Monday, August 16, 2010

Alaska Highway - Dawson Creek to Watson Lake Part 2

Here are some more pictures from travels between Fort Nelson and Watson Lake.

We stopped to visit Muncho Lake. At one time we thought that we would camp here. The drive from Fort Nelson to Muncho Lake took us over 2 hours. We were very glad that we made the decision not to push beyond Fort Nelson the previous day. If we could not have found a campsite, it would have been a disaster. A local told us that we could camp along the highway but we would have to watch out for bears. That news was enough to discourage us from thinking about road side camping. The towns on the Alaska Highway were few and far between. Muncho Lake water was a gorgeous color and very clear. There did not seem to be anything living in the lake, no plant life, no fish. Signs did state that one could fish but we did not see any evidence of fish.


I swore that I would not take any animal pictures, taking a picture would turn them into vistas rather than living creatures. I could not resist taking a picture of these bison after the highway sign warned us of bison on the road. Canadian signs have been great; we have seen signs warning us of crossing deer, elk, moose, bison, horses without riders, horses with riders, mountain sheep, red fox, and bear. These signs were very specific in depicting the animals. These bison were meandering along the side of the road. It was great to see the little ones with the big ones. We have also seen mountain goats, bears and elk along the route. (I saw moose in Newfoundland.) Another sign that was displayed along the highway was the sign indicating that the road was becoming gravel.






The Alaska highway takes us into Yukon Territories (Y.T.) from British Columbia (B.C.). Then we go back into B.C. for a short drive until returning to Y.T. The only way we knew we were in Y.T. the first time was the sign on the left, not exactly the impression sign welcoming visitors to the Yukon. The sign on the right was the second sign we saw when coming back into the Territory. We stayed Watson Creek Y.T. that night.


Watson Creek is known for its sign park. People bring signs from all over the world and tack them to posts in the park. The idea for this park originated from a homesick soldier's request. He missed his home in Bismark, North Dakota. Word spread about his homesickness for Bismark. Folks sent him road signs from Bismark. The idea grew and soon signs were posted from all over the globe. This picture represents only a small fraction of the park.


In Watson Creek it was recommended that we spend the night in the Air Force Lodge.

This hotel was owned by a German immigrant to Canada. Michael was very interesting and friendly. He acquired the buildings for little money. They were falling apart. He spent over two years reconstructing them to modern specs while re-using the old materials. The windows were all triple pane and the insulation was updated as well. The layout of the building and the beams were all originals. The furniture looked original as well. Michael had a high powered job in Germany. He worked with his father and they were planning on expanding the company. Michael's father was diagnosed with colon cancer and died six weeks later. Michael sold everything and immigrated to Canada. He had been to Canada for business dealings and enjoyed the country. He moved up to Y.T., met his wife and started the hotel. He works very hard for five months of the year, then relaxes the remaining seven months. The place filled up as we were chatting with him. Watson Creek has limited accommodations. There are only about 1500 people living within the town limit.

This was the town's department store. That night we went to the Northern Lights Museum to see a video about the Aurora Borealis. There were some great pictures in the video. The theater had very comfortable seats. I was surprised to find a building of this size and comfort in the town. Michael told us that the Watson Lake community enjoys viewing movies here in the winter months.

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