Whitehorse, Yukon

Got the windshield fixed and groceries bought then went sightseeing. Before 1959 a hydroelectric dam was built across the Yukon in Whitehorse cutting off the route the salmon took to spawn up-stream from the dam. So the longest wooden fish ladder in the world was built to provide the access the chinook (king) salmon needed. The salmon have started their run from the Pacific Ocean but won't reach this part of the river until late July -- a distance of over 1800 miles. They will lay their eggs in the lake and die. The fry will stay in the lake for about 2 years before they head back down the river to the ocean where they will live for 3-6 years and then start the process over again. There are weirs and nets that guide the fish to the ladder which rises 60 feet from the river to the lake. They also have a fish hatchery here to raise salmon fry to add to the population.

We also toured the SS Klondike Sternwheeler Steamship. It used to ply the waters between here and Dawson City carrying supplies, mail, people and, on its return, silver and gold which was then hauled by train to Skagway on the coast. It was pretty amazing piece of equipment. Especially when you consider that it could only run from late April to mid-October when the river wasn't frozen. The Yukon is fast running and shallow with its fair share of sand bars and rapids. The ship was built in 1937 and retired in 1955 when roads and trains took over its job. I visited a log church build in 1900.

Then we stopped at the Yukon Brewery and sampled the local beer. Pretty good! We watched them fill up glass jugs for customers that look to hold about 2 liters. They are referred to as "Growlers". Don't know why.