Mile 14969

 This morning we are leaving Dawson City, YT and cross the Yukon River to drive the 'Top of the World Highway' to Chicken, AK.  

Our ferry crossing the Yukon, Dawson City, YT

 The highway quickly climbs to an average elevation of about 3,937 ft and meanders through the most amazing, undisturbed (except for the Hwy) rolling hills and spruce forests.  There are some clouds hanging very low in the valleys and driving above them through the mountains is a sight to die for.  We made many, many pictures, but none of them can capture the splendor of the valleys and mountains.  We take our time and enjoy every one of those 79 miles of solidly compacted gravel road, crossing the highest point of the Hwy at 4,515 ft shortly before reaching the Canada / US boarder.  

Top of the World Highway

Approaching the Canada / US Boarder

 Entering Alaska is a breeze (super friendly officer at the crossing) and then it is off to Chicken, AK.  

 But as the road on the Canada side was in great condition, the US side is the total opposite.  Pothole after pothole, ruts and washboard, loose gravel, all the things your tires and rims don't like, they are all there all the way down the Taylor Highway to the ALCAN junction.  Chicken, AK (population 7) is a place to see, but really not more.  We stop for a quick lunch and then torture our car and bodies further to reach Tok, AK.  

Chicken, AK, Population 7

Taylor Hwy, Tetlin Junction

 The place has hardly changed, some more cabins at 'Fast Eddy's' restaurant and motel place, but otherwise still the same.  We fill up with gas and continue on the ALCAN to Delta Junction, AK and on to Fairbanks, AK.

 

Bridge gusset from the old bridge over the Tanana River, new crossing

Smoke over the ALCAN from a forest fire near Tok, AK

Not very much water in the Robertson and Johnson River

 But our attempts to get a tent site on the sites we drove up to are not rewarded.  None of those want to take on car or tent campers.  After running around for quite some time, we give up and end at the BW near the airport (insane charge for the night).  Tomorrow we are back in our tent!!!

"For shear majestic geography and sublime scale, nothing beats Alaska and the Yukon."  -  Sam Abell, National Geographic photographer