Cassiar Highway in the Spring

We left our camping spot on the Yellowhead Hwy and made good time to Smithers where we stopped to dump our tanks and fill up our fresh water at the Chamber of Commerce which they offer for free. While Jim took care of the nasty stuff I walked over to Safeway to pick up a few items. Soon we were on the road again, one more pit stop to top off the diesel but when we got there they had signs up that their credit card machine was down so cash only. We do not exchange cash when entering Canada as it has not been an issue but they were kind enough to take our dollars and look up the current exchange rate which we did not expect them to do but sure appreciated. A few miles later and we reached the Cassiar Hwy (Hwy 37 to the locals). Last year when we went this way we saw over a dozen bear in the first hundred miles, this year not as many but we are here earlier and there is still snow on the side of the road for many sections. We started around 8am and had decided to take our time but still stop around 5pm so while Jim drove the last leg I started scouting out likely spots using the Milepost. This is a MUST have for anyone making the trip as it comes in really helpful for all of the times that cell service does not exist. I found a rest stop next to a lake and it was perfect. We pulled into the parking lot and started to park but we were on a steep slant. We got out to recon and noticed that there was a dirt pull off down to a picnic area. If it had been during the season we would not have gone down there but since there is almost no traffic in early May we maneuvered the rig down and set up for the night. I cannot think of a better place to spend Mother’s Day then beside a remote lake with snow topped mountains in the background. (Related Read: Spoil Mom- RV Style.) Jim cooked up the steaks we had picked up at Costco and I made strawberry shortcake to celebrate. Then we just sat and listened to the waterfall off to the side and the birds settling in for the night. The picture is from that space.

The next morning we blended our smoothies (Related Read: RV Health: Sticking to New Year’s Resolutions on the Road) and headed down the road. It is hard to describe the shear beauty you will experience around almost every bend. Deep blue lakes, tumbling streams, waterfalls, ice covered lakes up high, mountain peaks, peaceful meadows, and wildlife. For most of the way we traveled at about 45mph (66 kph) which is slower than the speed limit but allows you to enjoy the ride and not beat up the rig. There are sections of rough patches that require slowing to closer to 20mph and a few really smooth sections that allow you to pick up the pace to 55mph but the whole point of traveling by RV is to enjoy the ride. If you want fast then flying is much easier.

We made it back up onto the Alaskan Hwy and pushed on. The roads this year have been much better so we are making great time without pushing. (Related Read: How Bad is the Drive to Alaska?) We have also seen a lot more black bear on the side of the road. Jim and I have been swapping out driving about every 1.5 to 2 hours so that neither gets to tired and can enjoy the scenery. This also allows us a chance to walk the dogs and stretch our legs. We have started to get passed by RV’s in more of a hurry then us, the funny thing is usually another hour down the road they are pulled over and we pass them so lesson is no reason to hurry and beat up your rig and family as we are all going to get there about the same time. We found a great pull off on Kluane Lake that allowed us to walk the dogs down to the shore and see a couple of trumpeter swans. This is the first time we have seen the lake glassy, the last two times were so windy that there were white caps. We also spotted dozens of mountain goats right above the road this year. Still waiting for my first baby anything but will just have to keep looking.