Them That Built It...

The information we gained from our visit to Dawson Creek is giving Paula and me a new perspective on the Alaska Highway. So many worked under such difficult conditions to make something so huge in a very short period of time. 

One of the stories we heard was about an accident on Charlie Lake that cost the lives of 12 men. Seventeen men set out to deliver supplies to the other side of Charlie Lake on a homemade vessel constructed of pontoons and tarps, powered by two 22-horsepower outboard motors. The cargo included a car, bulldozer, oil drums and other supplies. 

Choppy water and the loss of one engine created a situation where waves overwhelmed the raft and sent it to the bottom of the lake.

A local man observed the accident and managed to rescue 5 of the soldiers in a 14 foot boat, making several trips. He was later honored by the Canadian and American government. 

I marvel at the perseverance of the men who made this road and am honored that I get to see their work.