As we approached the border crossing we were thinking of what could and could not be taken into Canada. Had attempted to learn about these items on line but usually got the message “depends on what crossing you use or may change frequently, check with the personnel at the border.” We had taken care of things like potatoes (which were not allowed into BC) and the firearms.
The agent asked for our passports and then started through the list of items guns, liquor, fruit, our apples were illegal (so she took them) but bananas were OK. Guess losing 3 apples was a small price to pay in the expedited crossing. In the past we have had our motorhome searched (nothing removed) and delays as long as 2 hours.
The Canadian Rockies. We think they are more beautiful than those in the lower 48.
We passed many large farms/ranches and these types of buildings were seen everywhere. Not sure of the construction but from the number seen they most be durable and less costly.
As we drove into Whitecourt, AB we crossed the MacLeod River where a new bridge was under construction. Glad to see the open water which surely means spring will soon be here.
At Grande Prairie we went to the Visitor’s Center for information. There was a secure WiFi so we went on line to check emails and weather north along our route.
As we were leaving we noticed that the stones were stacked to appear like a man . . . so I took a picture of Francis and the stone man.
Out near the corner of the parking lot there is a 40 foot sundial that is said to show the correct time. Not sure how it knows if it is daylight savings time, however.
When leaving the Grande Prairie area we topped our diesel tank because fuel cost in British Columbia are much higher than Alberta (approx. 60 cents per gallon in the larger cities) which is higher than the US.
On April 23, we crossed into British Columbia and headed out Hwy. 43 and then Hwy. 2 to the start of the Alaska Highway 97 (also known as the Alcan).
The motorhome in the parking lot of the Visitor’s Center with the mile marker back at the far edge. Look closely and you will also see Francis waving through the windshield
At the Visitor’s Center we were told that WalMart allowed overnight parking and that electricity was available on most light standards if we wanted to plug in. We stayed in the parking lot but did not use the electricity. About 12:30 Jo Ann noticed movement outside the motorhome and checking further realized it was an elk. We are surprised that we have not seen more wildlife. . . . Lots of birds, several hawks and eagles, and a few deer along the road. . . no moose or bear.
We were also told where we could dump but water was not available for filling the fresh water tank. As we leaving Dawson Creek we missed the turn so decided to proceed to Fort St. John were we were told we could dump and get water.
When we arrived at Fort St. John municipal water plant, turned on the faucet but no water. So while Francis was dumping Jo Ann went into the office to ask about water. The manager, Garland, said the ground was still too cold to turn on the water at the fill station but he could provide water if we had some hose to add to his. So after dumping we moved the motorhome closer to the building and ran three hoses to fill the tank. The guys working there were so nice. They refused my offer of a donation but gave us water bottles, playing cards and pens advertising the municipal water plant.
As we approached the Peace River crossing we learned that there was construction on the road. The approach to the bridge is nerve racking enough since you drop 800 ft in about 4 miles. Francis said he was glad the dual tanker was taking it very slow because that was the exact speed he wanted to travel.
Stopped at Fort Nelson Visitor’s Center to check weather. The report we were been getting was possible snow storm on Saturday and Sunday. On April 24, we stopped at the Kledo Creek Roadside park for the night. The roads were clear.
When we awoke on April 25 there was a light snow as we pulled out about 7 AM
As we began to climb (about 8:10 AM) we were following an 18 wheeler and noticed one heavily loaded with two tanker trailers become stranded near the Steamboat Mountain summit. When we stopped to see if we could go around we were also stranded and had to disconnect the car so Francis could back the motorhome to get traction. Here is part of the group including the snow plow
After the snowplow cleared the area and sanded, we were able to proceed. With the car disconnected we followed the 18 wheelers down the slope very cautiously.
When we came to a large pullout we stopped to decide how to proceed. Soon another a class B RV arrived and Manny (a German traveler) came over. He was driving a rental to Whitehorse and then was going to Inuvik, NWT (in 1999 we went up there . . a very unique town) for a summer job. Had an interesting visit with him and then he departed. When we saw a snow plow passing we decided to drive the rig and car separately and follow the plow. Made another stop, waited for a plow and proceed.
The ice forming on the rim of the tire made a pretty pattern.
We arrived at Toad River and the parking lot at the service center was clear so we stopped. After checking with the office decided to move into the RV Park even though it was not open but could furnish us with electricity while we wait for the roads further north to clear.
Francis walking back to the RV from the restaurant. All the comforts of home including WiFi so I can post this section.
Looking across the Alaska Highway at the mountains and airport (notice the small plane parked there) from the RV Park.
Wondered about how the area got its name. In the early days before bridges the custom was to “tow people across the river.” So it was called “Towed River” crossing. No one seems to know when the name changed from “Towed” to “Toad” but it remains. Another unusual thing about the restaurant is the ceiling is covered with baseball caps (at last count 8000+). So the story goes the two owners were enjoying a drink when one left to check with a man about an horse leaving his hat. The remaining owner stapled it to the ceiling and so it began.
We are checking the weather reports north of here to determine when to leave. May stay for a couple more nights. Stay tuned.
