Bit of a hiccup

June 30 – July 4^th 

We travel a longer distance today and find a nice variety of wildlife.  At first, we thought they were deer, but as we got closer Carl called out “cranes.!”  Sandhill Cranes are quite large!  Then we saw a couple black bears, one caribou, and Stone sheep.  We were able to watch the sheep for quite awhile as there was a pullout in one of their key areas.  

My attempt at using our son Zach's spotting scope with my camera.....sheep in there somewhere!

Later that day we find a delightful boondocking spot overlooking the raging Trout River.  It is a one rig spot that we back right into with a small fire ring on the cliff and room for our 3 camp chairs.  

The next morning it is a short hop to Liard River Hot Springs.  We were worried that it might be swamped given that this is Canada Day, much like our 4^th of July.  Refreshingly it was not.  The hot springs, at the end of a short boardwalk through the marsh and trees, was pleasantly nearly empty and very reasonably priced.  A few folks scattered about allowed for a nice soak in different parts of the springs.  We did not try the hottest area. 

 

Today also brought us our first grizzly bear.  She was simply walking along the highway.  We stop for a herd of bison resting on both sides of the highway, turning on our flashers as is the custom, to alert other travelers to wildlife.  

All is well until…..it isn’t.  Sadly, we start to have issues with the drive gear.  We are able to limp into town in 2^nd gear and a local mechanic agrees to come snag the pickup after we get set up at the Downtown RV Park in the thriving metropolis of Watson Lake (population 1,133). 

The Downtown RV Park is clean, with well-spaced sites, free showers and a coin-op laundry.  It is conveniently located by the grocery store and local attractions.  We settle in awaiting the unknown.  That is the tranny sitting beside Carl.

We wander through the Sign Post Forest; this oddity is a collection of signs and is one of the most famous of the landmarks along the Alaska Highway. It was started by a homesick GI in 1942 as he was recuperating after an accident while helping to build the highway.  We find a number of Oregon signs.  

The Northern Lights Space and Science Center is a nicely designed, “small” IMAX type theater.  It provides two short films, one on the solar system and another on the northern lights.  Both are very nicely done and you get a feel for what experiencing the northern lights might be like.  The film also delves into the science behind the aurora borealis and our solar system.  We finish today with a visit to the Visitor’s Center.  They have, like most centers, a nice local history display and a short movie on the making of the Alaska Highway.  As we walk back Sam jokingly asks, “Now that we have done everything in town what will be do tomorrow,” a nod to the size of the town. 

Today includes a 2 mile walk around Wye Lake where Sam gets a good dose of dog petting, something she enjoys as she is missing all the family mutts.  The mosquitos are not too bad except in one stretch where Carl and Sam are eaten alive.  Pam gives a tip of the hat to the vitamin B complex she uses daily as she is often not very bothered by the pesky bugs.  Sam buys bakery treats for us and goes to get more postage for her postcards.

Our (current) last day in Watson Lake finds us getting the trailer ready for James Bailey, our mechanic to tow it to his mechanic’s yard to store while we are gone.  He has determined that the truck needs a new transmission, not what you want to hear in the middle of nowhere.  

An exhaustive search is done for rental car, bus, rideshare, etc. etc. We even consider buying a rundown vehicle so we can continue our travels while the truck awaits its new tranny.  The only option is the Watson Lake Shuttle and Freight LTD.  This small shuttle is owned and operated by a First Nation’s partnership.  The cost seems very high for us but we agree that this once in our lifetime trip justifies the added expense.  With this in mind we book a Friday departure at 0615 headed for Whitehorse for 6 days while the tranny is being delivered from Edmonton.  Meanwhile, two teenage girls show up at our camper door, daughter and niece of the mechanic.  We invite them in and Sam enjoys a nice, yet interesting visit with them as they have a lively discussion and then they go to the house and RV for a while.  James’ wife Amanda offers to drive us the short distance in the morning to catch the shuttle.  Thankful for this offer and a place to store the trailer we pack up our ‘go’ bags and go to bed early.

A distant waterfall

One of many beautiful vistas!

Contemplation at the boondock firepit, raging Trout River.