July 24, 2013
We departed Dawson City by way of ferry across the Yukon
River to start our journey on the Top of the World Highway, road dreaded by
travelers everywhere. Well folks, in my humble almost sober opinion, the hype
was much worse than the act of driving it. This segment is only 67 miles and
some of it is even paved (the worst sections). The road is hard packed dirt and
gravel. The only problem is the dust as it was thankfully dry. The views from
the road along the mountain tops are stunning. At mile 67 is the Port of Entry
back into the U.S. and Alaska.
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The Ferry at the landing across the Yukon River
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Our Caravan created a bit of a backup.
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DA Boat, da boat, here comes da boat!
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On the ferry.
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Top of the World Highway
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At this point the road name changes to Taylor
Highway, it narrows and the quality deteriorates markedly. The dust is
terrible. The next 53 miles twist and turn up and down. We made it without
incident to our overnight stop, Chicken, AK (pop. 3). There is no TV, electric
(except generators), cell service, phone service, or local government. The only
contact is through satellite internet or radio. This is in Alaskan gold
country. The area was extensively mined several times and efforts are ongoing.
We are staying at the Chicken Gold Camp. If you want to try your luck at gold
the owners have several claims they allow you to work. If you know what you are
doing, you can find gold, even nuggets up to one ounce have been found.
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