Alaska/Canada 2022-23: Millions of Critters

Doug had a lot of rain coming north through British Columbia. 

     Doug had been on the road for about three weeks when Marilyn flew to Whitehorse, Yukon Territory to join him.
    From the Washington/British Columbia border north, Doug was treated to lots of wildlife. He did a great job getting pictures, but being alone in the van and given the shyness of wildlife, he wasn't always able to. Besides, the point, I sometimes have to remind myself, is not to record but to experience the trip.

Sometimes the Caution: Moose sign proves accurate. This guy was still in felt with the beginnings of a rack on him. 

 Best not to get out of the vehicle to get closer to wildlife.

For approximately 40 miles, buffalo seemed to enjoy eating right next to the road.

Could there be a more perfect picture of a bear?

There are two types of caribou in the Yukon: barren-ground and woodland. Given their range, this one is probably Woodland Caribou.

Another black bear along the roadside.

Driving above Miles Canyon on our way out of Whitehorse we encountered this red fox out for a stroll.

    Always on the lookout for wildlife, Doug spotted another moose on the road as we headed north on the AlCan Highway.

 We had no problem slowing to allow her to cross. The moose would no doubt win any contest with a vehicle.

Who, me?

Two of these little guys were around our campsite at Eagle Plains, halfway up the Dempster Highway (there's a blog coming about that drive). I think it's a juvenile Canada jay.

    Heading back south after our brief stop at the Arctic Circle, I commented that we hadn't seen any of the wildlife that inhabit the area, when Doug spotted two musk ox attempting to cross the road!

You'll just have to take my word that the black is a musk ox hustling back into the roadside brush.

The musk ox's mate hustled after.

    The rangers at the campground and back in Dawson recorded our rare sighting and even called the rangers in Inuvik to share the news.

    Not all critters are equal. At last count, we think we've met at least a couple million mosquitoes on this trip. At the Arctic Circle, we were greeted by swarms of them. Dressed elegantly in my mosquito bonnet, I got a few shots of the van next to the sign before jumping back in the van, accompanied by umpteen new friends. 

Results of our mosquito swatting prowess on van ceiling. Hydrogen peroxide takes it out.

    Thank goodness for the mosquito screens on our side and back doors. They've been unfurled the entire trip. We ordered them from Rolef Solutions of Montreal during the pandemic. We'd originally planned to have them installed during our 2020 eastern Canada trip, but...covid.

Side door screen is held closed by magnetic strips.

Back door screen has black zip-up curtain, also.

When our Maxx fan in the ceiling is on, mosquitoes congregate on it, hoping to find a way to us, clinging on even when it's at 60% power. 

Thermacell, which runs on little fuel containers and a repellent pad, has worked quite well keeping the mosquitoes away when outdoors.

Mosquito repellent incense sticks also help. We got these from Katie after out time with Doug's kids last summer at the Hood Canal.

    We'll be back with more on our current trip in Canada and now in Alaska.