Fairbanks to Tok

We pointed the motorhome south this morning on the Richardson Highway headed for Tok.  The highway follows along the Tanana River for a time before crossing it just north of Delta Junction. The Tanana is called a braided river for the way the water winds its way in many channels along the river bed. 

Tanana River

Adjacent to the road bridge crossing the Tanana is a river crossing of the Alaska Pipeline.  At Delta Junction the pipeline and the Richardson Highway turn south toward Valdez.  Delta Junction is where we reconnected with the Alaska Highway.

Alaska Pipeline Crossing The Tanana River

We visited Rika's Roadhouse built in 1910 as a stopping over place for travelers to the Alaska gold fields.  It has been nicely restored and provides a very interesting visit.  The roadhouse was built by John Hajdukovich who sold it in 1923 to Rika Wallen a Swedish Immigrant who had been running the roadhouse for John since 1917. 

Rika's Roadhouse

Garden at Rika's Roadhouse

Rika bought the roadhouse from John for $10.00 and back wages and ran it until 1940.

We made a stop at Delta Meats on the Alaska Highway to purchase some of their fine Reindeer Sausage and then a major event occurred.  Mary decided to drive the motorhome.  She did very well, so well in fact that I took a little nap on our way to Tok.  

We are spending the night at the Sourdough Campground on the west side of Tok and tomorrow we will continue our way toward Haines.