From the Yukon Territory
As we move north into in the Yukon Territory we find that the lush forests of British Columbia are giving way to Boreal forests with small Poplars and Black Spruce. The wild flowers are quite spectacular, but forest floors are no longer deep in ferns and shrubs. The soil is dry and rocky, and there are areas where the permafrost inhibits growth of any large trees.
The scenery in BC was over the top. Rivers, streams and creeks flowing out of every nook and cranny as the snow is now melting off rapidly. I had planned a photo of each labeled tributary of the major rivers, and the river crossings, but they are far too numerous and it only took me two days to give up on that quest. Besides I can barely keep up with the other pictures and the journal, and just seeing everything. There is also the ongoing hunt for wildlife to photograph and the fabulous wild flowers so many of which are new to us. 
We have been on the road just over a week now and everyone in the caravan was ready for the three night layover here in Whitehorse. The washing machines have been humming in the coaches and the afternoon of our arrival everyone was out to restock groceries and liquor and get a look at the Capitol of the Yukon. Whitehorse is a city with a rich history and the Yukon River along with Whitehorse and Yukon Railroad was the highway to the outside world until the late 1950s.
Yesterday Carl, Hoover and I took a good hike along the river checking out the fish ladder at the Whitehorse power plant, one of the longest wooden ladders ever built. There was also a tour of the SS Klondike, a stern wheeler and the largest cargo ship in use on the Yukon at just over 250ft. Today we plan another hike at the north end of Schwatka Lake, formed by the damming of the Yukon River for the power plant, and then take a boat ride up the river through Miles Canyon where the legendary rapids once roared.
I had hoped to post several pictures, and I will continue to try, but the internet connection here is very intermittent. Perhaps tonight, as I stay up to watch the sun set just before midnight, I will have better luck.
We have been on the road just over a week now and everyone in the caravan was ready for the three night layover here in Whitehorse. The washing machines have been humming in the coaches and the afternoon of our arrival everyone was out to restock groceries and liquor and get a look at the Capitol of the Yukon. Whitehorse is a city with a rich history and the Yukon River along with Whitehorse and Yukon Railroad was the highway to the outside world until the late 1950s.
Yesterday Carl, Hoover and I took a good hike along the river checking out the fish ladder at the Whitehorse power plant, one of the longest wooden ladders ever built. There was also a tour of the SS Klondike, a stern wheeler and the largest cargo ship in use on the Yukon at just over 250ft. Today we plan another hike at the north end of Schwatka Lake, formed by the damming of the Yukon River for the power plant, and then take a boat ride up the river through Miles Canyon where the legendary rapids once roared.
I had hoped to post several pictures, and I will continue to try, but the internet connection here is very intermittent. Perhaps tonight, as I stay up to watch the sun set just before midnight, I will have better luck.
posted by Weins on the Road @ 9:29 AM
2 Comments:
Thanks so much for your epistles from the edge. Keep the photos a'comin'
Wow- amazing scenery. Thanks for the posts. I'm enjoying the Alaska tour vicariously through you and Dad. Are you making your way through 'Drop City' as you travel the Alcan in your own bus, or is it too much just to be keeping up with the bald eagles and Moose?
Post a Comment
<< Home