AK to CA: Day 4

Tok, AK to Haines, AK...via Canada?!

Wildlife: 1 brown bear, 1 mama black bear with her cub, lots of swans, and two swimming moose 

Today was the longest day of driving that we have planned for this trip.  To get to Haines, where the ferry will take us and our car down to Bellingham, it was about 440 miles from Tok.  About half of that road was filled with frost heaves (basically making it like a roller coaster ride!).  It was slow going for part of the day, but we had beautiful weather and mostly cooperative passengers.

The view out my window for most of the day

At the first border crossing, we made the obligatory stop at the "Welcome to Alaska" and "Welcome to Yukon" signs.  But we couldn't bring ourselves to pose with both.

Ava contemplated making a run for the (right) border.

We spent a good portion of our morning and early afternoon traveling around Kluane Lake, the largest lake in the Yukon Territory.

After a early afternoon stop in Haines Junction for leftover Moose's Tooth pizza and a treat at the VIllage Bake Shop, we were finally on to new-to-us territory.  After having driven the Alaska Highway three times, it's nice to not know what's coming next.  And the road to Haines was full of fabulous surprises.  The first of which being this stop, which occurred because a certain girl has a knack for needing to use the facilities when there are none actually available.

Most of the road between Haines Junction and the Alaskan border runs through enormous mountains, at tundra level.  Even though it was 65 degrees, there were still plenty of patches of snow.  There weren't many places to pull off to take photos, so we finally just pulled to the shoulder to capture this view.  We were the only vehicle for miles, anyway.  Note the white ribbon of road.  The mountains were just enormous.

After our second border crossing of the day, which was as simple as the first, we were happy to be on Alaskan soil for the last day, for now at least.  We pulled into Haines around 4:30, and are staying at another peaceful cabin in the woods at the Beach Roadhouse, with a peek-a-boo view of the mountains and bay.

After dinner at The Bamboo Room, which was quick classic diner food, we are enjoying our front porch...this time without so many killer mosquitoes.

Tomorrow: a run for the grown-ups, wandering around Haines, and relaxing before our midnight ferry journey.  While on the ferry, we will probably be incommunicado unless we get a signal while in port.  Our stops include Juneau, Sitka, Petersburg, Wrangell, and Ketchikan before over a day at sea to Bellingham.  We'll check in when we can!

AK to CA: Day 3

Anchorage to Tok, AK

Today's drive was just over 300 miles, so we planned to spend the morning enjoying a couple of favorite spots in Anchorage before heading out. First up was Snow City Cafe for the most delicious breakfast. I'm not a hash brown eater, but theirs are divine. Especially paired with a raspberry dream mocha. 

Next up was the Saturday Market, on 3rd between C and E. We wandered the booths of Alaskan-made goods and stocked up on some last-minute favorites from Alaska Love Clothing. Even better, the dog was allowed to wander with us and greet other furry friends. 

The kids even found a place to paint. 

On the way back to the car, we happened upon this fun processional. We think it was a Samoan débutante-type thing. 

By 11:30, we were finally on our way. I drive the first shift, because we know from experience that it is better to let me poke along the steep, windy cliffs outside of Palmer than to have me riding shotgun, gripping the door and telling Mike to slow down for two hours. The scenery was amazing. 

We were making great time. And then this happened. Where we sat for 30 minutes. 

The road from Glenallen to Tok was like a roller coaster, full of frost heaves and gravel patches. But the sunny, clear day have us great views of the Wrangell Mountains. 

We made it to Tok around 5:30, with only one extra stop to use the bushes. We are the only guests at our favorite Tok lodging, the Caribou Cabins. 

After a quick dinner at Fast Eddy's, it was back to the cabin, where the kids are enjoying their beds and the adults are trying to enjoy the front porch. But in reality we are waging a losing battle with the mosquitoes. At least the dog is happy. 

Tomorrow: through Canada to get back to Haines, Alaska

Day #14: Alaska Highway Part 3

Traveled Yukon Territory and ALASKA!!

High temp: 55         Low temp: 39        rain and clouds

We are so excited to report that we have made it to Alaska!!  Our day today was much better than yesterday.  Everyone was in good spirits and we were on the road with baked goods in hand (mmm, whole-wheat cranberry coconut scone!) by 7:45.  There was a bit of construction along the way and way more than just a bit of road that really needs construction.  We felt like we were on an old-fashined rollercoaster at times, with the occasional "Wheee!" coming from the third row seat.

We intended to get a family photo by the "Welcome to Alaska" sign, but both kids were asleep when we got to it, and it was raining.  Of course the kids both woke up at the Customs station 10 minutes down the road.  It feels great to be back in the US.  Our cell phones are usable again, and we even get 3G internet service on them tonight.  We are in Tok at the Caribou Cabins.  There is a whirlpool tub and a loft for the kids to sleep in.  The dog and kids have been enjoying the grounds, which are well off the main road.

Tomorrow we are off to Anchorage to pick up the CR-V (yay for an extra car- that means some shopping before heading to Homer!) and eat at the Glacier Brewhouse before heading home on Saturday.  The end is in sight!