The boring stuff.

We’ve been busy the past few days – more driving than normal in a day, and a big turnover of the van since we arrived in Dawson City. We had a list of things to do, so it was more business than pleasure. Except for the views along the way – never-ending.

We slept in a campsite just outside of Dawson City. First order of business was to de-mud the van. I didn’t dare step outside while he was spraying – when he was done, he was covered in mud splatter. I wasn’t sure how much work it would be – and this is a somewhat cursory wash. He has special tools and gear to get underneath it once we’re home. I’m sure he’ll be busy for a week getting her cleaned up.

We ended up with an engine light on the last 100 km of the Dempster. 😳 Eric pulled over, did a scan, and it showed an EGR issue. EGR (Exhaust Gas Recirculation) valve reduces harmful emissions by routing exhaust gases back into the engine, but it frequently clogs with heavy carbon deposits if it doesn’t get a good run on the highway. Eric said, “I guess she didn’t like going 40-60 km for over 1500 kilometres.” He said a good run on the highway would burn it off, and 2 days later, we have no engine light on anymore 😁

We left Dawson City after grabbing yet another Schnitzel and Spätzle dish for dinner later that evening. If you ever find yourself in Dawson City, go see Chris at Grumpy Schnitzel (food truck), currently at home next to The Bunkhouse.

We popped across the street to the last outdoor market for the season, and I picked up some fresh fruit and corn(largely brought in from BC). Eric bought a hiking/walking stick made by a local. He’s been looking for the right one for years. Oh. I may have visited the Cookie Lady for a couple of delicious driving treats.
Support local!

We thought we might do another big drive and go straight to Whitehorse, where we needed to tend to our to-do list. The road construction had other plans. Seems like an expansion they’re doing – super big project.

By the time we got through it all, the fine dust covered the van, and Eric was done driving for the day. We found a great place, and the weather was 18° at 6:00pm. So, we had (some) of our dinner, resumed summer evening outside time (still no bugs). The Birkenstocks came back out too.

Morning was not as warm as we hoped for, so we gathered up and headed into Whitehorse.
We got several of our ‘town’ chores done. And we called it a day.
We camped just on the outskirts of Whitehorse.
We walked along the trail there, and it takes you to where you can view the Hydro Dam. We’re always so impressed by these.

We also came to find that many trees have been… chewed down, and some trees have wire mesh around the base of the trunk.
I saw a beaver swimming down a slow-moving river the other day, but I’d never seen one out of the water until seeing the beaver on the highway the other day. I’ve been kind of obsessed with their handiwork. What an interesting mammal!

In the morning, we finished up our shopping in Whitehorse – and off we went. We headed in the direction of Kluane National Park, and after a short drive, we decided to spend the day relaxing. We found a place in the Ibex Valley along the Takini River.
Here we set up camp right in a beaver workshop.

We totally enjoyed a day ‘off’ from driving and plan to take things slow over the next while. My updates may sound like doldrum rambling compared to the last few weeks. Our memories are not what they used to be. So instead of asking one another, “Hey, where did we stay when we were in such and such. I write it here.
Because I can remember song lyrics from the 70’s, but don’t ask me what I had for lunch yesterday…

More exciting travels ahead – on a slower schedule.