Alaska Yukon Trip 08
Day 3
August 24, 2009: Once we reached the Hazleton’s it became very apparent we were in bear country. We started getting our first glimpses of bears as they darted across the highway. Disappearing into the thick vegetation every bit as quickly as they appeared out of it. Single bears, sows with cubs…. They started near Kispiox and our glimpses continued as we continued our drive westward.
We didn’t have far to go once we got on highway 16 again until we reached the junction for highway 37 and began heading north to Meziadin Junction where we would turn to go west into Stewart. Except for the occasional bear darting across the highway, the drive from highway 16 to the Stewart highway was long and boring. The brush being so thick there was nothing to see except the odd, brief glimpse of a river or creek. There were some native villages along this highway that we had planned to visit, but the day had been quite long and we were getting tired. The rain never let up either, which added to our weariness. We skipped the villages vowing to get them on the way back.
Once you turned onto highway 37A towards Stewart the landscape started to change. Soaring mist peaks, most obscured in the rain clouds. It seemed each mountain slope held at least one majestic waterfall – often it was many falls cascading down the sides of the lush, green slopes. The transformation was mystical and we found ourselves, once again, saying wow an awful lot. (We really need to expand our vocabulary!)
The only disappointment of this drive is that the highway was narrow and there was no place to stop to photograph the scenery. Finally we rounded the corner and Bear Glacier came into view. Our first coastal glacier! Even in the rain and fog it was spectacular. I can only imagine how much more magnificent the colors would be in the sunshine. Soon enough we arrived in the quaint mountain town of Stewart. Our hotel was one street off the highway, and main street in town. Upon parking we were greeted by the local welcoming wagon. A flock of free roaming chickens & roosters.
We checked in to the Ripley Creek Inn and went for supper at the Bitter Creek Cafe, which was really good. Highly recommended! The ambiance alone is worth a visit. With just a little bit of daylight left we couldn’t wait to get to Hyder and see some bears, so off we went.
We were excited to see bears darting across the road on the drive there, but sadly weren’t rewarded with any visits to the creek itself while we were there. However, it was a good opportunity to get the lay of the land, and figure out the ins and out of the bear viewing facilities. The place has a strong presence to it. It’s the kind of place that gives you goosebumps – there’s something ethereal….sacred….. We went back to our hotel, eager to get an early start in the morning.
In: Travels · Tagged with: Canada, forest, glacier, landscape, mountains, river, weather
