Whitehorse
Yukon Territory 
Airstreaming  2006

Arrive:   July 8
Depart:  July 12
Road Conditions:  Very Good
Weather:  Clear & Sunny
Miles:  274

Click for Route Map

This morning's ride was very pleasant. The road was good and low clouds over the lakes and rivers brought a new and gentle look to the wilderness. We stopped in Teslin to visit the Tlingit Heritage Center which was quite interesting and a showcase for the craftmanship of these First Nation people.

Lunch was at Johnson's Crossing, a spot on the road with a cafe and gas station. Here we met a young man and his dogs on their way home from Whitehorse. Jersey and Sugar, wearing booties, pulled a makeshift sled as he walked thirty miles a day, a  pace which these old hikers thought quite sufficient. He had rescued Sugar from certain death and was determined to train her and breed her with Jersey. We contributed a tin of snuff, his only wish, for his journey home and then continued on to Whitehorse.

Hi Country RV Park was conviently located and clearly the nicest in the area. We had great sites, full hookups, and wifi at the office making our four night stay very pleasant. Whitehorse is the capitol of the Yukon Territory and with a population over 23,000 does not feel remote. Almost all services are available including Walmart which has signs posted welcoming campers to spend the night in a designated area of their parking lot. Many did and a few seemed right at home.

The Yukon Beringia Interpretive Center was interesting and instructive helping us realize what a very short time modern man has populated this ever changing planet. The Klondike a stern wheeler sat high and dry on display remembering the gold rush era when it provided transportation to and from Dawson City. Walking along and over Miles Canyon  you could easily imagine the paddlewheel boats, filled with hopeful passengers seeking their fortunes in the Yukon, audaciously pushing through this dangerouse area.

Building of the Yukon River Dam at Whitehorse tamed the rapids and also created the Fish Ladder which is well worth a visit. Salmon must climb the ladder to pass the Whitehorse dam and return to their spawning grounds. Believe it or not the salmon are hand counted every day. They arrive into a caged tank, then are individually counted and lifted into another tank to continue their journey. We did not see salmon, they were reported in Dawson City at the time heading for Whitehorse.

Now with a smile, the highlight attraction of Whitehorse -  The Copperbelt Mining Railway & Museum. There is certainly some interesting history sourrounding copper mining in the Yukon Whitehorse area and an advertising pamphlet encouraged us to visit the copper mine and museum. Appropriately the fee was a voluntary contribution with the suggestion of $2.00 ($1.00 for seniors). The museum housed several picture albums with admittedly interesting old time photos but first why not take the train through the mine - now that would be fun. Mike, Sandy, Kath and I boarded the train. A chain was immediatly placed accross any possible exit and one of the lovely college girls began her introductory patter. "Any questions?" "Yes, will we be able to go into the mine?" "Well, there is no mine, we have a make believe mine, any other questions?" The four passengers on the train, the only four, looked at each other, but the chain was latched so toot- toot off we went on the figure eight track to nowhere. To add interest along the way, and I might add stategically placed, were wooden cutouts of Mickey Mouse, Minnie Mouse, and Donald's nephew Huey. I just don't remember the "Let's go mine copper in the Yukon" Disney adventure -  I'll check with my grandchildren, they would have loved the ride.

Click on image for comments and to enlarge.