Alaska 2012
 
 

Day 05

July 9

 
   
 
 
 Today is a simple route that even Fred should have no trouble with. We take 93 out of Banff until it dead ends into TC16, then TC16 to Prince George. I get up and out to do my walk as the sun is just barely gracing the tops of the mountains. 
  
 I get SweetTreat ready to roll when I get back. With all the stuff on board, it's time to fetch up some breakfast. 
  
 It's not a hard choice, since I was so tickled with breakfast next door. So I go back for the same thing as hard as it may seem to believe - hen fruit and pig meat. And it is just as delightful this morning as it was yesterday morning. 
  
 And remembering what my momma taught me when I was little, I do my best to clean my plate up properly. 
  
 Back at the room, Alain is ready to roll so we get after the business at hand. One of the interesting things in this area are the 'wildlife' bridges. To provide a safe passage for the area's many creatures, the province has constructed bridges over the main highways for them to cross. It makes a lot of sense to me when I think about just how big a moose is, that's for sure! 
  
 Highway 93 up through Jasper and beyond is just like riding through a calendar. 
  
 Vista after vista stretches out before us like something out of a National Geographic movie. 
  
 If you don't like snow painted mountains, this would not be the place to ride. 
  
 And Mr. Crow seems to agree, or at least that's what I understand him to say. 
  
 It takes me a little bit to get used to the 'green' water, but it sure gives a beautiful reflection here. 
  
 

You begin to ask yourself -

"Just how many pictures of snow covered mountains do I want?"

 
  
 But I am continually drawn to beauty of it all. 
  
 We've only got to cover about four hundred miles today, so there's plenty of time to soak up the beauty around us. My right highway wing broke off from prior abuse and I sure am missing now in this relaxing scenery.  
  
 It seems that every bend brings up a new vista with it's own particular beauty. 
  
 I can see a mountain fortress guarding the lair here though there is no man made structure anywhere near. 
  
 The glacial river keeps us steady company ...  
  
 as we make our way through the gentle sweepers. Riding doesn't get much better than this. 
  
 The road takes up out of the valley and gives us a lovely view of the way we have just come. 
  
 But more beauty awaits us as we continue on our way to Prince George. 
  
 A small glacier is off to our left, providing a steady flow to the small lake below it. 
  
 Out of the corner of my eye, I catch a glimpse of a waterfall. But I am cooking at a pretty good pace so a heavy dose of the binders is required. I do a quick U-turn so I can get a closer look. If there is anything I love better than snow covered mountains, it is waterfalls. And this one is sure a dandy. 
  
 Some sections of the road just seem to go on and on right into the mountains ... 
  
 and then make a twist at the last minute to avoid the inevitable collision. 
  
  It reminds me a lot of the approach to the Alps I rode back in 2008.  
  
 I figure this would not be a good place to run off the road while enjoying the mountain view. It could get a little wet and cold for a feller. 
  
 The temperatures start to rise and the need for breaks come more frequently. The small town of Jasper provides us a nice shady rest spot. 
  
 Soon we cross over from Alberta to British Columbia. 
  
 I notice the forest is much denser though we are still on 'high mountain roads' as the sign puts it. 
  
 But through the breaks in the trees, we are treated to the occasional mountain side lake. With the temperatures rising, it makes me want to pull off and take a quick dip.  
  
 But you have to keep your eyes open as you never know when one of these critters might decide to occupy the same space you are occupying. 
  
 It seems around each bend of the road there's another beautiful snow capped mountain and peaceful lake. 
  
 But the trees seem to get denser and with it the temps are rising. 
  
 At McBride, we take another hydraulic break. I figure this is a sample of local chain saw art, like we have back home. Pretty good attention to detail at any rate. 
  
 I could use a little dab of that snow up on the mountain about now to cool things off a bit. 
  
 Then we hit another construction zone. They say there are two seasons in this area and in Alaska - winter and road construction. 
  
 This zone is a bit hard to figure out since there seems to be very little construction going on. 
  
 But our journey for today is nearing its end as we reach the edge of Prince George. 
  
 We notice some sort of goings on, complete with police escort. As it turns out, it is a protest about a pipeline that is in the works. Everybody seems pretty orderly about it and it's not long before the small crowd disperses. 
  
 

After we unload our beasts of burden and chill for a while, we see what supper options are available. The lady at the front desk gives us a few suggestions so we strike out on foot. Nothing suits our fancy, so Alain says -

"There's an Indian restaurant in the hotel. You want to try it?"

"Well, I'm not much on the spicy variety but I bet I can find something to eat" I reply.

We make our way back to the hotel and give it a whirl. The lady waiting us is really helpful about which dishes will fire you up and which ones are pretty mild. I go for the tukoro chicken. It is baked in a clay oven and is pretty tasty. I also order a big helping of the naan bread. And just to be helpful, I assist Alain in demolishing his order also. After all, what are friends for if they can't be of help in times of need?

 
  
 It's been a great day of incredible scenery and I am ready to hit the sack. Before any sugarplums came come dancing in this head, I'm off to the land of snooze.