DAWSON CITY, YUKON, CANADA

We had planned to leave Minto early for Dawson City as we were expecting over a 6 hour drive to travel the 176 miles.  However, the RV directly in front of us had us blocked in and we couldn’t leave until about 8:30.  Sometimes we are parked in these campsites like sardines – not the way I would choose to camp normally.  I like a little space and a few trees or grass you know.  But it is all good.  We had to be in Dawson City by 4PM for a group briefing and an informative talk by the Goldrush RV Park Manager about Dawson City and all there was to do and see there.  That only left us 1-1/2 hours of stops.  LOL.  We were challenged!

We made our first stop at Stewart River, which is a major tributary to the Yukon River. Another beautiful sight.  Next stop was Moose Creek Lodge and Moose Creek Bridge.  Now this little lodge was not very big but it offered a dining room (consisting of about 4 tables), a gift shop and some lodging.  Very quaint and it was good to stretch our legs but we got back on the road rather quickly.  The Tintina Trench Rest Area was our best stop.  This trench, which extends hundreds of miles across Yukon and Alaska is the largest fault in North America and 1 of 2 major bird migration corridors in the Yukon.  Fantastic views.  

We finally arrived in Dawson City (last as usual).  After set up we rushed over for the meeting and the ice cream social.  With that out of the way we were free for the next day and a half.  We walked around this very small town to get an idea what we were interested in doing the next day.  Checked out the visitor center to get times and tour information.

The next morning we would be taking the motorhome and tow car on this ferry across the Yukon River to the Top of the World Highway.  The Wagon Master said we had to drive the two over separately (could not have the tow car attached).  That meant I would have to drive the tow car (stick shift) onto the ferry.  I wasn’t sure about that so Bill decided we would take the PT over so I could see what it was like.  In the process we saw a motorhome cross over with their tow car attached.  Bill asked the guy at the ferry and he said of course, they go over attached all the time.  Glad we checked it out because I didn’t have to drive it. LOL  

THE FERRY CROSSING THE YUKON RIVER -- THE FERRY WE WOULD BE DRIVING THE MOTORHOME AND TOW CAR ON THE NEXT MORNING TO CROSS THE YUKON RIVER.

Went back to the RV to make a plan, make dinner, work on the blog and watch 24.We took a break between “24” episodes at 11PM to head to Midnight Dome.  We traveled up this steep dirt road to the top of the mountain to watch the sunset.  The drive up the mountain had me a little nervous – no guardrails, road very near to the edge and curvy.   (2,900 feet elevation).  Met another couple from the group up there and we took turns taking our pictures holding a paper plate – 12:01 AM 7/8/10 – can you see the sun shining on us at that time of night?  The sun did not actually set until after 12:30 AM and then it was still light.  I understand it got kinda dark for about 2 hours from 2-4AM.  Weird, but really cool.  Neat, neat experience!  Oh yeah, on the way down Bill spotted this beautiful (he thought it was ugly—NOT!) fox – it reminded me of a calico cat in coloring.  Sad to say I failed to get a good picture, Bill took one but it was in the trees by then.  We are posting a fake one from the internet.

YUKON RIVER & DAWSON CITY BELOW AROUND 11:30 PM

YES, THE SUN STILL HAS NOT SET AT 12:01 AM

THESE TWO PICTURES WERE TAKEN AROUND 12:30 AM -- STILL WASN'T QUITE SET BUT WE HEADED BACK DOWN TO THE RV ANYWAY.

THE FOX WE SAW ON THE WAY DOWN FROM THE MIDNIGHT DOME.  THE CROSS FOX IS A TYPE OF RED FOX FOUND IN NORTHWESTERN CANADA AND ALASKA.

After we stayed up half the night I did not rise too early the next morning.  We packed some water/propel on ice and the bug spray and headed to the “Yukon Order of Pioneers” Cemetery.  We had noticed it the night before coming down the mountain after sunset.  It looked really old and interesting so we thought it was worth a look.  It turned out to be a disappointment but I had noticed the “Crocus Recreational Site” (I love these Recreational Sites!!) and we stopped there for a little hike for a view of the Yukon River and Dawson City below.  We decided to check out the small grocery store, a couple souvenir shops and have lunch at the Jack London Grill.  Bill wanted to tour the “Palace Grand Theater” that dated back to the Gold Rush days, 1898.  Well we did not make it back there in time for the tour but we did get to see an episode of “Sergeant Preston of the Yukon” (and his faithful dog and sidekick, King).   Now I do not remember this show at all, I am anxious to ask my brothers, Stan & Steve, if they do.  Bill was totally excited --- it was really cheesy but rather fun.  

OKAY SO I WANT TO KNOW WHO REMEMBERS THIS SHOW???  IT DEFINITELY IS A CLASSIC.  

Back to the RV to try skype with our kids/grandkids and to cool off and relax.  It had reached 76 that day, a real heat wave for us.  (Know it has been in the 90’s and 100’s back home --- sorry).  Loved having the chance to see them.  Jackson had run a fever and was sleeping when Bill called them.  We are happy to know that he was doing fine when he woke up from his nap.  Glad we had gotten a few minutes with Jackson a day or so earlier.  Blair was adorable and reading to her little sister, Brynn, who has grown so much in the three weeks we have been gone.  Grayden was totally excited that Dad had gone to get pizza.  Blair tried to share her grapes with us and Grayden wanted “Meemaw” to have some pizza.  Priceless!!  Thanks Skype & I Chat!!  Pictures below of our precious little ones!!

 GRAYDEN CAN PLAY FOOTBALL 24/7 -- HE ACTUALLY ACTS OUT THE WHOLE GAME .... POSSIBLY TOO MUCH PLAYSTATION 3 (WATCHING --- DAD)

 JACKSON'S FIRST HAIR CUT --- HE DID GREAT BUT LOOKS A LITTLE DISTRESSED IN THIS SHOT

BLAIR'S PORTRAIT, AGE 2

BRYNN, AGE 3 MONTHS

  We had scheduled a walking tour of the town at 6:30 --- a young man named Fred, dressed in period costume, (I think he was a dealer for the saloon), took us for a 1-1/2 hour of this town that basically came about because of the Gold Rush in 1898. The Gold Rush brought about 20,000 people (mostly single males) to the Yukon River to strike it rich.  Now, in 2010 the town population is 1,879.  There biggest trade then was saloons, brothels and gambling.  This is where the miners came when they needed company other than their own.  Now mining and tourism are their main source of occupation..but this town unlike many others withstood the time.  They have tried to preserve  the town pretty much as it was then.  Interesting tour, interesting character.

We decided to take it easy the rest of the evening, grab supper and watch some “24”.  Bill is pretty much addicted to this show right now.  We are almost done with the first season but when in a quandary he will now say, “What would Jack Bauer do?”  Help!!

The next morning we would be headed to ALASKA!  Really we are almost there.  We are looking forward to that but not the drive on the “Top of the World Highway”.  Roads are not good --- it will take most of the day to go the 108 miles to Chicken, Alaska!!