July 15
Another spectacular drive to Congdon Creek. We always enjoy stopping when we spy something interesting. Canyon Creek Bridge was it.
Fun Facts:
In 1903, a gold strike in the Alsek River drainage brought a stampede of miners to the area, some of whom stayed to mine in several creeks around Kluane Lake.
A Wagon road was built from Whitehorse in the next year and Sam McGee and Gilbert Shelly constructed a substantial bridge over Canyon Creek
The bridge survived heavy traffic and high spring floods until the 1920's when the government contracted the Jacquot brothers from Burnish Landing to rebuild it.
In 1942, during construction of the Alaska Highway the old bridge was dismantled and a new one built in 18 days.
This bridge does not meet current highway codes and is closed.
We arrived at Congdon Creek Campground. After we settled in we enjoyed a walk around the park and along the lake. It was so windy! It's a beautiful area and we enjoyed having a nice place to rest up for the drive tomorrow....
July 16
Along this journey we were in awe with the absolutely gorgeous Fireweed which covered the mountains, a bear and beautiful wildflowers.
Driving from Condon Creek to the USA Alaska border was treacherous! Frost heaves, pot holes, rocks/gravel which continued in Alaska.
Got to the border and had to take a few pictures!
Finally, we arrived in Tok! It was a very long day.
Arriving at Souradough Campground was a relief! We settled in & I enjoyed doing yoga while diffusing Thieves and Orange essential oils. Supporting my immune system and emotions.
July 17
We enjoyed a leisurely start to our day. Then off to Moon Lake via getting a fishing license and mailing some postcards. We meet so many fun people along our journey. At Moon Lake we enjoyed walking around and chatting with Pam and Val, twin sisters 75 years young!) that were traveling from British Columbia in their Dodge Van with their 18 year old cat! They have such an adventurous spirit as do all the international travelers we have met.
We ended the evening eating dinner at the famous Fast Eddies Restaurant. We shared a piece of halibut with delicious salads from the salad bar. Their pizza's looked delicious and the crust is handmade.
July 12
It was an easy, scenic drive to Whitehorse where we stocked up on groceries before heading to our destination. Just 20 minutes outside of Whitehorse, we arrived at the Tranquil Hot Springs Campground. After settling in, we ventured to the breathtaking Eclipse Nordic Hot Springs & Spa. WOW! We enjoyed the "tour" Samantha gave us and are looking forward to Sunday when we will experience the pools.
Fun Facts:
- Eclipse Nordic Hot Springs are custom designed stone pools that are the only commercial Hot Springs of their kind in North America.
- Geological evidence suggests these hot springs have been running for hundreds if not thousands of years. It is an ancient, powerful source of artesian water full of restorative minerals.
- They go the extra mile……draining and cleaning their pools every single day!
- Every winter they have a "hair freezing" contest!
July 13
Exploring the Yukon Wildlife Preserve was an incredible adventure! We embarked on a 3-mile loop, navigating the preserve on our electric bikes. Enjoying numerous areas while admiring the diverse wildlife, took us about 2.5 hours. Every moment was an opportunity to connect with nature and appreciate the beauty around us.
Fun Fact:
In the 1970’s Danny Nowlan started accepting injured and orphaned wildlife at the Yukon Game Farm. Nearly fifty years later, the Yukon Wildlife Preserve continues to care for Yukon’s most vulnerable animals
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Since it opened in 2012, hundreds of animals have passed through the doors of the Preserve’s Wildlife Research and Rehabilitation Centre.
After lunch, we headed into Whitehorse, making detour to Bean North's Cafe in the Woods, which is hidden and enchanting!. Beautiful flowers, live music, treats and of course Fair Trade Coffee that they roast twice a week. They supply a lot of the local stores in Whitehouse with their coffee.
My very old hiking boots were on their last legs, so we stopped by Coast Mountain Sports. There, Ash, the exceptionally knowledgeable sales associate, helped me find the perfect pair of hiking boots..
Our adventure continued with a quick stop to recycle the oil after Douglas changed it in our motorhome. Then, we made our way to the Yukon Visitor Information Centre, where Fern provided us with excellent information..
Our next destination was the spectacular Miles Canyon. We embarked on a breathtaking hike that included crossing the Yukon River via a suspension bridge. It was a fabulous way to cap off a busy and incredible day!
July 14
The highlight of the morning was our daughter Amy, FaceTiming us to say hi to my mom! She also shared photos of some loved ones. Mom's 97 spin around the sun! Very special and it made my heart sing.
We walked over to the Hot Springs and had an incredible experience in the different pools. So relaxing and rejuvenating. After lunch we did the same thing, finding another pool we didn't see this morning. We enjoyed the Steam Sauna, too. No pictures in the spa....the only ones I was able to take was in their cafe up above.
Eclipse Hot Springs is an exquisite destination, and if you ever find yourself in Whitehorse, I highly recommend treating yourself to a visit!
July 10
Lake Boya
We embarked on a scenic route along the Cassiar Highway that winds through majestic mountains and meanders alongside picturesque rivers and serene lakes.
Late in the morning, we arrived at the awe-inspiring Ta Ch’ila - Boya Lake Provincial Park, marking our return to the lush landscapes of British Columbia.
Many of the campgrounds we’ve been exploring operate on a “first come” basis. We were fortunate to secure a stunning site adorned with vibrant fireweed and offering a spectacular view of the lake.
After settling in, we hopped on our bikes and headed towards the kayak rental area. Suddenly, we were met with a strong wind, followed by the thunderous boom of a storm and a drizzle that became heavier upon returning to our motorhome. Whew!
We enjoyed visiting with Gwen & Jim before dinner.
The view when we walked out of our motorhome
July 11
Our original plan was to go kayaking before leaving the breathtaking Boya Lake, but a night of rain and waking up to a brisk 48 degrees changed that. However, we are eager to visit Boya Lake again on our return trip from Alaska.
It's been a month since we set out, spending our days exploring the wonders of Canada as we journey toward Alaska.
I have to mention....today is my sweet, amazing, inspirational mom's 97th birthday!
Departing Boya Lake, we traveled along the scenic Cassiar Highway to the Alaska Highway, eventually reaching Teslin Lake -back in the Yukon. Along the way, we had a fleeting encounter with a fox carrying what looked like a couple of small rabbits or rodents in its mouth - it was too quick for us to snap a picture!
Stopping at Rancheria Falls a trail 1/3 mile each way, uphill a lot of the way. The falls and the river were stunning…..so peaceful and spiritual.
July 8
On our way to Watson Lake we enjoyed seeing a bear and a group of bison. We stopped at a Canyon (can't remember the name of it) for a short walk to the river. Met a couple who shared with us a special place for them, Boya Lake. We’re excited to make that part of our adventure!
Got to Baby Nugget RV Park. Very nice and we enjoyed meeting Kelsey the owner to be, the daughter of Linda who owns the park. They also have Wolf It Down Restaurant and the Northern Beaver Post Gift Shop. www.nuggetcity.com
Fun Fact:
Linda’s dad built Baby Nugget RV Park in 1999 when he was 71 and finished it 20 years later, at the age of 91. They have an incredible family history gold mining in the Yukon. They also stumbled into Jade mining. If you want to learn more about this fascinating story Gwen and Don Lee wrote a book of their journey and struggles, "Rivers of Gold a True Yukon Story”. Douglas is reading it now.
July 9
The “Sign Post Forest" was a sight to see! Carl Lindley started the Sign Post Forest in 1942 when he was a homesick soldier from Danville, Illinois.He was working on the construction of the Alaska Highway and added his hometown sign to an army mileage post.
Fun Fact:
- As of 2023 there were close to 100,000 signs people from all over the word have posted!
- The Sign Post Forest was designated a territorial historical site on August 30, 2013
- The pieces of heavy equipment found in the Forest were used during the construction of the Alaska Highway
- In 1992, while celebrating the 50 anniversary of the building of the Alaska Highway, Lindley and his wife returned to Watson Lake and erected a sign replicating Lindley’s original sign
Off to the Northern Lights Center - a planetarium with a dome shaped roof and the movies is projected to the roof. The 360 degree view gives a three dimensional effect to to watch a fascinating movie about the planets and the Northern Lights (Aurora Borealis)
It was great meeting another couple, Gwen & Jim that had the RVing to Alaska sticker on their RV. We are all going to Boya Lake the tomorrow..
July 6
What can I say, driving to Liard Hot Springs Provincial Park was another spectacular journey.
Meandering along the Trout River, the mountains and having to stop for about 10 minutes to let a herd of Bison leisurely cross the highway was special. We saw another baby black bear on the side of the highway.
The Canadian highways are great and we love how on both sides they mow a good portion of the landscape so you can see wildlife to warn you to slow down.
We arrived at Laird Hot Springs early enough and found the perfect spot for our motorhome with lots of sun to charge our solar panels. An added plus was the singing of birds and lush nature all around us.
We went to the hot springs twice and they were relaxing, regenerating and surrounded by nature.
We love meeting new friends. Mandy and Marty are traveling with 4 children (9 and under) with an Au Pair. They love dry camping and have a successful business filming weddings all over the world.
Fun Fact:
Laird River Hot Springs Provincial Park is in British Columbia, Canada. It's home to the second largest hot springs in Canada. The first is Deep River Hot Springs.
Fun Fact: Mammals, birds, reptiles and amphibians are all drawn to the abundant swamp vegetation and it's associated insect life.
Moose frequent the area to feed on the aquatic plants which are richer than land plants in essential minerals
We giggled that this is Laird Hot Springs Visitor Center. The inside had a bench and pamphlets.
July 7
We had an amazing hike to Smith River Falls. It was only about 20 minutes down to the falls but it was extremely steep and rocky. Very glad we had our walking sticks. Once at the bottom I enjoyed a dip in the water……so cold and refreshing and Douglas fished.
We met some other folks….so interesting. One couple was from New Zealand and had their heavy duty Toyota Land Cruiser that he designed the inside. They had it shipped (if I’m remember correctly) to Vancouver. You can follow them @AmirAndAzadeh and learn more about what they do. They are traveling for 18 months going to the Arctic Circle and then to Antartica!
The other guy we met was from Barcelona, Spain, flew into Vancouver and bought a motorcycle. He was telling us it takes him 40 minutes to unload everything off his bike when he’s camping and 40 minutes to load it back on his bike. He’s traveling for 1 year. Going to Arctic Circle as well.
We enjoyed the chats and our picnic lunch.
We met a lovely mom and daughter that are traveling together -Nellie and Denise. If you want to follow them on instagram - @nelliesvanlife Check out the inside of the van Nellie designed and built.
Back to the motorhome to R&R until we decide to walk down to the hot springs.
Fun Fact:
Smith River Falls contains the spectacular Smith River Falls which is 35 meters high and 10 meters wide. It plunges into a deep pool below with a thunderous roar, especially in early summer.
