Whitehorse to Prince George

Spent the morning and early afternoon close to the Yukon River. We walked three miles on the river walk in town before exploring Miles Canyon outside of town. Clouds rolled in so we ditched the northern lights quest and away we went. 

Between Whitehorse and Watson Lake the road meandered through valleys framed with rolling spruce-covered mountains; the yellows and golds of the willows and aspens were a brilliant contrast. Rivers, creeks, and lakes were as numerous as wild animal sightings were scarce. Saw lots of moose hunters and occasional porcupines road kill. 

Greg shared memories of his first trip up the Alaska/Canadian Highway with his family in 1959. He was five years old. He, his three older brothers and his folks drove up the gravel ALCAN in a station wagon, tent camping, and Coleman stove cooking the whole way. Woah. And I fancy myself to be a modern day pioneer.

In and out of rain until about noon. Saw a fox at two. No bears. No moose. While I'll admit to disappointment born of few wild animal sightings, the rugged wilderness in full-blown autumnal glory, a late afternoon hike, and a perfect campfire somehow seem to make everything ok in the world.

We finished the Cassiar with only one big old black bear seen. Turned onto the Yellowhead Highway toward Prince George. Outside of Smithers, BC we hiked up to Twin Falls & Glacier Gulch before settling into a municipal campground on the Bulkley River with full amenities. Loved the hot shower.

Couple of more pictures added to the link.