Up at 7.15, so an early cuppa at the picnic spot in the trees and we used the last of the firewood to toast bagels, which were eaten with honey. Murray took the opportunity to have lots of photos taken by the Arctic Circle sign for various sponsors: Cotswold, Ringwood Brewery and Bournemouth FC.
Drove on the 22 miles and boiled water while listening to birds singing in the stunted pines and spruce. The first 20 miles involved a bit of a climb so the size of trees decreased and the ground cover became more tundra like. Should be a gentle descent to the Yukon crossing where there should be smokes, coffee and, if we’re lucky, beer.
Later
Arrived at Yukon crossing – no beer, but all the rest, along with sodas. I got to the second stop and drove a further 12 miles to a truck stop for cigs and a couple of cold cans to take back. An odd place – about 3 or 4 beaten up old trailers hidden in the trees about ¼ mile off the road – seemed to stock everything, including tourist gimcrackery. A large butch lady (well I say lady) came out in unpleasantly tight clothing, sold me what I needed and disappeared back inside.
Later
Arrived at Yukon crossing – no beer, but all the rest, along with sodas. I got to the second stop and drove a further 12 miles to a truck stop for cigs and a couple of cold cans to take back. An odd place – about 3 or 4 beaten up old trailers hidden in the trees about ¼ mile off the road – seemed to stock everything, including tourist gimcrackery. A large butch lady (well I say lady) came out in unpleasantly tight clothing, sold me what I needed and disappeared back inside.
Odd way to make a living; and I found myself thinking, on the return drive, that she had been an emotionally damaged Vietnam veteran after a sex change. I really must get back to civilization!
After the 2nd stop, it was an easy drive to the Yukon, with fabulous views as I crested the last rise. Despite the undoubted mental instability I will be very sorry to leave the Dalton highway tomorrow. Murray arrived after making good time and we are sitting in the diner waiting for food.
Weather still glorious and none of the stops today were plagued by bloody mossies. There is a photo book here that tells the tale of the winter of 04/05 when a bear got in to the place and wrought havoc while it was closed for the winter…. Poor bugger was shot while he lay sleeping on a pile of souvenir merchandise. But looking at the size of him in the photos, I would have shot him too.
Still haven’t seen one, will soon start baiting with porridge. Walked over the bridge later, and from the uphill, South end saw a slipway that looked a good place to take a photo. Wandered back to it, only to be met by the sound of bloody bagpipes! Luckily it was just some hunters listening to a tape while they loaded their boat. Moved the car into the shade and crashed out for the night.
Alyeska Pipeline & Dalton Highway
Crossing the Yukon
The Mighty Yukon
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