17 June, Muncho Lake and Liard Hot Springs

The Alaska Highway was first completed during WWII by the Army Corps of Engineers to connect Alaska to the Continental United States. Gravel for many years, it is now just about completely paved, except for several sections of construction to repair damage and to provide continuous highway improvement. One obstacle to the early builders was Muncho Lake. Both the east and west sides were steep, so the road had to be cut into the side of a 5 mile hillside.  One of the interpretive signs speaks to a dozen pieces of heavy construction equipment toppling over and sinking to the bottom of this 300-foot deep lake.  

In this photo we were camped on the edge of the lake to the left side.  The lake is crystal clear. The water looks so pure that you could drink it.  It gives a blue-green appearance owing to the presence of fine suspended silt that reflects green and blue.

On Friday we drove 30+ miles north to Liard River Hot Springs Provincial Park.  This is a famous spot along the Alaska Highway. Just a mile or two from the Hot Springs, this Army Corps suspension bridge crosses the Liard River, another glacial/runoff wonder.  BTW, "liard" is French for cottonwood, as in tree.  It's aptly named since there are not only a lot of cottonwood trees along its banks, but there is a lot of "cotton" floating in the air...that is, when it's not raining.

Along the way we saw this little guy (he appeared to be juvenile) alongside the road.  We took photos from the car.  ...not wanting to temp fate. Bean wanted to go play, but "tasty snack" and all, we kept Bean and Dory in the car.

These bison, with some newborn calves were sunning on the other side of the road from the bear. No kidding, only 500 yards apart or so.

We walked the impressive boardwalk a 1/3 of a mile to the springs, and marveled at how someone could happen upon them.  The first written record, it turns out, was from Robert Campbell, working for the Hudson's Bay Company, in 1835.  A trapper, he may have been led there by native Americans. The Army Corps built the first boardwalk and the springs facilities in 1942.

Liard River Hot Springs. The water emerges from the ground just behind John, Pam, and Mary at nearly 130 degrees F. As you get further away from the source, the temperature becomes bearable. It is definitely HOT. No doubt about it.  The province has done an amazing job building a changing room, a platform, and stairs for easy entry.  Imagine this at -40 degrees F.  There are photos. The water stays hot. Peoples' hair freezes.  Google it.  Do not drive the Alaska Highway without stopping here.