscrossed the British Columbia/Yukon border seven times over the last 2 days.
We stayed at the Yukon Motel and RV Park overlooking the Teslin Lake. They had a Wildlife Museum that featured full size displays of Elk, Caribou, Moose and other wildlife in the area.
This is when I read in the Milepost that the last frost in the area is June 19, 2 days before summer and the first frost is August 19. Our trip ends in Alaska September 2. Brrrr.
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laird vance
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Great blog post Great pic. Pat the dealer tag made tears come to my eys Dad would be very proud. Those hot spings sure looked good. Glad you were driving and not me on that bridge. Drive safe