Tok - Days 2,3 & 4

Tok Day 2

Beautiful morning to take a bike ride and investigate the town.  We rode on the bike path across the highway from our campground.  This led us all the way to the Visitors’ Center.  We picked up a little information about the town and found more about the only animal we have not seen here yet: the wolf. 

 

We came upon Tok School, and discovered that Elementary, Middle and High School grades are all in this building.

 

During our ride back, we encountered this road sign.  We weren’t sure if we needed to turn here or keep going straight, in an effort to avoid the stereotype!

 

We have visited with many, many people here today.  Most are just coming into Alaska.  A few are beginning their trips back into Canada.

Tok Day 3

Sunny again this morning.  We left on our bikes, to check out the Tetlin National Wildlife Refuge.  We were surprised to see several homes that border the Refuge.  The forest was extremely thick as we rode to the Visitors’ Information Headquarters for the Refuge.  (Have to admit, we felt a little insecure after hearing about the Grizzly attack in Glacier National Park.)  We discovered that the center was closed for the holiday weekend.  The maps outside showed the extent of the land/water that comprises the Refuge. The refuge encompasses the East/Central and Southeast areas of Alaska.  Prominent are the Mentasta Mountain Range, the Wrangell/Elias Range and the Chugach Mountains.

 

This evening, we went to the Pancake Toss again, with two other couples.  Bottom line:  We will need to make breakfast in our trailer in the morning again! 

 

After the incompetent tossing, we took part in the nightly community campfire.  Just as the fire was getting started, and a father and son musician team were about to pull out their instruments, it began raining!  We all went back into the gazebo where the tossing is held, and we were treated to quite a performance by these two.  The Folk music styles were French Canadian, American, Irish and Russian.  Doug is the father and Alex is the 13 year old son.  They were from Whitehorse, Yukon.  Alex has been playing the fiddle since he was 4.   We were so impressed with the quality and ease with which he played. Their performance was professional and we thoroughly enjoyed it.

 

Since the fire had to be out and the campground quiet time of 10 pm had reached, we had to end these festivities.  What a great way to end the evening.


Tok Day 4 

Fourth of July Festivities.  We rode our bikes again to the parade route to secure our spot on this busy congested town and streets of Tok, Alaska. (hope you all know we are joking).  However, we were surprised that this many people live here and show up to support their parade along with the tourists visiting town.
















The locals show up in all kinds of vehicles but mostly ATVs


We watched as they barricaded and close the Alaska highway.

The emergency vehicles' sirens alerted us to the start of the parade.  Being tourists and not knowing, we had to ask why all the children had plastic bags?  It turns out the participants of the parade throw candies along their route and these kids actually fill their bags with candies.

Lead Vehicle

Afterwards, we followed the parade to the fairgrounds where many merchants had setup booths, tents, crafts, games and food.  After the singing of the national anthem, the band proceeded to play patriotic and bluegrass songs from 50's.  We sat with  fellow travelers and neighbors from our campground to have lunch and interesting conversations.

not a dog!

An interesting point:  No traditional fireworks in Alaska due to the potential of forest fires and sun shining into the night.

Tomorrow we cross the border into Canada ending an unforgettable trip to Alaska.  We should be at Destruction Bay, YT.  Hopefully the name of this town is not any indication of what is ahead for us.