The Great Alaska Highway!! - Part 1 (The Beginning)

Ahh, we finally feel like we are heading to Alaska. It's that way!

Beavers are hard to negotiate with, as everyone knows. Matthew manage to befriend this gentle giant.

The Alaska Highway, also known as AL-CAN, begins in Dawson Creek, British Columbia and ends in Delta Junction, Alaska.  It was built during World War II for the purpose of moving troops to Alaska.

So here is where we begin our Alaska Highway Adventure!  There are lots of motorcyclist either returning or heading out.  There are few signs of civilization along the way so careful planning is a must. We're prepared with warm gear, rain gear and extra gas.

Mile marker 0 of the Alaska Highway.

The mile marker is conveniently placed in the center of a main intersection to symbolize the danger of taking this highway (sarcasm implied.)

And we're off!!

There is a small museum at the intersection that is worth stopping to check out. The history of the construction of the highway is grim. The lions share of the labor fell on the African American troops of the Army cor of Engineers. Read more here.

"Boulders, swamp and mud. Looks like hell ahead"

Moose!

Little or no traffic and nice roads so far.

One of 2 times the gas can was needed. 

There are a few small towns along the way and a handful of gas stations. Our first hop is Dawson Creek to Ft. Nelson. We had to use our reserve but that is why we brought it.




There are large sections of the Highway under construction on the Canada side. They were not as quick as the Americans to pave the road either.  In fact, there are still parts that are yet to be paved but as Matthew said "The amazing views make up for the crappy roads"

Following a pilot truck through the construction zone.

Oh, a wildlife!  Run away!

Matthew hates these grated bridges as they tend to grab the front tire.

That guy is being a drama queen!

We had the road to ourselves for the most part and occasionally passed another motorbike rider or RV.  We did see more wildlife than usual.  They seem to like the roadside grass better.

Small family of very skittish goats.

This mom and baby tried to outrun us.

Bison?

Bison!

 Yeah, I know this is just some sort of animatronic hullabaloo but it sure looks like a real bear. A for effort Canada.

To be continued...