Monday, July 6, 2009

Enter the Rockies

Day 9 – Sunday, July 5

Yesterday we made it to the beginning of the Alaska Highway. Confusingly, it doesn't actually start in Alaska, but in Dawson Creek, British Columbia. We still had all of British Columbia and the Yukon to ride through before the road enters it's namesake state. We stopped for the night just outside of Fort St. John, had dinner and made another new friend who we rode with for most of the day.

The Alaska Highway was originally built by the Army Core of Engineers in 1942.Until that point, there were no roads connecting the lower 48 with the Alaska frontier. In short, with the events of WWII in mind, the road was commissioned to make Alaska reachable and therefore more defensible for the US. It was a rough road, literally and figuratively, for the troops, but they pressed on through the wilderness, laying the trees they cut to make the way as the base of the road. The project was a feat of determination and engineering that would be impressive even by today's standards.

Today we started out again on the legendary Alaska Highway. The first 100 plus miles were quiet, but the the Rockies began to gracefully introduce themselves and what started as foothills quickly became impressive mountain range. Slowly climbing, the peaks and valleys began to reveal themselves. In the distance, a collage of mountain shapes in various shades of bluish-gray were covered with ominous clouds making not so idle threats.
From pics - day 9

From pics - day 9

As the day went on blue mountains became green and rocky and we were carving our way through them, stopping frequently to take pictures along the way. As we reached the higher parts, there was snow atop the peaks in the not-too-far distance. At one of our picture stops just as we were done taking pictures of the scenery a big horn sheep came tromping down the road towards us. He was beautiful and surprisingly brave. He came close, about 8 feet away, and looked at us quizzically, seeming almost as curious as we were. He was a highlight and I got some great pictures of the handsome fellow.
From pics - day 9

From pics - day 9

Capillaries of rushing mountain steams made their way towards bigger rivers. The road meandered down along the river, sometimes crossing paths - road and river like two big, twisting ribbons strewn between the mountains. The river met lakes and we road lakeside as the sun began to take its time setting.

We encountered so much wildlife. Certainly more than I've ever seen in my life. The first we saw was a black bear on the side of the road. We pulled up and warily stopped to take pictures. He just sat there, happily chomping away at wildflowers, ignoring the strangers there were rudely staring while he was eating. We saw a moose along the road, also eating. Everyone seems to be making the most of this plentiful season. The moose is a rather odd looking animal. It seems like God got creative one day and went to the spare parts bin and grabbed a little camel, cow, caribou, and viola, moose! They are serious looking animals despite their awkwardness and I find them rather charming. We saw many more bear as well as wild buffalo and other critters. It was so amazing to see a momma bear and her two little cubs, not much bigger than footballs along the road – apparently the wildflowers along the side of the road are even enough to tempt a watchful mother bear. We didn't stop for pictures, but road past twice, just in grateful to see them.
From pics - day 9

From pics - day 9

From pics - day 9


The ride ended well and the best way I can describe the day was enchanting. We stopped at Liard Hot Springs to camp and and ended the day soaking in natural hot springs at midnight.

5 comments:

  1. Hi James and Shana

    Your trip sounds great and enjoying following your blog. We enjoyed your visit with us last Fri night and it was a pleasure to have you both stay.

    God bless, Al and Gail Hinton

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  2. Hey Sis. The stories are amazing I love how your blog is coming along and please sign me for the next 2 wheel adventure!
    We love you guys and be safe out there.

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  3. Hey there noonies. Lost ya today. Hope you made it safe to camp. I'm in Whitehorse and will be in Tok tomorrow. See ya up the road.

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  4. A little piece of Heaven! How incredible and to end your day with a great hot tub! Thanks for taking us along...
    Sheila

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  5. Love the pics!! LOVE LOVE LOVE

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