Yukon Sights by Sue Thomas

Whitehorse YT to Anchorage AK

22 March 2014 - Saturday

Had a reason to go to Anchorage, Alaska. Decided to make the drive in a single day.
On the road at 7 a.m. headed north.

Moon
Moon over the Alaska Highway

Approaching Haines Junction, the sun started to ease over the mountain ridges.

sunrise
Sunrise on the Kluane Ranges / St. Elias Mountains from the rest area east of Haines Junction

Approaching Kluane Lake the light was still dull, especially with the overcast clouds. When I saw a moose munching alongside the highway, had to stop and try some pictures. She cooperated nicely...

Moose
Cow Moose near Kluane Lake 

Moose
Cow moose near Kluane Lake 

Carrying on around Kluane Lake, the view of Sheep Mountain deserved some photos too. I might compile a page of the many images I have of the mountain during different seasons and conditions.

Sheep Mountain
Heading towards Sheep Mountain beside Kluane Lake

The mountain is called Sheep Mountain for a reason; many Dall Sheep thrive on it.
On occasion, the sheep are on the road... 

Dall Sheep
Dall Sheep on the Alaska Highway beside Kluane Lake

Dall Sheep
Ram flirting with me

Dall Sheep
Licking at the cracks in the Alaska Highway

Donjek River
Looking west over the Donjek River from the Donjek bridge

At the Donjek River, there was an electronic sign with a message from the highway maintenance crews:  UNEVEN ROAD SURFACE

Pickhandle Lake
Approaching Pickhandle Lake

Carrying on, I encountered some of the uneven road surfaces... 

Frost heaves
The freeze thaw cycle wreaks havoc on the highway in this area 

Beaver Creek
Northbound through Beaver Creek

I grew up in Beaver Creek and was tempted to stop.
Needed to make time though; Anchorage was still hours and hours away. 

Beaver Creek customs
Beaver Creek customs

The Alaska Highway between Beaver Creek and the border has been upgraded many times. There is a long stretch of good gravel now.

Gravel highway
Gravel highway between Beaver Creek and the border

At the Alaska border crossing, I was asked where I was going, for what reason and for how long. Was also asked if I would be leaving anything in Alaska. Then I was on my way again.

Caribou
Caribou (reindeer) getting off the highway

Caribou
Caribou carrying on over the hill

Tanana River
Crossing the newer Tanana River bridge heading towards Tok

Tok, Mile 1313
Tok - Mile 1313, Alaska Highway

Weather was spectacular and road was in great condition.

Tok Cut-off
The view about 15 miles from the junction in Tok

Southwest bound out of Tok the highway is straight and the mountains lovely.

Tok Cut-off
Near the Tok River

Glenn Highway
Nelchina Glacier and Nelchina River in the distance, south of the highway

Highway elevation about 3,300 feet.

Glenn Highway
Popular area for snowmobiling

Glenn Highway
Not a cloud in sight!  Coordinates N61.90994 W147.28338

Glenn Highway
Matanuska River in the distance - N61.83076 W147.41242

Glenn Highway
Lions Head is the darker blue hump -  N61.80783 W147.51987

Glenn Highway
Matanuska Glacier - N61.79737 W147.74604

It was nearly 5 p.m. my time (4 p.m. Alaska time). I'd been on the road for 10 hours, stopping only for fuel and a few minutes at the border crossing. 

Glenn Highway
Long Lake and Kings Mountain - N61.81045 W148.18696

Arrived at my Anchorage hotel at  6:30 p.m. after 11.5 hours on the road. According to the GPS,
11 hours was moving time at an average speed of 97 km/h (60 mph) over 1,074 km (667 miles).

While visiting Anchorage, I took a quick drive out Turnagain Arm...

Turnagain Arm
Turnagain Arm - 6:30 p.m.

Later in the week I needed some fresh air so headed out for an evening walk along the walking trail around Cook Inlet. 

Anchorage
Looking westward across Cook Inlet

The evening was beautiful, these images were taken at 6:00 p.m. Alaska time.

Glenn Highway
No mud flats now

On March 28, I drove home, again in a single day. Stopped for many more pictures though, so the drive took an hour longer!

Previous page - 2 March 2014
Next page - 28 March 2014