10 .05.2010




After we withdrew money from the ATM in the biggest shopping center in Prince George, and Lou got his vehicle insurance settled, we left the Grama Inn at nine o'clock. It was already proving to be a lovely day, the sun was shining and the morning was crisp. As we headed out onto Highway 16, Lou was captivated by the mountains behind the inn and stopped to take some photos. I overtook him and Lynn, and I settled into the ride with Des following at a distance behind me. It’s not advisable to ride too closely because of the wildlife here in the mountains.

Everything went well today, and we all enjoyed the ride as much as we had yesterday. The weather, was sunny all day and the traffic was minimal, as we had turned away from the main highway to capture Highway 37, a little further down the track .

We arrived in Smithers before the weather turned sour and settled into a very mediocre motel. I had to ask the concierge how the heater worked as the room was chilly. She brought a little radiator into the room, and I immediately thought, this doesn’t look promising. But all was well and the 'real’ heater started to come on as she tampered with the switch.

The bed was magnificent, a lovely new pillow-top mattress. So for all the motel’s shabbiness, where it counted most (the bed,) money had been spent, and it made for a good night’s sleep.

Lou and Des entertained a fellow whom they had met in the town of Smithers, Dale was his name and he was a building supervisor for a large company that is building a jail in Prince George. When Lynn and I had prepared the evening meal on the camp stove in our room, we invited Dale to join us, even though we were not flush with extra plates. It just meant we had to use a lid as a plate. Luckily, Dale had his own knife to cut his worst. He commented that cauliflower was his favourite vegetable, just as well!

A fellow whom Des met in the carpark of Ride west motorcycles in Seattle, whose name was John, urged Des to take Highway 37 from Prince George to Upper Liard, as it is such a spectacular ride. Dale had just been along that route last week and was able to confirm for us, that the road was mostly sealed and in good condition. He also advised us to call in to a place called Hyder. Dale recommended a particular hotel for us en route, in Stewart, which was very helpful. It gave us something to aim for.