Day 47: Summit of the Alaska HWY.

Mountain Goats and more Bisons welcomed us on the one before the last stretch on the Alaska HWY. It was yet another great drive with fantastic views. We stopped at Muncho Lake for refreshment over the lovely views of the lake and were impressed by the folded mountain viewpoint: incredible rock formation of the mountains – making it appear as paper that was just smashed and folded. Amazing. As we were driving, we continuned to be amazed by the number of signs telling us to be carfeul not to heat a Carribo – and we never saw one on the road (other than some distant Carribo in Denali).
The day’s Hike was Summit Ridge Trail in the Stone Mountain Provincial Park. It was not an easy hike, and the climb was very steep. While the views were incredible – we did not continue to the first vista point (let alone the summit) – as the terrain did not make us feel safe and easy (or we may have been tired). Thus, we stopped two-thirds of the way to the first viewpoint – the view of the lakes and mountains was incredible enough to appreciate.
As we approached Fort Nelson – we felt like we were back to modern civilization – the way we knew it. The grass on the side of the road was well maintained. The houses were big and modern, and the traffic was heavy. Even the sun started to set at “normal” time, and the nights were dark. The trip is about to reach its final stretch before we return to reality…..