Day 3: Heading to the fire--Smithers to Dease Lake

Highway 37 Both Directions

Closed in both directions between Beaverdam Rest Area, at KM 650 and the BC/Yukon Border because of Forest Fire. Temporary opening is planned for Aug. 2nd Northbound traffic will be escorted through the fire at 8:00 AM. Southbound at 9:30 A.M. Low Confidence level. These openings may be cancelled at any time due to extremely unpredictable fire behaviour. Recommended route is via Hwy 97, Alaska Hwy. Next update at 8:00 pm Aug 2nd. Updated on Mon.Aug 2nd at 8:30 am (ID# 98697)

 Today's Drive BC Road Report

Forest fire at the BC/Yukon border.

August 2/2010: We're in Smithers this morning, using the business centre at the Hudson Bay Lodge. Had a wonderful breakfast but then found out that our route North along Highway 37 (to Watson Lake) is closed because of a forest fire. So we've looked at taking a ferry from Prince Rupert to anywhere in Alaska but that's a no go. We're just going to boot it up there and hope to go through the border with the next fire escort. It's a two day ride from here.

This is the last stop before we head to Highway 37N and, eventually, to the Alaskan Highway. We met a group of bikers who tried very hard to persuade us to go to Stewart and avoid the fire. But you can't get to anywhere but Hyder from Stewart so we decide to stick to our route. This is Darrell who gifted us with two new expressions. My nerdy yellow reflective safety vest is a "hit me vest." And if you happen to be unemployed then your current occupation is "fresh air inspector."

Meziadin Lake is a lot smaller in real life then on the map. As in there is nothing here! Maria flagged down a passing biker to ask for news of the next gas station and the fire. We're off to Bell II for grub and gas.

In Bell II, we met Corey the massage therapist from Colorado who gave us each a free massage!

There are bugs up here. We just make sure to keep our visors closed so we don't end up eating them.

 Dease Lake liquor store. Yep, this is the whole place--smaller than my office at UVic. Note the brand loyalty. Seems people here really really like Budweiser.

Day 2: Lillooet to Burns Lake

August 1/2010: Breakfast a go-go--bananas, yogurt, cookies and Clamato juice!

Clint: This one's for you baby!

We could smell the smoke as we drove through clouds of it approaching Williams Lake. There are forest fires in the area and warnings that parts of Highway 37 North are closed. Gulp.

"Brad" the Pom, and his driver Dave enroute from Williams Lake to Prince George.

Spreading the gospel of Lemon Pledge to nurse Carleen in Prince George. She says she's going to ride her 1984 Shadow 750 to Victoria at the end of the summer and come for a ride with us. We're holding you to that Carleen!

Heading into the rain and Burns Lake. Saw our first bear enroute.

We stopped for gas along the "Highway of Tears." This sign is a sad reminder of how vulnerable our lives can be. Right across the street from this sign a woman was hitchhiking. 

According to the barmaid at Mulvany's Pub in Burns Lake, the #1 drink of choice among the residents is beer. The second is "holy water" and the third is "trouble." Of course, being the true adventurer that she is, Hailey tried all three. Here she is drinking trouble. PS: I was the designated walker as our hotel was across the street.

There was no food to be had in Burns Lake. Luckily we had some camping soup and a coffee pot to make it in!

Depature Day: Victoria to Lillooet

July 31/2010: Bit of a late start this morning. Apparently 5 am comes a little too early for us.

Maria & Clint

It was an awesome ride along the Sea to Sky Highway to Pemberton. Then things got a little "challenging" on the way to Lillooet. Like pavement turning into a steep gravel hill into a paved hairpin right turn. Thank goodness for Paul teaching me (Maria) how to ride on gravel. Which I rock at now by the way! (No pun intended.)

BC Hydro Campsite, Lillooet

Gear Tent