Today was another “roller coaster” drive as we went about 285 miles on the Alaska Highway from Dawson Creek to Fort Nelson. There were views of lodge pole pines speckled with quaking aspen as far as you could see. For the last two days we have been seeing signs to watch out for moose or deer, but so far we have seen neither one. However, today we were very excited to see a black bear foraging near the side of the highway!!!!

We pulled into the “Triple G Hideaway” about mid afternoon. Then we walked to the Fort Nelson Heritage Museum right next door. The museum featured artifacts from the construction of the Alaska highway, buildings and items from the history of Fort Nelson as well as a display of animals of the area. One house had belonged to an engineer who had worked on the highway. As we toured the house, we started conversing with a fellow tourist who actually had been friends with the owner of the house many years ago. He pointed out to us furnishings that were original to the home, things that the docent did not even know. That really added to the experience.

Next we took Sandy on a hike on one of the trails in demonstration forest. We took along a can of bear pepper spray, just in case. The boreal forest was lush with mosses, mushrooms, tall evergreens, wildflowers, such as false lily-of-the-valley and bunch berry, and MOSQUITOS! UGH! Even though we wore long pants, sweatshirts, and hats and had sprayed ourselves thoroughly, we rushed through the forest to escape the ravenous insects.