2019 Alaska Vacation Journal (79)
07/29/2019 Travel Day – Fort Nelson
Start Location:
Start Time: 6:41 a.m.
Mileage: 55,529.9
End Location:
End Time: 2:00 p.m.
Mileage: 55,850
Cost Per Night: $47.25 CAD
Weather: 48-66 F Off & On Rain / Sunny
Route:
- Alaskan Highway (1 East)
- 97 South
We were the first ones out of the campground this morning. Our early start was rewarded by a plethora of bison sightings. Luckily, I was prepared and had the camera at the ready. There was no traffic behind us, and Paul was able to slow the ‘Beast’ to a crawl! It was super exciting.
For most of the trip, there was no one in front nor behind us. It was an unbelievably tranquil atmosphere to travel in . . . almost like a private tour.
At 10:15 a.m., we had to stop for a male caribou on the 97 South. His mate was across the road. We inched the RV past him and then the female crossed behind us. After that, there were a ton of animals near the road to spot. The drive to Fort Nelson did become an animal adventure.
We arrived before 2:00 p.m. The nice reception lady upgrade us to a beautiful pull through site with easy access to the main road - perfect for an early start in the a.m.
Paul and I took a small walk to the Fort Nelson Heritage Museum. Their motto is “Preserving the Past for the Future.” Fort Nelson, named after Admiral Nelson, was established as a fur trading post in 1805. Housed in over eight buildings, the museum offers displays and artifacts. Paul loved the car shed, which housed a large number of vintage cars and motorcycles.
We ate dinner at the RV park’s restaurant. The food was very good, and the service was excellent. We enjoyed quite a busy day.
Wildlife Spotted: A herd of about twenty bison; three separate sightings of bison including a huge male about to cross the highway and a big male kicking up a cloud of dirt; ducks in a pond; a murder of raven standing on a grassy hill; two swans sitting on an island in the middle of a pond; another herd of twenty bison around 9:00 a.m.; then another lone male buffalo in the tree line; three bison in front of Hot Springs eating on the side of the road; single male bison walking; single male bison sitting in dirt cubby; bunny running like hell; male and female caribou, young caribou; another caribou; herd of six female sheep; red fox with rabbit in mouth, Paul had to dodge a deer crossing the road (three in the group two bucks and a doe).
Summary: 50 Bison; 6 Thinhorn Sheep; 4 Caribou; 3 Deer; 2 Swans; 2 Bunnies; Red Fox; Ducks; Ton of Raven.
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| This is Part of the First Bison Herd We Found |
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| The Bison Use Their Horns to Dig Down to the Dirt For Comfort |
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| This Big Bison Placed Himself Between Us and the Baby |
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| Bison are Grazers; Eating Grasses and Sedges |
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| The Water Off the 97 South was a Deep Blue – Beautiful |
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| This is the Second Bison Herd We Encountered |
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| This Male Caribou Waited for the Female Who Crossed Behind Us |
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| Picture Postcard Spectacular |
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| We had to Slow for these Four Female Sheep to Cross the Road |
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| Very Difficult to See – Fox with Lunch in it’s Mouth (Center) |
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| Fort Nelson Heritage Museum - $5 for Seniors |
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| Paul Standing In Front of the Blacksmith Shop |
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| I bought some Bannock (Fry Bread) & Paul Got Organic Jam |
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| Spot 24 – The Park was Pretty Empty |
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| Watson Lake to Fort Nelson, Canada |
2019 Alaska Vacation Journal
