The journey of 1422 historic miles along the Alaska Highway without any mechanical failures is another milestone for us (we like to complete milestones because it means we get to open a bottle of good wine). The highway begins at Dawson Creek, British Columbia Mile 0 to Delta Junction, Alaska, Mile 1422. All our trials and tribulations driving on this highway were surpassed by the chance to explore and enjoy the most magnificent sceneries and experience its beauty first hand. Why drive ? Driving gave us the freedom and luxury of stopping where and when we want, enjoying the sights we want to see and do the things we want to do. And by traveling on our own we can take as much time as we wish.
Alaska Ranges seen near Tok, as we head out to Delta Junction.
Along the way historical markers and points of interests informed us and entertained us with the highways intriguing history. It is named Alaska Highway when in fact only 20% of it is in Alaska while the rest winds through Canada. On this highway we have seen and met travelers of different kinds and sizes; cyclists, motorcyclists and motorhome caravans, all braving the elements wanting to experience the adventure of a lifetime. I even met a couple from San Jose, CA driving their pick up truck and travel for three weeks!
This looked like a parade! A pilot car was guiding us through the Road Repairs.
A brave Cyclist
Motorhome Caravan
The first thing we did upon arriving here at Delta Junction was the mandatory pose at the monument mile post marking the end of the Alaska Highway. We also posed in front of the giant Mosquitos. And speaking of mosquitoes, Oh my, they are really after your blood, and swarm around you a soon as you get out.
Monument signifying end of the Alaska Highway at Mile 1422
A representative of the hundreds swirling around us, but this one is admittedly a little larger than most of them.
Since we are also low on food supplies we ran down to the local family run farm and homemade sausages from reindeer, buffalo, elk beed and pork. We bought different kinds of sausage after tasting a range of tasty samples.
Family owned sausage plant
A peek at the sausage packing plant
This was also the first time we got a glimpse of a portion of the Trans-Alaska (Alyeska) Pipeline. The 800 mile Alaska Pipeline bisects Alaska from Prudhoe Bay to Valdez. This section of the pipeline is suspended across Tanana river en route to Valdez.
Pipeline is suspended over Tanana river
A section of the Trans-Alaska Pipeline.
Different diameters of pipes used to transport petroleum products over the years.
The “pig” a device used for scouring wax and water from the inside of the Trans -Alaska Pipeline.
Our plan of hiking today is hampered by rain, oh rain ! Might as well do laundry and catch up on our reading. Tomorrow we leave for Fairbanks.
