Whitehorse, YT to Glennallen, AK

Departed Whitehorse, YT on May 28, stopping in Beaver Creek, YT and Tok, AK before Glennallen, AK.  This was Alaska Hwy (Route 1) into Tok, AK.  Then we took the Tok Cut Off (Route 1) to Glennallen.  No significant towns along the route so it's all scenery.  The 2008 - 2010 economics really hit many areas since tourism was low.  People just walked away from their businesses.  This venture will show some of the road conditions after a winter! Remember this route was originally built during WWII to provide military support to the territory of Alaska.  Parts of the road have relocated but in principle the route is the same.   

Thank goodness for air shocks in the Motorhome!  Road has its ups and downs.

Stopped for the night in Beaver Creek, YT.  Campground was a headquarters for the road construction.  They have a display of vehicles that were left from that era, pretty bad shape. 

When you see RED flags along the road you quickly find why!  Duct tape does come in handy, thanks Scott. 

Tok, AK US Customs

Mr. Bear crossing the road

Downtown Tok! Half the businesses are closed including a large chain Motel by Westmark.  Guess that's what happens when you rely on 3 months of business.

Traveled to Glennallen, AK after departing Tok. Not much excitement other then the scenery and of course the roads!

We planned 2 days at Glennallen which included a day trip to Valdez.  Both days it poured and visibility was poor.  So after driving about half way to Valdez we decided to can the journey.  We did visit the Copper Center Visitor Center at the Wrangell-St. Elias National Park, America's Largest National Park (13.2 million acres).  Ranger was giving a talk on the area's unique animals.  The Wood Frog which survives the harsh northern winters by freezing solid and thawing out in the spring.  Should have scheduled more time to travel more of the NP and surrounding area plus account for the weather.
  

Section of the Alaska Pipeline.  Crude oil is pumped between Prudhoe Bay and Valdez, 800 miles.  Cost $8 billion to build in 1977 and was completed in 2 yrs. 2 mo's.  It's 48" in diameter crosses 3 mountain ranges and 500 rivers and streams. 

This black creature ran across the road on our return to the campground.