Day 15 - May 5 - GPS DOES NOT WORK WITHOUT INTERNET OR CELL SERVICE

The Robert Campbell Highway is a 583 kilometre route connecting Watson Lake to Carmacks, featuring a mix of paved and gravel roads. We decided we wanted to drive the paved portion (about 110 kilometres in one direction) to see as much of the Yukon as possible before we leave tomorrow. We had not been on any of this in our previous two trips to the Yukon.

Many people wonder why I select to travel these roads. Besides being a little bit weird I totally enjoy the isolation. We did not see a single vehicle in either direction in 2 hours on our trip up the highway. It causes some people concern but it never occupies my mind with the "what if" factor. It's peaceful as can be, often even somewhat boring...but I love that.

It doesn't remain looking like northern Ontario for long. The landscape changes to the mountain vistas we have been enjoying over the last ten days.

For many years the Frances River was part of a Hudson's Bay Company route into central Yukon. Because of the dangerous rapids and canyons, the route was abandoned in later years. The bridge stands out in the wilderness environment.

At the 107 kilometre mark we turned off the highway to check out the unpaved, unassumed Nahanni Range Road 10. In short order this sign made us reconsider and return to the paved highway. We had no idea where the Range Road went.

As soon as we turned back onto the highway the GPS changed. It had not been directing us all along but at least showed the road we travelled. Now...

Built in 1942, the Watson Lake airport is the last remaining air terminal building from the Northwest Staging Route still in use in the Yukon. Its distinctive log construction is reflective of the use of local building materials and the speed with which the Watson Lake airbase was constructed.

This is not a busy airport. This is what an airport lounge should look like...maybe a little more comfortable seating.

Having travelled the Dempster Highway in its entirety in 2018 I was disappointed but not surprised at the lack of wildlife today. We did see a fox run across the road like it was on fire and disappear into the forest just as quickly. As we turned back onto the highway from the airport we stopped to observe this fella. Hey buddy, if you head west a little you'll find things much more peaceful.

Tomorrow we return to BC. Not because we want to so soon after leaving but from Watson Lake the road heads down through a fairly lengthy (500 kilometres +) section of BC to get to the Northwest Territories. Hang in there with us!

😎