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The drive from Prince George to Bell II Camp was the route for Thursday. This is the more scenic route to Watson Lake and it was not disappointing. After two hours of traveling we were close to changing highways to head north to the Yukon. Around lunchtime we came to Smithers (photo 5). It is a big ski resort town with beautiful mountain views. We had to stop at the GMC dealer to find out why our engine service light came on. We had put gas in the car in Prince George that had ethanol in it. The suburban didn't like it. All we had to do was put fuel additive in and more gas.
Just after the turn off for hwy. 37 or Cassiar Hwy, we were supposed to come to some Native American village that had been around for hundreds of years in a town called Hazelton. We had to drive over a one lane bridge over the Hagwilget Canyon. Ken is deathly afraid of high bridges, especially ones that he can see down below! To top it off, we had to go back over it! Well, there was a town, but the ancient site was marked by plaques, and we didn't see them driving around in circles. Off we went to the next site.
We took another detour to a town, and I use the word loosely, called Gitanyow. Here there was the largest collection of totem poles in B.C.(photos 3 & 4). Only a few had some paint (red and black) on them. The others were well weathered, but in good shape. I photographed all of them. From Gitanyow we drove three hours to Bell II Camp (photo 1 & 2). What a nice place, but there was only one restaurant and it was really expensive. The coffee shop had some sandwiches left, so Ken bought one and I ate the other half of my lunch. This place is known for its Heli-skiing. We stayed in nice cabins that were heated with ceramic stoves...wood, kindling and matches provided. Our dog had a great time digging in the snow and romping through it. The snow was anywhere from 2-4 feet deep, but much was melted. The camp was in a setting like I would imagine a Swiss Chalet would be.
On our way to Bell II, we saw 5 black bears. They were nonplused with us, just looked and sauntered off. Angel barked her head off each time we slowed down to prevent hitting one as it crossed the highway.
After a relaxing night in the mountains, we left at 8 a.m. to head north to Watson Lake. After 3 hrs. on the road, we had seen quite a few caribou and a huge bull moose. We didn't see any black bears today, but numerous Canadian Geese. The Milepost, traveler's Bible, suggested a stop at a site where jade is mined. I couldn't resist buying a moose! We found out that this area of B.C. mines 90% of the world's jade. They ship much of it to China and China sends back some finished articles. There aren't enough craftsmen left in Canada to do the work. The figurines and jewlery are carved using diamond drills. That bored Ken no end, especially when I wanted to buy something.
The drive was scenic with miles and miles of large, wide rivers, acres of harvested forests. The Canadians make sure you know the forests have been reforested. There are signs all around stating the date the forest was cut, prepared and replanted. The road was rough. I would say at least 100 miles of the 400 hundred we drove today were unpaved and lumpy, bumpy and full of potholes. We were looking forward to getting to "civilization" at Watson Lake. What a shock that town was. We were really in the wilderness. One restaurant was recommended to us for dinner, "Bee Jays." One should not judge a book by it's cover! The food was good, but the building was so rough looking. The weather is so harsh here, that most buildings are made to withstand the harsh climate. No aesthetics! It has not really thawed out here like it has in Palmer. The trees are just getting their buds.
In Watson Lake there is a sign post city. I will post some photos. It was really fun walking through it. There were numerous license plates from NV, CA and OR. Germany was dominant. It started in the 40's when the Alcan Hwy was being built to supply Alaska by road in case the Japanese invaded Alaska. This way AK would not be cut off and could be supplied. Reminds me of the Russians trying to supply St. Petersburg during WWII.
I have to post more photos in a separate blog to follow.
Happy Trails!
Really great pictures and so much to see! You are so lucky to make the trip. Thanks for sharing.
ReplyDeleteI would love to see the sign post city. Did you have a license to leave? Love the story about Alcan Hwy.
I would have to eat at Bee Jays. What did you have? Do they eat moose and caribou? What else?
A jade moose! I would love to see that. I would have stayed there for hours.
Black bears! Wow! Neat totem poles!