Fires, First Nations and Wildlife

It has been a fun and interesting few days here in British Columbia. We made the long drive between Valemount and Fort Frasier on BC highway 16. The area is notorious for wildlife so we were a little disappointed that we didn’t see a whole lot along the drive. We did actually see 2 black bears but it is amazing how quick they are when startled so there is no photographic evidence. You will just have to take our word for it. The only wildlife I was able to photograph that day was a “Road Gator.” The scenery was really pretty along the way and much cooler than it has been offering a welcome relief from the heat that has been plaguing the area.

There was still some smoke in the air but not as bad as the day before. Our plan was to stop in Prince George at the Costco they have there. I had the unfortunate experience of having the external hard drive that I use for all of my photos stop working. Not only can I not do anything without one but I’m hoping that some computer expert can get it working long enough to recover all of my RAW photos from 2017 that are on there. The files are far too large to keep on my laptop so that is my only option. Prince George is a fairly large town for this area. We were really not impressed. So far everywhere we have been the towns large and small have been very clean and nicely represented. Prince George seemed a bit junky with a large number of homeless wandering around. I think we are going to re-think our plans to spend a couple of days there on our way back from Prince Rupert. I was at least able to get a replacement hard drive for the remainder of the trip. I’ll try hard not to worry about the rest of it until we get home. As we made our way to our stopover for the next 2 nights in Fort Frasier, we actually got some heavy rain. I know it is really needed in the area because of the fire potential. To us it seems very lush and green but apparently that doesn’t stop forest fires from burning here.

We arrived at Pipers Glen Resort in the early afternoon. Once again we found out that they use the term “Resort” very loosely around here. That being said, you just could not beat the location. We had everything that we needed….A long pull through site with hook ups bordered by a field full of wild flowers. There was a wonderful view of the lake with a path leading down to the shore. The only other thing was that we had a view of the smoke column across the lake from a fire in that direction. It was miles away with the wind blowing in the opposite direction and a lake between it and us so we felt very safe but it was interesting to watch the progress.

The next day we just did a little sightseeing and had a picnic down by the lake. We saw another black bear, a young one this time, that nearly ran across the highway in front of us. Once again, however, despite having my camera in my lap ready to go, I failed to get a photo again. When we got back we went inside. Then we thought we heard airplanes. Sure enough, there were 4 water dropping prop planes, I have no idea what kind they were, scooping water up out of the lake. It was amazing to see them in action. They must be some of the most skilled pilots in the world. We watched them for several hours leaving us wondering how they had enough fuel.

Yesterday we left early and headed off to The Hazetlons. A group of small towns: Old, New and South Hazelton. We are staying near Old Hazelton in a campground by the Ksan Village. A First Nations Village reproduction and museum celebrating the Native inhabitants of the area. Once again we thought that the area could not get more beautiful than we had already experienced and….once again we were wrong. With the dramatic weather change and more high mountains in the distance we were in wonder the entire trip. We even saw a Fox along the way. He was as interested in us as we were in him.

The campground could not be in a more beautiful spot and we are just steps away from the “Village.” We made of point of heading there shortly after arrival. We did a private tour that allowed us access to the 3 long houses on sight along with an audio presentation in each house that was extremely entertaining and informative. In addition our guide was a young man from the Wolf clan that is very interested in his heritage and wants to be part of keeping the tradition going. There are 4 clans and they all intermarry since within the clan is considered family. The children follow their Mother’s clan.

Besides the Wolf there is the Frog, The Eagle and The Fireweed Clans.

We had a great day exploring the area. We hiked to a waterfall, investigated totem poles, explored the countryside and were treated to the sight of a Golden Eagle. It was high in the air and I was able to photograph it, although with a telephoto lens handheld. Not the optimum set up but thrilling none the less. We also walked to Old Town Hazelton. We learned a lot about the history of the area. It was almost exclusively native until the late 1800’s when the Hudson Bay Company arrived.

They would use Stern wheelers to transport goods up and down the river to the Port in Prince Rupert until the Railroad came here in 1912. Tomorrow we are off to Meziadin Lake. Everyone has said that the fishing there is phenomenal. Time will tell. We are also told by the locals that live in this really spectacular place that the scenery along the way to the lake is incredible. I just don’t know how it can get any better….can’t wait to see.

Raining again…so fresh and beautiful…pleasant dreams everyone. We love and miss all of you.