HWY 37, A Different Adventure
This story must and will begin with a sincere thank you to Wizzard... The person who suggested ALI and I ride down that incredible road, HWY 37, also known as the Cassiar HWY, on the way back from Alaska... We did, and it was every bit as special as Wiz said it would be!!! Many miles had to be covered before that turn could be made, however...
We made the ride down to Watson Lake, YT, and the ride was still the same as it had been on the way up. We even achieved a couple of 'bootie launches' again going over frost heaves! It really pays to slow down when in those sets of pavement wrinkles!!!
I was tired when we finally made it to the motel, so I went next door to another motel that had a restaurant to do dinner instead of back up the hill a couple of blocks to Kathy's place... Not my best choice...
A part of a totally so-so burger and fries order was all I could get down, but not to worry... BTW, I've actually tightened my belt up a notch on this trip! You can call me 'Slim' now!
Early the following morning, it was time to backtrack about 15 miles or so northward to take the turn we'd ridden by the evening before... I waited until there to top-off, not knowing what might lie ahead or how far the next fuel stop might be.
Turns out there are plenty of places for gas... Not on every corner, of course, but if one pays attention, it can be done without too much 'stretch'... We only went on reserve once the whole way.
The day before, I'd been admiring our girl at a stop, and a thought crossed my mind... We sure do manage to get dirty when we're out playing together! I took a photo to show y'all... and to make a comparison...
Our girl when SmokinJoe and Troutdude get their hands on her
Our girl when I get my hands on her
That dirty windshield did not remain so much longer... While filling her gas tank along HWY 37, a couple driving a fifth-wheel rig were at the pump ahead of us and facing us. He was filling his tank, while she was cleaning their windshield... As she finished, she passed between our vehicles...
She commented about how we needed that more than they did, so she proceeded to clean ALI's rather nice bug collection right off! It was a mighty nice gesture, though, so I didn't scold her... In fact, I thanked her profusely!
Later while standing in line inside to pay, the guy and I were next to each other... We struck up a conversation, and it turns out they ride, too. They even had an Indian with them in the back of their Toy Hauler, and they had been riding some doing the 'Grand Tour' of the 49th state...
I paid first, and as I was leaving, I thanked him for loaning me his wife... He responded, and thanked me for returning her in relatively good condition!
One lane bridge with wood plank flooring... along HWY 37 in BC
I decided to also make the swing along HWY 37A out to Hyder, AK. Yep, we've now been Hyderized... Tiny little place, but the scenery going to and from is more than worth the ride out there!!! We actually spent the night in Stewart, BC, just a few feet away...
I'd actually figured on staying the night in Hyder, but... I didn't see anything appealing, and before I knew it I was back approaching the Canadian Customs check point... and the gal was already outside waiting on us...
Well, I've been disappointing women since 1946, but not this time! No sir, this lady was going to get the 'Full Brucie'! An easy passage through, and then we found a place to lay my head and allow ALI to rest on her side stand... I tucked her in under her 'cover', said good night, then allowed my own eyelids to slam shut!
Scenery along HWY 37A in BC
Back on HWY 37 in BC
Low clouds or high mountains...? You decide...
My first brown bear in the wild along HWY 37 in BC
I had to stop and dismount to take that photo of the momma brown bear and her two cubs... I only took the one shot, though, not knowing if she might at any time decide I looked like a tasty morsel of... whatever it is that they eat... I could imagine her telling her little ones, "Bikers are good to eat... they taste just like chicken." Or worse, she could perceive me to be a threat to her young'uns! I took the quick shot, and then got the heck out of there!!!
What a truly special treat this ride turned out to be! First, is was a different route than I'd ever taken, so it offered novelty and newness... and adventure! It wasn't as 'well developed' as the Alaska Highway in that there were long stretches without center striping, no shoulders on the roadway, there were more curves and hills, much less traffic, more wildlife viewing, and an overall sense of exploring instead of merely 'making miles' on an otherwise really long ride!
More WOW! per mile along this route, too... Other than the 'Mile O' sign photo-op in Dawson Creek, I enjoyed this route much more! If I ever return yet again, I'll definitely use this route at least one of the ways either up or back! Possibly both... or the 'Marine Highway' on one leg... Heck, I don't know! I never do... In any event, thanks again Wiz! I appreciate ya, dude...
DDT
