2019 Alaska Vacation Journal (28)

06/08/2019 / Travel Day – Sourdough Campground

Start Location:

• Gold Rush Campground RV Park
• 5th Avenue and York Street, Dawson City, Yukon
• 1.867.993.5247

Start Time: 7:00 a.m.

Mileage:  53,294

End Location:

• Sourdough Campground
• 1 Prospector Way, Tok, Alaska
• 907.883.5543

End Time:  12:00 p.m.

Mileage:  53,484

Cost Per Night: $49.00 USD
Weather: 43 - 63 F Rainy then Sunny
Route:

• George Black Ferry to Top of the World Highway / 9 North 
• 5 North 
• 2 East 
• Tok Cutoff (1)

Despite our adventure at Diamond Tooth Gerties last night; we were able to pack up and be on the road by seven. We were the only one in line at the George Black Ferry and traversed the Yukon River by 7:13 a.m.

GPS tried to take us on a tight backroad to get on to the 9 North. However, we were able to turn around when we figured out our error. We proceed onward on the dirt highway 9 North at a blazing 40 MPH.

We hit the Canadian / Alaska border right after it opened (9:08 a.m.). There were just a vehicle and motorcycle ahead of us. After a few questions (re: firearms, $$$, fruit) we were back on the road (9:15 a.m.).

The Top of the World (9 North) was paved on the American side; but just for a few miles. It stayed a rough and muddy dirt thoroughfare until the town of Chicken. Our vehicles were trashed – dirty and dinged.

We arrived at our campground at Sourdough Campground about none (US time). It has been rainy (including a hail storm) most of the day, so our space (E5) was petty muddy. It was raining so hard we had to skip the campground’s famous pancake toss!!!

Dawson City to Tok, Alaska

Packing up Early to Line Up for the George Black Ferry

We were First in Line for the George Black Ferry across the Yukon River

Day of Long Rough Dirt Roads

We Only had Two Vehicles Ahead of Us at the Canadian / Alaskan Border

Beautiful Vistas from the Top of the World Highway

Lunch Break at a Rest Stop

Truck, Camper, and Bikes got Filthy an Covered in Rocks

Lush Greenery Everywhere

The River Ran All Down the Valley

Our Spot, E5 at the Sourdough Campground

2019 Alaska Vacation Journal

1. Biking, Cheechako’s, Diamond Tooth Gerties (27) 
2. Dredge No. 4, Claim 33, Alchemy Café , Dawson City (26)
3. Travel Day – Gold Rush Campground RV Park (25)
4. Fish Ladder, Rotary Centennial Bridge & the S.S. Klondike (24)
5. Travel Day – Hi Country R.V. Park, Whitehouse (23)
6. Travel Day – Downtown RV Park, Watson Lake (22)
7. Travel Day - Bell 2 Lodge, Meziadin Lake, BC (21)

2019 Alaska Vacation Journal (27)

06/07/2019 / No Travel Day – Biking, Cheechako’s, Diamond Tooth Gerties 

Start Location:

• Gold Rush Campground RV Park
• 5th Avenue and York Street, Dawson City, Yukon
• 1.867.993.5247

Cost Per Night: $56.00 CAD
Weather: 40 - 70 F Sunny

Today was ‘ride bike’ day. Dawson City is a perfect town for it. First on the addenda was grocery shopping. We even brought our own bag. They charge you a nickel for a bag here. (Update: Nope forgot the bag!)

After we put our groceries away, we cycled over to George Black’s Ferry. We wanted to check it out before we crossed tomorrow morning. We really enjoyed biking through the town; very little car traffic. However, since it is Friday, it was a bit busier today.

We lunched at Cheechakos’ Bakeshop on Front Street. Our sandwiches were wonderful; we even bought a loaf of their fresh sourdough.

At seven we visited Diamond Tooth Gerties, an old-fashioned gambling facility. For a $15 entry fee you got to gamble and enjoy great vaudeville. We did not stay long because we wanted to be fresh for an early start tomorrow.

Wildlife Spotted: Ravens and sparrows everywhere.

The Gold Rush Campground is Right In Town (Dawson City)

We are so Happy We get to Use Our Bikes

Paul Checking Out the George Black Ferry for Our Morning Voyage

Beautiful Crossing over the Yukon River

Dawson City had Plenty of Bike Parking

Bike Helmets are Mandatory in Dawson City

Paul at the Black Jack Table – they had $3 & $5 Tables

Diamond Tooth Gertie

2019 Alaska Vacation Journal

1. Dredge No. 4, Claim 33, Alchemy Café , Dawson City (26)
2. Travel Day – Gold Rush Campground RV Park (25)
3. Fish Ladder, Rotary Centennial Bridge & the S.S. Klondike (24)
4. Travel Day – Hi Country R.V. Park, Whitehouse (23)
5. Travel Day – Downtown RV Park, Watson Lake (22)
6. Travel Day - Bell 2 Lodge, Meziadin Lake, BC (21)
7. Travel Day - Shady Rest RV Park, Houston, BC (20)

2019 Alaska Vacation Journal (26)

06/06/2019 / No Travel Day – Dredge No. 4, Claim 33, Alchemy Café , Dawson City

Start Location:

• Gold Rush Campground RV Park
• 5th Avenue and York Street, Dawson City, Yukon
• 1.867.993.5247

Cost Per Night: $56.00 CAD
Weather: 45 - 69 F Sunny

After Paul fixed breakfast; I spent a couple of hours getting caught up on my computer work – bills and such. The campground gives each adult two hours of decent free internet! (Update: Only worked once on the first day; even after a half an hour on the phone with the provider (Tengo) No luck getting back on.)

We had a moment, so we put up our map stickers for British Columba and the Yukon.

Then we went for a tour of the Dredge No. 4.  Sue gave a very informative outing regarding this wooden-hulled bucketline sluice dredge that mined placer gold on the Yukon River from 1913 until 1959. It is now located along Bonanza Creek Road.

On the way to Dredge No. 4, we photographed a black fox.

We also stopped in on Claim 33.  Some interesting relics to view.

Then, believe it or not we found a vegetarian café in the middle of Dawson City.  Alchemy Café took over 4 years to build; many locals and friends from afar, lent their time and energy into creating the beautiful building. Good food, excellent tea and super friendly-interesting staff.

We used the crockpot to make some beans. Love cooking our own dinner. Had my first taste of Yukon Brewing Ice Fog – India Pale Ale. Not as good as Yukon Gold, but still very tasty.

Today was a very calm and relaxing rest day. Hopefully more of the same tomorrow.


Wildlife Spotted:  Beautiful Black Fox

Added British Columbia and Yukon to Our Map

Sue Led the Dredge No. 4. Tour

A cute friendly black fox in the Yukon

Alchemy Café = Organic Espresso Coffee, Delectable
Vegetarian Food, and a Unique Plus Friendly Atmosphere

For just $15 - Gold is Guaranteed at Claim 33

2019 Alaska Vacation Journal

1. Travel Day – Gold Rush Campground RV Park (25)
2. Fish Ladder, Rotary Centennial Bridge & the S.S. Klondike (24)
3. Travel Day – Hi Country R.V. Park, Whitehouse (23)
4. Travel Day – Downtown RV Park, Watson Lake (22)
5. Travel Day - Bell 2 Lodge, Meziadin Lake, BC (21)
6. Travel Day - Shady Rest RV Park, Houston, BC (20)
7. Historical Barkerville, BC (19)

2019 Alaska Vacation Journal (25)

06/05/2019 Travel Day – Gold Rush Campground RV Park, Dawson City

Start Location:

• Hi Country RV Park
• 91374 Alaska Highway, Whitehorse, Yukon YIA 6E4
• 1.877.458.3806
• Start Time: 7:53 a.m.
• Mileage: 52,959zzz

End Location:

• Gold Rush Campground RV Park
• 5th Avenue and York Street, Dawson City, Yukon
• 1.867.993.5247
• End Time:2:40 p.m.
• Mileage: 53,294.1

Cost Per Night: $56.00 CAD
Weather: 41 - 63 F Sunny

Route:

• 2 North Klondike Highway

The living room slide made a loud ‘clunk’ this morning. Paul will have to see if it is broken when we make camp. We stopped for a quick lunch at the midway point, Selkirk Centre (Gas & Grocery). Bagel with Cream Cheese and apple slices; You can’t beat cheap, easy, and healthy.

There was a lot of construction on 2 North. The guidebook indicated to look for wildlife on the next part of our trip – hope so because we did not spot a thing all morning. I learned today that the raven is the Yukon’s Official Bird – why not since they are immense and everywhere.

Of course, the living room slide was broken. We called Chief Isaac Mechanical. Sean fixed it in about an hour and a half. He took our slide crank back to the shop because that was broken too! If you ever need anything fixed, Paul and I would highly recommend Chief Isaac Mechanical – fast, friendly, and knowledgeable with honest reasonable rates!

The Gold Rush Campground RV Park is right in Dawson City. We are looking forward to exploring the township tomorrow.

Wildlife Spotted: A couple of ducks swimming in a muddy pond; and a black bear.

Beautiful Rivers Everywhere

Hooking Up the Tow Truck at the Hi Country RV Park

Old Ambulance at Hi Country RV Park

Bridge Across the Stewart River

Sign to Dawson City (Urban Art on Hill behind Sign)

Camped Out in Spot 9 at the Gold Rush Campground RV Park, Dawson City

Whitehorse to Dawson City, Alaska

2019 Alaska Vacation Journal

1. Fish Ladder, Rotary Centennial Bridge & the S.S. Klondike (24)
2. Travel Day – Hi Country R.V. Park, Whitehouse (23)
3. Travel Day – Downtown RV Park, Watson Lake (22)
4. Travel Day - Bell 2 Lodge, Meziadin Lake, BC (21)
5. Travel Day - Shady Rest RV Park, Houston, BC (20)
6. Historical Barkerville, BC (19)
7. Travel Day – Robert’s Roost, Quesnel, BC (18)

2019 Alaska Vacation Journal (24)

06/04/2019 No Travel Day – Hi Country R.V. Park, Whitehorse

Start Location:

• Hi Country RV Park
• 91374 Alaska Highway, Whitehorse, Yukon YIA 6E4
• 1.877.458.3806
• Start Time: N/A
• Mileage: 52,958.6

Cost Per Night: $39.53 USD
Weather: 45 - 65 F Raining

We got a really late start today because I was sick this morning . . . . a stomach thing.

However, we were still able to run errands; see the Fish Ladder, the Rotary Centennial Bridge and tour the S.S. Klondike.

The Fish Ladder was a total rip-off. There was nothing and nobody there! However, Paul and I both enjoyed the S.S. Klondike.

I had to go Staples to mail a copy of my Medicare Card to CalPERS Health Account Management Division. They had very rudely informed in May that if I did not get it to them by August – they would cancel my insurance . . . even though I pay for it. Go figure. Of course, they did not care that I would be out of the country.  Now I get to wait and make sure they received and recorded it.

Hi Country RV Park was nice, with lots of greenery. Unfortunately, didn’t really care for the staff. When I asked for change for the washing, they gave me $5.00 CAD for $5:00 USD – every other place followed the currency exchange rate. Additionally, it is right under an airport path and abutted to the 2 West.

Wildlife Spotted: Paul had to slow the truck down to allow a Red Fox to cross the road.

Yukon, Canada

Recycled Bicycle Sculpture / Designer: Philippe Lablond - Bicycle Shop Owner

S.S. Klondike / Self-Guided Tour

Us – Selfie on the S.S. Klondike

Mosquitoes Scared Us Away From The Rotary Centennial Bridge

Red Fox Crossed the Road in Front of Us

2019 Alaska Vacation Journal

1. Travel Day – Hi Country R.V. Park, Whitehouse (23)
2. Travel Day – Downtown RV Park, Watson Lake (22)
3. Travel Day - Bell 2 Lodge, Meziadin Lake, BC (21)
4. Travel Day - Shady Rest RV Park, Houston, BC (20)
5. Historical Barkerville, BC (19)
6. Travel Day – Robert’s Roost, Quesnel, BC (18)
7. Hell’s Gate Airtram / Boston Bar (17)

2019 Alaska Vacation Journal (23)

06/03/2019 Travel Day – Hi Country R.V. Park, Whitehorse

Start Location:

• Downtown RV Park
• Box 300, Watson Lake, Yukon
• 867.536.2646
• Start Time: 7:30 a.m.
• Mileage: 52,692.2

End Location: 

• Hi Country RV Park
• 91374 Alaska Highway, Whitehorse, Yukon YIA 6E4
• 1.877.458.3806
• End Time: 1:45 p.m.
• Mileage:  52,958.6 (266.4 Miles)

Cost Per Night: $39.53 USD
Weather: 48 - 60 F Raining

Route:

• 1 West (Alaska Highway)

A light rain dropped on us for most of today’s travel. The Alaska Highway turned into a gravel road for parts of the trip; causing our progress to slow.

Of course, after about a mile or so on the gravel, a huge truck flew by us, kicking up rocks and dinging our windshield.

Beautiful baby Christmas Trees everywhere and contrasting majestic Aspens. Really didn’t do much today – just drove and then did laundry. Fun day tomorrow.

No internet here, so we have been binge watching the Sopranos! We made a nice meal of quesadillas and salt & pepper corn on the cob – so much better than eating out. The Beast in Spot 21 – Downtown RV

Wildlife Spotted: Not much: Paul did notice a Coyote crossing the Highway; I missed it as I was doing mileage stats; Paul also saw a Doe – I was again on the computer and missed that also. ☹

See the ding in the windshield (lower left)

The Beast in Spot 21 – Downtown RV

Rained all day / We are at a rest stop here for lunch

2019 Alaska Vacation Journal

1. Travel Day – Downtown RV Park, Watson Lake (22)
2. Travel Day - Bell 2 Lodge, Meziadin Lake, BC (21)
3. Travel Day - Shady Rest RV Park, Houston, BC (20)
4. Historical Barkerville, BC (19)
5. Travel Day – Robert’s Roost, Quesnel, BC (18)
6. Hell’s Gate Airtram / Boston Bar (17)
7. Travel Day - Canyon Alpine RV Park and Campground (16)

2019 Alaska Vacation Journal (22)

06/02/2019 Travel Day – Downtown RV Park, Watson Lake, Yukon

Start Location:

• Bell 2 Lodge
• Km 248, Hwy 37 North, Meziadin Lake, BC V0J 350
• 250.275.4770
• Start Time: 5:00 a.m.
• Mileage: 52,370.6

End Location: 

• Downtown RV Park
• Box 300, Watson Lake, Yukon
• 867.536.2646
• End Time: 1:00 p.m.
• Mileage:  52,692.2 (321.6 Miles)

Cost Per Night: $55.50 CAD
Weather:53 - 68 F Sunny

Route:

• 37 North
• 1 West (Alaska Highway)

Awoke at 4:30 this morning; Paul was nice enough to jump out of bed to warm the chill off the air. We thought of resting in. However, as soon as it got toasty, we were attacked by mosquitoes. After a half an hour of trying to kill them all, we decided to pack up and go! No cell service nor internet. Luckily, we did not need GPS for this jaunt – just stay on the 37 North.

At 7:00 a.m., we stopped at the Tatogga Lake Resort for Gas and Breakfast. The owner John did everything. He pumped the fuel; cooked our yummy breakfast and served the food. Paul fell in love with the automatic orange juice machine. The log lodge was very comfy and filled with stuffed wildlife.

We talked to an Air Force man and his mom, who were traveling home to Fresno. John chuckled as we discussed the politics back in California. John educated that mosquitos were attracted to carbon so turn your engine off helps to keep them away. After breakfast, the road became rougher.

Of course we had to stop at Jade City – I bought a beautiful brooch. We placed our sign at the World Famous Sign Post Forest. (Lat 60 3’ 47” N / Long 128 42’ 50”W) The forest was started in 1942 by a homesick U.S. Army GI.

Wildlife Spotted: Ask and ya shall receive – Four Moose just ten miles from our camp – Beautiful’ Big Brown Grizzly Bear; a rabbit running for his life across the road and away from the ‘Beast’; a Black Bear (Paul saw in the rear view mirror); and a skittish lone Black Bear.

The Mosquito Bit Travelers at the Tatogga Lake Resort

Tatogga Lake Resort’s Fresh Orange Juice Machine – I want one!

Bought a Brooch at the Jade Store in Jade City

Beautiful Pristine Canada

Paul put up our sign at the World Famous Sign Post Forest

We Paid $3.99 CAD for One Avocado!!!

2019 Alaska Vacation Journal

1. Travel Day - Bell 2 Lodge, Meziadin Lake, BC (21)
2. Travel Day - Shady Rest RV Park, Houston, BC (20)
3. Historical Barkerville, BC (19)
4. Travel Day – Robert’s Roost, Quesnel, BC (18)
5. Hell’s Gate Airtram / Boston Bar (17)
6. Travel Day - Canyon Alpine RV Park and Campground (16)
7. Chores Milton, Washington (15)