When we emerged from the beautiful mountains of the Top of the World Highway, we were greatly rewarded with the prize of Dawson City, located right on the amazing Yukon River. To get to Dawson City, we had to put our big rig on a ferry (free for all thanks to the Yukon Government). It was quite exciting for all of us! The ferry can fit about eight cars but when we got in line, the ferry operator had us ride solo. The kids and I rode on the deck of the ferry while Ken drove on and across into Dawson City.
Dawson City is located on the confluence of the Klondike and Yukon Rivers. (We took pictures of the two rivers merging and you could see the brown Klondike mixing with the blue-ish Yukon). In 1896, gold was discovered in what is now called Bonanza Creek and the population swelled for about 2 years. Dawson City is now a national historical site and 35 buildings have been restored or reconstructed to bring back the old gold rush days.
We camped in the middle of the city at Gold Rush campground. We could walk to the town which was dotted with little cafes serving wonderful cappuccinos and ice cream parlors on the boardwalk. We enjoyed bike rides along the Yukon River and throughout the streets of the town which were filled with wonderful old buildings and homes. Ken and I rode our bike past the cabin of Jack London on whom the book s “Call of the Wild” and “White fang” were based. Andrew made a new friend, Martin (from Germany), and we are hoping to hook up again with him and his family in Whitehorse.
The owner of our campground told us that we HAD to visit the “Downtown Hotel” and experience a sourTOE cocktail. Ewww!! As the story goes, a miner lost his toe years ago and it ended up at the Downtown Hotel. (that his long story made short). We were greeted by Captain Al in the lobby who announced the following to those of us who dared to drink this cocktail: “You can drink it fast or You can drink it slow. But those fare lips, must touch this gnarly toe.”
EWWWW again!!
He proceeded to read us the details of the certificate (given to us only if we did indeed have that horrid toe touch our lips) and we were all set to drink a toe. Andrew was the first to begin this icky procession, followed by his new friend Martin, Ken and then myself. There was NO way the girls were going to participate but they sure had fun watching. In the end, we were $20 poorer but so much richer in experience. (Ya right!)
Now onto Whitehorse in the Yukon (again) as we head further south.
LOVE your pictures. Wow, the kids look so much older. Thanks for sharing your photos
EEEEEEEEEEWWWWWWWWW!!
That’s it……..
You don’t look too sure about this!!??!!
The toe I mean. The sitting on the cute guys knee you look happy about!!
Hi Ken, Sallie and Andrew,
I don´t know if you can remember me and my friend Susi. We met in Yukon Territory and sat togheter near the fire. We were the 2 German Ladies who were so interested and fascinated of your way of living. I have a picture taken of that evening. If you send me your email-address I could send it to you. You showed us your “RV-villa”. The next day we saw your RV at the parking spot at the “5 finger rapids”. But we didn´t meet again. Unfortunately. I wanted to write you earlier – but I lost your card. Sorry. Now I found it again and well – here I am. Just in time to wish you and the whole family (including Hobie) very merry X-Mas and a great, healthy and happy new year full of adventures!
Yours
Marianne (and Susi)