Alaska at Last

It is Memorial Day and we have finally arrived in Alaska.  Today's travels took us from Beaver Creek in the Yukon to Glennallen, Alaska. Before departing the YT, we encountered some folks we had met while spending the night at Watson Lake. Unfortunately, they were experiencing a problem with their vehicle and will probably have to spend another few days in Canada while parts are delivered and repairs are made.  Fortunately, some fellow travelers helped them out with a lift to Beaver Creek and the RCMP helped out with connections to have their vehicle towed.  Like us they are on the way to Anchorage, but could not accept our offer of a ride with their vehicle and a trailer full of goods in the Yukon.

We crossed the border in Port Alcan and promptly had our eggs, frozen chicken and half a tomato confiscated by an otherwise friendly Border Agent.  Naturally, Deb had to alter the dinner menu.  Our next encounter was with an active wildfire which we had heard about.  The active zone was no longer near the highway, but many trees have been destroyed in the area.  The entire area has been very dry as witnessed by a number of lakes that are nearly dry and the haze that you may have noticed in many of our photos is the result of all the dust in the air.

Road conditions were excellent to fair but better than others we've suffered through.  Deb has become quite fond of driving down the middle of the road or even on the wrong side when conditions require it.

We spent most of the day traveling either along or through portions of the St. Elias Range and the Wrangell mountains, but my favorite mountain photo of the day (above) was taken from a back row of the Northern Nights Campground & RV Park where we are spending the night.  More photos here.