Whitehorse

Whitehorse. 2,581 km 

Whitehorse. (2581 km from home)

After a quick gas up in Watson lake, we were on our way north again. 

Similar terrain and boreal forest had not changed much, but what did impress was the enormous number of lakes, streams and decent size rivers. 

At Teslin we crossed Teslin lake on the longest bridge on the highway. The town was a little  more than a small gas stop, but not much. However it had an unbelievable gift shop and free taxidermy display. It is hard to describe the high quality of workmanship in each animal. This place is a must-stop spot on the highway. Julie picked up a beautiful Indian sweater, and we both purchased a momento. 

...pics

Back on the road again it was s 2 hour run to Whitehorse.  

So far we are quite impressed with the quality of the road.  However, it does have a history of eating tires. Ours had worn to a point where we had to stop at a tire shop and get them rotated. The owner of the shop indicated we had no alignment problems and that this was very common. 

Once we had set up at the Hi Country RV, we took George out for a little exploring "downtown". Being the capital of the Yukon, Whitehorse does have an energy about it and even a busy Main Street. Also there were unique little shops on many corners, along with the very unique McBride museum focussing on the towns unique and colourful history. It's location near banks of the Yukon river add to its overwhelming charm.  

Lunch at a Klondike restaurant 

Also, the sunsets on the snow capped glacier mountains, combined with 11:00 pm darkening skies make this place memorable. (The limited land base of the town makes housing in this beautiful setting very costly, something like the Surrey Langley area.)

Another thing the Bushes and us have noticed is the wonderful air quality.  I know it sounds odd, but the air up hear seems fresher and good to breath. Somewhat weirded to mention, but we have all noticed it. 

On our second day in Whitehorse, we loaded all the bikes on George and drove to a riverside park with a large stern wheeler from bygone days. From here we biked most of the day to interesting historical spots, a seafood restaurant and many unique smaller shops...plus of course Walmart and Canadian tire for more provisions. 

Having a late supper up here is no problem as the sun is still shining high. Because it still felt like afternoon, we took another 30 km ride out to the beautiful Lac Laberge to visit a long lost relative of the Bushes. What a spectacularly gorgeous lake--enormous, with not a ripple on it and large glacier mountains reflecting their enormity on the mirror-like surface. 

...A quick shot of some of the beauty in this massive boreal forest. It looked like these tiny tight spruce cones were red berries at first. 

We found the awesome estate of Julie's relative and their enormous hillside home overlooking the lake--complete with private airstrip!  ...but unfortunately they were not home 😟

We were home by 11:00 and the sun had just gone down, but it still was not dark!