British Columbia Vistas



We made it to British Columbia, Canada

Border Crossing at Sumas, WA (no that is not our trailer, we are way back in the line)

Crossing the border into Canada wasn't too difficult.  Showed them our passports, Maddie's health certificate, answered some questions and presto we were across.   Of course the questions were asked, asked again, and re-asked again   Do you have any guns with you?  No   Do you own any guns?  Yes  Where are the guns you own?  At home   Where are they located?   In the closet   Do you ever travel with any guns?   No  Do you have any ammunition with you?  No   Do you have ammunition for your guns?   Yes  Where is it?   At home in Texas......geez I know a lot of Texans have guns, but really how many different ways can you ask the same question.  Never asked about whether we had any liquor or prescription drugs, just guns, guns, guns.  Oh well, the only other thing is that they made me throw away my apples.

Once past the border crossing we began our journey through beautifil British Columbia. 


Fraser River

Fraser River Valley

We headed north up through the Fraser River Valley.   Boy that was quite a road.   Little scary in a few spots where the road was rather narrow and the river valley was way below and the edge of the road rather close.  Thanks goodness David is such a good driver.  I know kids, "dad... there's an antelope" (Family joke).  We also haven't killed any birds this trip...yet.   There have been a few close calls though.  My kids will understand this also.  David  is nicknamed "Bird Slayer" for a reason.  We followed the "Gold Prospecting Trail" northward on Highway 97.   Then turned west on Canada Hwy 16.    

Went through towns like Cache Creek, 100 Mile House, Prince George, Telkwa and Terrace.   The roadtrip through this part of Canada was well worth the drive.   Except for the price of gas (sold by the liter up here).  

Equal to about $5.00 per gallon U. S.

View from our campsite in Telkwa, BC

 Met some very interesting people at the different campgrounds where we stayed for the night.   Very friendly and very proud of their part of Canada (as they should be).   They were very curious about where in Texas we are from and where we are headed.   Of course we are always ready and more than willing to stop and chat. 

Getting rid of 3 weeks of road grime

The drive heading west out of Prince George on Hwy 16 was again awe inspiring.   Mountains like I've never seen before.   Hanging valleys, glacial runoff in the form of beautiful waterfalls and spectaular mountain peaks.   Again a geologist's dream come true.  One of the mountains was named Mount Andesite, but don't know which one it actually was. 

Snow capped peaks

Look at that snow on the peaks OMG!!

Waterfalls from snow melt

Heading into Prince Rupert near the Skeena River

Barrow's Goldeneye




Canadian geese

Harbor Seal

Bald Eagle WooHoo!!

We've been trying to keep a log of the wildlife that we've seen so far (vultures, crows, ravens, blackbirds, and starlings do not count).   We've seen eagles, blacktail deer, a variety of ducks, Canadian geese, a fox (along the side of highway, but couldn't get a picture so you'll have to take my word for it) and harbor seals.   No moose, beaver, elk or bears yet, but keep hoping. 



This is all we've seen so far :)



While visiting Prince Rupert we have explored the waterfront, shops, hiking trails and the river.  We got here several days prior to the ferry so we've had lots of time to explore.   It has been cold and rainly often, but the sun has peaked through several times. 

Mariner's Memorial

Harbor view

Old Salmon Fish Cannery

Don't really want to run into them, but glad they are here

River area right outside of town



Don't want to run into these either

We leave tomorrow on the Alaskan Ferry.  First stop will be Ketchikan, AK.   We will be staying there for several days to do our adventuring.   From Ketchikan we head on to Sitka, AK.    Will keep you posted as to where we are and where we are headed as often as I can.   I know that I will have tons of pictures to download.   So glad we don't have to pay for film and developing anymore.   That would be our entire budget.  More later family and friends.   Love to all,  Mom and Dad aka Felicia and David.