August 11
65mi/104km
2300ft/701m elevation gain
It was a day of lakes today. Of course it rained again in the early morning, but was over by the time we got up. We cooked breakfast under the sheltered kitchen area at the campground again. We rode along the lake we camped near, then another, then another. We saw more Trumpeter Swans, more Green-winged Teals, and American Wigeons. On land, we saw Spruce Grouse, Cliff Swallows, Black-billed Magpies, Red-tailed Hawks, and a Peregrine Falcon.
In the afternoon we came upon Fox Lake, which was truly massive, and we stopped for lunch at the campground near the shore. It was sunny while we ate, but as we were filtering water before heading on, we got a brief burst of rain. In moments it was over, so we continued on. We passed more lakes, and started to get lovely mountain views. I believe we are starting to see the Cassiar Mountains.
In the evening, we wanted to get close to Whitehorse before camping, but started to worry we got too close when every side road appeared to be private property.
We had some service so I was able to find a spot that overlanders like to camp at, and although it was a little ways off the highway it sounded nice. It rained on us again for about 20 minutes, and the road to camp was dirt but not too muddy. Gradually, the road got worse and worse, until we dismounted and were walking, wondering how much further we needed to go when the road ahead just got too bad for us to feel motivated enough to continue. The spot was supposed to be right on the Yukon River, but we simply set up camp in the woods.
It’s not supposed to rain again, but we’ll see about that. Though we really hope it doesn’t so the road we have to ride back out on is actually rideable and not a muddy slog. Either way, it’s only 20 miles to Whitehorse. Sunset tonight is 10:09pm!
