Muncho Lake

The highway from Klondike Corner to Whitehorse was shimmering in gold.  Low on provisions and needing a bath and laundry, we decided to stop over in Whitehorse again to clean up and restock.  We were now back on the the Alaskan Highway and spent much of the day reminiscing last year's adventure on this same road.

The following evening, we spent the night at the Rancheria campground, relishing a hot breakfast at the motel's restaurant the next morning.  The owners told us that they were hosting a large convoy of 200, complete with some of the original vehicles, next August in commemoration of the building of the Alaska Highway.  Sounds like fun!

Our next destination would be Muncho Lake, one of our favorite spots on the Alcan.  We had seen many large animals on this section of the highway and were anxious to see what it had in store this trip.  Soon we were seeing herds and individual wood bison along the roadside.

Wood bison near Muncho Lake

About 30 miles from Muncho, we spied a group of Stone sheep, licking minerals on the road.  It is amazing to see how close vehicles come to these critters.  They barely move, even when a semi speeds close to them, blowing his horn.  Most of drivers slow down when they see animals on the road, but not all.

Stone sheep along Alaskan Highay

Happy to finally have some large animal photos, we traveled on to Muncho Lake.  We arrived at the Muncho Lake Provincial Park and set up camp.  Rox was absolutely delighted to be out and swimming again after being stuck in the truck for several days.

Dave & Rox at our Muncho Lake camp.

Our campground was very near the Northern Rockies Lodge, one of our favorite (albeit very expensive) spots.  The lodge is lovely and set against some spectacular scenery.  They also have some of the best spaetzle in their restaurant.  The owner offers float plane flights to his guests for sight seeing and overnight stays at fishing lodges across the lake.  One day we hope to take one of these side trips.

The next morning, we were anxious to see if we could find any animals to photograph.  We were delighted to finally find caribou and some beautiful scenery.

We stayed at Muncho Lake for three wonderful nights, basking in its beauty and wonderful sunshine.  As the sun continued to shine on us we wondered... should we head for Jasper or further east?  The Liard Trail and Wood Buffalo National Park beckoned but we were concerned that it may be too late in the season to attempt the trip.

Beautiful Muncho Lake

We spoke with our campground host that evening about the Liard.  She told us that the young couple in Site 6 lived in Yellowknife and would know first hand.  We talked with them after we broke camp the next morning.  It had frozen the night before, and the young helicopter repairman spoke with us dressed in a T-shirt and jeans... while we were in three layers.  He assured us that the road was good, and we had heard that the weather would hold.

The choice was easy.  We stocked up on a few more supplies in Fort Nelson and left for the Liard Trail.  Another adventure awaits us!