Day 57
Wednesday, August 3
On the Road to Smithers

We left Stewart at 8:00 this morning. I wanted to get to Smithers early enough to get the oil changed in my truck. We came back up Highway 37A to the junction with the Cassier Highway (37) and headed south. About 30 miles down the road we took a side trip to an Indian Village to see Totem Poles. There were about 20 Totem Poles; most were 40' tall or maybe more. They didn't have any color to them and I really wasn't too impressed with them.

After about 110 miles we turned left on Highway 16, also known as the Yellowknife Highway. We stopped in the Historic Town of Hazelton from lunch. The downtown is all kind of old buildings, but it was very clean and nicely kept.

We arrived in Smithers around 2:30. After setting up I went to get the oil changed and Jenna baked brownies. After the travel briefing we had dinner with Robert and Bet. Bet fixed roast, rice and apple salad. It was quite tasty! Later we all gathered for ice-cream and to visit. It's hard to believe that we only have one more day on our tour. Diane Hall has crocheted hot pads or trivits for everyone on the tour. She passed them out at the ice cream social.

At the beginning of the tour a small black bear was given to one of the caravaners. The Bear's name is "Buddy Bear," and he gets to ride with a different
couple every couple of days. He is passed on so that he rides with everyone. Buddy came to ride with us on the last day. I don't know where he will go after tomorrow. He is sitting on the dash of the truck now.

Tomorrow we have a short - 170 miles - trip to Vanderhoof. Tomorrow evening we will have a farewell dinner at a restaurant. Friday the staff will serve breakfast and then we will set off for home.

I'll let you know about tomorrow's events in tomorrow's blog. Till then - Happy Trails!!

Note: No pictures today - we didn't take any!