The direct trip is about 400 miles less than what we ended up doing, as we made a side trip to Revelstoke only to find their ski hill in firm and thin shape. Dan had to get some sled work done there and we were told about an area called Valemount that might be our best bet at finding the soft stuff. We backtracked through Kamloops then headed North towards Jasper and had an amazing day on the sleds. Soft but not so deep snow made for a great skill building day for us. The evening’s drive took us through Jasper National Park to Hinton. The drive from there was a tough one, with over 700 miles of slippery snow driving – broken by a rejuvenating stop at Liard Hot Springs, and an unfortunate incident or incidents I suppose when we got two trailer flats in one day on the way into Whitehorse.
We arrived in Haines on a gorgeous Monday, under blue skies with the expectation of at least one day of skiing before the next storm cycle arrives. Fingers crossed but we are feeling pretty good about our overall chances with the large window we are giving it this go around.
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| On the road with nearly 3,000 miles to go |
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| Making time |
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| Dan with our host, Jess on our first night outside of Eugene, OR |
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| She made a tasty dinner for us |
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| We pulled out of Kamloops early AM on our third day on the road |
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| Had some amazing sunrise views en route to Revelstoke |
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| Conditions in Revelstoke weren't quite what we were hoping |
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| But views up high were pretty spot on |
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| Definitely didn't want to make a wrong turn getting down to lunch |
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| Unfortunately the weather started to sock in just as the snow was getting soft |
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| Day 4 we start to find some weather |
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| But head North with the promise of finding some winter if we gain some elevation |
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| Conditions were spotty as we started to climb |
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| And dirty in places |
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| But we managed to find snow up high an got some great practice with our pow turns |
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| Some did not go as well as others – I turn right much better than left |
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| Lunch break |
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| Dan getting into it |
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| Great day, adventuring in Allen Creek |
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| The town of Valemount just down the road, a must revisit during a good winter |
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| On our way to Jasper National Park we saw some impressive peaks |
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| And popped over into Alberta |
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| In Jasper Park we had some fantastic views and spent some time with this herd of elk |
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| They didn't pay much attention to us as we crept in close |
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| I think we counted 15 in all |
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| Evening light as we reach the East side of the Park |
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| Silvia broke 100k on this adventure, a very fitting road trip for the milestone |
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| Finally some signs that we are headed in the right direction |
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| And then some signs that the trip will be a little tougher than we hoped |
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| And dirtier |
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| I think we drove more than 700 miles of slick or snowy roads |
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| Obligatory beaver shot |
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| Another fantastic milestone when we reach Dawson Creek and get started on the ALCAN |
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| Only to find more snow for the rig |
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| While cruising a white-knuckled 50mph, we were passed by trucks as if we were standing still |
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| After a long 14-hour day on the road we are in serious need of internet and some drinks |
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| The drive starts to get pretty stunning when you get past Fort Nelson |
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| Feeling good after 6 days in the car |
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| Finding big critters on the side of the road like these sheep |
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| And even some moose |
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| Mid-day sled stop |
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| That involved a whole lot of rotten snow and shoveling |
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| But we made the most of it |
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| We arrived at Liard Hot Springs to find the closest accommodation fully booked, so we pitched |
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| Our accommodations were not nearly as cush as the natives |
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| But we made due with the gear we had |
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| Boardwalk to get a dip |
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| Sun drops over the hot springs |
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| Though there were people in the area we were lucky enough to get a quiet dip |
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| It's a heavenly place just when you are in need of it |
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| But pretty cold when you get out |
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| Roadside dinner |
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| And cards in the warm tent – 15 degrees outside |
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| On the road early in the AM only to find we have a flat tire |
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| Flat fixed and back on the road |
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| Until we got flat #2 |
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| Another great milestone once you cross into the Yukon |
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| In the Yukon you are guaranteed a little time with these big guys |
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| We watch these two lock horns for some time |
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| And were able to get nice and close to the more mellow ones |
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| We must have seen about a hundred bison in all |
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| Pretty unique creatures |
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| Racing daylight on slick roads |
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| Had a little time to clean up in Whitehorse |
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| A few hours out of Whitehorse you start to remember why you've spent so many hours in the seat |
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| Just when you can't take it any more you make your final turn, South to Haines |
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| Perhaps the biggest milestone of all, crossing back into the US after 3,000 miles on the road |
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| Dan spotted this fox up on Haines Pass |
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| Total mileage with our detours |
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| Home for the next month |
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| Perhaps we overpacked? |
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| Evening view from the kitchen and we're happy to be in Haines |
