June 7, 2023
When we know we’ll be driving any distance, we plan stops to get out and stretch our legs every two hours. It is also an opportunity to make a cup of coffee or have a snack, and to be sure the cat gets to go into the camper where his food, water, and litter box are ready for his break. I usually look for a scenic spot like the Chasm Ecological Park Canyon overlook.
Along our drive, we spotted a brown grizzly high up on the bank above the road and the rumps of a few elk to add to our wildlife sightings list.
Our next destination was the 108 Mile Ranch Heritage Site, named for the roadhouse located at mile 108 on the Cariboo Wagon Road used extensively in the 1850s during the Cariboo Gold Rush. There were several buildings to explore and learn about prospectors, pioneers, farmers, and trappers. The beautiful lake nearby made us want to stop and linger on the gorgeous early summer day!
We made it 230 miles to Williams Lake on June 4, where we boondocked at the Chances Signal Point Casino after washing a quick load of laundry in town. It was a quiet and convenient place to spend the night, with more elk trotting through the parking lot than on our drive!
On Monday, June 5, we drove into Prince George and found their famous statue “Mr. PG.” He’s a cutie but not easy to get to for a photo.
We made a few shopping stops before sharing poutine for lunch at Nancy O’s downtown. The first time we had this Canadian dish was 2019 in the Maritimes, so it was fun to enjoy it again with fond memories.
The small but lovingly done Central BC Railroad and Forestry Museum was blocks away where we enjoyed looking at the old rail cars, a turntable, and saved railroad buildings from British Columbia history. My favorite was the neat old beehive burner because you could walk right in!
We kept driving and camped for the night at Crooked River Provincial Park, making a day’s worth of 200 miles.The mosquitos there were the fiercest we have experienced so far! Larry braved their onslaught and walked both campground loops looking for a host to pay for camping, but after that we stayed inside.
The next day, June 6, our rest stop was at Bijoux Falls on the way to Chetwynd.
Chetwynd has an annual chainsaw carving contest each summer that draws international competitors. Over 150 past champions have their sculptures placed all around town and roadside on “Carvers Row” for visitors to appreciate.
The rest of the drive into Dawson Creek from Chetwynd became rolling and agricultural as we went, which was not what we had expected. We were excited to be at Dawson Creek and Mile 0–the start of the Alaska Highway! Of course, we took the anticipated picture by the World Famous Alaska Highway Sign and even found the official marker in town.
We spent two nights at the Mile 0 Campground where we had a chance to catch up on daily life chores.
Of the campgrounds we’ve been in so far, this one appears to be the staging area for adventurers heading north to Alaska. Everyone seems friendly and full of anticipation for the trip ahead. Larry is already noticing campers on the road, at campgrounds, and stops along the way that are on the same path!
Wednesday, June 7, was our last day in Dawson Creek so we strolled through the Walter Wright Pioneer Village attached to our campground. The Village was a collection of buildings and equipment from before, during, and just after the construction of the Alaska Highway in 1942. Such a perfect cabin, but maybe we’d have to play Marco Polo to find each other in so much space!
I was impressed by this intricate lacework, too.
There was an entire home restored as a museum dedicated to the history of the Alaska Highway that was very detailed and interesting. It was an engineering and logistic feat to have accomplished the design and building in nine short months, with movies and documentaries to celebrate the achievement.
Rested and ready, Alaska Highway here we come!
“You can’t wait until life isn’t hard anymore before you decide to be happy.” – Miss Jane Marczewsky (Nightbirde)