I keep thinking it just can’t get better, but it does.
On our way to Dawson Creek we passed through the town of Chetwyn, BC. This is the logging capital of BC and its claim to fame is the large collection of amazing chain saw art displayed throughout town. I’ve never seen chain saw sculpture so intricate – animals, people, fairytale folk.
We spent two nights in Dawson Creek. This is Mile 0 of the Alaska Highway. And the full day we were there it RAINED, and rained, and rained.In Dawson Creek we went to The Alaska House and watched an hour long video on the making of the Alaska highway. I admit to NOT being an historian, but it was so very interesting to learn the whys and hows of creating this road. We also took the mandatory picture of the four of us (in our raincoats) under THE sign designating the beginning of the Alcan Highway; and we visited the art gallery that was housed in a large old red grain elevator.
Then the next day with the sun shining, we headed toward Fort St. John. We visited the visitors center in St. John and museum, then continued on to Fort Nelson where we stayed at Bluebell RV park – little dirt lot behind the motel. In the morning we visited the Fort Nelson museum – it was the best so far because of Marl Brown, the curator. He’s 75+ and still drives his prized antique cars. He is driving his prized McGlocklin Buick (it’s 100 years old this year) to Whitehorse in July. It will take him 3 days each way. He was nice enough to pose with us for a picture – quite a character.
NOTE: Though we killed a zillion mosquitoes a day on our windshields, we still found that there were a few left to entertain us in the evenings. And it’s true – they are BIG buggers – my goodness. This contributes to their somewhat slow flight and easy smashing. We bought those mosquito paddles that run on batteries – lots of fun zapping the little devils.
On the road again toward Muncho Lake - This is a unique beautiful deep aqua blue lake with mountains in the background. Along this road we stopped at Toad River - a small lodge and restaurant. Its claim to fame is a collection of ball caps – Gordie presented one of his hats and got a card saying his was number 7450. The ceilings were covered with hats.
We drove on to Liard Hot Springs Resort where we were pleased to find a quiet campground off the highway, but close to the hot springs. After dinner we walked on a boardwalk for about a quarter mile to the hot springs. On the way we were delighted to see along our path a young moose grazing in the swamp. The hot springs were wonderfully relaxing – who would expect to find this wonderful quiet tropical spot in northern BC???
That’s it for now.
Ellen & Gordon
