July 20 Thursday

Whitehorse to Dease Lake (Cassier Highway)

Woke up early and had breakfast at the Riverview. Walked around town while everyone got ready. Whitehorse is on the Yukon River and many people come here to canoe. The Yukon is a huge fast-moving river.

Joe got his Shoei repaired at the Yamaha dealer and Jeff picked up chain lube (Scott oiler lost the delivery tube) at the Honda dealer. We left in good weather but it soon turned to rain—and cold. Stopped in Teslin for lunch and gas—we were wet!

After lunch the rain stopped. We put on another layer for the cold and headed for the Cassier Highway. After an hour on the road, I could not stay awake and we stopped for gas. I took a short nap on a picnic table by a lake. It made all the difference and soon we were on our way again.

The Cassiar is a great road amid beautiful mountains and lakes. Saw a brown bear along the way. Stopped at a Jade Shop—the area produces 85% of the world’s jade. Had a wonderful hot chocolate and pressed on to Dease Lake. After a short dirt section we saw the lake—a pristine ocean of a lake. The deepest blue with spruce trees on the edge and rising up to snow capped mountains. Blue sky with perfect white clouds all around—it was a post card.

Stayed at the Mountain Inn. They called over to the restaurant that was about to close. The waited for us and we had dinner with blueberry pie for dessert. Another wonderful day with great roads and incredible scenery.

Tomorrow we head toward Hyder.