On the trail of the Alaska Highway:Manitoba, Saskatchewan, Alberta

It took us a while to get to the official start of the Alaska Highway. On Day 2, we traveled 330 miles from Larimore, ND to a small town in Manitoba, Binscarth. Upon crossing the Canadian border at the International Peace Garden (US 281 to Canada 10), we found what we hoped would be the worst highway of our trip, or, at the least, good training for the Alaska Highway. 10 North was torn up and under construction. Binscarth, however, was a pleasant end to the day. The Lion's Club there sponsors the RV Park and Pool, a community swimming pool, enjoyed by the local youth (and Lynette), with a park like area with a few electrical hook-ups for RV's and a concession stand serving delicious bison burgers. Another treat in Binscarth was getting to know a pair of fellow travelers, a couple returning to their home in Winnipeg. Kathy and Leo had immigrated from Holland to Canada with their individual families as teenagers. A very important part of this RV lifestyle is the fun of meeting and learning from so many friendly, interesting folks along the way.

On day 3, June 23rd, we dodged thunderstorms and tornadoes as we followed Transcanada Highway 16 for 281 miles to Saskatoon, Saskatchewan. Saskatoon 16W was a spacious RV park on the West side of town, almost on the prairie. We stayed for several days, washing the mud off of our vehicles, sampling their local specialties (Saskatoon berry pie, cabbage rolls, sausage), and trying to wait out the storms as we watched the "living sky" of Saskatchewan. We had never seen such a weather pattern. The storm clouds would hit us with their rain and fury, then circle around in the sky far above and return to hit us again.

Finally, on Day 7, June 27th, we hit the road again (Transcanada 16), driving 425 miles to Whitecourt, Alberta, where we stayed at Sagitawah RV Park. The park was on the Athabasca River and was hosting speedboat races, so it was a bit noisy, but did have some cute characters in their petting zoo.

Day 8, June 28th, we drove 170 miles via TransCan 16, then Hwy43, to Grand Prairie, AB and Country Roads RV Park. Leaving there the next morning, we finally saw our first highway sign for Alaska. That was Day 9, and after 90 miles of driving on Hwy 43, then BC 97, we finally reached the official beginning of the Alaska/Alcan Highway, Mile 0, in Dawson Creek, BC. Yes, it had taken us 1589 miles of travel from Duluth, MN, just to reach the REAL BEGINNING of our Alaska adventure.