July 10, BC to Smithes

July 10,  BC to Smithes

Left around 9am and headed back up 37A to 37 (Cassiar Hwy), such a pretty canyon. Turned south headed for the Yellowhead Hwy 16 (also known as the Trail of tears). 60 minute documentary last year on how many women have been abducted over the years on it. It runs east-west from Jasper, Alberta through Prince George to Prince Rupert on the coast. We decided we had seen Prince Rupert once before and decided to keep heading for home. Nothing too interesting on 37, road got better. Once interesting 1 lane bridge with a neat rock gorge. Stopped about 3:00 at Riverside Park in Smithers. Settled in, with Jerry taking a nap and who shows up but the Lutes group. They had decided not to do the Haines side trip after all. So we visited with them, and were happy to see them once again.

 

July 11, Smithers to Vanderhoof

Lutes group head out at 9am and we stick around and go to two different locations for waterfalls. One at Moricetown Canyon and Falls. Great pictures from the bridge across the gorge. Then up to Twin Falls for a steep hike up to a viewing platform. Pretty spot. Then headed out at noon for Vanderhoof, BC. Nice visitor center with lots of old buildings. Still logging mills in this area along with a mineral mine. Tomorrow we go up a side road to Fort Saint James, to see a historic trading post.

July 12,

Great highway into Fort Saint James, made it there in about 30 minutes. Drove around town until the National Historical Center opened. The employees were all gathered for a meeting, so they set us in front of a video about the historic site. We then toured the museum by ourselves. The most interesting thing ironically was the stourgen fish in the acquarium. Very prehistoric looking. Then we showed our parks pass (really paid for itself), and took a map to tour the old buildings which were restored from the original Hutson Bay Trading Post. Very interesting, and most had a person to explain what went on in that building. In authentic dress, ofcourse. Then there were chicken races, silly but fun. When we arrived we were the only ones, but at noon when we left there were about twenty or so people there. Probably the best park and historical park we have seen.

Then we hurried back into town to get our fifth wheel and on to Prince George to see friends of Jerry’s family. They live about 15 south of Prince George on Highway 97. Yes, highway 97 goes from Weed California through our home town of Klamath Falls all the way up into Canada.

Had a great evening visiting with Caroline and her son Lindy. Camped next to their driveway.

July 13 Prince George to Vernon, BC

Visited again this morning and said our good byes. Headed south thinking we’d route through Bellingham, and down. Got to Cache Creek and decide shorter was better and followed 97 south toward central Washington. Stopped really late at about 7:00 in a state park on the lake at Vernon, BC. About 130 miles from the border. We tried to park at Walmart but they had no parking overnight signs. Cost us $35 for the overflow parking that was not even flat, but it was paved.

July 14 Vernon to Canadian Border and then to Lake Chelan

Took forever to drive that 130 or so miles to the border. Curvy road around lakes and through towns. Easy at the border, two cars ahead is all. Then we ofcourse went to secondary for inspection. She asked about dog food and if I had bought any in Canada. I said no, I brought it from US and two bags still sealed, with a small amount in a pastic zip lock. Asked if I had the Rabies certificated, but did not ask to see it. Then checked the frigerator, did not take the eggs, one onion or one tomato. Strange, expected her to do so. Gave away a fair amount of food before we got there. All went smouth. Exchanged my Canadian money for US right at the Duty Free Store in Canada.

Stopped at Walmart in Omak near Okanadan to restock, then arrived at the 25 mile campgroundon on Lake Chelan about 5 pm. Crazy run state campground. Some people here have moved three times this week because someone reserves the site each night out from under them. Our site is reserved for tomorrow night, so we will need to move. Very disorganized as there is no one at the gate building explaining which sites are available. They just work 9am to noon.

This is my last post

Post 7

July 10,  BC to Smithes

Left around 9am and headed back up 37A to 37 (Cassiar Hwy), such a pretty canyon. Turned south headed for the Yellowead Hwy 16 (also known as the Trail of tears). 60 minute documentary last year on how many women have been abducted over the years on it. It runs east-west from Jasper, Alberta through Prince George to Prince Rupert on the coast. We decided we had seen Prince Rupert once before and decided to keep heading for home.Nothing too interesting on 37, road got better. Once interesting 1 lane bridge with a neat rock gorge.

 

Stopped about 3:00 at Riverside Park in Smithers. Settled in, with Jerry taking a nap and who shows up but the Lutes group. They had decided not to do the Haines side trip after all. So we visited with them, and were happy to see them once again.

 July 11, Smithers to Vanderhoof

Lutes group head out at 9am and we stick around and go to two different locations for waterfalls. One at Moricetown Canyon and Falls. Great pictures from the bridge across the gorge.

 

Then up to Twin Falls for a steep hike up to a viewing platform. Pretty spot. Then headed out at noon for Vanderhoof, BC. Nice visitor center with lots of old buildings.

Doesn't he make a great bank teller?

 

 Still logging mills in this area along with a mineral mine. Tomorrow we go up a side road to Fort Saint James, to see a historic trading post.

July 12,

July 8---Muskrat (?)

 

 

 

July 9---

Stewart, BC

Foot of Salmon Glacier

Post 6

July 5 Dawson City

Great day doing things around Dawson City. Started out with the Lutes group going off to explore Dredge #4, and the Rogers group went on the Klondike Spirt boat ride on the Yukon River. Nice 1.5 hour boat ride, interesting how muddy looking the river is here. Lots of interesting tour guide information like the Klondike town which was up and across the river. Now a historical site. Fresh water from the Klondike River cleared the Yukon up for a few hundred feet. A house boat was moored mid river. I guess the river is international waters, so I don’t know why there is no gambling boat! Housing is very limited, so a lot of people live in tents that work in town. Empty lots are done by drawings, and you must build within 3 years. All the houses are built on block or wood with no perimeter foundation. This is because of the frost heave.

Went out to the Dredge ourselves in the afternoon, then returned as it decided to pour rain. Seems like every day there is rain, and always clouds somewhere. Like Oregon’s Willamette Valley. Getting very tired of rain and clouds, forgot how depressed it makes me.

Had a great dinner out to celebrate my un birthday (birthday actually the 6^th). I choose Klondike Katie’s with its beer garden. Great food, I would say everything but the pulled pork (dry) was wonderful.  Really enjoyed the company of our friends.

After dinner the Lutes did a Midnight Dome Road tour, even though it was early evening. I guess the views were spectacular. Jerry and I went to Diamond Tooth Gerties Saloon for the 8:30 Cancan Show. Great dancing and singing, and of course they brought 4 guys from the audience up on the stage with them to perform.  Just hilarious.

Sad news at dinner, the Lutes group had decided not to continue over the Top of the World Highway. It has been raining and the rigs coming off the road are really dirty. Plus we heard horror stories about broken radiators and flat tires. The rocks are shale and very pointy.

Jerry and I agreed we were ready to head south to nicer weather.

 

July 6 Dawson Lake back to Whitehorse

 

Road southbound was about the same as the one northbound, rough. Though most of the frost heavy had settled down there still were badly patched areas, and pavement that was washboard. Saw only Rabbits and Crows. Boring drive back.

The Lutes family turned north to go to Haines Junction, we turned south to Whitehorse. Got a new fitting for sewer hose, ears on the old one had broken off. At one point during the day, our sewer hose was dragging on the ground. Had gone all this way without it doing that. But we hit one rough patch very hard. Then we went to the Chevy dealer to get the oil changed. Got that done and head out of town to a Yukon Provisional Campground. Absolutely full at 5 pm, as it is very close to Whitehorse. For $12 a night what can you expect. One gentleman told us about one opening, unit 40 might still be available. We have to drive backwards against traffic to get into it. Then we discover a tent and chairs away from the pad, but with the table and fire ring. No one around and an expired tag on the post at 5pm. We figured, we’d pay the fee and share the camp site if they showed. The people at the unit next to us said they had not seen anyone. So we stayed!

 

July 7 Wolf Creek CG (near Whitehorse) to Cassiar Hwy (Jade City)

Up around 6:30, and realized no one ever came to the tent overnight. I get worried that they will see our payment and think we are missing and/or left the tent. So we put the previous tag back on post. Decide to use the phone in the campground out by the highway to call the Parks people. Sure enough for 50 cents we could call and the phone booth actually had a phone book. A little worse for wear (the phone book) but it worked and we called in the abandoned campsite. Really weird as the tent directions were laying on the table for the new tent, a fishing pole laying there, two chairs, one of which was turned over. The people next door said it had been that way for the two days they had been there. Anyway the parks lady was nice and appreciated me letting her know. Makes you wonder what happened to the person or persons that belong there. Did they just get lost? Must have had a car, but where was it? Weird? Maybe I’ve been reading too many murder mystery books! Neighbors agreed and said they were glad they were moving on too!

Stopped late morning at Teslin and had drinks and a cinnamon bun, and got email. Got fuel again, about every 170-180 miles like clockwork. Hit the road and turned off the Alaska Highway onto Highway 37 the Cassiar Highway. It is about 450 miles long, and comes out just east of Prince Rupert, BC. We made it down about 80 miles to the Jade Store. We camped in their parking lot.

Miss our friends, maybe they will catch up.

 

 

July 8 Jade City (Cassiar Hwy) to Stewart, BC (Hyder, Alaska)

Left our free parking lot campground and headed south on Hwy 37. Cloudy all day with some heavy downpours, and brief sunbeams. At one turnout (also known as a “bump out”), we overlooked a lake or small pond. Muskrat was gliding across to some reeds. Would not have seen him or her, if they had not been moving. Looked like a small stick when not moving. Just beautiful mountains all along the route south. Every bit as pretty as the Rockies.  Finally, a bear and cub crossing the road. How cool

At our gas stop a couple told us that there were rumored to be lots of small bugs at the campground I had picked out. So we pulled in to Meziadin Lake, pulled into a site, then left. Never seen so many bugs, just like nats or miges. The host said that they did not seem to bite people, but did bite the stomachs of dogs. We left and went back 1 mile to the junction and went west to Stewart to the Municipal campground. Beautiful canyon we went down, no way to describe all the waterfalls and hanging valleys and glaciers. Ermila and Al are totally right on how pretty it is!

July 9, Stewart and Hyder

Weather Report==Rained all night, we are at the coast, on an inlet, so I get that. Cloudy this morning, cleared enough for the view of the Glacier and now cloudy again.

Went to the Visitors Center in Stewart this morning and got the low down on the glacier drive. So after breakfast out (eggs, potatoes, ham & toast for two for $35) to go to Hyder in Alaska and up the canyon to the glacier. Hyder pretty much all boarded up, very little there. The seafood bus was worth a stop and photo, so we had lunch there after the road trip. Decided against paying $5/person to maybe see bear fishing, just one stop in the National Forest. Numbered route has a write up on each historical site along the way. Narrow winding road that climbed from sea level (0) to around 3600 feet.  At the summit we could look down at Salmon Glacier. Best view of a glacier that I have ever seen. Waterfalls along the way were really pretty.

Came back to the 5^th wheel at around 2:30 probably will leave here tomorrow for Prince Rupert area.

Post 5

July2 Whitehorse to Stewart Crossing

Mostly trees with lakes mixed in today. Some historical stuff along the way, regarding the miners navigation the Yucon river through what is called 5 fingers. Had a cinnamon roll that was at least 8 inches across. Right after we saw a beautiful Bald Egale in a tree. First we have seen.

Arrived at Moose CG near Stewart Crossing in the Yucon around 4 pm. Everyone went out to look for a fishing spot. On the way Jerry and I saw a brown bear and cub. No luck with the fishing, lots of brush and hard to get to the banks.

 

July 3, Day trip from Campground to Keno and Mayo

Drove up the Silver Trail to Keno and Mayo today. Not too exciting a drive, but keno museum was very well done. There was a drive to the top of a hill with direction/mileages to various towns. Very pretty views. Lots of current and past silver mining in the area. Saw a porcupine and I think a grouse. Stopped at Mayo dam to fish. Lutes caught two fish. Got home late, but had a great day.

 

July 4, Moose CG at Stewart to Dawson City

Drove from our campsite to Dawson City, with lots of flowers blooming. An interesting plaque about a fault line, a lake or two and that was it. Road had lots of repair spots. Got to Dawson about noon and explored town a little bit. Came back and had a really nice joint dinner outside. Spit some rain but we had our awning out so no problem.

I've not been posting pictures because internet, even when available is slow. Most the time we just don't have it!

 

 

 

 

 

 

Post 4, June 27 to July1

Post 4

 June 27, Laird Hot Springs CG to Watson Lake CG

Bright sonny day saw bears along the highway. Got to Watson Lake around noon and set up camp. Went into town to the Sign Forest, the Northern Lights museum and movie, and out to the airport for the historic Airport Terminal Building. Then part of us bought fishing licenses (a whole $36 for the season in the Yukon) Best buy we have found. Gas dropped back to $1.19 a litter, but groceries are really expensive. Coke a 12 pack is $8.99, so was cranberry juice, and water $11.99 for two gallons. Eggs $5.99 for 18 eggs! Hoping groceries will be cheaper in Whitehorse, we’ll see.

Back to camp and everyone but I went down to fish at the lake. Been grouchy off and on today, especially when the clouds came back in this afternoon. They are burned off now, nice blue skies. Light all night long as far as I can tell, sun sets but still is light. Weird!

 

June 28, Watson Lake CG to Yukon RV campground at Nisutlin bay at Teslin

Saw very little wild life this stretch, one bear before Teslin is all. Campground Yukon Motel & RV park and gas station dusty, but did have electric, dump and laundry. Went to the Teslin Tlingit Heritage Centre and George Johnston Museum. The George Johnston Museum had a 1928 car that the guy (Johnson—first nation native) bought without any roads in his area. He had it brought in on a freight boat! Ate out at the restaurant, 17.99 for cubed pork. Very good and large portions. Ended up making two nights dinners.

 

 June 29, Yukon Motel & Campground (Teslin) to Whitehorse

Staying in Hi Country RV Park at the intersection down to Whitehorse. Trees between the spots, but narrow roads and strait in parking. Guaranteed to have a tree or a post in your way. Nice campground other than that. Arrived and went downtown to the Visitors Center (miss marked in the GPS). Always makes that a challenge. Had to read blue signs! Found the bank and an ATM by accident. 

Larry & Jerry at the Museum ?

 

 Watched a video at the visitor’s center and picked up the usual information. Found Walmart, but it was not a super Walmart again. So ended up at the Real Canadian Superstore. 

June 30 Whitehorse to Skagway

Left the fifth wheel and trailer at the campground and drove down to Skagway, about 100 miles. Raining hard when we left in the morning, the two kids just slept most the way. Dry in Skagway. Found the Library for a printing issue for the Lutes, and then found Broadway with all the cruise line tourists. Wasn’t too bad until noon. Then got really busy. Drove over to the beginning of the Chilkoot trail, pretty drive. (right out of Skagway), where the goldminers were let off for the Yukon. Found a cemetery but no ruins for the town. Only a brown bear and her cub for wildlife yesterday.
 

Our Paleo diet is working pretty good, though we have been bad this week as far as following it. Jerry has lost weight on the diet, and I think we both feel better. Maybe it’s cutting out all the sugar, and artificial stuff. And it is not as hard to figure out what to eat and not to eat anymore.

 

 

July 1, Canada Day

Went downtown to near the park for the Canada day parade. Fun to see the Canadian Mounties and the bag pipes. No school bands though. They had some booths set up at the park, along with stuff for the kids to do. Like play fireman by sliding down an inflated slide, shot water at a house, save a stuffed animal. One thing is for sure, most places seem to have a play room for the younger ones, including museums!

Went to the Transportation Museum, lots of stuff from a whole train car to a mail sled. Then off to see the SS Klondike National Historic Museum (paddle wheeler). The annual pass we got has paid off at the parks and historic sites. Been getting our Yukon passport stamped at each site, makes that fun too.  Went from there to Miles Canyon. There were rapids in this narrow canyon before the dam was put in. Very pretty still and historic as the gold miners had to get through or around the rapids to get to the Dawson City gold fields.

Back at camp we barbequed early, and missed the usual evening rain. Most every day it has rained, except for a few days around Watson Lake area. Reminds me of Oregon’s Willamette valley.

 

Post 3

 

I will add the pictures later, internet here in Watson Lake is too slow to add pictures!!

Bridge

 

June 24, Buckinghorse CG to Fort Nelson, Summit CG

 

Last night rained so hard, Larry had a hick of a time BBQ steaks. We broiled ours in our oven.

Along the road almost to Fort Nelson, several bears along the road, and a pair of Sandhill Cranes. Then a dear and a bobcat crossed the road.

Arrived at Fort Nelson visitor center, which had an aquatic center next door. Kids and Virg swam and I did engineering work sense I had email at the visitor’s center. Then we all crossed the road to the Museum. Wonderful old cars, buildings and just stuff.

 

Museum

 

Stopped to have cinnamon rolls at Tetsa River Services & Campground. So good!

 

                                                                                                Cinnamon Buns

 

June 25 Summit CG to Laird Hot Springs

 

Bright sunny day for the whole day. Rained during the night. Surprised on how many clouds and rain storms we have had. Before we left camp someone spotted a Moose going up the side of the hill above the campground. First moose we have seen, and a female.

 

                                                                                                Moose

 

 Saw a porcupine crossing the highway right after we broke camp this morning. Then down the road was beautiful Muncho Lake.

Got gas there and it was $1.69 a litter, about $6.30 a gallon ($102 for about 16 gallons, and going only 157 miles!) Long distances between large towns so you get stuck with higher prices. We paid $1.39 a litter in Watson Lake.

Three Cariboo quite away from the highway in the rock wash. Then Stone Sheep on highway just past there. Road construction with a follow me car, which included a Bison bull rolling in the dirt beside the highway. We also saw a herd of Bison moms and babies grazing along the ditch line.

Arrived at Laird Springs around 12:30 fourth in line to check in. Fortunately there were sites available and we got close together. Popular site, so we were concerned we’d get a spot.

Virg, Larry, Lilly and Evan went to the hot springs around 3pm, we did the same after dinner. Pretty boardwalk out the changing rooms and two pools. Very hot water.

Been sleeping well, but every time I wake up it is still like dusk light outside. Never seen the dark or stars yet!

 

 

June 26 Laird Hot Springs

 

Cloudy again today. Virg and Larry suggest a short drive to some waterfalls. Very pretty waterfalls, about 1.5 off the road. Sighted a male Buffalo along the road grazing.

 

 

June 27 Laird Hots Springs to Watson Lake