Rain and Temperature Schitzophrenia

P-Rock, coming to you live from bustling Whitehorse, Yukon Territory

Day 9 - Liard Hot Springs, BC to Whitehorse, YT






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Day 9 and it's continued to rain at least for an hour every day. Today was probably the worst weather conditions we've seen. We started out in 42 degree sun that turned into 44 degree rain showers followed by a steady rain for much of the morning trip. After we stopped for our usual brunch in Watson Lake, Yukon Territory (and to warm up and dry out) we posted signs in the Watson Lake "signpost forest" (another must see stop for the adventurous souls that get here), added clothing since it had only warmed up to 49 degrees and headed northwest to Whitehorse, some 460 km (a little less than 300 miles) away. Weather being what it is, the sun came out and the temperature soared to 84 degrees and we were two roasted piglets by the time we got to Whitehorse. Mother Nature really has it in for us.

The brake line patch is not perfect, but holding better than no patch at all. If I fill up the rear reservoir I can get a day of riding before a refill is needed and the brakes are holding. However since we have no phone service (people who have reported coming up the highway previously either lie or have some magic phone we do not possess) for three days now I have not been able to raise a BMW dealer in Alaska to see if we can get a brake line in time to have it installed. I was able to skype a call to a closed dealer in Fairbanks this evening - hopefully he'll listen to my ramblings and be able to help us out... I am hoping for Fairbanks on Saturday and the backup plan is Anchorage the following Wednesday. After that we have at least 5 more days before we see another dealer in Calgary.

Wildlife is becoming second nature. The idea that you get immune to these sightings is incredulous until you realize just how many bears, bison and such are around. We've lost count of bears and bison - and the highlight today was a fox along the road. It really is something to behold.

Scenery wise, we started to get into some of the region with higher peaks and glaciers today. Another sensory treat for the soul.

Blackie and I are looking VERY forward to tipping some frosty Yukon Lagers this evening. Trust me, we need them. We are also very glad to hear that our followers are thirsting for more posts. We promise not to disappoint.

On the PJ's front, we have official record of PJ's being represented at Watson Lake's signpost forest... I'd not recommend putting a restaurant there, as WL is only population 800 (even though it could use a good wing joint!). Rather, go straight to Whitehorse. Great town, but downtown only had a handful of restaurants, only one of which was full enough to have a wait for seating. This research is invaluable, I tell you.

P-Rock, reporting from the wet, frozen, and steamy north.