Before I start today’s post, I have to give proper credit for my “featured pic” with is the large one above the title “Continuing in Canada…” – it was taken by our travel buddy, Steve Dempsey, who is a professional photographer (Steven Dempsey Photography).  He certainly can capture the moment – don’t you all agree?  Thanks Steve for sharing your awesome pics with us!

Our travels since my last post have thankfully been less exciting – meaning no more need for calling the police!  The only excitement we’ve had since then has been the great views from the windshield and seeing the sites!

We pulled out of Williams Lake and rolled along toward our next stop – Prince George.  Our plan was to stay at Treasure Cove Casino.  I called ahead and they were more than happy to have us come stay the night!

 

 

We stopped for lunch in Quesnel at the Visitor Center.  We went in and hoped to see the museum that was attached to the visitor center but it was a VERY small room with some displays (the ones we could see from the door were filled with china) and we decided we didn’t want to spend $10.  I know – we are so cheap!

We asked at the visitor center about a bridge that a friend told me about, but she didn’t have any idea what I was talking about so we had our lunch and moved on.

The roads were in good shape, but there were some steep climbs and descents along the way and the views just wouldn’t quit!  Trees that went on forever!  Like an ocean of different shades of green!  The green gradually switched to a more arid looking terrain as we drove north.   We did get a quick glimpse of a Bald Eagle – a symbol from home – but he/she was too quick – couldn’t get the camera out in time.  It flew right over us!

We backed up to the curb when we got to the casino, with Steve and Linda right next to us, and a Class C on the other side.  There were a bunch of other rigs there also, spread out in the huge parking area.  Bill and Steve went into the casino to get the official ok and also to see if there were any coupons or specials for signing up for the players club.  The only thing they offered was $10 each in free play.  Thanks but no thanks!

Bill and I decided to go to check out Real Canandian Superstore, which is sort of like a SuperWalmart.  Their prices were really good so we got a few things then went home for some TV.  We’ve been binge watching Boardwalk Empire, we are about half way through season 3.

In the morning, we were ready to pull out 7 mins ahead of the planned for time of 9am!  US!  Imagine that?  We made good time getting to Dawson Creek.  Linda and Steve went on to Walmart, our new home, while Bill and I stopped at Northern Lights CG to dump.  Steve found this CG listed on an app, Sani-Dump as being able to dump and take on water there, but word to the wise – ALWAYS call and double check before showing up.  Evidently this CG had cemented over their dump station 6 YEARS ago!  No biggie – the office referred us to another place, Mile 0 Campsite – FREE dump station and potable water – with a donation box right there.  AWESOME!  With rains and wind expected, coupled with wanting to see a few things we thought we would stay 2 nights – weird huh?  Around here it seems very normal though.  We aren’t the only ones.  I read on a blog once that this couple stayed at that same Walmart a WEEK!  With permission from the manager!

Our next planned stop was Fort Nelson, where we could refuel and look into filling propane.  Its been getting quite chilly at night, and we emptied one of our 40# tanks.  (to clarify, we started with about 28# in that tank – we had filled up at Park of the Sierras, but then Bill filled a bunch of the small grill size bottles).  We arrived in Fort Nelson and parked at their Visitor Center.  They had some very nice displays and items for sale, as well as brochures for lots of different things.  Even though there is a sign that says “no overnight parking”, we decided to ask anyway, thinking that might be more for the busier season when there wouldn’t be a whole lot of room, right now the place was all but empty, so it couldn’t hurt to try, right?  Well, the very nice lady behind the desk said it was not advised, as we would get a ticket from the enforcement officers for sure.  Oh well!  After a quick conversation, it became clear we were all thinking the same thing – lets keep moving for Muncho Lake!  This is where we had decided to spend a few days, having heard how beautiful and peaceful it is.

After a 3 ½ hour push, we finally pulled into McDonald Campground, which is part of Muncho Lake Provincial Park.  We were exhausted (yes, even those of us not driving!), but also feeling awesome!  The whole atmosphere changed on the way from Fort Nelson to Muncho Lake.  Before Fort Nelson, and especially before Dawson Creek, the drive, although filled with great views, didn’t quite have that far-removed feel we were expecting.  It wasn’t bad, we were just anxious to see wildlife and the jaw dropping scenery.  Well, for those going after us, be patient, it does happen – you will see bears, caribou, elk, porcupines, etc. and your jaw will drop and WOW! will become your new most used word.

In all seriousness – I’m going to let the pictures do the “talking” – you’ll be glad I did!  I will add some info in the captions.

We have arrived safely in Watson Lake for the night – tomorrow onward to Whitehorse – if road conditions cooperate!  Stay tuned…

I leave you with another Steven Dempsey photo – its so nice to have a professional photographer with you!