And the Fun Begins!

We made it -- to Dawson Creek,  British Columbia -- 

The  ALASKA HIGHWAY before us!!!!!!

The Army Corps of Engineers took only eight months to build this 200-mile corridor
to connect the lower 48 with Alaska during world War II.

Running from Dawson Creek, British Columbia to Delta Junction, Alaska, 

the Alaska Highway
cuts through the Rocky Mountains --
winds its way through a myriad miles of remote forests --
provides feeding ground for extraordinary wildlife --
and unveils unspeakable beauty at every turn.

The land remains wild and untamed.

The hamlets are humble.

The people are basic and strong,

cut from the cloth of their surroundings.

Over the next three days, we

soaked in the clean crisp air,

stared at the beauty until our eyes hurt,

scouted for animals at every turn,

slept in rustic lodges,

and spoke with the people whenever we could.

We did all these things on all three days,

but I shall highlight one special aspect each day.

Day 6 - May14

TOAD RIVER LODGE

On Day 6, we rose high into the Rockies, 

got into snow at Summit Lake,  the highest point on the Alaska Highway,

and then descended to the banks of the Toad River to find

MY favorite lodging spot on our whole journey.

Opened in 1947, the Toad River Lodge has hosted guests for over 70 years!

Let the pictures do the talking.

On the ceilings inside hang over 10,000 hats,
contributed by whoever wishes to "hang his hat" in the Toad River Lodge.

Bob takes in the Toad River and the hill behind it.
See why we like the place?

An original cabin -- AMAZING!!

Bob chats with Don, our FAVORITE FOLK # 3.
 Don was flying solo from Sacramento to Fairbanks, rushing to make it in time
for his grandson's ninth birthday.
Kindred soul, that Don!

Early morning coffee on the porch of our cabin - looking at the river.  Aahhh!
So the hanging plant needs a little work.  It's early May.  Whaddaya expect?

"O, Wilderness were paradise enow!"
                           - Omar Khayyam