Blog 11 Dawson City

After spending the night in Tok waiting to meet up with the Drapers, the four of us decided to drive to the very small Alaskan town named Chicken. (pop 27)As the Klondike Loop grows in popularity with motorists driving to and from Alaska, this town is getting more and more traffic. We were there to have lunch and find out more on road conditions to the Top of the World Highway. Hearing from a fellow traveler that had just crossed  Dave and Jeannine continued on the highway connecting Chicken with Dawson City.At times it can be treacherous with its unpaved,narrow, winding roads however drivers are rewarded with the “top of the world views”.

Dave and I really felt like we were alone and isolated from the world. The view was breathtaking and we both agreed that a photograph could not capture the depth of this endless landscape.

After driving for miles and finally reaching the Canadian border we eventually descended to the west entrance of Dawson city. Travelers all must ride the free “George Black” ferry to cross the Yukon river.This was a unique ferry ride for us Washingtonians there was no dock and once the ferry was driven against the river bank you drove off.

Dawson City was of course the center of the Klondike gold rush. After hearing of the gold strike thousands of fortune seekers made there way to this historic city. The Canadian government required each traveller to have a years worth of food and supplies to begin there journey. We learned that these men and women often travelled by way of Seattle to Skagway before embarking on a arduous trek to Dawson City. This included climbing either Chilkoot or White Pass and then traveling on the Yukon river. Dawson city only “boomed” for a few years until gold was found in other areas. Currently the parks department has purchased and renovated over 30 buildings and offer tours throughout.  This building has been restored and was a great place for lunch after our walking tour of the city.

 This is the original bank and is next to be restored.

Driving throughout the Yukon and Alaska we all have experienced the effects of permafrost on the highways, at times feeling like we were riding on  a roller coaster. Permafrost is perennially frozen soil. This condition effects Dawson City today, the roads are not paved,there are boardwalks instead of sidewalks, and all houses and buildings have to be leveled every 7 to 8 years.  I don't think these buildings have been leveled in awhile!

 These look better.

After spending a day touring and learning about this historic city we continued the drive on the Klondike highway to eventually meet up with the Drapers and Odegaards in Skagway Alaska.