Anthony’s Alaska Adventure: On the Road to Beaver Creek

Yesterday was a lazy day in Whitehorse and so we took that time to stock up on items we needed from Wal-Mart. Determined to ensure the day had some educational value, Herb and I visited the Yukon Brewing Co.

Microbreweries are popping up all over the states and also in Canada. The Pacific Northwest is especially proud of its nectars, and it’s no different in Alaska and the Yukon, as well. Alaskan Amber is available all throughout Alaska and it’s Yukon Brewing in the Yukon (and now other parts of Canada).

The small brewery was very proud of its heritage and the fact that it takes many steps to reduce its impact on the environment, including recycling bottles and extracting nitrogen from the air to assist in the beer-making process. After a few free samples we picked up Pat and headed for dinner.

The Klondike Rib and Salmon bake had been calling to me from the moment I spied it from my window upon checking in. It’s not that I particularly care for salmon (or ribs for that matter), but it had the look of a place that just had to be good. Operating out of the two oldest buildings in continuous operation in Whitehorse, the small dining room offers up delicious, hearty and homemade items at a reasonable price. The amazing fish chowder came with a fresh-from-the-oven piece of “bannock.” Bannock is a First Nation (Native people) food item that is close to a biscuit in consistency.

We unanimously ordered the famous beer-battered fish and chips. What a treat! We topped it all off with a piece of a local favorite, bumbleberry pie. Bumbleberry is a mix of several different fruits and some rhubarb in a beautiful, flaky crust. We can’t wait to visit the Klondkike Rib and Salmon bake again when we return to Whitehorse.

Taking advantage of being in “civilization,” we caught the opening-day screening of “Angels and Demons.” All-in-all a nice, relaxing day. It was good to take a break from the road.

Today we’re on our way to Beaver Creek. The highlight of the trip was seeing a black bear no more than 10 feet from our car. He was just grabbing a bite to eat on the roadside and was glad to have the attention that we gave him.

When we arrive in Beaver Creek we’ll have traveled about 1,080 miles.

Stay Tuned.

Anthony, a crew purser, is on a special assignment for Westmark Hotels, a Holland America Line company. Questions about Alaska, the Yukon or Westmark? E-mail Anthony at worldfamoustrainer@gmail.com.