- Cafe and internet break in the bakery in Haines Junction
- Hike on the edge of the Kluane National Park
- Re-entry to Haines, Alaska
- Watch the bald eagle with young in the eyrie
- Watch the grizzly fish at dusk
The night was a bit cooler than last in the camper, but still not too cold. In any case, I slept well and am ready for today's stage. After a hearty breakfast I drive the short distance to Haines Junction. I have a longer stop at the bakery. There I use the WIFI to update the blog, skype and look for information about my onward journey.
When I start heading south on the Haines Highway, it's still cloudy and much cooler than yesterday, but it doesn't rain either. I spontaneously decide to go on a hike to the Kluane National Park. Most of the path leads through dense forest and later along a stream. I put my bear bell on on my backpack and the spray is also with me. In order to avoid unwanted confrontations with a bear, I also draw attention to myself at blind spots. The weather is not getting any better and I still have a long way to go. That's why I decide to turn back after just under an hour.
The highway runs along the route that the Tlingit Indians used as a trade route inland and was later used by the whites as the Dalton Trail. The pass leads to an altitude of over 1000m. For me one of the most scenic routes in the Yukon and Alaska. Unfortunately, low clouds and fog in places often obscure the view over the wilderness of the high plateau. Then the road slowly descends to Alaska and the Chilkoot River. Up to 3500 bald eagles gather here every autumn to eat their fill during the last big salmon migration of the year. The heraldic animal of the USA occurs here all year round, even if not quite as numerous. The route along the water-rich river valley ends in the town of Haines. Since the Visitors Center is already closed, I drive straight on along Lutak Road to Chilkoot State Park. For me the clear highlight of the place. 5 years ago we were able to marvel at fishing grizzlies up close. Let's see if I'm so lucky today. I see a bald eagle family sitting in the eyrie, but the bears are scarce right now. Apparently I just missed one, another visitor tells me. It's getting late. therefore I drive back to the practically located Salmon Run Campground. Here I cook rice, vegetables and minced meat before going back to the river. This time my patience will be rewarded. In the twilight I can see a grizzly fishing on the other side of the river. Motivated for tomorrow I drive back to the campground and shower. Let's see what tomorrow will bring.
