Home! We made it back to Alaska just fine and dandy. The drive was very relaxed and easy which makes for a nice time. Since I was not recovering from knee surgery like last year it was a comfortable drive north. We started off crossing the border with a fire ban for BC which is a bummer as camping and a campfire go hand in hand. It was hot and dry as well so a fire ban was a good thing despite our feelings about having a campfire each night.
Cooling off at a nice little creek we have been enjoying for years on our 1st day north. Crystal clear water, cool, refreshing and easy to access. Our first night, camping was in a
campground we have used before in southern BC. It was really buggy but we survived by using incense to keep those bugs away! Morning came bright and early as it should. Off we went over the pass and down to the Lake Louise.
As we started to drive north from Lake Louise we made a few stops to cool off and to enjoy the drive. I love the drive up or down the Icefields Parkway. The drive is slower and often you get to see people doing stupid things as they watch/photograph wildlife. Outside of Jasper, there was a group running towards a rather large Grizz on the side of the road to get photos. UGH! We drove on!
This was our lunch stop along a creek a great view up into the ice fields. Once again Christian never takes a shortcut and puts out a great spread for lunch picnic.
A place we enjoy camping at is Mount Robson. We had a nice walk down to the creek to cool off and to just enjoy the water, rocks, and views through the thick forest.
At Mount Robson, we could have a campfire which we savored! My favorite, of course, is the early morning light, a cup of coffee and relaxing by the fire. We are still using our
Helinox chairs. I have a newer one that I will write about in another post.
There is the massive Mount Robson in the side view mirror as we drive north. It really is a beautiful mountain.
Heading onto the Cassiar Highway. This area we could not have a fire as the burn notice was moving north as we drove. The Cassiar is a narrow two-lane road with great views and wonderful BC campgrounds.
One of the single lane wooden bridges on the Cassiar. These are in great shape and make the wonderful clapping noise as you drive across.
Always time for a swim to cool off the dogs. Sadie just wades about and swims some and Tally is all about the stick, and airtime as she sails into the water.
Intense---Tally waiting for the "get it" command!
The wonderful Kinaskan Campground which sits right on this lake. I would love to get our kayaks up here for some paddling!
Lightning strike fires along a ridge as we drove north on the Cassiar Highway.
Another favorite campground is Boya Lake. Great swimming and the water was pretty warm. The lake looks like Carribean waters due to the mineral content.
Ol Miss Happy Tally with a stick and a lake to enjoy!
Camp! Pretty amazing all of our stuff fits into the 1995 4-Runner but master packer Christian gets the job done!
Miss Sadie enjoying tailgate view!
Kluane Lake in the Yukon is a great place to stretch out your legs and to give the dogs yet another chance to swim. I love the Yukon it is HUGE, & STUNNING!
I am not sure of this flower actually!?
Besides swimming, Tally's next favorite place on the drive north or south is the TENT!
Sadie Loves the tent as well since it is a bug-free zone!
This campground was a rec site and off the road a bit. Silverthorne is also a cross-country ski center. The terrain looked great for skiing! One must remember these campgrounds at not managed and can be party spots for the locals. Once they were done for the evening we enjoyed the lonely call of the loon and stunning views.
Morning in camp! My time of the day, up early, making coffee, stunning light, the loon calling out, fairly bug-free and a nice small fire!
Hauling water for fire safety. Look at the mirror reflection in this lake!
Camp!
This outhouse was really clean considering its location! I was pleasantly surprised by this humble little structure.
A nice view out of the outhouse. The remoteness of this campground one could leave the door wide open!
Now we are back in the village set up for another year. I am retired from the classroom but will be subbing and coaching the ski/biathlon team once again.
All our travel went smoothly, we are home, and had an awesome 1st night sleep back in our AK bed! Now onto the morning routine which I have been craving! Ski erg, PT for my knee, yoga, sit-ups and then my day can carry on from this point.
Good Morning from the north!
