The Alaska Highway - We're Here!!

We made it to Dawson Creek!!  This is the start of The Alaska Highway.  Andrew has written a bit about the history of the highway which is pretty interesting.   Please see the pictures that I will post to that will show mile marker 0 of the highway.

It is so rewarding to finally see the towns that we have only viewed as a dot on a map in our planning books.  The towns are much more rugged and far between than I thought they would be.  I am still so impressed with the beauty of this country.  I am sure the pictures will not do just to what our eyes have seen.  I find it imposible to find words that even fit the scenery.

The drive from Dawson Creek to Liard Hot Springs did not prove to give us much in the way of seeing wildlife, but the views more than made up for that.  There was one mountain that we came across that I will never forget.  As we crested the mountainside there was a sign post telling us to put on chains if you didn’t have snow tires and that the grade following would be 10%. (Which is quite steep for a road).   After we crossed over top I think my mouth literally fell open.  I don’t think I have seen mountains and valleys so expansive in my life.  The mountains were covered with snow and had trees that were gently peeking through in places.  The mountains descended rapidly into a huge valley that had a river cutting through it.  The river was mostly covered with snow and Ice.  The water that was visible was a beautiful blue/green color.  Wow!!!

We reached Liard Hot Springs which was extremely relaxing and we all needed a break when we got there.  The water was so hot, but the snow around it was so cool!!

After the swim in the hot springs, we headed out  for a town called Pink Mountain.  Briefly, after leaving we saw three horned mountain rams and three heards of bison (about 100 altogether) and Caribou.  We had hit the wildlife jackpot.  We almost hit the rams as we turned one of the curves.  We were detained about 3 minutes while one of the heards of bison crossed in front of us.  They were taking their own sweet time!!   When we arrived in Pink Mountain we got out and played in about 3 feet of snow.  It was fun.  There were snowballs to be thrown and snow angels to be made.

We continued on through the Yukon enjoying the views.  I was surprised to see how much of the road was basically dirt as we got close to the US Border.  The 50 miles prior to the border was slow moving, about 5 to 10 miles per hour in many, many, places.  So you can imagine how wonderful it was to see the Welcome to Alaska Sign.  There were shouts of Joy as we crossed back into the most wonderful country The United States of America!!!

Hope to post more soon.  Thanks for reading.