Day 11: June 26, 2016
Glass Chipper

Comment via blog

Previous Day
Prev
Next Day
Next
Site Home
Trip Home

When I said chick magnet, the car salesman must have heard chip magnet. Third windshield in five years.

Back on the fourth day of this trip, I encountered some graffiti made of rocks. That graffiti was primarily numeric. The rock based graffiti I saw today reminded me quite a bit of what exists along the side of Historic Route 66 near Cadiz, California. There a manmade berm provides a semi-vertical "writing" surface several miles long. Here the near vertical surface comes from cuts made to flatten the road with the individual segments tending to be much shorter than those in California. The graffiti itself is very similar, however.

Curiosity overcame me as I edited the photos and I just had to search for "OLDTROUTS" and discovered an internationally renowned puppet theatre company based in Calgary. Sorting out a current performance schedule is something of a challenge but I think they may now be performing in France or somewhere else or not at all.


I spotted this critter on the left side of the and got stopped before I'd gone too far beyond. He or she was headed toward a wooded area well away from the road and I watched and snapped photos until the bear was out of sight.

The similarity of vehicles passing each other on the Alaska Highway varies.

A lady at the Visitors Centre in Watson Lake had insisted on providing me with information for my trip. An item that was actually useful was a list of features on the road between Watson Lake and Whitehorse. She pointed out a few items on the list and actually highlighted one. It was a short walk, she said, to the Rancheria Falls. Or maybe she said easy walk. Or maybe she said even a decrepit old codger like you can make this one. Even if she didn't exactly say it, that last thing is probably what she meant. The trail is designed for the physically challenged and that works for me. I'm not sure those using wheelchairs or walkers could manage it without significant effort but a fairly level trail and boardwalk make getting to the two waterfalls rather easy even for old codgers.

The bridge that the two motorcyclists are about to cross is the longest on the Alaska Highway. The seven span Nisutlin Bay Bridge opened in 1956. it is 584 metres long.

The five Teslin Tlingit clans are represented by the five carved poles in front of the Teslin Tlingit Heritage Centre near Teslin Lake. Inside more work from local craftsmen is on display and a video provides a look at today's Tlingit people. The canoes are in an area where the annual Ha Kus Teyea Celebration is held.

As the RV in front of me started to slow, I started to pull around but immediately changed my mind when the reason for the RV's slowing became apparent. Traffic stopped as the black bear crossed the road and continued into the trees.

I ended my day in Whitehorse near the McBride Museum which features both natural and human history. I was tempted to hang around for the end of the Sergeant Preston of the Yukon episode being shown just to hear "Well, King, this case is closed." I watched Preston often as a kid and remember that closing line fondly.

I crossed the street to take a look at the Yukon River then walked along it for a bit. I made it as far as the SS Klondike but didn't go on board as it was near closing time. I did stop at the Visitor & Information Centre where a lot of people were taking advantage of the free WiFi.

I'd seen Klondike Rib & Salmon in various Whitehorse guides and when I found myself walking right by it thought maybe I'd give it a try. People were standing about in clusters and I asked if they were all waiting to eat. They were but one fellow suggested a single person might get in quicker. He was part of a group of six. I asked the hostess if there was a bar where I might find a seat. There wasn't, she told me, but there's this and she pointed to a two-top right by the door. Instant seating with a view. I opted for the "World Famous Alaskan Halibut Fish & Chips" which is also available with two or even three pieces. One was plenty and it was delicious. The ladies in front of me ordered Bumbleberry pie and I blame them -- and this description -- for what happened next. Of course the ladies split a piece while I had to go it alone. The more observant may have noticed that I had Yukon Brewing Red with dinner and the lighter Gold with dessert.

While I was eating groups of six to twelve approached the hostess and were given estimated wait times of up to forty-five minute and the crowd outside was even bigger when I left than when I arrived. The advantages of solo travel are many.


[Prev] [Site Home] [Trip Home] [Contact] [Next]
democrat