Leaving Kathleen Lake, we drove the Haines Highway (~20 miles) into Haines Junction where we picked up a few supplies. Then we returned to the Alaska Highway and headed to Kluane Lake. While our detour to Skagway and ferry ride to Haines meant we missed a portion of the Alaska highway, we will see it on the return trip.
Kluane Range
As we drove northwest on the Alaska Highway we paralleled the Klunane range with mountains towering 8000 feet for many miles.
Soldier’s Summit
Just beyond the Thechàl Dhâl’ Visitor Center is a short hike to the place where they made the final connection of the Alcan in November 1942. Recall we passed the first connection at Contact Creek in an earlier post. This point of connection was the final piece; and, allowed the road to be opened all the way for the first time. This is where the ribbon was cut on a very cold day!
Congdon Creek Campground
The campground is on Kluane Lake and we had a beautiful evening with no wind allowing for this reflection picture.
Last night in Yukon
Believe it or not, as picture happy as I’ve been, I took only two pictures on this day. It was a bit rainey, and not as picturesque as the drive had been, so I guess I was a bit burned out. Anyway, here are the pictures I took in Burwash Landing where we stopped for gas.
We spent our last night northbound in the Yukon at Lake Creek Campground. It was on a nice little river, but only a handful of sites had river views. I’m not sure if this is a bear issue, but people do not make trails to the water. The vegetation hides it. This is very different than any water access would be in Michigan.
The other completely amazing thing, is that they had no water at this campground. Just pit toilets. There was a huge biking group (Bicycles) that came into the campground. They had to filter their drinking water for the next day out of the muddy glacier fed river. The rivers are very murky from the glacier silt.
The photos continue to be breathtaking. I love the perfect reflection pic and the menu from the opening of the AlCan highway is interesting. Thanks for sharing!
Thanks, Christie! I thought the whole Soldiers Summit hike was really interesting. They have audio on some of the exhibits where you can hear the people telling their stories. It brings it to life, and demonstrates the can do spirit that existed at that time. Really, the greatest generation as they say.
They must’ve had a can do spirit for attempting the challenges they did! It’s interesting to imagine.
Great pictures!! I am glad you are having fun. 🙂
Thanks, Carola! I’m absorbing the beauty, peace, and solitude here.
Wonderful pictures Karen! The mountains never get old!
So true, my dear Ellen! Love those mountain views!