Prince George, BC - Hazelton, BC - Stewart, BC

We departed Vancouver on May 13th  driving east / north on Highway 1, then connected with Highway 97 at Cache Creek, BC.  We stayed in Cache Creek for the night but the town didn't have much to see.  We visited a "Restored Roadhouse" but we were not impressed, although we did get to ride a stagecoach.   The following day we continued to Prince George, BC.



Prince George, BC

Prince George, with a population of 71,973 is the largest city in northern British Columbia, and is the "Northern Capital" of BC.  Situated at the confluence of the Fraser and Nechako Rivers, and the crossroads of Highway 16 and Highway 97, the city is the service and supply hub for one of the fastest-growing regions in Canada.

Forestry dominated the local economy throughout the 20th century, including plywood manufacture, numerous sawmills and three pulp mills as major employers and customers. Mining exploration and development may become the future of Prince George. Initiatives Prince George estimates that the Nechako Basin contains over 5,000,000 barrels of oil. 

Railroad & Forestry Museum

Wooden Snowplow - Built by the Russell Snowplow Co., Ridgway, PA (located in north central PA).  Plow was active till the 1950's clearing snow for the Northwood Pulp and Timber. OK, now we have a piece of equipment that was built in Larry's home state.

1921 Rumley Oil Pull Tractor, built in LaPorte, IN.  Engine burned Kerosene and cooling system was oil based.  Tractor had a 25 Horsepower pull rating which ranked high for the 20's.  OK, now we have a piece of equipment that was built in Cheryl's home state.

Main stay of the old trains was the caboose!  Take a close look and see the conductor in the upper front window!

Departed Prince George and drove to Hazelton, BC via Yellowhead (Canada 16) Highway. Hazelton area is home to the Gitksan and Witsuwit'en people.  Totem poles was the main attraction in town.

Hazelton, BC

Gitwangak Battle Hill - this was built by a chief in the late 1700's to protect his tribe.  It stands 65 feet above the river bank.  5 houses were on the side of the hill and each had detachable rolling logs that could be released to fight off the enemy.  They were very successful at holding this position. 

Totem poles are located throughout the community.  They tell a story of the people.  The poles have been around for some time and we were told they can not do repairs, so they go till the fall and decay on the ground.

Kisplox River flowing through Hazelton

Seven Sisters Mountains (9000 ft) located southwest of Hazelton.

Smithers, BC

Twin Falls is located off Highway 16 south of Lake Kathlyn.  It was a nice walk to the falls which are fed by the Kathlyn Glacier.  

Driftwood Canyon Provincial Park - World renowned fossil bed, of course we didn't find anything of value since they would not allow you off the trail.  We did enjoy our picnic lunch along the stream especially when the weather started to clear.  

Departed Hazelton area on May 18th and headed to Stewart, BC / Hyder, AK on Canada 37.

Intersection of Highway 16 and 37.

OK single lane wooden bridges and a 20 Ton Motorhome???  As you can see an 18 wheeler proceeded us and the bridge stood!  They have NO weight limits posted at any of their bridges, just height if it's a truss structure.

Bear Glacier headed to Stewart.

We had 2 days planned for this area and it rained (poured) all the time until we left!  This area is noted for the Black and Brown (Grizzly) catching salmon along side each other during the spawning season.  We saw a Black bear along the road.  We drove across the border to Hyder, AK but the town didn't have much to offer.

We departed Stewart on May 21st and headed toward Skagway, AK with overnight stops in Iskut, BC and Watson Lake, Yukon.  At Watson Lake we headed west on the Alaska (Highway 1) Highway.  

Still on Canada Highway 37, see all the traffic!  We drove many miles without seeing a vehicle.  Reminded me, Larry, of canoeing the Boundary Waters several years ago and not seeing another canoe party for days.

This was our dining view from the RV park in Iskuit.

The following are various photo shots of the drive.  Once Cheryl got comfortable using the new camera there was always a "Kodak" moment around each corner!  Enjoy.

Moose

Catch the rainbow!  Look to the center right before the mountain

More rainbow

Approaching the town of Teslin, Yukon crossing Nisutlin River

Highway 2 just crossed into Alaska and customs!  They took our Cherry tomatoes, said there was a potential disease / insect problem with Canadian tomatoes.  Think they needed some for their dinner salads!

WHAT CAN WE SAY!!!!!!