Note: see pictures of the entire South Canol Road from our September 2007 trip
Woke to good weather this morning! And even though we knew the road was closed at Quiet lake (the half-way point) we decided to turn south on the South Canol Road and drive to Lapie Lake, a spot we enjoyed very much last year.
With the bridge closed, we did not expect to see much traffic on the South Canol. This is a good thing on the north end of the South Canol, which can be narrow and winding. In some places, there is enough room for only one vehicle.
Heading south on the South Canol Road
Even though the South Canol is more remote, it is well-signed.
Whitehorse 331 km and Watson Lake 536 km
The South Canol is a good gravel road, one lane in many places
The colours in the mountains were very different from our
September 2007 trip
In some places the road was very narrow
The Lapie Lakes area is very nice. Meadows, marshy lakes and mountains. Very peaceful.
The Lapie Lake area
We stopped at Lapie Lake for lunch. Last year we camped overnight at this spot.
View northward from Lapie Lake
View south from Lapie Lake
Local wildlife at Lapie Lake
After lunch, we continued south from Lapie Lake, more out of curiosity than an expectation we would be able to continue past the Rose River No. 1 bridge, which was supposed to be closed.
Southbound on the South Canol Road, between Quiet Lake and Lapie Lake
Approaching Upper Sheep Creek southbound
Whitehorse 281 km, Watson Lake 476 km
Just south of Rose River No. 2 crossing, southbound
Sure enough, crews were working on the bridge at Rose River No. 1. A crane and pile driver were set up so we knew there was no chance of crossing to continue south to Quiet Lake. With some careful manoeuvring on the 2-lane gravel road, we were able to turn the truck and fifth wheel around and head back to Lapie Lake.
I sure was not going to complain about our campsite at Lapie Lake ... beautiful!
Overnight boondock spot at Lapie Lake
Of course, Steve went fishing on the calm waters. The evening was very pleasant and we enjoyed a good dinner of fresh grayling.
We also enjoyed solitude surrounded by incredible colours and silence.
Campsite at Lapie Lake
We looked forward to a very restful sleep, absolutely in the middle of nowhere.