Border crossing statistics this summer show a double-digit decline in the number of vehicles passing through the Alcan station on the Alaska Highway, compared to 2007.

That decline translated into several shuttered businesses in Beaver Creek in July, typically the peak of tourist traffic in the northern community. But the 1202 Motor Inn, a sprawling, red-roofed log structure located on the north end of town, remained open, albeit quiet during a midday visit.

“There is less traffic, but we're doing fine because less people are open this summer,” said Caulene Beatty, owner and operator of the overnight lodge, fuel station, a small general store and grocery, and campground.

“So many places are boarded up, it's made a difference,” she said. “If not for that, we wouldn't be up for this summer.”

Yet she has scaled back the restaurant at the lodge, providing only sandwiches and other quick foods this summer, rather than full meals complete with homemade bread as in past years.

“We cut back to fast food, which cut down on the overhead,” Beatty said. “We can't afford to have the rest of the paid staff.”

She has help this summer from a friend, Betty MacPhee. In late July, the two were griping at each other, in a good-natured manner, about the number of sandwiches they had already made.

But whether that work will continue through the winter remains to be seen. Beatty is considering closing the motor inn during the tourist off-season, due to the potential increasing fuel price.

In July, gasoline was $1.57 per liter, equivalent to nearly $6 per gallon, and diesel was $1.68 per liter.

“That really tells about what we will do this winter,” Beatty said. “I think the decision will be made about whether we will be open this winter, depending on how much fuel goes up. If it goes to $2 a liter, we will not be open.”

That's because heating and electric consumption goes up in winter months, while revenue from tourists drops off. Truck traffic doesn't make up for the lack of income from summer visitors, she said.

Beatty is concerned about what winter travelers will do, should her lodge close for winter.

“People can't plan to sleep in their cars,” Beatty said. “With so many places closed down, there will be no fuel, no nothing. It will be pretty damn awful.”

She would like to retire from the roadside business, but is skeptical about the chances of selling the facility. An economic boom that could come from development of the Alaska natural gas pipeline project might provide an opportunity, she said.

“For things like this (lodge) to sell, realistically we would need something like that to bring in a buyer,” she said. “Why else would someone want to take on a place like this?”

And the surge in activity in Alaska this summer related to the gas pipeline project didn't impact Beatty's business.