As I start this post, it is a rainy cold day here in HAINES, ALASKA! OMG! Can you believe it? I’ve got potatoes baking in the propane and convection ovens, making some potato soup! It’s a perfect day for it!
I left off last time on the drive from Muncho Lake to Watson Lake, where we saw a bunch of bison in and along the sides of the road – like a scene out of a magazine – only it was REAL and happening to Bill and I!
We pulled into Watson Lake and got set up for the night in a gravel area across the street from the Sign Post Forest, and right next door to the Northern Lights Centre. The two places we wanted to see in this small Yukon town!
The Northern Lights Centre is a planetarium that does shows about the northern lights. I had set my alarm every night in Muncho Lake to try and see northern lights, to no avail, it just wasn’t happening. Well – Bill quickly learned we wouldn’t be visiting the center either as they weren’t open for the season yet! I was very disappointed! We will be coming by here on the way out, but I’m sure it will be too late then! Oh well!
We did decide to get some lunch at Kathy’s Kitchen, a short walk from where we were parked. Linda and Steve had a craving for some Poutine, which I’ve heard of but never had, and wasn’t quite sure what it even was. Turns out it’s French fries with a rich brown gravy and cheese curds. Kathy’s Kitchen makes it with a shredded cheddar blend, but it was still pretty good. Bill and I ordered the fish wrap, Bill got a side of Poutine and I got the clam chowder, and we switched half way through. It was YUMMY!
We walked down to the local grocery to see what they had and picked up a few things. Prices here are a bit higher than we’ve paid regularly, but we were expecting that.
Our next stop was the Sign Post Forest. I think it will be easier to show pics of the poles with signs and license plates and other items, rather than attempt to describe it.
We also took a quick tour of the visitor center – where we got a bunch of info on places to go and see and eat, etc., etc., etc. Yes – that much info! The lady was very sweet but OMG – she went on and on and on – was very intense! Linda eventually walked out – she said later she thought her head was going to explode! We did get some good info mixed in though, which was nice.
We went home and had happy hour at Queenie, and after hanging out chatting awhile called it a night.
We were up and ready, and after filling up with fuel, we were on the road by 9! We had hoped to get Queenie and Copper a quick bath, but the truck wash was full, so it will wait.
Next stop was Whitehorse and we parked for the night at the Walmart. We went in and picked up a few items and on the way out the McDonalds called to me! I suddenly had a massive craving (no – I am not pregnant!) and caved in and got a Big Mac and French Fries! They were so yummy! I know – YUCK! I was so sick about an hour later – I could feel my arteries hardening! I posted on FB – next time I say I want McDonalds – someone PLEASE tape my mouth shut til the feeling passes! Thankfully that feeling only happens once every few years!
We were very excited to get to Haines, so we were once again up and on the road before 9am! I kind of like this new leaf we are turning over!
Now – the part you’ve been waiting for – even though you didn’t know it! The drive down to Haines! This drive is why the title of the post is what it is – LOOK!
Since we were ahead of schedule (Linda & Steve really don’t have one – but we do!) we decided to stay in Haines for 5 nights. Other than our 4 nights in Muncho Lake, we’ve been keeping a pretty quick pace, so our reward is 5 nights in the amazing place called Haines AK! I was originally going to put all the Haines stuff into this post, but it’s just too much! Instead, just a teaser for now! Also, the “featured pic” at the top was taken in Haines, on our first day – our first Bald Eagle sighting! Amazing!
This is our first happy hour – courtesy of Steven Dempsey’s camera set-up on a tri-pod with a timer! PERFECT!
All I can say is…. Wow!!! I hope some day we not only have the opportunity to visit all the places you (and Tracy/Lee) are visting, but that we have the courage to drive on those mountains!!! So much we’d be missing if we don’t get over the fear.
I’m sure you will Cheryl! The mountains take some getting used to, but you will do fine – don’t let it stop you! Read up on proper techniques for your truck and it will be ok!
Wow is the best word! I am so enthralled by your travel post of this journey. I eagerly await each posting and love the photographs! Here’s to hoping that in the next 5 years we will get to take a very similar journey!
Thanks Cyndee! We are having a great time!
Hi, we were in Haines on the way home from AK last summer and stayed in that same park I think. If it’s the one right on the canal/bay by the marina. Every day a bear would come down and swim in the water right there in front of us. I would like to suggest you take the Fast Ferry there to Juneau for the day. It is a fantastic ride, approx 2 hrs I think there, you then board a bus and get taken to down town Juneau for some shopping or whatever you choose then they pick you up and take you to Mendenhaul (sp) Glacier then pick up and take you back to boat for a ride home. Plenty of whale viewing and absolutely stunning scenery. Office is just on the Main Street there in one of the first store fronts. I loved Haines!
We loved our time in Haines, and looked into going to Juneau – sadly the fast ferries weren’t running all the time yet and we couldn’t do it! Did get to Skagway for the day though! We plan to return on the way out – perhaps we will get to go then!
Very cool about the bear swimming in front of your site! That must have been awesome!
We’re a month behind you. Got to look again to see if we can work Haines into the return trip. Looks like another awesome stop, but it is a bit off our route. Safe Travels and looking forward to your next update!
Thanks for reading, Jeff!
We LOVED Haines! Watch for the next post – you will see why! We loved it so much we plan to stop again on the way out!
Such gorgeous photos! Loving my vicarious journey to Alaska – thanks for sharing!!
Thanks for reading! You are very welcome!
Hey Kelly. I was so excited to see your post today and see what you and Bill have been up to. Great pictures. WOW. Skagway is a neat town. Can’t wait to hear more about your Alaska adventures. Have a great week
Thanks Chris!
Just when you think you’ve seen the best views, another one is around the corner!
Agreed! Give the patient a hug from us!
Haines was the only place we didn’t get to. Looking forward to your take on it. Great photos!
I am so glad we got to Haines! Beautiful ride down and the CG on the water was a great location. Notice I didn’t say great CG, but the nicer CG up the road (where we almost got jobs!) didn’t have the view! For us, it was all about location!
Hopping on in on this blog from my lonely, boring day use COE work amp post!! What a trip of a life time…sure hope one day this plays in our cards!!
Thanks for reading Cozygirl! This is a trip of a lifetime for us and I’m sure you will make it someday!