It was hard to get up north in the early 20th century. One of the fastest methods of travel was up the Yukon on the SS Keno. It transported silver, zinc and lead ore from the mines. On 25 August 1960 the Keno left Whitehorse to sail downstream to Dawson City. In doing so she became the last of the Yukon’s sternwheeler steamers to navigate the Yukon River under her own power.

Dawson City, Yukon Territories. Think Virginia City, Montana on steroids. I’ve now been to every gold rush town in North America. The Downtown Hotel is where “The Toe” happens. I can still taste it.

The Midnight Dome Lookout, Dawson City Yukon Territories and the Yukon river. For decades people have gathered on the top of the hill to watch the midnight sun and the changing colors of the night sky.

We were 300 miles up the Dempster when we were approached by a Czechoslovakian research team who were living on the tundra, about 100 km off the only road in the area.  They had lost all their bear spray and had been “stalked” by 3 grizzlies for the last 5 nights.  The leader of the team was extremely worried.  He was asking all the travelers if they had any extra spray.  We didn’t bring any and I felt bad for them.  The closest place for anything like that was over 300 miles away.

Road trip discussions:

Karen: What scares you?
Me: Zombie Hookers?
Karen: Why?
Me: Because they are very nice and approachable, willing to talk to you over drinks. Then they eat you.