Stayed up late last night visiting, so slept in a bit late this morning. It was late morning before we hit the road after a good dog hike and a bit more visiting.
The day was overcast again, but not raining as we got underway. However, the forecast was for LOTS of rain in the area later in the day and during the next few days.
Near Jakes Corner, a view from the Alaska Highway of the range that
includes Mount White
Nearing Johnsons Crossing over the Teslin River I again had to tell
Steve a story from my youth. Mom was driving our 1967 Ford
Cougar (the first in the Yukon), heading Outside with her kids. The
day was snowy ...
Approaching Johnsons Crossing over the Teslin River
The car approached the bridge and started to cross the long span.
Accessing Johnsons Crossing bridge over the Teslin River
Half way across the bridge, the car spun out of control! Mom later said she was sure we were going over the edge ... but a hard thump and we rebounded back on the roadway. A couple more thumps and the car was under control again!
Mid span on the Johnsons Crossing bridge over the Teslin River,
Yukon
There is no doubt the curb and rail saved our lives! Mom stopped in Teslin and through her open window told a highway maintenance guy about the icy conditions, telling him to look at her seriously damaged car. He had an odd look on his face and it wasn't until we got out to look that we realized why ... there wasn't a scratch on the car! After arriving in Calgary, mom had the car checked. Turns out there was much damage to the front end and the mechanic was surprised that mom had driven that distance safely.
Every time we cross that bridge, I tell that story to Steve. I
vividly remember being thrown against the interior side of the car
when it hit the curb, and I certainly remember my mom's amazing
ability to compose herself and carry on. Some things stay with
you all your life!
Looking southward on the Teslin River from the Johnsons Crossing
bridge
In 2007, we turned northward at the junction of Highway 6 on the east side of the bridge to explore the South Canol Road. This year we debated making the turn again!
East end of the Johnsons Crossing bridge, approaching the South
Canol Road (Hwy 6)
But we carried on, anxious to visit Liard Hot Springs for a few days. If we drove the South Canol we'd have to shorten our time soaking.
Stopped in at the Teslin Lake Yukon Gov't campground and checked it out. Thought we might stay the night if it was enticing. The sites were small-ish though, and not too private. The campground was also busy with locals for the Labour Day long weekend. Even though there were spots available, we decided to have some lunch and carry on southward.
The Alaska Highway 'dips' into British Columbia at Morley River. The Morley River Lodge has been closed for several years.
Cassiar Mountains viewed southbound on the Alaska Highway (in BC)
south of Morley River
As the Alaska Highway nears the BC/Yukon border again, travellers get notice that the Swift River lodge is just ahead.
Sign indicating it is 2 km to Swift River, which is on the Yukon
side of the border
There were numerous news reports that Swift River Lodge was closing for good at the end of the season. Apparently the Lodge needs numerous expensive upgrades to water and sewer systems to continue operating as a commercial facility. On this day, it was busy.
Swift River Lodge, on the Alaska Highway in the Yukon
Swift River looks similar to many other highway lodges: dirt yard, assortment of distracting signs, old gas pumps, and natural landscaping.
Diesel $1.06 -- good price compared to others along the highway in
this area
After Swift River, it started to RAIN. We stopped in at the Big Creek Yukon Gov't campground (km 1042) at about 5 p.m. with the intentions of staying the night. But it was raining HARD.
Watson Lake was just another hour down the road and we were enticed
by having full-hookup for the night. So carried on to
Campground Services on the south end of town. Enjoyed the clean washrooms and laundry room.
Diesel prices were also reasonable.