| August 8 & 9, 2007 - Prince Rupert, BC to Prince George, BC |
| |
|
I said goodbye to newfound friends at the hostel and headed east for Prince George, BC on “BC-16”,
which is also called the “Yellowhead Highway.” Of course, I had to get a photo of the sign
since I am a yellowhead:
While in Prince Rupert and as I was leaving the center of town, I was rather surprised to see this sight:
Since Kobi and I experienced a grand whopping total of 30 cumulative minutes of precipitation during
our 2,300+ miles (seriously!), we joked that she brought the Arizona sunshine with her. Well,
apparently she took it back with her since it started raining the day she left and it hasn't
stopped. My ride to Prince George was mostly in a light drizzle, a condition not exactly conducive
to taking photos, especially when you add in no roadside shoulder to speak of. Besides, Kobi wasn't
on the back to snap photos either so I have no proof of the dozen deer, two coyotes, and the black bear I passed.
I actually enjoyed being able to just stay in the saddle and ride today. My 450 mile ride to Prince
George was rather uneventful other than the aforementioned roadside critters. I took the time to
reflect on my recent experiences “up North” as they say and begin to wonder how I'll integrate back into
the “lower 48.” Honestly, it is something I didn't expect would be an issue.
I arrived Dave and Cheryl's house earlier than I expected, which allowed me to do a quick oil change on
the Strom before we headed over to Morris and Ellen's house for dinner. When I was in Prince George
last month I mentioned to Morris that I had never eaten moose before, so he suggested on my return from
Alaska that I stop for moose steaks. Morris is one unique character... thick Scottish accent, more
wild hunting and trapping stories than I've ever personally heard from a single person. Perhaps it's
not surprising though coming from someone who worked for almost a decade “in the bush” (tree planting) as
the person in charge of shooting bears and other problem animals that were threatening camps and workers. It's
one thing to ask someone “What gun will drop a bear?” and have them respond with an opinion, but it's
something else to have them reply with “This gun does”:
This man knows his guns and knows critters, that's for sure. While eating the delicious moose steaks
(they really were good), Morris relates one wild story after another. Frequently he'd disappear and
return with proof of a story:
By the way, here's the moose steaks:
Suffice to say, it was a most unusual and fascinating dinner time show and tell! Thanks to Dave, Cheryl,
Ellen, and Morris for hosting me and for all your support! I had a GREAT time!!
I've decided to head for Squamish, BC so I can personally meet someone who has been a huge supporter of
mine. You Stromtroopers will know him simply as “WaterWarrior”. Dave has decided to ride part
way to Squamish with me, so we'll be departing together in the morning.
Meeting new and old friends while riding a motorcycle in spectacular scenery definitely makes for an
unforgettable journey!
Today's route for those geographically challenged:
AGirl
| |
|
| |
During this journey I have discovered hostels to be an excellent place to rest and regroup. I
personally believe they are undiscovered gems to many travelers, especially motorcyclists. The
belief that a hostel (pronounced just like the word “hostile”) is crammed with very young travelers
from overseas or only for those on shoe-string budgets would be an erroneous one. My experience,
and from what I've gathered from many other hostelers I've met along the way, is that a hostel is a
waypoint for the social adventurer who desires something more than a generic motel/hotel. I love
to camp but I simply can't camp every night I'm on the road with the mileage I accumulate. (If
you're new around here, my total last year was 65k miles and the pace this year is for 73k). Getting
quality rest is a key for me being able to, um, seize the journey, and even though I sleep comfortably
camping, the process of setting up and taking down camp can be time as well as energy consuming over
the long haul. Anyway, while in Prince Rupert I stayed at one of the best hostel I've experienced
to date, called the “Black Rooster Roadhouse”:
There is no doubt in my mind those who have truly experienced Alaska, not merely been a visitor, know
exactly what I am referring to about this transition.
If you wish to receive direct emails from me whenever a new Journey Report has been posted than simply click:
|
|
|
|
Copyright © 2006-2008, All Rights Reserved. |