Sam And Saundra's Year Long Adventure - Part 124

Sam And Saundra’s Year Long Adventure – Part 124

Canada

Still 6/15/09 – Still On The Way To Haines, Alaska And Back

This valley is known as the Tatshenshini River Valley and is the only Yukon coastal river system.  In the ‘once upon a time’, it was a gathering and trading place for first nation people, including locals – Tutchone and Tlingit.  Overland trade trails ran from the river north and east. Lake Dezadeash, Lake Aishihik, Lake Kusawa, Alsek River and Lake Kluane were all involved.  Now, if you are from Washington State, I expect you to be able to tell me how to pronounce all of these names. Please.  One of the villages of the first nation still exists in this area.  You will have to find it on your own.

Bear Crossing Road

On the road to Haines – all two both times – we have seen a total of 7 bear.  We have pictures of most.  We cross the US border with no problems and follow the road into Haines.  It looks very similar to the road in Canada.  One of the first signs we read has to do with us entering a National Preserve or Reserve for eagles, including the Bald Eagle.  About two corners later, Sam sees a Bald Eagle perched on a snag in the middle of the river.  He slows way down so I can take pictures.  I am not concerned since he had spotted one so quick, we both thought more would certainly be around.  Did not see another.  Sam did see a deer jump the road and into the brush.

Haines Eagle

The town of Haines looks like a regular, small, Oregon coast town - like Pacific City.  We drive around it, taking in the bay sights.  We walk a little and stop for a halibut ‘n chip lunch.  We did not go up (or down) the bay to check out the ferry docks.  Haines not only has a ferry to Skagway, but is also a stop on the ‘inside passage’ ferry system.  When we are Hainesed-out, we take the same road back to camp. 

Bear

We pass both customs just fine and head back to the Yukon. We spot another bear and take pictures.  I had already decided that my new name was going to be Seven Bears.  I really think that it has that ‘classy’ and ‘classic’ sound to it.  So far Sam is DeerTwoMooseEagle. We were talking and generally keep our eyes pointing out, when at the side of the road a big critter – the size of a medium raccoon – was spotted.  It was tan, with a little dark here and there.  Got pictures from afar – as it is a porcupine. Very healthy.  We spook it once and it took off, only to return before we are out of eyesight.  We see another about two miles down the road, a little bigger, but totally black, with some grey mixed in.  Quills a quiverin’.  We continue down the road after getting some pictures. 

Full Quiver

We catch sight of one more on the other side of the road. Sam u-turns Brutus and I take pictures as Sam inches up on him.  I called “uncle” and turn around to tell Sam (I am standing on the running board with the door open), when right behind me I spot a big black bear munching away. He is in the large dip at the side of the road and we did not see him when we made the u-turn.  I just about fell off of the truck.  Sam just about helped me by moving Brutus at a most inopportune time.  Whew!  When I knew I be safe, I do the rational thing – take more pictures.  We try as hard as we can to spot one more bear.  We can’t.  Sam’s new name is DeerTwoMooseEagleThreePorcupineManyBear.  Not bad, huh?

Favorite Dandy's

We get back to camp in the late evening, but could not tell it.  We wonder if we rent a boat for half a day if we can stay out for 12 hours?  We wonder if darkness is a part of the definition of night.  We wonder if all ‘southerners’ are as nuts as we are.  Good Eeee-vennn-ingggg!