Signpost Forest at Watson Lake in the Yukon.

Hitching a ride.

Made it from Whitehorse, YT to Fort Nelson, BC without a problem. Was tempted (for a split second) to drive on, but it was getting dark. Too many animals on the road today. Was stuck behind a bison for a little while. Nearly hit an eagle that was feasting on what used to be a bison. It must have either starved to death this winter, or was perhaps killed by a vehicle. I can't imagine hitting one of those things. A few other animals that I didn't bother to stop for -- owls, moose, etc...

My advice to anyone who drives the ALCAN (officially called the Alaska Highway) out of season: top off the tank often. Over a 100-mile stretch I passed five gas stations that were closed for winter; the pumps buried in six feet of snow.

From what the locals have said, the winter wasn't especially cold in the Yukon; they just got much more snow than usual. The ALCAN is completely clear, though, except for a few spots between Whitehorse and Watson Lake. Ran into some flurries, which turned into a whiteout for around five or ten minutes. Once I crested the top of the mountain it was smooth sailing for the next few hundred miles.

Tomorrow it's on to Dawson Creek and beyond. Unless I wake up and decide to take a side trip to the NWT.