After several years of dreaming and planning to make this trip, it is a bit of a letdown begin the final section of this wonderful trip. We left Slana and headed for Border City where we would cross the border and begin our trip south through Canada. Each time we have crossed the border, we brought out our passports and dog paperwork in preparation for questions by the custom officers. Each time, we have sailed through with little or no questions at all. This crossing was no different. We were sad to leave Alaska behind but kept reminding ourselves that the trip was NOT over. Canada is a beautiful country and the Yukon Territory and British Columbia especially so.
We count ourselves very lucky. We began the trip at the end of Winter experiencing snow several times. As we traveled northward, we experienced the beauty of Spring with the rainbow colors of wildflowers and all the shades of green in the trees. Once we were in Alaska, we experienced Summer. The Fireweed was ablaze and the deepening shades of green were all around us. Now, as we begin the southward exit, Fall greets us. How amazing in just three short months to see the colors of a full year.
We had seen some of the Fall colors before we left Alaska, but as soon as we entered the Yukon the colors intensified. For part of the trip, we would be retracing territory we saw during our inbound route. I wondered if it would look different. Indeed it did. Take a ride with us as we headed south into the Yukon Territory.
At the bottom of this valley, a stream snaked its way through the changing colors of the trees. The subtle yellows were but a promise of brilliance to come.
Even here in the Yukon the Fireweed is a common site. It is such an interesting flower and there is a good bit of local lore surrounding it. Whenever there is a fire, the Fireweed is the first plant to return and grow. It begins to bloom early in Spring and continues through the Fall. Here, you can see one of the final stages before all signs of flowers fall to the ground leaving only stalks of color. At this stage, locals say Winter is only six weeks away.
This pond looks so still but its reflection speaks volumes. The mountains in the background are reflected in the water. They are shrouded in clouds that promise early snow to the higher elevations. The trees themselves tell of hardships -- fire and “slumping” -- many of them are slowly dying. The grasses are showing yellow promising that soon cold weather will drive all warmth away.
The road winds it way past trees of all colors and types. The evergreens remain deep in color while the hardwoods such as Aspens are showing brilliant yellow.
Beauty comes with a price at times. Here remains evidence of a wildfire that damaged this lovely place. It is amazing how the fire leaves some trees or building untouched while destroying others.
This hill was ablaze with color; it took my breathe away.
We passed this home and we had to laugh. You could say that whoever lives here has it all or at least all the toys. He has a horse trailer and in the pasture were several lovely steeds. Out of frame stood an RV ready for travel and exploration. A plane waits to provide a way to move goods or just travel. Finally, an ATV that is a work horse but also for play. I’d say, they have it all.
We came up behind this truck and I noticed this dog riding in the back. I wondered if he was a hunting dog or just a family pet. No matter, it reminded us that Charlotte and Savannah could use some exercise.
The girls were really ready to walk a bit. They have been great traveling companions for the most part. Of course, they have to be walked several times a day but hey, keeps us from sitting too long. Jim says he would not take them on another long trip, but I know he would. They keep us laughing and entertained.
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