May 30-June 1,2003 Dawson Creek to Fort Nelson

We've driven our first stretch of the Alcan Highway and so far no problems. We did have our Check Light problem checked out. They ran an engine diagnostic which showed no problem so must have been a faulty signal. So far it hasn't returned.

We went to the visitor center in Dawson Creek where they showed a video of the history of the construction of the Alcan Highway. It was started in March of 1942 by the Army Corps of Engineers. They needed an overland supply line for the defense of Canada and the US during WWII. It was built in 9 months by 11,000 army troops and 16,000 civilians. Over 130 bridges had to be built. Canada supplied the soil; the US supplied the toil. It wasn't until 1947 that civilians were allowed to travel the road and not until recent years has it been fully paved. It has been called the longest main street in the world and stretches 1422 miles from Dawson Creek to Delta Junction, Alaska. Some people say it is miles and miles of nothing but miles and miles. So far, we would have to agree. The stretch from Dawson Creek to Fort Nelson is nothing but forests on both sides of the two lane highway. They tell us it gets much prettier from here on.

Had a nice dinner at the Alaska Cafe which is part of the Alaska Hotel. Originally known as the Dew Drop Inn, the hotel was constructed as a six room building in 1926. The dining room was converted to a beer parlour and in 1943 was the only pub in town. It is said that on cold winter nights, customers would build bonfires on the street to warm up while awaiting entry into the pub. After one round of beer, they had to leave by the back door to make room for the next group of thirsty drinkers, only to get back into line again by the fire.

Just outside of Fort St. John is Charlie's Lake where we decided to spend the night and christen the boat. After a little trial and error, Fred and Steve finally got it all assembled and fishing poles in hand, launched it into the lake. The little electric motor started right up. Unfortunately, the patch job that Fred had done didn't hold as there was still a small leak at the stern. So they had to alternate between fishing and baling. But, four hours later, butts and back sore, they had managed to catch dinner. Three nice size walleye's which is what the lake is noted for. We dipped the filets in a batter of milk and bisquick and fried them up. Very tasty - flaky, sweet and no fishy taste or smell.

So far we haven't had a bad mosquito problem but there were a lot of little flying creatures, non stinging variety, at the lake. And the windshield has to be cleaned every time we stop as you can hardly see out of it with all the bugs that have met their demise. Steve managed to find a place to carry his power washer with him (Fred had wanted to but Barb filled up the storage area with scrapbooking supplies!) so the guys do their Tim Allen thing every chance they get.

Our next stop is Muncho Lake. Besides being a very beautiful spot, it is also known for its fishing. We'll see.

Barb and Fred

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