Whitehorse, Mountains, Rocks, Mechanical Bull, Gas, Tok - Day 18

Got another early start today and headed for the border, the US border this time. Left Teslin, YT for Tok before 8AM. Rode through the most beautiful countryside dotes with snow-capped mountains, crystal blue lakes and rivers that didn't fade all day. Another turn, another site fit for an artist. Almost anywhere you look is a scene of nature better than the last.

We first stopped for breakfast in Johnson's Crossing, a place where the American Army established a camp during WWII while building the highway. Temps were favorable and sunshine all the way.

Next stop was for gas in Whitehorse, capitol of the YT. Sunday morning, so not much action in the town. Plenty of motorcycles around as there was a Harley rally in Fairbanks this weekend.

Today was the longest riding day and the most mileage in one day. Partly because of all of the construction on the Alaska Highway. The construction zone was brutal and you needed to be guided through by a Pilot Car that went about 10mph. Miles and miles of gravel, rock, dirt. mud sand,  dips, potholes, dust, etc. Only thing that could have been worse would have been if it were raining. We rode through this ever since we left Whitehorse - most of the afternoon.

There was an alternate route by taking the "Top of the World Highway" but some riders we ran into said the conditions there were worse. So we had a choice between bad and worse. We chose bad. Turned out to be bad too. Fortunately we made it through a little muddy and a little dusty. At some points it was like riding a mechanical bull/ We both held on through it all. Not something we are looking forward to on the return through the YT.

Saw some wildlife today. A Moose an Elk some squirrels playing frogger on the highway. No hits, they were too fast.

Had lunch at a campground called Buckshot Betty's and headed west.

Get to the last gas before the border and it was just about $7.00 per gallon, so we decided to head for the gas 5 miles past the border that a truck driver told us about. He said they had gas, rooms, and a restaurant at a place called Border City. Turns out the place is a small campground you have to pay attention to or it's gone. Instead of being 5 miles past the border, it was just over the border. Instead of being Border City, that's the name of the place. Gas, restaurant and a room. Not anyplace you'd want to eat or stay, so not thinking much of it, he continued to find Border City. 5 miles, 10 miles, no Border City. We stopped at a pull off where there was an RV broken down from a punctured radiator that happened on the construction road. Asked about gas and they said you either need t go 11 miles back or 40 miles ahead. A quick check said I wouldn't make either. So, Ed baile me out with a siphon of about a quart and a half - enough to go back 11 miles and all was well. Regular only at $4.00/gal, and we were on our way. Only 91 miles to Tok, AK with nothing in between.

Got here around 8:30PM - crossed another time zone when we crossed the border and found a room.

Unpacked, washed up, and got some refreshments. An hour later, I was out.

Have pics and hope to get them up when we get to Fairbanks. Headed there today, Circle tomorrow, and Anchorage Wednesday.

Tally - 536 miles today. 3rd time zone crossing, 2nd border crossing, 11th state, and 3 Canadian Provinces. Big red passed 30K miles today. Time for service. Probably in Anchorage.