North For Winter

After some significant packing and bag management, Dan & I loaded in and started the long drive North in hopes of finding some semblance of winter. Our plan was a 8-day trip through Canada with the ultimate destination of Haines where we would post up for several weeks (him 2 and me 4) for what hopes to be the salvage of our dismal winter.

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.

On the road with nearly 3,000 miles to go

Making time

Dan with our host, Jess on our first night outside of Eugene, OR

She made a tasty dinner for us

We pulled out of Kamloops early AM on our third day on the road

Had some amazing sunrise views en route to Revelstoke

Conditions in Revelstoke weren't quite what we were hoping

But views up high were pretty spot on

Definitely didn't want to make a wrong turn getting down to lunch

Unfortunately the weather started to sock in just as the snow was getting soft

Day 4 we start to find some weather 

But head North with the promise of finding some winter if we gain some elevation

Conditions were spotty as we started to climb

And dirty in places

But we managed to find snow up high an got some great practice with our pow turns

Some did not go as well as others – I turn right much better than left

Lunch break

Dan getting into it

Great day, adventuring in Allen Creek

The town of Valemount just down the road, a must revisit during a good winter

On our way to Jasper National Park we saw some impressive peaks

And popped over into Alberta

In Jasper Park we had some fantastic views and spent some time with this herd of elk

They didn't pay much attention to us as we crept in close

I think we counted 15 in all

Evening light as we reach the East side of the Park

Silvia broke 100k on this adventure, a very fitting road trip for the milestone

Finally some signs that we are headed in the right direction

And then some signs that the trip will be a little tougher than we hoped

And dirtier

I think we drove more than 700 miles of slick or snowy roads

Obligatory beaver shot

Another fantastic milestone when we reach Dawson Creek and get started on the ALCAN

Only to find more snow for the rig

While cruising a white-knuckled 50mph, we were passed by trucks as if we were standing still

After a long  14-hour day on the road we are in serious need of internet and some drinks

The drive starts to get pretty stunning when you get past Fort Nelson

Feeling good after 6 days in the car

Finding big critters on the side of the road like these sheep

And even some moose

Mid-day sled stop

That involved a whole lot of rotten snow and shoveling

But we made the most of it

We arrived at Liard Hot Springs to find the closest accommodation fully booked, so we pitched

Our accommodations were not nearly as cush as the natives

But we made due with the gear we had

Boardwalk to get a dip

Sun drops over the hot springs

Though there were people in the area we were lucky enough to get a quiet dip

It's a heavenly place just when you are in need of it

But pretty cold when you get out

Roadside dinner

And cards in the warm tent – 15 degrees outside

On the road early in the AM only to find we have a flat tire

Flat fixed and back on the road

Until we got flat #2

Another great milestone once you cross into the Yukon

In the Yukon you are guaranteed a little time with these big guys

We watch these two lock horns for some time

And were able to get nice and close to the more mellow ones

We must have seen about a hundred bison in all

Pretty unique creatures

Racing daylight on slick roads

Had a little time to clean up in Whitehorse

A few hours out of Whitehorse you start to remember why you've spent so many hours in the seat

Just when you can't take it any more you make your final turn, South to Haines

Perhaps the biggest milestone of all, crossing back into the US after 3,000 miles on the road

Dan spotted this fox up on Haines Pass

Total mileage with our detours

Home for the next month

Perhaps we overpacked?

Evening view from the kitchen and we're happy to be in Haines