THURSDAY, SEPT 12

THURSDAY, SEPT 12:

     Another perfectly gorgeous drive.  The Cassiar Hwy (Canada Hwy 37) is designated a remote highway, but a beautiful one. The 450-mile road traverses some of the most stunning scenery in British Columbia . . . mountain passes, valleys, canyons, rivers, and lakes. 

 

 

At one point we crossed over the Stikine River, which kind of brought us full circle.  That’s the river which ends its course in Wrangell, AK, and empties into the Pacific there.   As the crow flies, we were probably never more than 200 miles or so all day today from the lower Southeast Alaska locales that we spent time in 3 months ago.  Problem is – between  this part of Canada & Alaska lie massive ice fields, impassable mountains & rivers.  So if you’re thinking of sneaking into the U.S. from Canada without going thru Customs, you’d better find another route!   

      The road is narrow, with no shoulder for the most part, a little rough in places, but overall not bad.  And there was very little traffic, so that helped.  The road might feel a little more intimidating if there were heavy traffic, like in mid-summer.  Towns and services are few & far between.  But that’s ok; we just thoroughly delighted in the thoroughly beautiful scenery all the way.   Stopped several times to stretch and take in the views and take pictures.  We can’t get over how gorgeous the fall colors are – we just never expected that.  In fact, I’d go so far as to say it’s even more spectacular than last fall at the Grand Canyon with its lavish display of golden aspens.  There seems to be as many golden-hued trees here – if not all aspens, then birches, elms, and lots of golden underbrush – and combined with mountainous backdrops, it’s just breathtakingly lovely.

 

 

 

 

 

  

      To top the drive off, we came across a bear!  A young black bear, munching away at the side of the road.  He’d better get his fill quickly – winter’s approaching!

                                                                                                                       

                       
                                                                                

  

       Stopped at Iskut, BC for the night.  This campground was amazing, because of its location.  It’s in a valley surrounded by mountains.  May be the most beautiful, serene spot we’ve ever camped at.  Took a lovely walk with Pappy on a trail through the woods down to a good-sized lake.  A bench was awaiting us there; we just sat and took in the tranquility and the majesty surrounding us.  Walked back just before it got totally dark.

     Tomorrow we’ll drive to Stewart/Hyder.