A Visit to Chicken, Alaska
This is definitely one of the most interesting days I have since starting the trip.
Heading out toward Chicken, AK this morning from Tok, I traveled north along Taylor Highway and saw miles and miles of burnt forest. The Taylor Complex wildfire burnt 1.3 million acres of land along Taylor Highway in summer 2004 and the evidence of blackened forest remains as I drove by. But in the midst of blacken tress I also saw the fireweed and berries growing beautifully. It is a sign of hope; as the forest re-generates, animals return for the food.
I arrived at chicken around noon. This is an interesting town as I was told by several travelers. There is no public electricity, water or flush toilet here. So call “downtown Chicken” has only three stores. While there are many RV vacationers here in the summer, according to “The Mileposts” a popular travel planner, Chicken’s winter population is only 5. I met and chatted with one of them. She is the postmaster of the city, Robin Herman. I listened to her love story of how she came to the city and staying here with her husband. She certainly had made herself a great public relation figure for the city.
Choosing to come to Chicken instead of visiting more popular Valdez, am I feeling disappointed? No. I do not think so. The road that never traveled no longer appears rosier to me. I have learnt to live the moment and appreciate what I have. This trip provides me with a classroom to conveniently practice what I believe.
This is definitely one of the most interesting days I have since starting the trip.
Heading out toward Chicken, AK this morning from Tok, I traveled north along Taylor Highway and saw miles and miles of burnt forest. The Taylor Complex wildfire burnt 1.3 million acres of land along Taylor Highway in summer 2004 and the evidence of blackened forest remains as I drove by. But in the midst of blacken tress I also saw the fireweed and berries growing beautifully. It is a sign of hope; as the forest re-generates, animals return for the food.
I arrived at chicken around noon. This is an interesting town as I was told by several travelers. There is no public electricity, water or flush toilet here. So call “downtown Chicken” has only three stores. While there are many RV vacationers here in the summer, according to “The Mileposts” a popular travel planner, Chicken’s winter population is only 5. I met and chatted with one of them. She is the postmaster of the city, Robin Herman. I listened to her love story of how she came to the city and staying here with her husband. She certainly had made herself a great public relation figure for the city.
Choosing to come to Chicken instead of visiting more popular Valdez, am I feeling disappointed? No. I do not think so. The road that never traveled no longer appears rosier to me. I have learnt to live the moment and appreciate what I have. This trip provides me with a classroom to conveniently practice what I believe.
Gather enough information from Tok's visitor center, I decide to travel Taylor Highway to Chicken, AK then to Dawson City, YT. I know this is probably the most challenge day of driving since the beginning of the trip.
Taylor Complex Fires in 2004 burned 1.3 million acres forest along Taylor Highway.
The evidence of fire is still visible
Fireweed is the first sign of the recovery of the forest.
Berry grows among the rocks.
Fireweeds among the burned trees
Taylor Highway from my car.
Chicken is a small town near the US-Canada Border. Winter Population: 5. Potholes everywhere on the streets.
This is an interesting town and I am glad I decide to come.
Beautiful chicken's post office.
Downtown Chicken has only three stores - a gift shop, a liquor store and a restaurant.
I have a burger for lunch here and chat with people.
The man behind the counter is one of very few people stay in Chicken during winter time.
Public toilet - No flush toilet at all in this town
Robin Hammond, the post master of Chicken. I chat with her and listen to her love story telling how she came to stay in Chicken for twenty years.
This is the most well maintained "road" of Chicken. There is no pothole and very straight. It turns out, it is a airport runway. Ooooops !!
Leaving Chicken, driving to Dawson City in the rain on the "Top of the World" Highway. This highway is a 70 miles of narrow, winding steep road with no guardrails.
Crossing border at Poker Creek - US custom
Canada custom
I could not find any other route to Dawson City. I guess free ferry provided by government is the only way to get there.
This ferry boat takes cars and passengers.
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