Fort Nelson, BC ( Mile 283, Alaska Highway)

June 7^th we drove a big 160 miles to Sikanni Chief River and camped right beside the river. There was a family discussion about the advisability of being perhaps only a foot above the river. The proprietor of the campground said that the flood water was receding and had dropped 6 “ that day. (There is extensive flooding going on in BC because of the snow melt.). One of us watched the water level and did observe that the water level did drop a few more inches. (Never a dull moment.)

This campground was small and older with full hookups or sites with just electricity (supplied by a diesel run generator). We elected to stay in the primo site on the water that had just electricity. There was a large grassy field near the river where some kids and adults played baseball-until 10:30 PM. It didn’t get dark until well after that.

Most private campgrounds are empty early in the day, but can fill up by the afternoon. Many people make reservations, we do not, but we are finding that we can get a spot if we stop early enough in the afternoon.

It was a pleasant drive north from Dawson Creek to Sikanni River, with well paved roads through spruce forests. We did encounter some gravels sections, but they were very short and infrequent. We have learned to slow down when a truck is approaching-we don’t want another broken windshield from flying gravel. We even purchased a “quick repair kit “ for windshield chips-but we haven’t had to use it yet.

June 8, we left mid morning for our ride of 120 miles to Fort Nelson, BC. We had a similar ride through spruce forests with straight, well-paved roads. We stayed at another private campground (The Blue Bell Inn) on the outskirts of town. John filled up at $4.60/gal. We have had slightly cheaper gas but we understand the prices increases as we go north.

Since we got to the Alaska highway at Dawson Creek, everyone has the same destination as us; Alaska. It has been fun talking with them, as most are doing it for the first time like us. One of our neighbors is on his 6^th trip! He likes to fish.