And I’m off! I did take photos of the enormous backup at the Canadian border but decided that probably isn’t allowed. There were two cars in front of me. TeeHee! I went through the Chief Mountain crossing, mainly because the scenery is better closer to Glacier Park.
I was a little concerned about how my entry to Canada would go, given the bad feelings being generated over threatened tariffs and comments by our current administration. I shouldn’t have worried. The agent was Canadian-style polite and friendly. When I told her my purpose in Canada was to drive to my summer job as a Tour Director in Alaska, she was delighted and we had a great conversation about it. I finally had to go after a couple of cars came up behind me and looked like they were getting impatient. I just love Canadians!
The drive over the Alcan (or the Alaska Highway) was beautiful, as always. The first time I was on this road was in 1952, and it was still gravel and very primitive. It’s been paved since the mid-70s, and although it certainly isn’t a smooth freeway by any means, it’s a lot easier to drive these days. I didn’t hurry, took my time, and completed the trip without incident. I had no trouble finding gas or food, and the hotels I stayed in were a huge improvement on some of the lodging available in the 1950s and 1960s.
My wildlife count for the drive was four deer, three black bears, three herds of bison with the cutest babies, a porcupine, an elk, a moose, two bald eagles, two bunnies, and a wild herd of motorcyclists.
As I made the drive from Tok to Anchorage I was greeted by the spectacular mountains of Alaska, and it felt like coming home.
Travels with Billie 