THE ALASKAN ADVENTURE Day 3 May 19,2009 Laird River, BC to Teslin, YK

We started off the day by getting up early. The sun is rising earlier each day. We headed to the hot springs for a nice soak prior to heading out. We played in the water for an hour or so and then headed back to our campsite. Just as we were about there, a large moose (aren’t they all) walked out of the bush about 20 feet from us. It turned into a staring contest before he slowly sauntered off. Being that close gave us a real good impression of just how big they are.

We left the campsite and noticed that all along the road were huge collections of Bison Pies. There is a section of highway about 50 miles on each side of Laird River Hot Springs Provincial Park where the Wood Buffalo graze along side of the road. Judging by the amount of dung there are a huge number of Buffalo in the area. There was evidence of three bison carcasses with the heads missing. We assumed they were killed by wolves and the heads removed by fish and wildlife for identification.

The first stop of the day was at Smith River Falls. It was about 2 kms off the highway and was only accessible to smaller vehicles but we were okay with the truck. We had short walk down do the falls where I was able to get a few pictures. We didn’t stay long but it was a nice diversion.


After leaving Smith Falls River we were able to cruise the highway once again as there was very little traffic. We followed the Laird River for most of the day and just enjoyed the scenery. We stopped for lunch at Allen’s lookout. Legend has it that outlaws used the sweeping view of the Laird River to attack and rob riverboats. The weather has changed for the better so we were able to enjoy lunch outside.

Shorttly after lunch we passed Cranberry Rapids. I stopped and took a picture just because I liked the name.

Scenic Vista just after we passed Cranberry Rabids.

After lunch we passed Historic Mile Post 588 which is named Contact Creek. This is where the 35th regiment from the south met up with the 340th from the north in September 1942 which completed the southern section of the Alaska Highway.

We slowly continued along the highway enjoying both the scenery and the wildlife as we saw a number of bear, bison, moose, caribou and wild horses. It was late in the afternoon when we left BC and entered into the Yukon. It is the first time in the Yukon for both of us.




















We decided to stop for the day at an RV park just west of Watson Lake. Kathy went into register and I filled up the truck with gas. ( This would proof to be very prudent )
We found out that they did not have any water to the showers, so we decided to head out to the next town rather than go back to Watson Lake. The next town and only RV park was 86 miles down the road so away we went. They were closed.

The next town was called Teslin, YK, another 82 miles away and without much choice headed there. Teslin is a very picturesque little town located at the confluence of Nisutlin River and Teslin Lake. It began as a trading post in 1903 and in 100+ years has grown to a population of 411.















The first campsite was open and had availability. It is backed onto Teslin Lake with mountains in the distance.




We arrived here about 7:30 PM, had a light supper and called it a night.






Day 3 was also very satisfying.

Animal Count for the Day
Buffalo 54
Black Bears 4
Moose 4
Wild Horses 4
Caribou 2