Yukon Territories

The Journey from Hesston KS to Vancouver took us through the high plains and dessert that exists between the Olympic Mountain Range through to the Rockies. The elevation to Denver CO was 5000 ft, then just past Cheyanne WY we reached 8600 ft before leveling out to 7000 ft, Larimie WY, a trailer park along the highway, staying there cramped amongst one of many derelict appearing trailers, then to Mountain Home Idaho, KOA campground, Big Sky country.

The next morning we remain in this Dessert, sagebrush and antilope grazing in the expansive ranges. We descend to one burg after another along the banks of the Snake River, crossing portions of the river as it winds and empties into the Columbia River. The striking contrast of one side of the road, dessert, sagebrush and dust, the otherside, lush green with enormous sprinkler systems watering cash crops and grazing lands. We plung into the Cascades following the Yakima River as its origins assend towards Seattle Washington. Canyons of forests and winter ski resorts dominate the landscape. We head into Seattle at rush hour and are part of the stop and go traffic, eventually, getting gas in Marysville, North of Seattle, travel a side road, found a campground along a lake and settled in for the night. Dinner at a local eatery and to bed.

With minor detours we arrive in Vancouver Airport, only to be misguided by Google directions, double parking our camper at the International Departing Flights unloading section, and unloading since there is no parking lot for campers. We travel through Vancouver to the North End, through and older portion of the City, filled with little shops and all well maintained. After some detours we find our parking lot, shuttle to one hotel, use our coupons to go to the Airport finally finding our luxurious room. Expensive meal later, to bed.

Finally, our cruise begins with the flight to Whitehorse Yukon Territories. Dominating the conversations, the tours and literature was talk of the gold rush in 1898 and the "Stampeders" who treked from Skagway on the coast, over the Chillcote Trail to Bennett and the beginning of the navigable portion of the Yukon River. Down the Yukon to Whitehorse, so named for the rapids that gave the appearance of white horse manes. Shooting the rapids, was hazardous and deadly, Just below Whitehorse YT, the Yukon River becomes more navigable again; eventually sternwheeler river boats made the 240 miles, down river but North to Dawson City, the area of the Gold Rush. The Yukon travels North and emties into the Berring Sea.

Today was our site seeing day for a wild life preserve trip, a WhiteHorse City trip including the stern wheel paddle boat SS Klondike, and then a Yukon River Cruise. Pictures to follow. Lots of Bus riding, lots of things to see, do, and learn about.

Tomorrow we leave by bus for Dawson City and the Klondike where we pan for gold.