July 21, 2012

In reading The Mile Post it seems that yesterday … and today we will be driving some of the more bumpy stretch of the Alaskan Highway. 

Apparently, since its construction in 1942 this section has presented unique challenges, as the soil is of glacial origin along this north part of the highway and unsuitable for road embankments.  “Anything that causes the permafrost to melt will cause the ice-rich soil to liquify; and liquid soil has little strength and will settle or subside.  Then if this soil refreezes during lower air temperatures, it will expand or heave.”  The Mile Post further points out that there never seems to be a shortage of road to straighten, culverts to fix, bridges to replace or surfaces to level out, especially along the stretch of bumpy road between the Donjek River and the Alaska border.  We have seen some construction … but it hasn’t been too bad.  There are red warning flags too … letting you know that there are dips and heaves and to go slow.

We camped not far along the highway from the Donjek River … At the Lake Creek Yukon Government Campground on the Koidern River.  This was our first camp experience in a Yukon Government campground … and we LOVE it!  We have beautiful large pull through sites … there is a bin of free firewood and it’s just $12 a night.

Last night’s dinner was so good … in fact Patti had fixed it early on in our trip, so when she said she could fix it again, I know my eyes lit up.  And get this … the sauce, which is what makes it so very good, comes in a jar!! 

And there isn’t a thing that I would do to change it.  There is a market in San Diego called Fresh and Easy … We discovered one in Point Loma 3 years ago … and since then more have popped up.  Well now they even create some of their own meals and sauces like this one … Tikka Masala Curry Simmer Sauce.  What Patti does is pan saute the chicken breast, then cut it up and put it in a saucepan with the sauce and simmer for 30 minutes.  We then poured it over brown rice with lentils and served it with fresh steamed asparagus.  I am hoping to find a Fresh and Easy store when I get back home to Texas.

Today we cross the border into Alaska … and not just for a day trip this time!  Alaska here we come … we will pass through Tok then west … headed to Valdez.