Unfortunately we hit the shift change, which is a pretty leisurely affair around here apparently, so didn’t board until about 6:20.
If coming this way again, we would stay at a nearby Yukon government cg. They have quite a few of these, with no hookups and vault toilets. There’s usually a water tap or two though, and the toilets should be models for the rest of the country. They are well-designed, and kept cleaner than many regular public toilets we have been in over the years.
The govt cg’s are all the same price, $12/night, and include free firewood. They are almost always sited in a scenic spot, although not necessarily in locations well-suited to use as a base to explore an area.
Anyway, then we headed west across the Top of the World Highway. In reality this is some 65 km of gravel road, up down and around through some spectacular hills, a somewhat nervous drive in places. The road was mostly well maintained though, and others drive across it with large RV’s, so no real problem for us.
We stopped for a breakfast break along the way, and then watched a herd of caribou roaming the hills:
We crossed into Alaska at 8:20 am ADT, picking up an hour due to entering the Alaska Daylight Time zone. We saw several groups of caribou along the way – the late fall and spring mass migrations must be spectacular!
The US customs (and Canadian, if coming the other way) must be one of the loneliest crossings there is. The crossing from a distance:
The town stats:
The town stats:
We stopped in Chicken AK, because one has to ya know. Not too much there but there is a store and campground, and a few other small businesses. Overcast and chilly, down to 7C. For some reason, the hwy is beautifully paved for about 10 miles past the border crossing on the US side. Looks like there is an airport just inside the US border, so likely lots of federal $$ thrown at that, in the name of Homeland Security(?). The pavement didn’t quite reach Chicken though.
Carrying on we stopped at the tourist info place in Tok. This seems to be THE place to stop for Alaska info. We did get some info, and wifi at the adjoining library, and fuel at a nearby station. Also a good lunch at Fast Eddie’s, with spicy kale soup, and a turkey croissant to split. No sales tax. 12C and raining at 2:40 pm.
By 5:30 we were camped at Copper Center, beside a fast-flowing river, no hookups and more vault toilets. Nice spot though. Several fishermen floated by in rafts, fishing for salmon.
Later on we were able to sit at a picnic table near the cg office and get wifi while we watched the river go by, with very few bugs. Nice evening.
Today's route:
Today's route:
I remember that road well. The stretch from Chicken to Tok was the worst road I've ever driven in my life! Maybe it's improved.
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