Day 11 - Hot and Cold

Stopped at Liard River Hot Springs for a soak. Walk through the forest on a wood-plank path constructed by the road builders for the Alaska-Canada Highway. A moose wandered around in the warm waters of the wetlands, and one pool deeper in the forest was closed. Bears had mauled some bathers last year.

Onward to Watson Lake, another dusty drive-through of a place, functional only, catering to truckers and oil workers. Every motel looked as rough and ready as the next one. A huge tractor trailer drew up with more than 30 husky-type dogs in cages. Men and women in cowboy hats fed and watered them, and then drove on. Fitful sleep. Doors banged and footfall in the hallways throughout the night.

Watson Lake's one redeeming feature is its signpost park, started in 1941 by a homesick Alcan highway worker. It's a quirky tribute to the importance of place. Leave one of your home town, street, or destination.