{"id":12770,"date":"2018-04-06T08:10:55","date_gmt":"2018-04-06T14:10:55","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/adventuresoflupe.com\/?p=12770"},"modified":"2018-04-07T14:06:42","modified_gmt":"2018-04-07T20:06:42","slug":"overlander-falls-rearguard-falls-ancient-forest-british-columbia-canada-8-2-17","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/adventuresoflupe.com\/?p=12770","title":{"rendered":"Overlander Falls, Rearguard Falls & Ancient Forest, British Columbia, Canada (8-2-17)"},"content":{"rendered":"

Part 2 of Day 3, plus Day 4 of Lupe’s 2017 Dingo Vacation to the Yukon & Alaska<\/em><\/p>\n

(Day 3, 8-2-17, noon)<\/em>\u00a0 My how things had changed!\u00a0 When Lupe and SPHP got back to the Bow Glacier Falls trailhead near Simpson’s Num-Ti-Jah Lodge on beautiful Bow Lake shortly before noon, the parking lot, which had been nearly vacant when the American Dingo arrived early this morning, was jam packed with vehicles.\u00a0 A long line was waiting to get in, and another trying to get out.<\/p>\n

After some delay, the G6 made it out onto Icefields Parkway Hwy 93.\u00a0 Only a few miles farther N at Bow Summit, SPHP made the mistake of taking the turn for Peyto Lake<\/strong><\/span><\/a>.\u00a0 The situation was the same here.\u00a0 No place to park, vehicles circling endlessly, and throngs of tourists everywhere.<\/p>\n

Another delay getting back onto Hwy 93 ensued, but eventually Lupe was headed N again.\u00a0 It was the height of the summer tourist season.\u00a0 After an overcast late autumn feel to the start of the day back in Banff this morning, the sky was bright blue and temperatures were soaring.\u00a0 As a result, the magnificent Canadian Rockies were completely overrun.<\/p>\n

Loopster, you were dang lucky to have Bow Glacier Falls all to yourself this morning!<\/em><\/p>\n

The early Dingo gets the … uh, squirrel, you know, SPHP!<\/em><\/p>\n

Apparently, that was absolutely the case.\u00a0 The mid-day drive N through Banff and Jasper National Parks was stunning as always, but at all the other short day hikes Lupe might have done, the story was the same.\u00a0 No room to park at Parker Ridge<\/strong><\/span><\/a>, no room at Wilcox Pass<\/strong><\/span><\/a>, not even a single available spot at the giant paved parking lot at the Icefields Centre across from the Athabasca Glacier<\/strong><\/span><\/a>.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Heading N through the Canadian Rockies<\/strong> on Icefields Parkway Hwy 93.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

SPHP did manage to sneak the G6 into a couple of pullouts on the way N.\u00a0 Lupe got brief looks at splendid views before having to hit the road again to let someone else have a turn.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Looper at a pullout with a view across the Sunwapta River<\/strong> of the Stutfield Glacier<\/strong>, part of the Columbia Icefield<\/strong>. Photo looks SW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Despite the crowds, SPHP thought Lupe had an ace in the hole.\u00a0 She would stop at her favorite secret picnic ground on the Athabasca river 5 or 6 miles S of Athabasca Falls.\u00a0 Due to a total lack of signage, only a few locals ever seemed to realize it was there.\u00a0 Everyone else roared right on by the inconspicuous turn.<\/p>\n

When Lupe got there, SPHP was aghast.\u00a0 New signage!\u00a0 The formerly secret picnic ground wasn’t completely overrun, but it was no longer the Carolina Dog’s private preserve, either.\u00a0 Lupe and SPHP stopped long enough to go over to the river to take a look at the familiar lovely views, but the solitude which had been so exquisite here even on super touristy days was gone.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
At the Athabasca River<\/strong> near what used to be a very private picnic ground due to a lack of signage. Unfortunately, new signs were up and the solitude Lupe used to enjoy here on previous years had vanished. Photo looks NW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Looking upstream.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Since the Canadian Rockies were so busy on what was rapidly becoming a hot summer afternoon, SPHP decided Lupe ought to just keep going.\u00a0 After a quick stop for fuel and supplies in Jasper, Lupe enjoyed an air-conditioned ride W on Yellowhead Hwy No. 16.<\/p>\n

Upon reaching the British Columbia border, Lupe entered Mount Robson Provincial Park<\/span><\/strong><\/a>.\u00a0 When SPHP spotted the Overlander Falls trailhead next to the highway, no one was there.\u00a0 Perfect!\u00a0 SPHP pulled into the nearly empty parking lot.<\/p>\n

Lupe had stopped at Overlander Falls on her 2016 Dingo Vacation to the Canadian Rockies, Yukon & Alaska, too, so she knew what to expect.\u00a0 The main trail down to the falls is a nice, shady 10 minute stroll through the forest.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
On the main trail to Overlander Falls, only a 10 minute, mostly downhill stroll away.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Last year, Lupe had visited Overlander Falls on a cloudy, drippy day.\u00a0 The falls had been impressive then, but in the sunshine this afternoon Overlander Falls was absolutely gorgeous!\u00a0 The Fraser River was an amazing pale blue color mixed with a clean, foamy white.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Overlander Falls<\/strong> was absolutely gorgeous on this sunny afternoon! Only 30 ft. high, Overlander Falls<\/strong> is one of only 2 significant waterfalls on the Fraser River<\/strong>, the other being Rearguard Falls<\/strong> farther downstream. The trailhead is located on the S side of Yellowhead Hwy 16 about 2 km E of the Mount Robson Provincial Park<\/strong> headquarters and visitor center.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Lupe was glad to see Overlander Falls again!\u00a0 The waterfall put out a cool, misty spray, which felt great on a hot afternoon.\u00a0 The torrent pouring over the falls produced a soothing continuous roar.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Lupe was glad to see Overlander Falls<\/strong> again! The falls produced a cool, misty spray which felt great on a hot afternoon.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Loop by the downstream end of the big, beautiful swirling pool of water below the falls.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Lupe had lovely Overlander Falls all to herself, but only for 10 minutes or so.\u00a0 Soon people were coming.\u00a0 Best to let them enjoy some privacy here, too.\u00a0 The Carolina Dog started back up the trail to the parking lot.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Enjoying a few minutes of cool, misty solitude down by Overlander Falls.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Not far from Overlander Falls, a longer side trail branches off the main trail and follows the Fraser River downstream for 2 km.\u00a0 The side trail stays well above the Fraser River, which isn’t even in view a good deal of the time.\u00a0 It ends at a road 0.5 km from Mount Robson Provincial Park headquarters and visitor center.<\/p>\n

Lupe had taken the side trail last year, but had a painful experience when she got too excited about a squirrel.\u00a0 A dewclaw caught on a root or branch while she was leaping about.\u00a0 The dewclaw had broken off, which hadn’t been much fun at all.\u00a0 Instead of taking the side trail, this time around Lupe let SPHP drive her to the Mount Robson Provincial Park visitor center.<\/p>\n

Mount Robson<\/span><\/a> (12,989 ft.)<\/span><\/strong> is the highest mountain in the Canadian Rockies.\u00a0 In 2013, Lupe had taken the Berg Lake trail all the way up to Berg Lake, where she’d had a grand view of Mount Robson and the Berg and Mist Glaciers after traveling through the Valley of a Thousand Falls.\u00a0 That had been a truly glorious adventure, but a long, long day.<\/p>\n

Last year, Mount Robson had been mostly hidden in clouds when Lupe dropped by the visitor center.\u00a0 Today the mountain soared in sunshine, highlighted against a brilliant blue sky.\u00a0 The sight was enough to make the American Dingo want to take the Berg Lake trail again.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Lupe drops by the Mount Robson Provincial Park visitor center to see Mount Robson<\/strong> (L), the highest mountain in the Canadian Rockies<\/strong>.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Lupe would have been willing to stay and take the Berg Lake trail all the way around to the other side of Mount Robson<\/strong> (23 km one way!). SPHP had to admit that would have been a tremendously fun thing to do, but Loop had other great adventures in store for her on this year’s grand Dingo Vacation<\/strong><\/span><\/a>!<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Mount Robson<\/strong> with help from the telephoto lens. Photo looks NNE.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

From the visitor center, it was only eight miles to Lupe’s next stop at Rearguard Falls.\u00a0 On the way, the temperature hit a sweltering 89\u00b0F!<\/p>\n

Like at Overlander Falls, the Rearguard Falls trailhead was right along Yellowhead Hwy 16.\u00a0 A 10 minute walk down a good trail brought Lupe to an extensive boardwalk system with metal railings.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Lupe on the boardwalk platform closest to Rearguard Falls<\/strong>. Rearguard Falls<\/strong> wasn’t as high as Overlander Falls<\/strong>, but being downstream, contained an even more tremendous flow.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Rearguard Falls, though not as high as Overlander Falls roughly 10 miles upstream, has great significance as the only other waterfall on the 854 mile long Fraser River.\u00a0 Rearguard Falls is high enough and powerful enough to be an effective barrier against nearly all migrating salmon.\u00a0 While a few salmon may be strong enough or lucky enough to make it over Rearguard Falls, none make it past Overlander Falls.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Few migrating salmon can make it past Rearguard Falls<\/strong>. Even those that do are ultimately blocked only 10 miles upstream by Overlander Falls<\/strong>.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Rearguard Falls was the last stop Lupe would make for a while, so she lingered as long as she could by the beautiful waterfall until SPHP said it was time to be moving on again.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Oh, mighty interesting about the salmon getting stuck here, SPHP! Sounds pretty good! Think we can catch one? I like salmon!<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Don’t think so Looper. Not seeing any salmon here today. Maybe it’s the wrong time of year? This is a provincial park, anyway. I’m pretty sure they wouldn’t be too happy with us feasting on the salmon here.<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
The beautiful Fraser River immediately downstream of Rearguard Falls<\/strong>.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Lupe and SPHP went on, continuing W on Yellowhead Hwy 16.\u00a0 Soon after leaving Rearguard Falls, Hwy 5 branched off going S to Kamloops.\u00a0 Nearly all the traffic went that way.\u00a0 Lupe stayed on Hwy 16 following the Fraser River valley toward Prince George.<\/p>\n

The Carolina Dog barked at cows and horses as she cruised by occasional green fields scattered among the forest.\u00a0 The Fraser River was seldom in view.\u00a0 The valley was miles wide, and bordered by high mountains on both sides.\u00a0 The mountains to the NE were closest.\u00a0 They weren’t as spectacular as Mount Robson, but were still very scenic.<\/p>\n

Gradually the fields with their cows and horses disappeared.\u00a0 Forests lined the highway.\u00a0 Lupe calmed down and relaxed.\u00a0 The late afternoon heat faded to a comfortable level.\u00a0 The busy crowds had vanished.\u00a0 SPHP owned the road, driving with the windows partially down to let fresh air swirl through.\u00a0 As mile after gorgeous mile went by, the drive took on a peaceful, dream-like quality.\u00a0 The G6 hummed steadily NW.<\/p>\n

It was evening, when a sign came into view.\u00a0 It was a big new sign where a year ago there had only been a small one.\u00a0 “Ancient Forest”.\u00a0 Well, why not?\u00a0 A huge, wide, short gravel road led up a hillside to an enormous gravel parking lot.\u00a0 Everything was new.\u00a0 The immediate area had been stripped of trees.\u00a0 At one end of the parking lot were two picnic tables and a couple of outhouses.\u00a0 That was it for facilities.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Lupe arrives at the Ancient Forest along Yellowhead Hwy 16, about 70 miles SE of Prince George, British Columbia.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

A guy with a bicycle was using one of the picnic tables.\u00a0 Only one pickup truck was parked in the absurdly gigantic parking lot.\u00a0 No one else was in sight.\u00a0 Lupe and SPHP got out for a look around.<\/p>\n

A few signs were posted near a registry at the start of a boardwalk trail leading into the forest.\u00a0 The signs said this area was a rare ancient inland rainforest.\u00a0 Huge western redcedars, many over 1,000 years old, and some over 2,000 years old are the dominant tree.\u00a0 A map showed a trail system with two loops and a couple of spurs.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
One of the signs at the registration station near the start of the loop trails leading into the Ancient Forest.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Several vehicles came and went while SPHP read the signs.\u00a0 The occupants were only interested in using the outhouses.\u00a0 No one else came to explore a trail, or even glance at what the Ancient Forest was all about.<\/p>\n

The Ancient Forest seemed quite different from Lupe’s usual adventures, but she was here now, and Loopster was certainly ready for action.\u00a0 SPHP registered for her, and the American Dingo set out on the handi-cap accessible boardwalk leading into the rainforest.\u00a0 (7:43 PM, 70\u00b0F)<\/em><\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Lupe enters the Ancient Forest<\/strong> of western redcedars on the handi-cap accessible boardwalk.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

The ancient western redcedars were enormous!\u00a0 The redcedars stood straight and tall with few branches until high above the ground.\u00a0 Most branches seemed pathetically small for the size of the trees.\u00a0 Clumps of moss clung to the tree trunks.\u00a0 The forest floor was covered with ferns, plants with huge leaves, and more moss.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Moss clung to the trunks of the ancient western redcedars. These trees were enormous – straight and tall, with few branches until high above the ground.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

The level handi-cap accessible “universal” boardwalk was on supports keeping it several feet above the forest floor, and had railings on both sides.\u00a0 Lupe followed it all the way to a promised viewpoint at its far end, a distance of several hundred meters.\u00a0 The “viewpoint” turned out to be just another spot in the forest like any other, except that a foot trail left the boardwalk and continued on from here.<\/p>\n

The foot trail was the E end of a much longer trail that crosses a small creek nearby before gaining more than 3,800 feet (1,169 m) of elevation on its way up to a high point in the subalpine on Driscoll Ridge.\u00a0 The 8.1 mile (15.5 km) long Driscoll Ridge trail ultimately loops back down to Yellowhead Hwy 16 at a point 3 miles (5 km) W of the Ancient Forest trailhead.<\/p>\n

Well, Lupe certainly didn’t have time to do all that this evening, so she turned around and went back to where the Waterfall\/Tree Beard loop of the Ancient Forest trail system left the handi-cap accessible trail.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
On the handicap-accessible “universal” trail heading back to where the Waterfall\/Tree Beard loop leaves it.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Once off the handicap-accessible trail, Lupe headed for Tree Beard.\u00a0 The loop trail was still raised boardwalk, but it wasn’t nearly as high above the forest floor as on the universal trail, and now there were low steps and no railings.\u00a0 Most of the boardwalk was covered with a shingle-like material for better traction.\u00a0 The trail gained elevation at a moderate pace as it went up the slope leading to Tree Beard.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Maps like this one were posted at several points along the Ancient Forest loop trails.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Tree Beard was a particularly large, ancient western redcedar, and still very much alive.\u00a0 Nearly all its spindly little branches were way, way up above the ground.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Lupe next to Tree Beard, a particularly large, ancient western redcedar.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
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Gazing up Tree Beard’s enormous trunk.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Lupe’s next stop was the waterfall.\u00a0 The waterfall was located at the end of a spur off the main loop trail.\u00a0 This was the high point of the whole Ancient Forest trail system, some 343 feet (104 m) above the trailhead.<\/p>\n

The pretty waterfall flowed down green moss-covered rocks, but was sort of small.\u00a0 After seeing Overlander Falls and Rearguard Falls earlier in the day, the Carolina Dog wasn’t particularly impressed.\u00a0 Of course, the waterfall might be more impressive at other times of year.\u00a0 Perhaps this was the dry season?\u00a0 For a rainforest, everything seemed very dry.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
The pretty waterfall at the high point of the Ancient Forest trail system.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Lupe returned to the main Waterfall\/Tree Beard loop and continued on through the prehistoric forest.<\/p>\n

This Ancient Forest really is cool, don’t you think, Looper?\u00a0 Seems like a place where you could meet a dinosaur!<\/em><\/p>\n

A dinosaur!\u00a0 In Canada?\u00a0 Not too likely, SPHP.\u00a0 Haven’t seen a single one since we got here.\u00a0 In fact, I really can’t remember the last time I saw one anywhere.\u00a0 Dinosaurs are pretty scarce these days.<\/em><\/p>\n

True enough.\u00a0 Maybe a bear, then.\u00a0 You saw bears in Canada last year, remember?<\/em><\/p>\n

Oh yeah!\u00a0 A bear would be exciting!\u00a0 Maybe we’ll see a bear?<\/em><\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Lupe keeping an eye out for bears, and maybe even dinosaurs! Who knew what might lurk in the Ancient Forest?<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

When Lupe reached the Gold-Dust Tree, she found the tree had taken the unusual step of posting a sign boasting about the view it had of a distant mountain named Mount Sir Alexander<\/span><\/a> (10,745 ft.)<\/span><\/strong>.\u00a0 The sign said Mount Sir Alexander had been climbed only a few times, though the Gold-Dust Tree didn’t claim to have done it.<\/p>\n

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The sign posted by the Gold-Dust Tree about Mount Sir Alexander<\/strong>.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

This was all quite interesting to a peakbagging Carolina Dog.\u00a0 She was fortunate enough to be here on a clear day when she could actually see the real Mount Sir Alexander, too.\u00a0 It was an impressive peak, glistening with glaciers just as the Gold-Dust Tree claimed.<\/p>\n

Lupe was disappointed, though, to see that the mountain appeared well beyond SPHP’s peakbagging capabilities.\u00a0 That being the case, she knew she wouldn’t ever get to climb Mount Sir Alexander herself, either.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Mount Sir Alexander<\/strong> was an impressive peak, but Lupe could see that SPHP would never make it up something like that. Sadly, that meant she would never get to climb it, either. Photo looks NE with lots of help from the telephoto lens.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Apparently, the sight of Mount Sir Alexander had gotten Lupe thinking.<\/p>\n

You know what, SPHP?\u00a0 This Ancient Forest would be a great place to come to on a cloudy wet day.\u00a0 It wouldn’t be worth climbing any mountains on a day like that, because you wouldn’t see anything anyway, but the Ancient Forest would be fantastic!\u00a0 All drippy, misty, foggy and spooky-like!\u00a0 Makes me feel all scary and wild and ferocious just thinking about it!<\/em><\/p>\n

Hah!\u00a0 Great idea, Loopster!\u00a0 Makes me wish it was all misty, drippy, and foggy right now!<\/em><\/p>\n

I’d be the top predator, the most ferocious Dingo in the Ancient Forest!\u00a0 I’d go roaming and prowling among these monstrous trees on the hunt, ripping apart and devouring everything and anything I came to.\u00a0 Most fun ever!\u00a0 You could come with, SPHP, and help out.\u00a0 It’s always smart to hunt in packs, you know.<\/em><\/p>\n

Maybe.\u00a0 I dunno know, Loop, we might run into Big Claw!<\/em><\/p>\n

Big Claw?\u00a0 Who’s that?<\/em><\/p>\n

Oh, don’t you remember fighting Big Paw on the Olympic Peninsula<\/strong><\/span><\/a> in Washington state?\u00a0 That was a rain forest, too.\u00a0 Down there, they had Big Paw, and he almost got the best of you.\u00a0 Up here, they probably have Big Claw, maybe a massive bear or something like that.\u00a0 Perhaps a giant grizzly!\u00a0 Big Paw was bad enough.\u00a0 You might not survive an encounter with Big Claw!<\/em><\/p>\n

Lupe glanced around the forest, ears pricked up, nose twitching.<\/p>\n

Big Claw wouldn’t be here on a day like today, do you think, SPHP?<\/em><\/p>\n

Not entirely certain about that, Loop.\u00a0 I don’t see any ripe berries around, so probably not, but who knows?\u00a0 Best to stay alert.\u00a0 Don’t go wandering off.<\/em><\/p>\n

Maybe we should get out of here before it gets dark, SPHP.\u00a0 Let’s keep going and see what’s next.<\/em><\/p>\n

What was next was the Radies Tree, another huge western redcedar.\u00a0 The tree was named after Dave Radies, a graduate student at the University of Northern British Columbia, who had noticed in 2005 that trees in this area were marked for logging.\u00a0 Mr. Radies alerted the public, which led to the preservation of the Ancient Forest.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Loop near the Radies Tree (R).<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

\"\"<\/a>A few hundred feet (100 m) beyond the Radies Tree, Lupe came to a trail junction.\u00a0 She could take a shortcut back to the G6 completing the Waterfall\/Tree Beard loop, or explore the Big Tree loop.<\/p>\n

The Big Tree loop was the smaller of the two loops.\u00a0 It wouldn’t take much longer to check it out, too.\u00a0 There was still plenty of light out, and exploring the lonely Ancient Forest was pretty fun.\u00a0 Loop decided she’d like to see Big Tree.<\/p>\n

Big Tree was a monster so large SPHP couldn’t even get a decent photo of it.\u00a0 A short side trail went to a platform right at the base of the tree.\u00a0 To get to the platform, Lupe had to pass beneath a huge tree that had fallen over.\u00a0 That fallen tree was mighty cool, too.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Lupe on the short spur off the Big Tree loop leading to a platform at the base of Big Tree. Big Tree is just around the corner from here.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Having seen Big Tree, it was time to head back to the G6.\u00a0 Most of the return trip was an easy, downhill stroll on the boardwalk.\u00a0 Lupe never did see Big Claw, nor Medium Claw, Small Claw, or Tiny Claw, either for that matter.<\/p>\n

Although forest was already getting gloomy, it was quite light out despite the late hour when Lupe and SPHP emerged from the Ancient Forest back at the huge, open parking lot (9:44 PM).\u00a0 <\/em>The guy with the bicycle was gone.\u00a0 Only one other vehicle was around, a pickup with a camper which appeared intent on spending the night parked way down at the far end.\u00a0 Good idea.\u00a0 Lupe would spent the night here, too.<\/p>\n

(Day 4, 8-3-17)\u00a0 <\/em>Early, very early.\u00a0 The Big Dipper was so bright in the night sky, SPHP could see it without glasses, which was saying something.\u00a0 Later, a single bright spot appeared near the horizon.\u00a0 Must be Venus.\u00a0 Dawn was coming.\u00a0 Up at 5:48 AM, SPHP made use of one of the picnic tables, while Lupe sniffed around close by.\u00a0 Soon she was on Yellowhead Hwy 16 again, heading W for Prince George.<\/p>\n

Prince George was only 65 miles (104 km) from Ancient Forest, so it was still early when Lupe arrived.\u00a0 SPHP fueled up the G6, then discovered that Save on Food didn’t even open until 8:00 AM, which seemed crazy.\u00a0 It was such a long way to the next substantial town, however, it was best to wait.\u00a0 Shortly after 8:00 AM, Lupe was on her way again, the G6 stocked with fresh provisions.<\/p>\n

Loop and SPHP headed N out of Prince George on Hwy 97.\u00a0 The Carolina Dog enjoyed lapping up newly acquired chocolate milk, as she watched the scenery go by.\u00a0 Lupe had lots of nice breaks from the G6 yesterday, so this was going to be a travel day, spent mainly making tracks N.\u00a0 Even so, there would be a few stops along the way.<\/p>\n

Looking at maps, SPHP had gotten the idea that it might be fun to see the Parsnip Reach of Williston Lake.\u00a0 This involved a 19 mile (30 km) side trip (one way) on Hwy 39 to Mackenzie, which according to SPHP’s wholly inadequate and deceptive maps appeared to be on the lake.\u00a0 No doubt the lake wasn’t too far away, but despite driving through the entire length of Mackenzie, and several miles past it on a dusty gravel road, Williston Lake refused to appear.<\/p>\n

Driving back through Mackenzie again, SPHP saw no signs indicating how one might obtain lake access.\u00a0 Fiddlesticks!\u00a0 However, there was one strange thing Lupe might have a look at in Mackenzie.\u00a0 A gigantic yellow machine sat next to Hwy 39 right at the edge of town.\u00a0 Lupe stopped by to see what it was.<\/p>\n

The yellow monster turned out to be “The World’s Largest Tree Crusher<\/strong><\/span><\/a>“.\u00a0 The electrically powered tree crusher had arrived at Kennedy Siding, wherever that was, in late 1964.\u00a0 Plagued with problems, it saw use in 1965 clearing 2,590 acres of forest, but apparently little actual use for its intended purpose after that.\u00a0 Now it was a tourist attraction.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Lupe visits “The World’s Largest Tree Crusher” in Mackenzie, British Columbia.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

It’s a mighty odd tourist attraction, Loop.\u00a0 How many people make travel plans to see a giant tree crusher, anyway?<\/em><\/p>\n

You did.<\/em><\/p>\n

I did not!\u00a0 This is purely accidental.\u00a0 We came here to see Williston Lake, and found this beastly behemoth instead.\u00a0 No doubt it’s an engineering feat of sorts, although the sign says it had lots of problems, but it’s kind of a nightmarish thing, isn’t it?\u00a0 Can you imagine this metal monster smashing down entire forests, leaving an indiscriminate wake of destruction in its path?<\/em><\/p>\n

It does look terrifying.\u00a0 I’m glad it’s dead!<\/em><\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
The World’s Largest Tree Crusher was just plain scary to think about!<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Without ever catching so much as a glimpse of Williston Lake, Lupe and SPHP returned to Hwy 97 and continued N.\u00a0 Near Chetwynd, SPHP took Hwy 29, a shortcut to the Alaska Highway NW of Fort St. John.\u00a0 Lupe stopped by Moberly Lake, which looked beautiful and remote where the highway first reached it.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Lupe at the E end of Moberly Lake<\/strong> where Hwy 29 first reaches it coming from Chetwynd. Photo looks W.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Lupe and SPHP took a short walk.\u00a0 Moberly Lake was certainly beautiful, surrounded by low mountains.\u00a0 Lupe could see only part of it from here, since it was miles long.\u00a0 However, the lake was not as remote as it first appeared.\u00a0 It turned out there were recreational facilities along the S shore, and lots of homes in the community of Moberly Lake along the N shore where Hwy 29 went.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Moberly Lake<\/strong> wasn’t as remote as it first appeared, but was beautiful nevertheless. Lupe discovered there were recreational facilities along the S shore. The community of Moberly Lake was strung out along the N shore where Hwy 29 went.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Beyond Moberly Lake, Hwy 29 eventually crossed a bridge over the Peace River, whereupon it turned NE following the Peace River valley downstream.\u00a0 The valley was very pretty, bordered by forested ridges on both sides, and full of fields along the river bottom\u00a0 After some distance, Hwy 29 climbed out of the valley to a high point where there was a rest area with a great view.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Lupe had a great view of the Peace River valley from a rest stop positioned at this high point along Hwy 29. Photo looks SW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
The Peace River with a bit of help from the telephoto lens.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

The Peace River flows out of Williston Lake.\u00a0 Information at the rest stop showed that Lupe would have been able to access the Peace Reach of Williston Lake, if she had left Hwy 29 at Hudson’s Hope taking Canyon Drive to the W.A.C Bennett Dam.\u00a0 Oh well, too late now.\u00a0 SPHP had no intention of backtracking that far.<\/p>\n

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Looking downstream from the rest stop. Photo looks ENE.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

The nice Peace River sight-seeing break at the rest stop was the last big one Lupe got all day.\u00a0 Hwy 29 ended at the Alaska Highway a few miles NW of Fort St. John.\u00a0 SPHP drove into town to gas up the G6.\u00a0 Then Lupe cruised N and W on the Alaska Highway the rest of the day with only a few brief stops along the way.<\/p>\n

Dusk found Lupe W of Fort Nelson, stopped for the night at a pullout at a low spot along the Alaska Highway.\u00a0 A creek could be heard nearby, but this must have been a swampy area.\u00a0 Swarms of mosquitoes discouraged any lengthy ventures out of the G6.\u00a0 The world turned dark.\u00a0 After a bite to eat, SPHP pulled Lupe’s blankie over her, and it was off to adventures in Dingo dreamland.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Taking a brief break along the Alaska Highway somewhere between Fort St. John and Fort Nelson.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
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Big clouds sailed over the Alaska Highway on the way to Fort Nelson. Lupe eventually passed through rain showers, then saw a rainbow in Fort Nelson.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Related Links:<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

Sunwapta Falls, Athabasca Falls, Overlander Falls & Rearguard Falls in the Canadian Rockies (8-3-16 & 8-4-16)<\/strong> <\/span><\/a><\/p>\n

The Berg Lake Trail, Mount Robson Provincial Park, British Columbia, Canada (7-30-13)<\/strong><\/span><\/a><\/p>\n

Want more Lupe adventures?\u00a0\u00a0Choose\u00a0from\u00a0Lupe’s 2017 Dingo Vacation to the Yukon & Alaska Adventure Index<\/strong><\/span><\/a>,\u00a0Dingo Vacations Adventure Index<\/strong><\/span><\/a> or Master Adventure Index<\/strong><\/span><\/a>.\u00a0\u00a0Or subscribe free\u00a0to\u00a0new Lupe adventures<\/strong><\/span><\/a><\/em>.<\/span><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

Part 2 of Day 3, plus Day 4 of Lupe’s 2017 Dingo Vacation to the Yukon & Alaska (Day 3, 8-2-17, noon)\u00a0 My how things had changed!\u00a0 When Lupe and SPHP got back to the Bow Glacier Falls trailhead near Simpson’s Num-Ti-Jah Lodge on beautiful Bow Lake shortly before noon, the parking lot, which had … Continue reading Overlander Falls, Rearguard Falls & Ancient Forest, British Columbia, Canada (8-2-17)<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":12758,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"nf_dc_page":"","jetpack_post_was_ever_published":false,"_jetpack_newsletter_access":"","_jetpack_dont_email_post_to_subs":false,"_jetpack_newsletter_tier_id":0,"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paywalled_content":false,"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paid_content":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[835],"tags":[8,105,893,79,30,31,106,694,695,696],"class_list":["post-12770","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-2017-yukon-alaska","tag-omniten","tag-american-dingo","tag-ancient-forest","tag-british-columbia","tag-canada","tag-canadian-rockies","tag-carolina-dog","tag-overlander-falls","tag-rearguard-falls","tag-rearguard-falls-provincial-park"],"jetpack_featured_media_url":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/adventuresoflupe.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/01\/IMG_5940.jpg?fit=1651%2C1238&ssl=1","jetpack_sharing_enabled":true,"jetpack_likes_enabled":true,"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/adventuresoflupe.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/12770","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/adventuresoflupe.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/adventuresoflupe.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/adventuresoflupe.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/adventuresoflupe.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcomments&post=12770"}],"version-history":[{"count":5,"href":"https:\/\/adventuresoflupe.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/12770\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":15213,"href":"https:\/\/adventuresoflupe.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/12770\/revisions\/15213"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/adventuresoflupe.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/media\/12758"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/adventuresoflupe.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=12770"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/adventuresoflupe.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcategories&post=12770"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/adventuresoflupe.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Ftags&post=12770"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}