Two Moro's Travels

“It’s not like Alaska isn’t wilderness – it mostly is. But most Alaskans don’t live in the wild. They live on the edge of the wild in towns with schools and cable TV and stores and dentists and roller rinks sometimes. It’s just like anyplace else, only with mountains and moose.”

TOK:

Located 92 miles from the Alaskan border, lies Tok (rhymes with broke.)   Tok is a CDP (census designated place). CDP’s are places with an established population, but no permanent borders and no city council. Tok was the original location of the US customs office until 1971 when it was built closer to the Canadian-Alaskan border.  It is the only town in Alaska that you must pass through twice; once, when you enter the state and then upon departing. There is no other way out of Alaska unless you fly or take a ferry. For that reason, there is a sign with the words “Tok Mainstreet” after the Governor proclaimed the town as Mainstreet Alaska in 1991. Tok is  also known as the “dog sled capital of the world.”  

HOW IT GOT ITS NAME: 

There are many theories on how Tok got its name.  The name is an Athabascan word meaning “peaceful crossing.”  One belief is that it was named after the Tokai River, which was shortened to Tok River labeled on some maps. Others believe it was first called Tokyo Camp as part of the building of the original Alaska Hwy and that was later shortened to Tok. Yet there is another story floating around about a husky pup who belonged to one of the engineers working on the Alaska Hwy. None has been collaborated as the real reason. Though, I feel Tok would be a great name for a Husky. 

THINGS TO SEE AND DO:

Dog sled tours are available in the summers and races, such as the Races of Champions that occurs in March. There are also gold-panning opportunities and a visitor center displaying animals that have been taxidermized.  One display is a brown bear that was hunted by plane and killed illegally by a  hunter who was eventually caught and fined $20,000.  Animals are well-protected in Alaska. They are part of what attracts people to see the “Last Frontier.”  

Interesting facts:

Tok had a stuffed bear names Bucky that was outside under a canopy. People could pose with it and even climb on it for a picture. It was there in 1980. Over time, weather and vandalism wore it down. They replaced Bucky with this new one that is glass encase in glass. When Bucky was retired, he was placed at the edge of town. Well, during moose hunting season, a group of hunters mistook it for the real deal and bullets caused its final demise. Wonder how those hunters retold that story.

The All Alaska Gifts and Crafts gift shop is a local gift shop has unique burls in the wood outside on their railings. Burls are deformations that occur in the wood; it is scarce this making it highly priced and a beautiful sight.  It’s a great store if you are looking for gifts or t-shirts to take home as souvenirs or gifts. We got quite a few t-shirts for my grandkids there.  This place also makes the best fudge; you must purchase some. They have free taste tests, too, to help you make your selection either easier or maybe harder. We walked out with over a pound of fudge, which I must say lasted in our cooler for a very long time.

If you are hungry for something more substantial, there are a couple places to eat; we chose Fast Eddy’s ( https://www.fasteddysrestaurant.com )as it was #1 on TripAdvisor and it did not disappoint. We had the Alaskan Burger, which included bacon and Swiss cheese and was cooked to perfection.  Overall, Tok is a great place to stop, visit some of the local places, grab some food and gas before you continue your next adventure which more than likely will be Anchorage or Fairbanks. 

quote by -Tom Bodett