‘Twas
a beautiful day in the neighborhood;
A
beautiful day in the neighborhood…
What’s
that I see?? Glaciers, mountains,
rushing rivers, graceful waterfalls, azure lakes, 2 black bears, avalanche
gates, falling rock warnings, wood plank bridges, fireweed flowers turned to
“cotton”, logging trucks, First Nation villages, totem poles, a bell tower,
more mountains…a modern town!
Soon
after starting out from Stewart Bear Glacier came into view. Once it reached across the valley where the
present road now runs. The old hwy. can
be seen hundreds of feet above the present road. Not far after that we saw a hanging glacier.
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| Bear Glacier up Close |
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| Bear Glacier |
Turning
south on the Cassiar Hwy (37) we saw the Cassiar Mountain range ahead again.
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| Bear Glacier |
Buddy
Bear was a good companion and watched the road for us when he wasn’t trying to
catch the smashed insects on the windshield!
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| Buddy Bear loves to watch the road |
After
passing the main First Nation village of Kitwanga, we turned off on one of the
village roads to see St. Paul’s Anglican Church built in 1893 and still
standing. We talked with an 82-yr. old
native who has lived there for the past 50 years who told us that the roof on
the steeple is still the original roof and wood shingles. He reminded us that the church was built
before they had electricity and all the boards, beams and shingles were
hand-cut. The wooden structure to the
right was built about 30 years ago according to him, by volunteers to house the
original bell which still rings.
Weddings and other special events are still held at the church, but it
is kept locked otherwise to prevent men in the village from going into it to
drink. Those responsible for the church
fear it could be carelessly (accidentally) set on fire by them.
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| St. Paul's Anglican Church |
The
totem poles throughout the village are classic examples and are still in their
original locations.
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| First Nation Village of Kitwanga Totem Poles |
As
we turned onto Yellowhead Hwy (16) toward Smithers we drove along the Coast
Mountains and were treated to more awesome views.
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| Coast Mountains toward Smithers |
Coming
into Smithers we passed by the Hudson Bay Mountain & glacier. Smithers is known for some of the best ski
trails around according to our neighbor in the camp, and in the winter the town
is hopping with skiers and tourists as well as in the summer.
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| Hudson Bay Mountain & Glacier |
After
pulling into the Riverside Golf and RV Park and getting settled in, we disconnected
our car and drove into town to a car wash to get rid of the dust and dirt!
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| Dan washing our really really dirty car |
Gathering
for travel briefing, social time, and drawing for prizes took place after
everyone was into camp.
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| Travel Briefing and Social |
After
supper many of us enjoyed playing some yard games like ladder ball and some
disc toss games. A nice ending to a
beautiful day—bittersweet as we only have one day left of our wonderful Alaska
Caravan!
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| Game Night |
Submitted by Rig # 16
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| Dan & Nancy |
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