Road Trip Home: Day 6

We made it! Blue skies, lots of bison and mostly smooth roads.

We left Fort Nelson, BC around 10:15AM. We had scheduled a long day of driving. Saw some beautiful sights so we stopped at various turnouts to take photos, stretch legs, bathroom breaks and to eat. We went through Steamboat Pass and Summit Pass (both elevation of over 4,000ft) which were the highest scheduled summits on the trip. Also stopped at Muncho Lake to take photos and stretch.

I had the urge to dip my hands in the clear turquoise waters. As we walked the 200 or so yards across the highway and over the rocks to the water, my copilot, Rez, jumped out of the passenger window of the Subaru to follow us down to the lake. He looked like a coyote crossing the highway! Despite the remote area, there were logging trucks and RVs on the highway which quickly made us nervous. I'm so thankful that Pete had turned around to look and see Rez trotting towards us. Once we started calling his name and running to him, he remained in the road confused. Pete got him to go in the bus with Bear...I think Rez was just lonely in the car by himself! 
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Moving on, we passed a couple of herds of buffalo grazing along the side of the highway. This was my favorite part of the trip. We didn't stop because it was so hot and it would have put us in a dangerous situation. Wild bison, or any bison for that matter, are not to be crossed. 

We made it to Watson Lake, YK and finally crossed into the famously wild Yukon of Canada. We fueled up both vehicles as fuel was becoming more scarce along the highway. I'm glad we didn't stay in Watson Lake. It was hot, dusty and not much food. We did however, make a quick stop at the "Sign Forest". Located some South Dakota and Minnesota signs before taking off again for the Baby Nugget Campground. Glad we stayed there! It was shaded with beautiful pines and we met another young couple from Wisconsin also traveling up to Alaska to stake their claim. It was interesting exchanging stories and hearing their stories on how they prepped for their journey. We exchanged info and remain in contact. They live up near Talkeetna--a bit more remote than I wanted to be. Temperatures cooled down in the evening and we grilled pork chops & peppers with baked beans. Dogs were able to stretch out, meet some four-legged neighbors and follow their noses around the moose scat. We also noticed that we lost a hubcap (on the troublesome tire nonetheless!). Surprised we didn't hear or see it come off, we believe it came off near Laird Springs, YK where the roads were a tad bumpier. Pick it up for us if you happen to see it.
Tomorrow will be our last day/night in Canada. As I enjoyed another mango Pepsi and green tea Kit-Kat, we reviewed our schedule for the next day, destination in Haines Junction, YK. 

Subaru summiting Steamboat Pass in British Columbia.

Standing next to Muncho Lake in British Columbia. The water was chilly and the rocks were hot from baking in the sun.

The first bison herd we came upon in British Columbia. We didn't stop for photos because it would create a dangerous situation on the highway. Plus, we wanted to make it to the Yukon campsite for dinner.

Pete in the Sign Forest in Watson Lake, YK.

Looking for any familiar states from home, both Minnesota and South Dakota. Thousands to sift through!

Campsite in Baby Nugget Campground in the Yukon.