After rejoining the Alaska Highway near the village of Tok, we followed it to its official end at Delta Junction, near the confluence of the Delta and Tenana Rivers. This is also where the Alaska Pipeline crosses on its way south to the port of Valdez. When the pipeline was first proposed, there were all sorts of dire predictions of catastrophic leaks, disruption to caribou migration, etc, etc. None of those has come to pass. The suspension system is designed to withstand earthquakes and human attempts to damage the pipe have been unsuccessful. As for the caribou, they easily pass under the pipe, but prefer to hang around it in winter to enjoy its warmth. A display explains all about the design and operation of the pipeline, including how metal "pigs" are sent through frequently to clean the pipe, pushing sludge on down the line.
The name Delta Junction reflects the fact that the Richardson Highway joins the Al-Can at this point, having come north from Valdez. We spent the night here to be able to drive the beautiful road, since it would otherwise not be part of our itinerary. I have to say, it was a great decision as the views of mountains and river were some of the best of the entire trip.
It was also an opportunity to stop for lunch at a true Alaskan "road house" for lunch, where I tried a hot dog made of caribou meat...yuck.
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