TOK, ALASKA

Tok had its beginnings as a construction camp on the Alcan Highway in 1942.  Today, it is a major overland point of entry to Alaska, it is primarily a trade and service center for all types of transportation.  The governor proclaimed Tok “Mainstreet Alaska” in 1991 and the townspeople are proud of this designation.  It is sometimes referred to as the “Sled Dog Capital of Alaska” because so many of its residents are involved with dogs and dog mushing.

Fun place to visit

Our first stop was the visitors center and we were in their parking lot for hours doing computer work.  We got a couple of nicks in both windshields and the All Alaska Gift Store had a big sign in the front for windshield repairs.  So a nice elderly gentleman came to the visitors center and repaired both nicks. That gave me a chance to explore Tok.   I went inside and got a pile of visitor guides for some of the areas we’re heading to.  I crossed the street to the All Alaska Gift Store, did some browsing and enjoyed their wildlife display.   I also checked out the Burnt Paw Gift Shop and purchased a sterling silver charm for my bracelet.

Burnt Paw Gift Shop with two lawn mowers on the roof

We met Dick & Sue Mills at the church in Dawson City and again  in Tok

The Mill's jeep makes our Saturn look clean

Northern Energy in Tok provides a RV dump, fresh water and RV wash for free with a fill-up.  We were there for quite a while scrubbing and removing the mud and rocks from both vehicles.

Mama looks very thin

With nice clean vehicles, full fuel, fresh water and empty holding tanks, we hit the road towards Valdez.  Along the way we saw a moose with two small calves by the side of the road and stopped for some great photos.  That was exciting.  We stopped at a turnout by a lake surrounded by mountains and spent the night.  Tomorrow we'll drive about 200 miles to Valdez.

This is our view - picture postcard stuff

That’s all folks!  Thanks for stopping in.