The first task of the day is a good dog walk to settle the dogs for a day of driving. The Alsek Trail can be accessed from the Kluane RV Park and was a perfect dog walk. The scenery was also very nice as we walked the loop.
View from the Alsek Trail near Haines Junction, Yukon
Knowing we were only a couple of hours away from our next destination we took our time getting on the road. It is almost embarrassing to admit we did not pull out until about noon!
The skies were once again blue and the colours intense as the truck headed towards Kluane Lake.
View north of Haines Junction, northbound
Kluane Lake is the largest lake in the Yukon. We love the area and have explored many of the backroads. See my other page with numerous pictures of the sights around here.
Approaching Kluane Lake, northbound with the rest area/viewpoint to
the right
North & westbound along the south end of Kluane Lake, with Sheep
Mountain on the far right
Approaching the Slims River bridge crossing on the southwest end of
Kluane Lake
The highway has been rebuilt through this area, with the Slim's River Bridge being the last effort. Early in 2009, the existing bridge was shifted westward so a new bridge could be constructed on the existing highway alignment.
Approaching Slim's River Bridge construction site, northbound on the
southwest edge of Kluane Lake
We looked forward to stopping at our favourite campground in the Yukon, on the shores of Kluane Lake ...
Entrance to Congdon Creek Campground, just south of Destruction Bay
A few weeks earlier the campground had been closed to all camping, but now was closed to only tent camping. On previous trips we had seen grizzly bears in the area, so knew well enough to be bear cautious.
Our favourite campsite was available when we arrived, which made the day all the more perfect! After getting set up and unhooked, we set out in the truck to explore the area around Burwash Landing. I had noted a campground advertised at Burwash, on the shore, and was curious. Turned out it would have been impossible to access towing a fifth wheel, and was difficult with just the truck. Very overgrown and not well-maintained at all. We ventured further on the dirt track along the north shore but it wasn't too long before we were turned back by an impassable trail.
On the way back to Congdon Creek, we pulled into the Burwash Landing Resort and made an impulsive decision to go into the lodge for supper. When I ordered the "Fresh Kluane Trout" the waitress said it wasn't available. But, but ... yet the lake was just 30 feet away from where I was sitting! Apparently it was end of season so they weren't stocking a lot of items. But fresh fish? Well, that was disappointing! Settled on ordering a steak sandwich. After supper we both agreed that we should have just headed to the campground to roast smokies and have a beer.
The drive back to the campground was enjoyable with the sun behind our backs.
Southbound between Burwash Landing and Destruction Bay
Back at the campground the dogs enjoyed a walk along the shore. The wind was blowing. We hoped it would settle overnight and make kayaking a possibility the next morning.
Southward view of Kluane Lake from the shore near our campsite at
Congdon Creek Yukon gov't campground
Tazz enjoying Kluane Lake as the sun starts to set, looking north
from our campsite
Looking southward from the shore near our campsite as the sun is
setting
Warm fuzzies spotted on our dog walk around the campground