Ketchikan’t
Given the effect of weather and summer roadwork on travel progress, I’ve found it best to not schedule non-refundable items too far in advance. Ferry bookings fall in to that category. I thought that calling 4 days in-advance of my need, would be sufficient to get me on a boat going from Prince Rupert BC to Ketchikan AK. Going…yes, no problem, but returning…no, big problem. No vacancies exist for a return trip until July 28, due to the increased pressure of one ferry being out of service for repairs. Now, while I’m sure that Ketchikan is an interesting town, being marooned there for 8 days might be excessive and given their lodging rates, beyond my budget, too.
When I originally laid out my GPS tracks, I noticed one little bit of southern Alaska that could be reach by land. So, still determined to keep AK as a part of this little journey, I’ve flexed the course to actually ride up to Hyder AK. Lodging in Hyder is limited and there exist no vacancies for tomorrow night, so I’ll ride up on Sunday and then down to Prince Rupert BC on Monday. Ta da! Alaska remains a part of the trip, although a small one.
Great weather followed me all day today from Prince George BC to Smithers BC, along the Yellowhead Highway 16. The gorgeous scenery continued, but with few uniquely-new items to photograph. Crossing through Vanderhoof BC, I noticed their sign proclaiming it to be the geographical center of British Columbia.
Fraser Lake is sizeable and looks to be quite fishable. A group of summer camp kids were donning life jackets as their leaders were unloading kayaks.
Somewhere while riding at speed near Houston BC a bee chose to sting my throat. Happily he chose the outside. I’m sure the locals thought me vain, while parked and peering into my rearview mirror trying to extract the stinger.
At Telkwa I took the afternoon break at the confluence of the Bulkley and Telkwa Rivers. A lady had a deep-fry stand there and was cranking out halibut and fries for sale. The aroma was alluring, but not being big on fried stuff, I stuck to a diet Pepsi.
The end-of-day deposited me here in Smithers BC, which I found to be humorous since Burns Lake is not too far behind me. I wonder if Matt Groening has a connection here.
It’s a cool little small town with all the trimmings that one would expect, including tonight’s concert in the park.
Video here:
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Rich on Two Wheels 
truckin along…those bee stings stink but the distance your covering sounds like your making out pretty well,keep safe…enjoying your posts. thank you LM
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Now that’s a really hometown concert in the park. Love that foot stomp’n music. Have a good ride tomorrow and be safe.
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Mmmm, Doritos! Bastard bee!
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That’s too bad about Ketchican (like your play on words) but you’ll enjoy Hyder….maybe you’ll get Hyderized…..drinking the drink with the ‘big toe’ 🙂 Was wondering did you get a Rolla calendar….
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No, but I did look through the calendar photos at the cafe.
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I do know that male bees don’t sting, but at one o’clock in the morning the synapses aren’t firing correctly. In all of your travels, is this the first time you’ve been stung by a bee? Sounds like you made the best out of a trying day. Hope today is better for you.
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Had them in my helmet before, but never got stung.
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Beware of bees and bears!
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