Category: Alaska Yukon 2017

Our drive towards Stewart, BC didn’t net us any berries. We didn’t see any evidence of people out picking them and any of our stops, we didn’t see any growing. It’s hard with a trailer to drive into some of the back forest roads exploring. We had more nice scenery, and when we arrived to camp, found there were only a few sites available. The park was nearly full – a dramatic difference from our last stop! However, we were able to get set up and then as supper was almost ready, Paul went out to help a camper who was having some difficulty getting parked. The camper had turned into a driveway across from the site, ready to back into the site but cut the corner too tight resulting in one set of trailer tires ending up in the ditch, suspended. The truck was on solid ground but the back of the trailer on that side had become grounded – couldn’t go forward, and couldn’t back up. With the help of a couple of men from the park who were able to supply a couple of jacks and extra lumber, they built up a support for the wheels. Once that was done, the truck was backed up and the trailer was set up in the site beside us. Paul helped to check it over and everyone was relieved that no major damage was done and even the stairs were able to be unfolded and used. In the process, we met a nice camper and were able to make a new friend!

The weather turned rainy with low clouds but on Tuesday we headed in for a day trip to Stewart and Hyder. Stewart is in BC; Hyder in Alaska. There is no border crossing into Alaska, but you do report to the Canadian Customs agent upon return to Canada. Hyder has very little in terms of homes or stores.

Unfortunately with the low clouds, we didn’t get to see the many hanging glaciers that are on the road into Stewart. We did go to Fish Creek in Hyder, but didn’t manage to be there when the bears were fishing. We did see more fish spawning, seagulls eating fish, a couple of eagles and a juvenile great blue heron.

The area is very lush with huge Sitka Spruce trees – very much like a rain forest. Although disappointing because of the weather, we did have a few nice sights. The low clouds over the water made for some interesting pictures!

We’ve had such wonderful weather all round, so we aren’t complaining about a bit of rain.

Tomorrow, we’ll head towards Prince Rupert – we figure we are this close, we might as well make the trip out to the coast before heading inland to Prince George.

Checking the weather last night for Sunday, we decided it would be a reasonable day for the drive. We spoke to both the owner of the campground as well as some other campers who had driven the road in the last week and they reported it was in excellent condition. It is 70 miles of gravel – some grades to 20% and lots of sheer drop offs from a narrow, winding road. However, the scenery of the Stikine Canyon is not to be missed.

The day was pleasant – got up to 21 degrees at times with cloudy periods, but lots of sun too. We were glad to make the drive and we got back before any rain came. Telegraph Creek has a population of about 350 people, many native Tahltan. It had a major historical role with the discovery of gold in 1860. The Stikine River canyon is know as the Grand Canyon of Canada. We certainly had some spectacular views – the road had few travellers on – some who live in Telegraph Creek, and a few like ourselves out sightseeing.

Tomorrow we head further south towards Steward, BC and Hyder, AK. We’ll stop just before to camp – we’ve also been told we may find blueberries just south of where we are tonight. We’ll take a look and see if the dry summer has affected our chances!