North to Alaska: Day 14

Welcome! Day 14 (Aug 22) of North to Alaska

Quote. “Travel becomes a strategy for accumulating photographs.” Susan Sontag

Last night we stayed at The Raven Hotel in Haines Junction. This was a very nice hotel, excellent in many area. No exercise room and the view was its only short comings. Not sure why anyone would come to Haines Junction, but if you do, I recommend staying at The Raven Hotel.

We got on the road about 9:30 heading toward Alaska on the Alaska Highway. The “Guide” said this would be the slowest part of the trip due to the road conditions. There is a condition called prema frost which causes havoc to roads. Prema frost creates cracks and bumps in the roads. Most of the road had been redone but we had about 40 miles of the prema frost effect. Also the last 50 miles or so was under construction. With about 10 miles to go the road became one way and we had to wait about 15 minutes which caused a backup to occur with 7 cars/RVs in front of us. This caused a slowdown getting thru customs since only one agent was manning the gate.

There were few clouds as we left Haines Junction we allowed us to see the mountains in all their glory. All day while in Canada we traveled in a valley between some majestic mountains, many were snowcapped.

For lunch you guessed it we stopped at Buckshot Betty’s Bakery & Café in Beaver Creek. This appeared to be the only place in town open. The food was good and the bathroom worked. We were happy.

Once we entered Alaska the road was much better but the scenery became less majestic. We made it to Tok and are staying at the Westmark Hotel. I think Tok is even smaller than Haines Junction but it is at a major crossroads so it has several gas stations and a few hotels and at least one eating place not in a hotel. We had super at “Fast Eddies Restaurant”. The selection and food was good and the place was busy.

We will be staying in Alaska for a little over three weeks before heading back thru Tok on the way to ‘Top of the World Road’ in Canada. Clock wise we are three hours behind Texas time.

Tomorrow on to Fairbanks and the end of the Alaska Highway.