Iskut to Rancheria via Cassiar and Alcan

Hi Blog!

On Wednesday, May 25, 2016, we left Mountain Shadow RV Resort in Iskut, BC. Our destination was Rancheria RV Resort near Swift River in the Yukon Territory. This was our last day driving the Cassiar Highway. The day started out misty moisty. We hit a stretch of gravel roadway on the way down to the Stikine River Bridge. We had to wait a few minutes before crossing, as the bridge was being cleaned.

The climb back out of the Stikine River Valley is long but not too steep. We were rewarded with great views of the river.

We had to keep a sharp eye out for wildlife. Can you see the moose ahead? Try as we might, Great White is just too loud. We can never get close enough to photograph the wildlife. They hear that big diesel engine and just turn tail and skedaddle off into the woods.

We hit a rough patch just north of Dease Lake, but before long we were rolling along past one beautiful lake after another. This is one of the Twin Lakes.

There are certain things a tourist must do. If you travel along the Cassiar Highway, you must stop at Jade City and pick up a souvenir. British Columbia produces 90% of the jade in the world market. The gift shop is full of all kinds of wonderful things.

For over forty years and four generations, Jade City has been mining, designing and manufacturing jade. When their cutting blades become dull, they make wonderful decorations.

Craftsman are cutting and polishing jade right in the parking lot.

After picking out a couple items, it was back on the road again.

Before we knew it, we had left British Columbia behind and headed into the Yukon Territory.

Before long, the Cassiar Highway came to an end. Go West young man, go west! Alaska here we come.

We wee now on the Alaska Highway (also known as the Alaskan Highway, Alaska-Canada Highway or ALCAN Highway).  It was constructed during World War II for the purpose of connecting the contiguous United States to Alaska through Canada. Completed in 1942 at a length of approximately 1,700 miles. Here is just a glimpse of its vastness.

Traveling miles and miles through endless wilderness can get a little tiring. As a distraction, we tried to read all the messages that prior tourist have posted along the highway roadside.

Here was our first view of the Rancheria River as we were getting ready to pull into camp.

This will be our first stop in the Yukon Territory. We are looking forward to getting out and about. Stay turned.