On to the Dempster

As we entered Tok, Alaska, the trip meter on the truck crossed the 10,000 mile mark. We paused to honor that we have already traveled 10,000 miles. We figure we have about 6,000 more to go before we make it back to Texas and home. 

Top of the World Highway

We traveled the beautiful Top of the World highway and crossed back into Canada at the northernmost border crossing between the US and Canada. It is also feels like the loneliest outpost. 

Most northern border outpost between US and Canada

The nearest town is Dawson City, about 65 miles away. Dawson is a rugged mining town, just across the mighty Yukon River. The Canadian government provides a free ferry service across the river… Sam’s first ferry ride. 

Now more of a tourist than mining town, Dawson City still sports remnants of the old riverboat and lots of mining lore. It is the place where bard Robert Service wrote about the gold rush days. 

Robert Service poem painted on Dawson City wall

They were having a festival in town, so it was teeming with tourists. We quickly left to find a spot at a familiar campground near the airport. 

In many respects, Dawson City remains a sad town to me. Long before environmental concerns became important, gold miners dredged the river. The rock tailings still line the roadway out of town. Even the subdivisions have names like Dredge Pond. Thankfully in some areas, the land is now being reclaimed as the city expands. 

It was a beautiful day, sunny with temperatures in the 60s. So we sat out and enjoyed the afternoon. David loves the Yukon because it provides firewood free with the campground. So my fire bug chopped wood, and we gazed at the fire until evening. 

Tomorrow we begin our trek up the Dempster. We have met several folks who have just returned. All have said they saw few animals. Will our experience be the same? Let’s find out!