LONE VISITOR
Day 5: Whitehorse, Yukon Territory, to Tok, Alaska
The scenery really picked up in beauty west of Whitehorse and into Alaska. Large, almost unreal mountains hovered over the road as I passed through. At times, there was clear water in front of the mountains making for perfect photo opportunities – especially near Sheep Mountain.
Also, this might have been the bumpiest part of the highway. Services were also limited so I made sure to fill up with gas whenever possible.
Beaver Creek was the last area in Yukon with services before crossing into Alaska.
Right before the United States border crossing there was a sign that read, “Welcome to Alaska – Historic Alaskan Highway – Gateway to the 49th State.”
The line to get in to Alaska was long and it took me longer to wait in the line of vehicles than it did to talk with the border patrol. They let me in with no problems.
I finally made it to Tok, Alaska, where I spent the night at a neat place called Alaskan Stoves Hostel & Lodge. It had a nice wood cabin-type feel with bunks and separate private rooms but with a shared kitchen.
I went for a run around Tok and when I came back there was a tall, large man with curly hair and red corduroy pants standing in the doorway of the lodge. He had a thick accent.
He explained that he was from Belgium, bought a vehicle in the Yukon, and has been driving around Alaska and Canada ever since. He says he has seen many mountains in his life but the mountains in Alaska really amaze him. He was a photographer and had some amazing pictures to show. “My advice to you is to enjoy life while you can and when you are young,” he said. He even offered me his bread, olive oil, and wine. I gave him my email address to keep in contact.
Links
Day Totals:
Miles driven: ~ 386
Driving time: ~7 hrs 30 mins
