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Liard Hot Springs to Watson Lake in the Yukon
Alaska Highway
10 August 2010 - Tuesday
Yes! Woke to sunshine this morning!
Sometimes we head to the springs for a soak in the morning, but
not today.
It was too warm!
The first distance sign north of Liard Hot Springs tells us it is 206 km to Watson Lake, where I hope the laptop can get repaired.
Soon the first wildlife for the day
appeared.
First, a small black bear:
Then a lone bison was alongside the highway ...
Next stop was Cranberry Rapids, a scenic viewpoint along the highway. Unfortunately, brush obscured the scenery and it was essential to crawl over the cliff to see the sights!
Cranberry Rapids on the Liard River near the Alaska Highway
Some of the smokey haze from the forest fires continued to linger in the air too.
The Liard River south of Cranberry Rapids
We were enjoying the break from the highway at the rest area by the rapids. Then, quite suddenly the whole rest area filled with a caravan of RVs! Time for us to depart ...
Northbound the Liard River cuts a trench through the valley alongside the highway.
Alaska Highway northbound just north of Cranberry Rapids
About 10 km south of Contact Creek a side road caught our curiosity. It was time for lunch so off the highway we went. The road dead-ended so we explored the nearby lakeshore on foot. Found evidence of some busy beavers in the neighbourhood.
Busy beavers near the lakeshore
The small lake provided a scenic spot for mid-day dining. Unfortunately, the smokey haze resulted in odd colours and dull pictures.
Lunch by a small lake near the Alaska Highway south of Contact Creek
We debated staying overnight. But, with the broken laptop in mind we headed out again, hoping to get to Watson Lake before 5 p.m.
So back on the road with a quick stop at Contact Creek Lodge for fuel. Contact Creek is in the Yukon; fuel prices are usually quite reasonable compared to places north of it.
Contact Creek Lodge is the first stop in the Yukon
The border between Yukon and British Columbia is not marked near Contact Creek as the Highway again dips into B.C. before returning to the Yukon near Watson Lake.
South of Watson Lake and while still in British Columbia, we spotted a herd of bison through the trees in a sunny clearing off the highway. There was a dirt side road leading to their spot. None of them seemed to mind my presence, though I kept the truck between me and them! One of the bulls was just about the same size as the truck; at least it seemed so at the time!
On the road to Watson Lake and what is considered the official entry point to the Yukon.
Yukon Sign just south of Watson Lake
In Watson Lake we set up camp at Campground Services at about 2 p.m. I headed off to get the laptop to the repair shop. Initial diagnosis was that it had a fatal issue, but the tech decided to give it a go overnight.
Back at camp three riders from Washington State came in on Harleys and set up tents nearby. They looked so tired! And they didn't have any refreshments or nutrition with them. So I delivered three cold beer, chatted a bit, wished them well, and returned to the chores: laundry, grocery shopping, etc. then settled in for the night.