Sometime in the early evening, mom and I pulled into the booming metropolis that is Tok, Alaska. Something else to keep in mind aside from fuel costs in these remote areas (should you ever make the trip) is lodging after the high-season. Many of these small towns along the Al-Can Highway shut down after Labor Day. Many of the shops, restraunts and hotels simply close. Alaska taught me young that you should plan ahead! You can’t count on hotels, food, gas or even people to be around to help, so you need to get yourself organized and plan well!
Almost to Tok, Alaska (photo courtesy of my mom at www.theemptynestmom.com )
Luckily for us, the Caribou cabins were open year round. Holy cow, batman! If ever you need to go to Tok, Alaska – I can’t recommend this place enough. I’d stayed at the Westin hotel there every time I’ve passed by, but it was closed for the season and so I had to go to Caribou as it was one of the few places open.
The lovely Caribou Cabins in Tok, Alaska – (photo courtesy of my mom at www.theemptynestmom.com )
Lucky us! It was beautiful, quaint, friendly, easy, affordable – and WAY more for your stay than the Westin there ever was. These cute little cabins easily fit mom and I and we both enjoyed having a little space and relaxation after being on the ferry for three days and in the car for nine hours.
Settling in to the Caribou Cabins. (photo courtesy of my mom at www.theemptynestmom.com )
We settled into our little cabin, then rallied ourselves to get back in the little Honda once again and head to the main drag of town to find something open for dinner. We quickly found Fast Eddie’s. It had something for everyone on the menu (and most importantly, it was open!), and chowed down!
Fast Eddy’s! Tok, Alaska. Mile 1313 of the Alaska Highway (photo courtesy of my mom at www.theemptynestmom.com )
A big bite of the California sandwich at Fast Eddie’s – Tok Alaska – (photo courtesy of my mom at www.theemptynestmom.com )
After dinner we took a minute to do the obligatory jack-ass tourist picture (thanks mom for being such a good sport)…
Woot, woot! Mom and I are in Tok! (photo courtesy of my mom at www.theemptynestmom.com )
Explored the town of Tok a little bit…
Tok General Store. Tok, Alaska (photo courtesy of my mom at www.theemptynestmom.com )
(photo courtesy of my mom at www.theemptynestmom.com )
And then headed home for a good night’s sleep. Tomorrow we were off on the open road again, but this time, when we ended our day, we would finally be sleeping in my new home, Anchorage.
Want More?
Haines, Alaska to Tok, Alaska – Part One
Alaska Marine Highway – Alaska Inside Passage: Part One
Alaska Marine Highway – Alaska Inside Passage: Part Two
At first I read this as though the first person was Betty. As you and she travel a bunch.
Wishing you well from Amed, Bali. Headed to Taiwan tomorrow.
SamIAm
Ha ha! I like it that way, too! Usually that bitch is with me, but she couldn’t go on the boat for 3 days. Honeymoon in Bali? I’ve been & loved it but never Taiwan. How fun. Have a great time & hi to Athena for me
XO
That sandwich looks pretty good, actually.
It’s taking me back to look at these pics. What a fantastic mother/daughter adventure that was. I hope Skip and I can make the drive before too long. It really is something everyone needs to experience.
Betty the golden lab may not have been there – but pink monkey was.
Lounging on the dashboard.
Looking for the end of that long, lonesome highway.
This is pretty good, actually. (hee, hee!)
She sure was! Along for the ride.. portable!
Truly is! Was nice to try the Ferry this time since we’ve done the whole AlCan drive before! It’s a beautiful adventure!