D2D Day 9 White Horse YK to Klondike River Lodge, YK 307 Miles

Greetings from the Klondike River Lodge at the Start of the Dempster Highway, gateway to the Arctic Circle and the town of Inuvik, some 456 dirt road miles away. The lodge is only 25 miles from Dawson City, Yukon Territory.


We left White Horse this morning in a downpour that lasted for about an hour. After that, it was alternating sunshine and brief thunder showers the rest of the way. On one occasion, we ran into some hail. I can't tell you how much that hurts on a motorcycle at 70 MPH--ouch!

While loading the bikes in the rain this morning I was struck by the sight of several senior citizens boarding a tour bus and thinking how incredibly fortunate I am as a senior citizen to have the health and ability to tour this spectacular land by motorcycle. I cannot imagine having to press my nose against a dirty tour bus window to see it. I think it's great that the seniors are getting out and traveling, but they don't get to feel the sting of rain on your face, the smell of the evergreens and wet pavement from a passing thunder storm, or stopping whenever and whenever you want to take in a spectacular view or take a photograph. I am truly blessed.

We rode three 100 mile legs today through thick green forests, over mountain tops, past placid reflective lakes and over massive flowing rivers. We stopping at the Moose Creek Lodge for lunch near Stewart Crossing, where we met Elenore, the cook, waitress and dishwasher, see photo.

Approaching the Dawson City area the temperature increased dramatically from the low 50's to over 80 degrees. It was actually quite hot in the sun.

We pulled into the parking lot at the Klondike River Lodge, adjacent to the Start of the Dempster Highway, a 456 mile long dirt road to the Arctic Circle and the remote town of Inuvik, North West Territory. Rumors are running amok today about the Dempster, it's closed, it's open, they're turning people around at the mid-point because the rivers are too high and the ferries can't run, two people died on that road last year, ya know, etc. They say if raining don't go, if it's dry go, but hope it doesn't rain. So, tomorrow we'll check the weather and make a decision, go or no go.

We may be off-line for a few days, if we go, no cell service and limited to no WIFI.  Wish us good fortune, we make our own luck.

Until next time, it's all right here in the diaries my friends, mostly true most of the time.