The Alaska Highway
The Alaska Highway was constructed in 1942 in order to provide overland support to the Alaskan Terrority. It was a monumental feat completed in 10 months. Japan had already bombed Pearl Harbor and Alaska was at risk of invasion. The Japanese did indeed occupy two of the Aleutian islands before they were repelled.
The Alaska Highway is also known as the Alcan (Alaska Canadian Highway). It began as a dirt road plowed through Canadian forests. In 1943 it was upgraded to a gravel road by private companies contracted by the American government. The road was legendary for rough travel, broken windshields, and flat tires; oh yeah, and beautiful country and wildlife. It took until 1992 before the entire stretch was finally paved. And that's being generous as there are always numerous sections constantly being repaved. The winters in Canada are tough on the road. The Alcan officially winds from Dawson Creek, British Columbia up through the Yukon to the turnoff south of Fairbanks. Here are some of the photos we've taken along the way (1st half only; Dawson Creek, BC to just outside of Whitehorse, YK).
