Dawson Creek to Fort Nelson

5-3-2013:  Once the skies cleared, it feels like spring may be on the way.  Today north from Dawson Creek on Hwy #97 – the Alaska Hwy.

Just north is the longest wooden bridge in North America along the old highway.

MM 70 – POW!!!!!!! a rock ding in the windshield just above the driver’s view!  Dang it!

MM72.4 We stopped at Sheppard’s Inn for breakfast – good stop! Great homemade breads.  Just 5 days ago, this area had a total white out blizzard --- so that’s why there’s still so much SNOW!!!!

 

The road thus far has been very good.  Arrived Fort Nelson – 280 miles today.  Dry camping along side road for the night.  Things are warming up today 60’s = MUD!!! Towns are sweeping the sidewalks, the streets and scooping the dirt.

Sunsets about ~8:30 with twilight onto dusk ~9:30pm

Dawson Creek–More

5-2-13:  Sumas to Dawson Creek 565 miles.  Diesel $1.299/liter, gas $1.239.

Enjoyed both visitor centers in Dawson Creek.  Each showing different films on the building of the Alcan Hwy. After the end of the war the name was changed to the Alaska Hwy.

Even this far north there are the same stores – restaurants: Wal-Mart, Safeway, McDonald’s, A&W, Staples, Wendy’s, etc.  Towns are all booming with GAS production and related industries. Lots of new growth, portable housing and busy RV parks.  Many small towns scattered along the Alaska Hwy.

Rolling hills, ranches, farms and lots of forests – lumber is big industry.

We have seen moose and deer.  Have been told the bears are waking and it is still ‘winter’ here – spring is late this year.

  

Dawson Creek area

5-2-13  WINDY!!!!!! Explored the area using the DC Visitor Guide. Just south is an interesting historical museum in Pouce Coupe.  And just north ~10 miles is the town of Rolla.  Patty the owner of the Rolla Pub is very soft spoken with much history of the area.  The walls of her pub are covered with pictures and memories.

Late afternoon the wind calmed – it was actually pleasant 50’s – and the skies cleared BLUE!  The rolling countryside could be anywhere in the midwest. Tomorrow we’re rolling NORTH.

Dawson Creek, BC

We’ve been rolling along nice and easy with Steve & Lila Dudley and Fred & Lynn Persky.  Countryside is rolling high country farms, ranches, forests and scenic views.  Arrived in Dawson Creek, BC – or Milepost “0” for Alaska Highway.

Diesel and gas prices in BC have been 1.299/liter = $4.92/gallon

Visitor Center recommended Northern Lights RV Park (Tuffy’s is having water pipe problems) – sticker shock!  $40/30 amp; $45/50 amp --- think we like boondocking!

North Travels - BC

 

April 28 we crossed the border at Sumas, WA / Abbottsford, BC. taking Hwy #1

Looking for ‘free’ and easy, we stopped a the Log Cabin Pub - some 50’ long logs - in Spences Bridge – for dinner and ‘free’ camping for the 1st night. Hey, it’s chilly up north!



Scenic views along the Fraizer River

How’s this for ‘overload” – prepared for everything!

2nd day - April 29 - had a bit of everything – sun – clouds – rain – sleet – and SNOW!! Another ‘free’ night at Cinema, BC

Views along Pine Pass – 3061’

April 30 - Chetwyn, BC is well known for the many chainsaw carvings thru town. #3 ‘free’ night parked in Chetwyn!

Sunday April 28, 2013

This is it – the day we cross into Canada heading north to the Alaskan Highway.

From North Ranch – Congress, AZ to Sumas, WA = ~1600 miles

North to Dawson Creek =                                       ~700+ miles

on to Tok, Alaska =                                             ~1300+ miles

to Fairbanks =                                                       ~200+ miles

to Anchorage =                                                      ~300+ miles

                   Basic Miles                                    ~4200+ miles

                   + lots of side trips

We’ll keep you posted along the way, when we have wi-fi.

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Seattle, WA

What a nice surprise to have friends Bill & Vickie Rigden visiting in Seattle while we are here.The Chihuly Garden and glass exhibit is exceptionally beautiful.  What a nice place to spend with friends – L>R Denny Orr, Fred & Lynn Persky, Susie Orr, Dot Wilson Lila Dudley and Butch Wilson.  We’ve enjoyed sunshine and delightful days with Butch & Dot.  We plan to begin our Alaskan Adventure 2013 by crossing the border into Canada on Sunday.