Smithers, Kitwanga and Cranberry Junction

Leaving the Kager Lake campground near Burns Lake, we turn the rig north west again, still on the Yellowhead Highway.

100 miles later we arrive in Smithers where we stop for a coffee and a wander around town, which was named after Sir Alfred Smithers.

Then on to Crater Lake, which was 5 miles off the road up a winding steep dirt road with spectacular views. We had planned to take the trail, but on arrival discovered there was still a lot of snow on the ground, making walking really difficult without snow shoes, so we had to abandon.

Having left the valley bottom in sunshine and become excited about the walk to Crater Lake, we had not anticipated two things: that we would need snow shoes, and that it would actually snow!

Then on to Kitwanga where we at last turn due north. The road becomes narrower and bendier and after stopping briefly for a look at a bald eagle in a dead tree by its nest, we carry on. Coming around a bend, we quickly slow as there is a mother black bear and her cub crossing the road. Wow!

In our usual style, we immediately stop and jump out, but they have disappeared into the copse. There is another keen wildlife spotter who has also stopped, so we cross the road for a chat. He give us lots of tips of places to see on our way to Alaska.

After 10 minutes or so of exchanging experiences, we say goodbye and start to walk back to our truck. We suddenly realise that the bears are in the meadow right above us, happily munching dandelions. They generously give us plenty of viewing time, showing their gentler side, and we soak it all up gratefully.

We find a tiny three bay provincial park campground called Bonus Lake at Cranberry Junction, next to a lily pad covered lake. There are a few ducks swimming happily swimming around, and we retire contented after a very fulfilling day, going off to sleep with the logging lorries thundering past every so often.