Whitehorse to Haines Junction

6-18-09

During the last two days we visited the town of Whitehorse. We went to a transportation museum where we saw videos of the dogsled races among other things. The dogsled races were of particular interest to Margaret and me because we recently read several books about them. We also visited the Ice Age Museum where it told about miners uncovering all kinds of skeletons of various animals including 400 pound beavers. I normally don’t care much for museums but we both found these very interesting.

It rained for the last two days, but today is once again filled with sunshine. We left Whitehorse about 10:00 AM and drove to Haines Junction, another beautiful drive through snow covered mountains.

I have heard a lot of stories about the Alaskan mosquitoes and how large they are, and how they will eat you. Well, we haven’t got to Alaska yet, but I have never seen so many mosquitoes in my life. The Yukon ones aren’t as big as the Alaskan’s are supposed to be, but they make up in numbers for their lack in size. You dare not go outside without repellent and long sleeve shirt and preferable a hat. Prior to coming on this trip I read reports on the RV Forum that some folks didn’t see any mosquitoes, they must have come at a different time of year. When we were here in 1992 the only place we recall have mosquitoes was around Palmer AK. Margaret just looked outside and saw a woman sitting outside her rig wearing shorts and a sleeveless shirt. The women has a water glass in her hand and Margaret thinks it is full of whiskey. Mosquito repellent?

The roads are gradually getting worse, we have encountered a few, what I believe to be frost heaves. People we have talked with assure us they will get much worse as we approach the Alaskan border.

During one of rest stops two little girls came up to the door selling rhubarb. They were really cute and Margaret couldn’t resist buying from them. Margaret asked if they could tell her how to cook it and she said yes I can and ha