Day 49: Travel to Tok, Alaska

On this travel day from Valdez to Tor, Alaska, we traveled 224.5 miles, retracing our steps on Richardson Highway Route 4 to Glennallen.  As usual we were the last to leave Bear Paw Camper Park (before the Tailgunners).

Bear Paw RV Campground

 

It was a rainy day although we were able to see some of the mountains at our start.

 

Outside Valdez area

We carefully travelled along the rough road that was frequently in mid repair because of frost heaves.

 

Road work was being done all along the way

Thompson Pass was clouded over and we were glad that we were able to see its vistas on our way into Valdez a few days ago. On the clear stretches our diesel truck was able to overtake a few of our fellow caravaners.  We had a mission as we wanted to stop at the Visitor’s Center of Wrangell-St. Elias National Park. It is the largest national park – six times the size of Yellowstone National Park.  Since all the mountains were not to be seen on this rainy day, we opted for the film at the visitor center.  Here we saw people climbing the mountains and cross country skiing over parts of it.  We also saw various pelts and a bear skin.

 

Snow Covered Wrangell-St. Elias Mountains

Bear skin at the Wrangell-St. Elias Visitor Center

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Shortly after Glennallen we took the cutoff to Tok (Glenn Highway Route 1).  Although the rain continued, we were treated to many variations of fall colors of the foliage and trees.  Fall has already arrived here in Alaska. 

Tree are turning a beautiful yellow

We finally arrived at Tok RV Village in the late afternoon.  Most of us had a “let’s eat out” (LEO) at Fast Eddy’s nearby – a brisk (it’s in the 40’s) and windy walk to the restaurant.

The group enjoying Fast Eddy'ss Food

Another part of the group getting ready to order at Fast Eddy's 

 

One of many dishes served at Fast Eddy's
 

 

Afterwards we were entertained by a local singer (good voice!) who sang many songs from, e.g., Johnny Cash, Elvis, Kris Kristofferson. Despite the cold, many enjoyed their double

scoop ice cream cones.

Submitted by Rig # 13

Jim & Linda