The campground we stayed at has the Walter Wright Replica Pioneer Village adjacent to it. We started our day exploring this mini town. Walter collected buildings and their contents from the local area, then moved them to his little replica village. Can you imagine someone coming home and saying, “Honey, I’ve decided to start a building collection?” This attraction was built to represent a typical boardwalk-lined main street one might find in the Dawson Creek area during the early 1900’s. It is complete with houses, and other structures including a general store, fire hall, church, gas station, barn and blacksmith shop. We giggled when we decided our parent’s old house smelled like the general store (and kind of had the same contents too).
Next, we drove into town to take pictures at mile 0 of the Alaska Highway. We made a quick stop into the visitor center too. Great information here and along the highway about its 9-month construction which started about three months after the bombing of Pearl Harbor in 1942. The roughly built road was originally a supply route to Alaska during World War II. The Army Corp of Engineers assigned over 10,000 men to its construction, a third of these were black soldiers from newly formed African-American segregated regiments. The challenging work and living conditions in a wilderness setting with sub-zero temperatures made the construction of this route an incredible accomplishment, which many gave their lives to achieve. A sobering thought as we now enjoy a paved route at 60 miles an hour in our heated and air-conditioned vehicles. If you have an interest, the history of the Alaska Highway is quite interesting to look up.
Many memories of Steve came flooding back to me during yesterday’s drive and today while enjoying Dawson Creek. I have peace in my heart with these thoughts. I remember how excited we were 11 years ago to begin our Alaska Highway adventure. I took this picture of Steve at the milepost 0 sign at that time. Compare with what the sign looks like now covered with stickers.
I have said these things to you, that in me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world.” -John 14:27
As we began our drive today, we crossed the Peace River Bridge about 40 minutes out of Dawson Creek. It is the longest water span on the Alaska Highway and has a metal grate deck that was very challenging to drive on. A little scary and a million-dollar view for miles and miles! This entire area of Northeast British Columbia, from Prince George to Fort Saint John is called the Peace River Country. All day we enjoy driving through vast vistas while crossing rolling prairies and passing through small farming communities and highway outposts called Charlie Lake, Pink Mountain, Wonowon (at milepost 101), Suicide Hill, Sikanni Chief and Buckinghorse.
We arrive at our destination called the Triple G Hideaway in Fort Nelson. It is very smoky here from two neighboring fires. We learn that the entire community was evacuated for several weeks in May. Only one or two homes were lost to the relief of the returning residents. We could see large fire scars and acres of bug killed trees while driving today.
Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. Not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your hearts be troubled, neither let them be afraid.”
John 14:27
This evening in the campground marks our first day on the Alaska Highway as members of the diverse community of international travelers who are driving this historic route. People literally come from the ends of the earth to experience this vast land and its treasures along the way. The woman showing us to our campsites shared a story from the day before when a caravan of 13 vehicles from Brazil drove in. She said the office was full of people speaking Portuguese trying to stay there. Finally, the last vehicle of their caravan drove in with the only person in their group who spoke fluent English. She said everyone was relieved when he walked into the office.
We saw a camper van from Germany camped near us. To appease her curiosity, Vicki went and spoke to the couple. Their hospitality led the conversation as they offered her a glass of wine. They had their van shipped from Germany to Nova Scotia and were driving across the breadth of Canada to Alaska in their favorite vehicle. From Alaska they are driving to Texas, shipping their van home from there and flying back to Germany. There are license plates from every Canadian Province and many from all over the U.S. including California, Oregon, Washington, Texas, Louisiana, North and South Dakota, Wyoming, North and South Carolina, Georgia, Florida, Connecticut, Maryland, Wisconsin, Minnesota, Illinois, Ohio, Colorado, Nebraska, and more.
More on the amazing stories from people we’ve met in later blogs… We made reservations to Camp at Coal River tomorrow night. They have an ad in the Milepost that lists a lodge, RV park, restaurant, fuel, gift shop, air strip and laundromat. Vicki looks this place up online and it says it’s permanently closed. John calls them and they say they’re open and take our reservation. Relief for a place to stay tomorrow as there are several large caravans taking up campground space. Off to bed.