Posted by whalerho | Posted in Uncategorized | Posted on 04-08-2009
We were warned that the drive to Tok from Whitehorse would be “challenging” and it was a bit rougher than we anticipated. The area from Destruction Bay to the Alaskan border is full of frost heaves and gravel breaks. Oh, and a washboard road too! Apparently in this particular stretch of the Alaskan Highway, the permafrost melts which causes the surface to buckle. There is an international effort underway to find a solution to this problem but until then, one must simply drive about 20 MPH for long stretches at a time. We didn’t end up with any broken dishes (can’t believe it) but we did have one of our bay doors open up (while driving) as the screws were torn loose by all the bumping around. Everyone suggested making this trek in two days as it takes a toll on the poor driver. (Sorry I don‘t know how to drive this beast yet Ken!) but Ken was up to the task and we made it to Tok by 5:30PM -Alaskan time (so we got an extra hour!)
We passed through the US border with no problem and then reached the actual Canada/US border. We all hopped out for photos and took a picture of the kids with one foot on the US border and one on the Canadian side.
We arrived at the “Sourdough Campground” and were warmly greeted by the hosts. They suggested we come back to the main picnic area by 7PM for the “pancake toss”. Okay – we love a challenge! We arrived to find a big group of people anxious to win a free breakfast the next morning. The deal was that you had two tries to get an old pancake in the bucket up on the front stage. Our family failed in the task (Ken got close with a rim shot) . But, we were given a chance to redeem ourselves by the next contest. Andrew put a bucket on top of his head and Ken threw a bunch of pancakes at him, trying to get them in the bucket. They played against another couple and the one with the most in their bucket after 60 seconds won a free breakfast. Well, Ken does have good aim and we did win this contest so a free breakfast was ours! This was great news since each breakfast cost $12! It was really worth it though as the breakfast was “all you can eat” and had lots of yummy stuff including sourdough pancakes and reindeer sausage. Andrew definitely got his monies worth!
The next day we took a ride into the town of Tok (is there a word which means less than a town?) and stopped by the Visitor’s Center. Nice little place full of friendly people and lots of information on the areas we still have to visit. We took a picture of Andrew in front of his dream – it was a large display case of all the fish you can possibly catch in Alaska (he‘s already caught two types)!
We met a great group of guys (a father and two sons) at our campground – John, Jason and Doug – who are riding their bikes from ALASKA to ARGENTINA!! Oh my gosh!! They were cool guys and since we won two breakfast prizes our second evening, we donated the prizes to these cyclists. I am sure they will need the fill up for the long trek ahead!
Off to Valdez tomorrow. We are very excited as drive is suppose to be amazingly beautiful. Valdez is called the “Little Switzerland” of Alaska and it will be nice to be near the ocean again.
Just found your web site via FOTR and were surprised to see you’re in our state! We’re “home” for the summer and will hit the road again in late fall.
I think I’d “blocked” the memories of the road from Destruction Bay to the border — your post brings it all back! Now I need to try and block those again before we head back that way! =:)
Enjoy Alaska!
Jay Jennings (and Wanda, Tom, and Chelsea)
Leet me try this again! Reviewing all your blogs as I haven”t received all of them. Didn’t realize you were coming to Carmel in June and am so sad we missed seeing you :'( !! Ironically, I DID see your RV in Marcilynn’s driveway a couple of times when I was dropping the girls back off at Tom’s but thought it was her parent’s RV. I hope you’ll be coming back this way again before TOO long. Your kids have grown into a handsome gentleman and beautiful young ladies!! Another month, Sallie, and Andrew will be taller than you!! Ken, you’ve really let your hair down! You all look wonderful and you can tell how happy your are. I am so glad you chose to do this!! Miss you very much and think of you often. with love, Amy
Wow Alaska looks great! can you believe how immense that State?
Miss you guys hope to see you soon.
Love Kurt and the gang
Sounds like quite an adventure in Alaska. Everyone I know who has either lived or visited there has said it is one of the most amazing places to be. Looks like the weather was warm as well. Still thinking about the monarch migration to Mexico next year. I’d really love to do it. It is a dream of mine. Take Care!