Day 11 - Prince George, BC to Dawson Creek, BC

Day 11 - Saturday, June 18, 2011

Gilbert & Jenna Hall - Rig 12

On the Road to Dawson Creek

Our day began with everyone busily packing up, connecting towed vehicles, and striking out for Dawson Creek.  For us, our preparations to leave were compounded by a jack that refused to retract.  Thanks to Robert Delcuze in Rig 8 for helping me get it up so that we could join the 248 mile exodus north. 

Today was a day of stark contrasts.  We left a major city, drove into mountains, and ended up on rolling plains. Cloudy skies and jacket weather gave way to sunshine and warm temperatures. Excellent highways were replaced by rough, muddy, rocky construction sites. Along the way we were treated to beautiful mirror smooth lakes, swiftly moving rivers and an amazing waterfall. Wildflowers were abundant during the first leg of the trip and a Stellar Jay posed for pictures at Bijoux Falls. At Azouette Lake Lodge Bet, Robert, Jenna and I watched number of scuba divers apparently learning to dive in Lake Azouette.  I'm sure the clear mountain lake is an excellent place for diving.



Stellar Jay

Bijoux Falls

Scuba divers

Three fourths of the way to Dawson Creek we were treated to an amazing collection of chainsaw wood carved sculptures in Chetwynd.  It is hard to believe that artisans could create such intricate sculptures in just 35 hours using chainsaws and other woodworking tools. I couldn't produce such beauties in 35 years! I was particularly intrigued with the benches and the praying mantis, but there was nothing shabby about all the others. The city of Chetwynd has discovered a great way to attract tourists.

Gilbert and Jenna

Upon our arrival in Dawson Creek our wagonmaster had arranged to have Keltie Durrell from the Dawson Creek Visitor's Center give us a brief history of the Alaska Highway.  Her presentation was informative and entertaining.
The fact that the U. S. Military along with the assistance of Canada was able to build such a long and winding road under such harsh conditions in only 9 months is amazing.  Such a project today would take 9 years just to do the environmental impact study and get the project approved, and the budget would be in the trillions.

Following the presentation, Chris Pattison from Rig 17, and Robert Delcuze came to our aid when they tore into the gearbox on our landing jacks.  After a couple of hours of labor, they were able to get us back into working order. Thanks guys!  That's one thing I have noticed about the people on this journey; everyone is so willing to help. That is another reason to take an Adventure Caravan tour.  The security of having dozens of minds to call on for help is invaluable. 

Tomorrow is another exciting and fun day!  Till then - Happy Trails!