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Dawson City, Yukon

See pictures of our morning on the Top of the World Highway here.

11 September 2010 - Saturday afternoon

While waiting for the ferry to cross the Yukon River to Dawson City, we sat on the river bank in the bright sunshine.  The ferry continuously toils across the river ... one way then the next way then back again.  When tourist season is at its peak, there can be waits of up to three hours, especially when there are RV caravans waiting to cross. 

However, there were few in line this year because of the road troubles on the Taylor Highway.  Many travellers were avoiding Dawson City and the Top of the World Highway.  Plus mid-September is too late in the season for many ... there were no waits on this day.  We were first in line!

Sign on the west side of the Yukon River, at the ferry landing

As the ferry crosses the river, it wrestles with the river's flow.  

George Black ferry crossing the Yukon River at Dawson City

The "landings" are nothing more than dirt ramps leading down to the river's edge.  The ferry drifts a bit downriver then approaches the landings under power, ramming the ramp up onto the dirt. 

George Black ferry on the west side of the Yukon River

The crossing is short.  On this day, the sun shone and the fall colours in the hills were spectacular. 

Crossing the Yukon River on the George Black ferry

In Dawson City, it was time for lunch.  There's a park along the river and we headed there.  There was an open market underway in the park so there was a festival type atmosphere.   

Lunch at the park in Dawson City

After lunch we strolled to the river's edge to stretch our legs.  The day was warm and a few people were enjoying the water's edge.

Looking northward on the Yukon River with the George Black ferry crossing in the distance

Looking southward on the Yukon River from Dawson City

Tazz was doing very well, despite her problems this morning.  It was perplexing to us.  In the morning she was a wobbly dog who couldn't stand up, and now she wanted to play in the river!  She was bouncing and bounding around the paths. We were still concerned though, as this morning she had been unable to walk.  It turned out Dawson City had a vet, who was not available this week.  Nearest vet was Whitehorse.

Tazz playing in the Yukon River -- this was one of the last photos I took of her

After our play at the river, it was time to drive around Dawson looking for the vet.  We stopped at some favorite spots.  See my page for Dawson City to see more of Dawson City's heritage buildings.

Third Avenue buildings affected by permafrost thawing

There isn't a sign on this building... 

Historical building in Dawson City

It is a great view from the end of the street looking up towards the "Dome".   I've been trying to find information about when the side of the 'mountain" collapsed, but so far haven't found anything.  Will keep looking!

View up Dawson City street towards Dome Mountain

Another favorite building of mine is Strait's Auction House, which became known as the Guns and Ammunition Shop circa 1901.

In 2008 this building looked like this:

And in 1986 it looked like this:

After our quick tour, it was time to find a spot to overnight.  Because Tazz had not been well we thought we'd stay in a commercial campground in town.  But after looking at the two campgrounds that were still open we decided to head back across the river to the Yukon River gov't campground.  There was lots of great sites available so we settled in.

Later in the evening Tazz was ambitious so a stroll along the river bank was in order.  I wanted to find the old paddle wheelers that had been beached decades ago.  Tazz played and ran.  She fetched sticks and wrestled with Steve.  And we found the paddle wheelers and explored a bit.  Dusk was setting in so I didn't take my camera.  Thus, have no shots of the old boats.  Thought I would walk about tomorrow and get some pictures in the morning light.

Back at the campsite we sat out by the fire and watched the river go by.  Tazz rested nearby.  It was a nice night with a bit of a chill settling in because of the clear skies.

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