Hello again.
I’m back from vacation. Please hold your applause until the end of the blog entry.
Some things I learned on my 5,893-mile, 14-day road trip through British Columbia, Yukon Territory, and Alaska:
In Dawson City, Yukon, they take their Robert Service very seriously. Their are daily recitations/performances of his work, and the Robert Service House in Dawson City has folks dressed in period garb who will recite his work and give you little mini-info-tours as you walk past. (They’re a little scary.) If you don’t know “The Shooting of Dan McGrew” by the time you leave town, you must’ve had earplugs in. Shooting of Dan McGrew
Watching your speedometer in km/h is much more gratifying than watching it in mph. (Because 130 feels faster than 75.)
Don’t go 130 on the last 100 km of the Alcan.
When it’s light out for 20 hours, you think you’re going crazy.
You are.
The gift shop at Denali National Park showcased books by three authors: three by Jack London (naturally), two by Robert Service (of course), and six by… Mary Oliver. (Huh?)
I’m more convinced than ever that America is stupid for not adopting the dollar coin. Hell, Canada’s forgone the dollar bill and uses one- and two-dollar coins. Much, much easier than opening the wallet for bills.
Also, why has America not adopted poutine? Just look at it:
Fries, covered in cheese curds, covered in gravy.
How is this not served at every restaurant in the country?
When you go two weeks without opening a book, you can actually develop cravings and withdrawals. Physical symptoms, even. Addiction is possible.
Canada really is the friendliest country.
Alaska, as part of the USA, not so much.
DO NOT HONK AT A MOOSE.
Bears smell awful damn musky when you’re a little too close.
Musk oxen do not have musk glands. They are also not oxen.
While driving through BC, you may see wild bison grazing along the road. Weird.
And, most important, I found that yes, there are some things I will not do for a Klondike bar.
Welcome back, Marcus! Your trip sounds amazing. I have to say that poutine would definitely catch on in the Midwest and the South where cheese and chili covered fries and Fritos are favorite dishes.
Welcome home – sounds like a pretty rad trip. And you’re right, Canadians are so friendly. Strange that Alaskans aren’t, though. Maybe they’ve honked at a few too many moose.
Welcome back! Will there be an Alaskan photo showing/poutine serving coming up soon?