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Yukon Photo Tour Blog Sept 2 2016
September 02, 2016 at 12:17 PM
September 1, 2016 - Rock Glacier & Muktuk Adventures
After breakfast at the Village Bakery in Haines Junction, we headed south to begin our day’s exploration.
We climbed up onto Rock Glacier. Glaciers scouring the land have left this rock formation that resembles a glacier spilling down from the mountain. It is still shifting today with runoff flowing under the formation. The Rock Glacier Trail explores various eco systems. Down low there are marsh-like conditions and at the higher elevations it becomes barren as you navigate the slopes of a rockslide. From the top of the trail there is a spectacular view of Dezadeash Lake.
Just north of the Rock Glacier is Kathleen Lake. Part of Kluane National Park, this is a popular destination offering boating and many trails. It is a wonderful spot to just relax and take in the beauty of the Yukon.
Heading east toward Whitehorse, we visited Champagne Landing. In 1942, the United States Army Engineers pushed the Alaska Highway through the village of Champagne. When the Army road was being built, the soldiers set up camp among the existing buildings of the village. Some of the buildings and vehicles are still there today.
Dinner tonight was a unique Yukon experience at Muktuk Adventures.
Muktuk is owned and operated by Yukon Quest Legend Frank Turner and his wife Anne Tayler. They share their property with about 125 Alaskan Huskies who are born, raised and retired at the ranch. About 80 of the dogs are active sled dogs.
Frank is one of Yukon’s most accomplished mushers, having attempted the Yukon Quest 24 times in 25 years, placing in the top six 10 times, and won the 1,600 km wilderness race once.
We had the chance to meet the dogs, play with the puppies and learn more about the Yukon Quest. The evening was topped off with a dinner of smoked candied salmon, bison blueberry sausage, bison & elk steaks, arctic char, fresh garden vegetables and home made brownies.
Quill Creek crosses the Haines Highway south of Haines Junction
Albert sets up for an HDR at Quill Creek
The creek looks very different just a few metres away from the highway
The Rock Glacier as seen from the highway
Danny, Godfrey, Sim, Kwang and Sue along the Rock Glacier lower trail
Wild flower near the entrance to the trail
More colour along the lower trail
The leading edge of the Rock Glacier
Val, Kwang, Danny and Sim on the Rock Glacier
The view of Dezadeash Lake from the top of the path
More fall colours along the shore of Kathleen Lake
The east shoreline of Kathleen Lake
Reflections in one of the small inlets at Kathleen Lake
Setting off to explore the buildings and vehicles at Champagne Landing
Very slowly, nature is reclaiming the vehicles
Albert finding a better perspective
Many of the log cabins are in poor condition, while others like this one are used for storage
The some of the kennels at Muktuk. Even though the dogs are working dogs, they are treated like pets.
Val and Betty Ann vying for Treylock’s attention
As deb finds out, the dogs are very friendly and love attention
Senior guide, Jeff Larson, knows the names of all of the dogs. The love between him and the animals is obvious.
Getting their exercise in the Tahini river.
These dogs are part of one team. They work and play together all the time.
Who doesn’t love puppies? Obviously Sue likes them.
Sim also seems enthralled with these 6 week old huskies.
Deb wants to know how to smuggle him home.
Jeff talking about the Yukon Quest with a little help from his friends.
I think they have heard this story before.
Kwang having fun with the puppies, thanks Sue Smith for the photo.
Bill agrees with Deb they need to take one home, thanks Sue Smith for the photo.
Interesting terrain, thanks Godfrey Lee for the photo.
Fall reflections, thanks Godfrey Lee for the photo.
And finally a group shot looking down the valley toward Haines Junction.
Tomorrow we head south of Whitehorse to explore the area around Carcross.
Good night from the Trekkers in Whitehorse.
Please add a comment
The photos and commentary are wonderful to see and here!
Looks like everyone is enjoying their trip too!
By the look of it everyone has a soft spot for the puppies and you captured that beautifully.
Wish I was there with you.
I will be getting another puppy soon though(Sheltie).
Great pics!