North Western BC

As we were travelling from Stewart, we saw a huge billowing of smoke and a very strong smell.  Further down the road we saw that it came from a forest fire that apparently had just started.  We stopped and watched as the planes flew back and forth dropping fire retardant.  It was interesting to see how the retardant was really working as you could see how the fire was suppressing.

It had been quite a while since we had been in a town of any size so when we arrived in Terrace, BC there were some things that needed to be attended to.  We had been on the road for quite a while, mostly in remote areas, we had to have an oil change.  We go to Walmart and, with empty bays, they tell us that perhaps they could fit us in on Tuesday.  Off to the Ford dealer we go and he can do it right away (this is 3 pm on a Saturday afternoon).  He gives us a quote, we say do it, and off we go to A & W for our free root beer!  We come back to pick up the truck and whoa, they want double what the quote was.  As we discuss this and the reason for it, it is now close to closing time and we are talking to a staff member with no authority (other than to give the quote which he had made a mistake when he gave it).  We pay the bill and leave, very unhappy.

We spend the night in Terrace and head off to Prince Rupert.  It is a wonderful drive with great weather (yes the sun was shining).  We toured through the town.  It seems that every seaport has a fisherman’s wharf – a marina of some pretty nice boats/yachts, restaurants and gift shops lining the edge.  We drove down to the area where they load the big ships but of course, you can get close.  Port Edward, which is a small community just south of Prince Rupert, became our stop for the night.  It was a great spot, up on a little hill, overlooking the inlet. Well it was until 4 a.m. when five long, noisy, freight trains went by.

On our way to Kitimat, we stopped again at Terrace to visit the Ford dealer to speak to a manager, in which we were successful.  We voiced our concerns and responded by saying he would check it out and call us the next morning.  He called and refunded us the overcharge – wow, that was pretty good customer service.

We arrived in Kitimat and found a campsite right on the Kitimat River where there is supposedly great salmon fishing.  The first day we went to see the Squirrel Tree.  There are several “squirell” houses where people provide them with food.  Also, it has become a memorial for fisherman who fished in the Kitimat River and have passed on to another fishing hole. 

Here we met with Gerry’s sister and husband and his nephew and family.  During the week we had a great visit.  We went to see the  giant Sitka spruce which is said to be over 500 years old.  Unfortunately, the top has broken off but it is still quite the sight.  We also took a tour of Rio Tinto Alcan – the aluminum smelter based in Kitimat.   Recent upgrades resulted in some areas that we were not able to see very well as they were still having some issues with driving the bus in some areas.  It was an interesting presentation.  From there we went to buy some groceries at the local No Frills Store.  As we were leaving a lady called: “sir, sir”.  We looked around to see who she was calling when she called again.  It turned out that she was calling us.  They were waiting for someone to pay for groceries with their PC Mastercard, which we did.  The result – a $50 prepaid Mastercard.  What a way to end the week!!

I have always heard that at Kitimat you can catch lots of salmon, see lots of eagles grab fish from the river and see lots of bears catching fish in the river.  Well, I no longer believe that – it didn’t happen I’m afraid.   No fish were caught, saw no eagles and saw no bears!!  Maybe another time.

I don't know how this blog will look on your computer but when I preview it, the type is not consistent.  I apologize for this but I haven't been able to correct it but I promise to keep trying!!

I hope everyone has a great week - hope you stop by next week!!