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Back in the US, day 30

Monday, September 1st, 2008

	We put some miles on today. Crossing the border took about an hour do to lines. Just before you go over you can change all your Canadian money for US. Customs were easy the entire trip.
	After crossing into the US we drove through Bellingham and past Exit 250 where just a short time ago (it seemed) we had turned to find the ferry. A light rain was falling – deju view all over again.
	We had planned to stop in Seattle at Pike’s Place, a section of town with lots of shops and fresh fish and vegetables plus about anything else you can think of to buy. Picked up 5 pounds each of King, Coho, xxx salmon all packed for a 48 hour dash home.
	Heading south and looking for the first campground or park we could find, we saw a sign for The Wildrose Campground. It as quite a ways off the highway so when we got there we stayed (wet) even though it was a bit eclectic, kind of anti-Stepford.

Tags: Alaska, BC, YT
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Fraser Canyon, day 29

Monday, September 1st, 2008

	We were lucky to travel through the Fraser Canyon area today. We even got snowed on! There are seven tunnels on the route through the canyon. The Gold Dust trail goes through this difficult canyon, of which was said by Simon Fraser (the first white man to descend the river), “This is a place where no human being should venture.”
	In the “Hell’s Gate” portion, current is very swift and waters can rise as much as 100′. You can visit the lower portion by tram.
	We stayed at the Wild Rose Campground (wet) near Hope, BC and had minestrone for dinner.BTW, there were both a Hope and a Clinton, BC.

Tags: Alaska, BC, Fraser Canyon, YT
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Prince George, day 28

Monday, September 1st, 2008

	We arrived in Prince George, BC about 9:30am. Here we having the oil changed on the Sprinter and that gives us a few hours to explore.
	We quickly found out the locals (like in many towns) don’t know much about their town from a tourist prospective. We went to the mall as suggested – hmmm, just like home. We travelled downtown for lunch and I was happy to find a Guiness.
	After walking back to the dealership, Debbie went to the Prince George Park. This is a great park on the river on the west side of town. She visited the comunity museum, saw photos of The Hudson Bay Company’s plan for Prince George and other exhibits.
	We escaped the clutches of the dealership and modern commerce and by 4pm were once again on our way south.Tonight we stayed at the 10 Mile Lake Provential Park. Lots of spaces but no one around.

Tags: 10 Mile Lake Provential Park, Alaska, BC, YT
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Totem poles and salmon, day 27

Monday, September 1st, 2008

	Today we headed towards Hazleton. Actually, there are 2 (maybe 3) Hazleton’s – the new and the old. We stopped short of Hazleton to look at some totem poles and were greeted by a friendly cat.The first thing we saw in Hazleton was a glass shop so we stopped to have the windshield fixed. Cost $44 Canadian.
	Hazleton has many totem poles and near Hazleton you will pass through Moricetown. Here the local First People or Aborigines as some call themselves, fish the Skeena river for salmon using nets. Not really fishing – more like catching. Over 5 million salmon run up the Skeena each year.
	The day we watched, they were catching, tagging and releasing. As far as I know, there is no limit to what the First People can catch.Tonight we camped at Dave’s RV and finally got showers!

Tags: Alaska, BC, totem poles, YT
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Bear Glacier, day 26

Thursday, August 28th, 2008

	We pulled out about 7:45am heading south on the Cassiar Highway. We snapped a photo at Gnat Pass Summit, 4,072 feet and Mt. Edziza (9,000 ft. volcano).
	The Cassiar Highway is a beautiful way south, some gravel and a pretty narrow road especially on the northern end. Some traffic but tall mountains, lakes and lots to see. We passed 4 black bears along the way.
	At Meziadin Junction we turned toward Steward to see the Bear Glacier which at one time touched the highway. The blue ice of the exposed end and the water pouring from was incredible.
	We turned back to camp at The Meziadin Lake Provincial Park (dry) where we had a site 10 feet from the lake. We had a nice fire and cocktails. We watched a beaver taking home fast food and we had chili bean burgers.
	We also learned 3.84 liters make a gallon (from one Debbie’s many cookbooks) so now I can figure out some mileage.

		Debbie’s report on the Bear Glacier.

Tags: Alaska, BC, Black Bear, Glacier, The Meziadin Lake Provincial Park, YT
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