Whitehorse, Yukon Territory to Iskut, BC

We do some back tracking through Teslin to Junction 37 where we turn south onto the Cassiar Highway. We were rookies when we came through here more than two weeks ago. Now we have the mud, dirt and grime to prove our road experience. The big question around the RV parks in the evening is: “Are you on the way to Alaska or on the way back?” We are among the few who are on the way back.

We drive over the Nisutlin Bay Bridge again, but only once this time.

We pass the section where teenagers have spelled out names and messages in the embankment with white rocks. Peace signs, class of, just married, (seriously?) Adolescent billboards.

The Cassiar Highway is a special place. We slip into this undisturbed, undeveloped territory through a side door, like Alice into Wonderland. It reminds me of driving on a forest service road, only it’s paved. There are no lines, and no mile markers, a narrow strip closed in by dense trees. Sections of the road are bermed with 2-5 foot drop-offs from the shoulder, like driving an on-ramp for miles.

We stop for lunch at Blues Lake; it’s totally silent, just the lap of the water and the cries of birds. Just us.

This is a special area and we take pleasure in passing through. We’re gatecrashers in this pristine wilderness world.

In the midst of this natural splendor we come upon Jade City. There’s a jade mine in the nearby mountains. This place is filled with mass produced jade junk in the business of mining tourists. Onward.

Needlepoint Mountain makes a show. Definitely named after the stylus and not the crewel.

We cross the Arctic Pacific Divide. This summit marks the divide between the Pacific and Arctic Ocean watersheds. Never considered it before today.

Our stop for tonight is the Mountain Shadow RV Park half a mile off the highway in an out-of-the-way spot surrounded by snow capped peaks. Secluded, sensational, and it’s for sale! 235 acres, a slice of heaven, and only $1,200,000 Canadian. It’s a bargain. Anyone?

Wildlife count: 2 black bears (one was brown), 2 moose, 1 eagle

Airstreams: 0

Miles: 444

Gratitudes: PKB: permission to enter  JMB: the girl I’m with

Gin Score: J: 2585 P: 2600

Lunch

Needlepoint Mountain