We stopped in Whistler and went to the tourist centre to use the phone to contact Greg Dziedzic, a friend who still works for BC Hydro; but got no answer on several attempts so we decided that he and Diane must be out or away for the weekend. Darn. ( found out on a subsequent e-mail that Greg must have been in the garage and didn't hear the phone when I called) So close.
We stopped in Lillooet for a late lunch at the same place that Nicholas and I ate at on Aug 12th, 2010 as we headed the other way from Marble Canyon Provincial Park to Vancouver. The day was heating up so we ducked into Cache Creek DQ for a Blizzard, before blasting our way over the Trans Canada #1 to Kamloops.
Aug. 12th we rode hwy #5 around Wells Grey Park with the Columbia, Cariboo and Rocky Mountain ranges in sight all day. We followed the Thompson and Fraser river valleys, just another beautiful area of BC.
Temperature changes means change in clothing strategy! Thompson River in the background.
A gas stop in Valemont gave me an opportunity to chat with this "poplar wood" carver. Roughs out with a chain saw then finishes using a "crooked knife"
We took a two night lay over in Prince George to allow us to get a better sleep, do laundry and had a quick but enjoyable visit with Rhonda and Jim Loose. Can you believe I didn't pull out my camera for a photo op with them? Nicholas and I stayed at their home in 2010, but we missed seeing Jim at that time. It was a real treat for me to finally have a face to face for the first time since 1985. Jim was instrumental in me getting a job with BC Hydro in HH back in 1978. I hope they come to visit us in NB sometime. It would be fun to be a tour guide in our home province.
The next day was an easy ride from Prince George to Dawson Creek with stops at some old familiar haunts along the much improved John Hart Hwy.# 97.
Stellar's Jays always scavaging for goodies.
One of the best views just east of the Pine Pass (933m) on the John Hart hwy. #97. I have thought of hiking these ridgelines for 35 years, so of course had to stop for yet another longing look. We chatted here with a couple from Washington state who were going to Alaska riding a BMW 1200GS and an F650GS.
Chetwynd seemed hardly changed since 1985, at least on the view from the bike ride through and around the "downtown". Slight overcast skies made for a great finish to the ride to Mile 0 on the Alaska Highway. Dawson Creek.
An American lady from a tour bus obliged us with this photo op.
After checking into the motel, several riders on BMW F800GS bikes from Mexico rode up. I took the opportunity to chat with them in the motel laundry room later in the evening. They were from Mexico City and headed to Purdue Bay, Alaska before heading south, then across North America. They were going to Nova Scotia to do the Cabot Trail before going to Florida on the way home. (their plan is to do the "Four Corners". Ernesto Acevedo will then continue on to the circumnavigation of the South American continent. He will be on the road for 8 months! His riding partner on this three month section of the ride is a business partner and they are being "sponsored" by BMW Motorrad Mexico. Now that is truly an adventure ride. They own a motorcycle touring company that has 5 other "pilots" besides Ernesto. Check out their Facebook page at MotoquestMX.
Sweet way to make a living me thinks! [ If your wife would also agree :) ]
Tomorrow we ride north and west to Hudson's Hope.
Mile 0 - always love to see pictures of this. :)
ReplyDeleteAnd wow, those guys from Mexico - that is quite the tour! I will definitely check them out!
Love you both!!