The drive from Whitehorse to Haines was a long one without any significant animal sightings (though the many kamikaze squirrels crossing the road in front of them may take issue with that). It was broken up with visits to an historic bridge, gas fill-ups and lunch in a gravel turnaround near the top of Chilkat Pass. There were times they drove through the middle of clouds so dense that the visibility was reduced to less than a quarter of a mile.

The border crossing back into the U.S. was uneventful – a couple questions about firearms, tobacco and alcohol (with greater concern for selling alcohol than carrying for personal consumption) – and the last few miles to Haines along the Chilkat River perked them up as they searched for bald eagles in the great preserve. Thank goodness for the extra hour provided by switching to Alaska time! This allowed an afternoon of grocery/ fishing license shopping and exploration, resulting in more bald eagle sightings.

The arrival in Haines was one of relief as this would be a four-nighter, allowing time for the SE Alaska State Fair, laundry, fishing, and a much more relaxed schedule than the days preceding.

Cliff fishing the Chilkoot

[Photos by Mary VanCott]