AUGUST 2, 2012----TOP OF THE WORLD HIGHWAY TO CHICKEN

After 2 great fun filled days in Dawson City, Yukon Territories it is time to move on.  We left this morning for the ferry which will take us to the beginning of the Top Of The World Highway.  This small ferry takes 2 motorhomes and 2 cars over at a time.  We just have to ride the ferry to cross the river and begin todays journey.  The Top Of The World Highway is mostly dirt and gravel for 110 miles.  It has rained all night and we are all a little nervous about making the trek.  It is also very foggy to add to our woes.  

VEHICLES BEING LOADED ONTO THE FERRY TO CROSS THE
YUKON RIVER

OUR MOTORHOME AND CAR HEADING UP THE TOP OF THE WORLD HIGHWAY IN THE FOG

THE FOG HAS CLEARED.  THIS IS WHAT THE ROAD LOOKS LIKE (LOTS OF POTHOLES AND RUTS)  TOOK US 5 1/2 HRS TO GO 110 MILES

TOP OF THE WORLD HIGHWAY

FINALLY ENTERING ALASKA

We have arrived at Chicken, Alaska.  Chicken is the first town we entered after reaching Alaska.  It has a year round population of 5.   They have to generate their own electricity here.  The town of Chicken has a Cafe, a Liquor store, a barroom and a gift shop....all of these businesses are in a row (like a strip mall).  The gift shop, liquor store and bar are all owned by the same person.  The person who sold you something in the gift shop will be the same person who sells you a drink in the bar.  

CHICKEN, ALASKA

THE TOWN OF CHICKEN

THE CHICKEN POOP (THEIR OUTHOUSE)

While in Chicken we got to pan for gold.  It is a lot harder than they make it look.  We each walked away with a few flakes of gold.  

JESSE PANNING FOR GOLD

CAN YOU EVEN TELL WHAT COLOR THE CAR IS?

This is what our cars and coaches looked like after travelling the Top Of The World Highway.  

We were treated by the staff to a chicken sandwich dinner.  Then the owners of the campground came to serve us homemade cobbler and ice cream.  They stayed and talked to us about how they ended up in Chicken and gave us many facts about Alaska.  They were very interesting to listen to.  The owner also has a dredge and told us about how they mine for gold here.  They work very hard but seem to love the life.  Glad they live here and not us.

We ended up the evening with a crazy hat contest.  Here is a picture of our hats.

Only in Chicken for one night.  Nice being in Alaska finally.  It has taken us 24 days to get here.  It's been a great journey so far.  Looking forward to the rest of it.