June 18, 2014

Up early (and after turning on the furnace as it was ‘nugget-clacking’ cold inside) and on the road.

We saw some amazing scenery … everywhere you look there’s more and bigger mountains!  We got very lucky and saw a moose quite quickly along the side of the road in a swampy area … got some good photos.  Then … BONUS!!! There was a grizzly feeding on flowers on the side of the road. We were able to stop and click cameras to our heart’s content as he calmly snacked away. He was only about 10’ from us and seemed quite un-concerned!

Grizzly!

We also saw a bunch of horses running wild … in fields and across the road.  Are they actually wild horses?  Or do they belong to someone?  We don’t really know … but there are lots of wild horse in the Yukon.  They were certainly pretty though!

Horses

Horses!

Lots and lots of stops taking photos of mountains, lakes and flowers.  The stop in Haines Junction was a real un-event.  We’d been told it was a cool town but all we could see was the (amazing) Haines Junction Visitor Centre and a few gas stations.  We did stop for coffee at a café, and it was ok … funky but not the best coffee!  Onwards!

Haines Junction Visitor Information Centre

Coffee stop in Haines Junction

The Kluane Highway

The day was quite cold and VERY windy. Even getting out and taking photos was a challenge as you were freezing and blowing around! We saw some amazing lakes (Kluane – simply beautiful azure blue), Kathleen Lake (also breathtakingly beautiful) and the one we’re camped on now – Dezadeash Lake. I think it’s a pretty one … but the wind is blowing so hard there’s nothing but frenzied water and low cloud. Too bad as it’s a nice spot in a nice campground … all that free wood and we can’t even sit out for a campfire!

Kluane Lake

Kluane Lake – Dust blowing out of the Slims River Valley

Dezadeash

Dezadeash Lake Campground

The road itself was pretty good after Haines Junction  In fact it might have been one of the best in weeks!  Quite a change from the pot-holed, death defying minefield of a road we’ve been used to for a while!  I guess the roads must be a nightmare to keep repaired being built over permafrost as they are.

Early to bed again tonight and tomorrow … Haines, AK?