DESTRUCTION BAY, YT

August 1, 2011

RV PROBLEMS IN TOK!   No, glad to say not for us but for our neighbors.  Apparently all that mud we drove in yesterday plugged up Dick's fuel filter and his coach wouldn't start. A local garage owner closed his shop and came 45 minutes after Dick explained the problem.  Another 45 minutes and the new filter was installed  and we were on our way.

Today we drove from Tok to Destruction so at least it was a change of scenery.  We drove by US customs as they will grill us when we cross the border in Washington state.  The last Alaska fuel price was 4.929 per gallon.  It will be in liters the next time we fill up in Canada.  We stopped for stamps in our Yukon passports at Beaver Creek and Burwash Landing.

The Alaska Highway Permafrost Research Project, a cooperative effort by the U.S. and Canada, is conducting experiments to keep the ground from thawing to prevent frost heaves.  Specialized construction techniques are supposed to minimize the melting of the permafrost by allowing cold air to penetrate the road and increase surface reflectivity. These will be monitored for the next several years. 

We arrived at Destruction Bay, YT.  The lodge was a shack with a nice looking facade.  However, the owner prepared a nice aged prime rib dinner with baked potato salad, baked beans, lettuce salad and his own seven vinegar vinaigrette.  Afterwards, he performed with his Brazilian guitar that he purchased in 1973 for $600.  He claims it is now worth more than $5,000.  In between stories about the history of Destruction Bay, he sand a few songs.  Only lasted about 45 minutes which was just right.

The big hit here were diamond willow walking sticks by "Dubie."  We were told that Dubie is an old hippy who gathers willow sticks and finishes them so the "diamonds" in the wood come out.

We did a little walk-about and came across some tracks.  For comparison purposes, I put my foot alongside the print in the sand alongside the road not far from our campground.  What do you think it was?