ALCAN, Muncho Lake to Coal River, BC

Driving the ALCAN is glorious due to the scenery & wildlife, but tedious due to needing to be on the lookout for animals & potholes.  

a classic Rocky Mountain lodge (No, I didn't stay here, just had breakfast.) 





This map was hand carved into wood. 


And any classy lodge will have a couple of float planes out back to take folks fishing or flight-seeing. 

scenery

Muncho Lake, where I camped last night. The color comes from copper oxide. 


This section of roadway is considered to be good, but it still features these signs warning of bumps or a rough bit. 



I liked the variety of greens & textures in this shot. 


It's early in the season, but a few wildflowers are coming on. 

a famous spot along the ALCAN



 


wildlife sightings

These 3 were together, but wouldn't pose for a family portrait. It surprised me that the young ones moved off a bit as I arrived there, but the mama stayed put until a semi-truck barreled past. 


This section of road almost guarantees a bison sighting. This group had 38 all together, so were likely females along with the 4 young. The 3 I saw a bit later were likely males, as they hang out alone or in small groups. The ones in the brush were rubbing against the tree bark, maybe to rub off their thick winter fur?


...and a very cute little fiberglass trailer - never seen one of these before

                                     

*   *   *   *   *

I've decided to keep an ongoing count of wildlife sightings. 

today: 38 + 3 bison, 3 stone sheep

trip total so far: 

    black bears - 4          deer - 2                grizzlies - 0            moose - 1

    stone sheep - 8        elk - 1                   caribou - 1             bison - 41          

    Dall sheep - 0



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