DAWSON CREEK TO WATSON LAKE

 

We have been off the grid since Dawson Creek, and WOW, really miss everything.  If we only had one, but no internet, phone or TV  is like being on a different planet.  So I guess you could say we are stopping to smell the roses, big time.  Heading to Watson Creek the country side was wide open for many a mile, only an occasional ranch.  Lots of red roofs.

                       

                          And there is the beginning of our journey.

Have traveled almost 2000 miles just to get here.  We had a very nice get together and a guest speaker from the tourist bureau, who was quite delightful.  We also became officially the Loosey Goosey Gang with the passing out of name badges.  And yes, they were orange.

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                              The Loosey Goosey Gang                              

                                 

                               Tourist Bureau/ Gift Shop

Beaverton had their oversized name sake as you entered the small village.                       It was almost bigger than the town.  We were headed to a abandoned landing strip, and campground.  Fortunately it was still there.  Anyone reading this and coming this way it is milepost 217.2.  On the left side going north.  Very nice place, lots of wood for campfires, garbage container, and it is “free” which is the best part.   

• We stayed there 3 nights, first night Dennis started a hobo stew, we all threw in a couple of cans of what ever, and it was down right good.   The next night Escapees Mark fixed his world famous, delicious, mouth watering smoked meatloaf, AND mashed potatoes and gravy.  The rest of us came up with a thing or two and we had a feast.  We also had a couple of guys camping near us and they felt that we should have some moose and caribou steaks to try,as they gave us some packets.  Saving that for another night. We had a great time telling tales and getting to know one another. We especially enjoyed the time as just about every one was a new acquaintance.

 Then we were off to a destination down the road.  And it was like driving through a wildlife preserve.  First we seen bear, lots of bears!

                              Three cubs and  big momma.

And then there were sheep!

                                    

There were 5 of these and they were magnificent.

                                            Buffalo

                                      

These two guys were in the middle of the road, and what I called just gave us “the look”, they moved off the road, but at their own pace. 

There were much more but way too many to post.  We spent the night at a Provincial Park on the banks of Muncho lake.  There was still some ice on the water, but they say the color of the water is amazing.  What we could see was unreal.

                       Chuck behind our camp site.  From here we were off to Laird Hot Springs.  Still no hook-ups.  Actually the people who live there are totally reliable on generators.  No cell service for any one. Spending 2 nights here.  The campground is a dream.  Huge sites, 24 dollars a night, but that includes the springs which is a 5 dollar person charge.  We actually paid almost 8 dollars a gallon for gas the other day.  Thankfully it didn’t take that much.

There is a hot side and a cooler side to the springs.  I got to enjoy them too, as they had a golf cart pick up for those that were unable to make the walk.  It was about a half mile, but on a nice boardwalk.  Still having problems with the foot.  I’m using inserts, a sleeping boot, exercises, and have a can in the truck that I roll my foot on when we are moving. So far the only thing that seems to work is ….well…a stiff drink.  Everyone says it takes time.  Chuck is having to do double duty, bless his heart.

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Tomorrow we head down the road once again, on to Watson Lake.  Think the plan is to spend a few days there.  Need to do laundry and take on water, and get rid of the used.  There is also the sign post forest and a northern light theater. One store…..  Hope the wi-fi is strong enough to post, but if not, at least it is written.

So Far, So Good

 

That is about it, we have traveled 800 hundred miles into Canada, and only had one very near miss.  Really thought we had bit the dust, but lady luck smiled and we lived to see another day.  Gas prices are not as big a shock to us, coming from California, diesel is always 4 bucks there, or has been for the last 3 years.  Have not been to the grocery store, we are one of those people who did not know they sold food in Canada.  Hardly left any in the good ole USA for the folks back home. 

We did not go into the Banff, Jasper area.  Had been there before, and wanted to see the other road, but it was not very scenic, just country ranches as far as you could see.

Rochfort Bridge Trestle

Believed to be the second longest wooden railway trestle in the world.

  Then we hit the forests and oil drilling area.  They are really booming.  Places where there are completely new towns that look like they have just sprung up.  Large motels and restaurants. Jobs, jobs and more jobs.

We pulled into Grande Prairie yesterday, and are leaving tomorrow, meeting with the more of the Loosey Goosey gang in Dawson Creek.  The official start of the Alaskan Highway.  Yesterday the weather was wonderful, low 70’s, today not so much.  Windy and cool, at least there are not mosquitos.

Hopefully the next post will be more exciting, we now just seem to be traveling to get some place.  Sure miss having a phone to consult on what & where things and places are.  And the pain in my foot has eased some, at least it is to the point where it is bearable. 

SOUTH OF THE BORDER

 

We are in Great Falls, Montana, ready to make the crossing later this week. We met up with 4 couples that we will be traveling with after Dawson Creek, enjoyed indulging with cake and ice cream in honor of Dennis Hills birthday.  They all left yesterday, and we are awaiting the arrival of  a couple who we will travel with to the rendezvous in DC.

 

Now back to the beginning…we left Jojoba Hills on the 2nd of May, 3 days later than we had planned, but the winds were forecasted to be blowing up to 70 miles in areas we would be driving through.  Being as we were on no time frame it was better to stay in place for a few days.  First night out we spent in Vacaville at the Elks.  Nothing going on, no  meals, so we just vegged.  Next day it was off to Yuba City, where we settled at the Moose.  They have electric and water only, but the price is right, 12 a night or 70 a week.  Used to be 10, but like everything else, went up.  Had hoped to play some bridge with my ole partner, but she had her hip replaced just a day before.  Chuck and I played once, it was a special game that is being played nationwide.  Club wise we did not do anything special. Seen a few friends, spent some time with our son and family, and then it was time to move on.  I’ve been having some pain in the heel of my foot, so tried urgent care, and they got me an appointment with a podiatrist.  He diagnosed it as plantar fasciitis, gave me a shot of cortisone and a boot to wear while sleeping, and wished me luck.  And that seems to be what I will need, as nothing seems to have helped so far.  But who knows maybe I’ll grow to like walking with a nail driving up into my heel, as that is the way to describe the feeling.  Lordy, Lordy I need a complete overhaul.

We stopped and seen friends, Virginia & Earl, who have bought a lovely home in the Sparks area, near Reno.  They are both working like crazy to get it furnished and set up.  And that little dog they have gotten is the cutest  guy, full of mischief, sure he will bring a lot of joy to their lives..  Also got to see Roger, (Sharon was napping) they are loving the area also.  Part of me envy's them, but not ready to make the choice of settling down.

From there it was a two audio book drive to Great Falls.  Think that this trip we will find ourselves in perpetual spring.  Areas of Idaho were down right breath taking.  And the lilacs! 

 

 

My very favorite, just beautiful.  But the trees are just starting to leaf out here. Lots and lots of open spaces, thankfully no trouble.  That is always a plus.  

Once we are in Canada we will be relying on free wi-fi, and have our phones turned off.  We are on the original unlimited Verizon internet, so we can not make any changes or additions to our plan with out loosing that.  Actually surprised that we have got to keep it this long.  Should not have said that.  Made a commitment to keeping the blog up better, so will try to post at least twice a week. Even if I can’t post at least I can continually write and post when have internet available.  These should be great memories some day.