                           After leaving the comforts of Marsh Lake, well known for its swan viewing, we quickly headed south towards the land of world famous cinninomon buns and percipitaion. Our next stop was Teslin where we took in the Tlinglit Heritage Centre and were surprised to see ourselves in the Yukon News, (Friday, 28th August - http://www.yukon-news.com/life/14305/). In keeping with all the rain and lack of shelter at rest areas, generous RV’er thought it best to give us some Alaskan smoked salmon! In addition to the trying weather, Roland’s rump got infected (eww gross!) and our Swiss Army Knife seems to have done a runner on us. Fortunately as we approached Watson Lake, our spirits lifted, as we were treated to a lovely home cooked meal by Susan, Barry and Robbie (the Scottie Dog) Drury. Having absorbed the magical powers of a good nights sleep, clean clothes, showers and Tim Horton’s coffee, we managed to tack up a Yukon lisence plate in the Watson Lake Sign Post Forest. It is said to be the largest collection of stolen property in the world, with over 7000 signs from around the globe. Lots of lodges, gas stations and RV parks are now closed and abandoned. For cyclist this means we have to go for longer stretches without potential refreshments, accommodation and warmth. At Donna’s cafe we were blown away by her generousity as she gave us oranges, apples, 9 grain cereal, zip lock bags and juice crystals powder. We even ate a bison burger. Very tasty! The Liard Hot Springs was a no brainer, as both our bodies were feeling the effects of a solid week of cycling. Shortly after we got our first glimps of a bison, and although Bee initially thought this was a bear from a far, she continues to be a very nervous back seat driver, as we slowly pedalled by. As we approached the Northern Rockies we were treated to some magnificent weather and some spectacular scenery, wild life and climbs. Amazingly we were even tracked down and given some reinforcement cookies complements of Susan and her daughter who just so happened to be driving south. At Toad River Lodge, we treated ourselves to another popular northern staple, freshly homemade pie. This café is the proud home of the most hats along the Alaskan Highway with over 7037 hats and growing. Once we resupplied in Fort Nelson we were once again ready to face the wet stuff. We cycled long into the night, searching for a place to turn out and pitch our tent. This came in the way of a highway maintainence crew lot, where we greeted the next morning at 5.50 am with loud vehicles and headlights beaming down on our tent. The construction workers thought it was a great laugh! This stretch proved to be very difficult, as the distances between things were very long, the road was flat and unrevealing, B.C. rest areas don’t have toilets and our feet were rarely warm and dry. Infact we even had to splash out on a cabin, the only time we have paid for accommodation thus far, but well worth it as everything we owned was drenched and team moral was at an all time low. Again filled with a good nights sleep, dry clothes, dry bags, dry everything, we continue down the road with a bounce in our step, knowing Fort Saint John would be reached in a day or two. Yeah that bounce! It lasted about ten minutes before we were right back where we started, cold, wet and wondering what we were doing. Additionally, Roland’s feet smell like rotting musty toe jam festering slugwarts when his shoes are wet! We sucked it up, braved it out, did not talk to one another, listened to our i-pods in the hopes that music may take our minds off the current situation and add some much needed comfort. After harboring ourselves at yet another restaurant/lodge/gas station for a couple of hours, we would have almost been temped to stay the night with Ron, a gentleman who invited us over for an additional tea and time near his hot wood burning stove. Roland has written thus far and even though he’s done a real great job writing this entry has had enough so it’s up to his wife to finish up the loose ends for him…..tee hee. We were glad we continued on though as the weather did clear and meant we could get into Fort St John the next day. Just 40kms shy of town we stopped in at the Sheppard's Inn for a warm up. We were served by two lovely ladies there and wonderfully surprised when they said the bill was settled! Boy oh boy have we just been spoiled on this trip! It was cool talking with them though, as when they first arrived into Fort St John 15 years ago they spoke little English and the first people to help them settle in was the Salvation Army - very cool! Once we got into town, we bumped into a lovely lady at Tim Horton's (it's where all good things happen) and ultimately ended up staying with her (long story). We spent a wonderful night with Kathy, eating scrummy wholesome food, sharing a bottle of red wine and watching March of the Penguins on DVD (really good by the way). We are now in Dawson Creek which is at Mile ‘0’ of the Alaskan highway. It’s a quaint little town with a bunch more character than many of the towns we have been recently passing through. As I write this we are eating “Dilly Bars” from Dairy Queen and Roland is playing scrabble with one of our lovely hosts here (Dan and Jen). Hey Roland you sneaky creature! We will add another blog when we get to Prince George (three days away) and include our volunteer work….. New nicknames (as by Roland) Roland – “Mash” Belinda – “Spin” This has to do with personal cycling techniques going up hills – interesting when we’re on the same chain! Crib Score: Roland ahead by two: 22 to 18 What did we find on the side of the road? · One snorkeling flipper · Two beach balls · A baby backpack carrier · One fancy evening tie · Orange safety vest · Chealsea Lee, A pink ‘My Little Pony’ – we will introduce her formally on video in the near future. She’s become an integral part of our unit now. We are like a little family – Mash, Spin, Big Bird and Chelsea Lee all on the road together! · A snap on Wrench and Phillips Screw Driver · OR Beanie (this is momumental for Roland as he lost his OR beanie in NZ the day before we left) Commentsfred / muriel Wed, 09 Sep 2009 21:28:26 keep on truckin kids - you may welcome a little rain when you hit south america Helen Wed, 09 Sep 2009 23:41:50 well I knew the 'baby buzz was hot on your heels' but didn't think you would be making a 'family' along the way!! Awesome blog.Think you are now not novices but REAL bikers! Em Thu, 10 Sep 2009 21:02:13 That looks really overwhelming. But clearly it isn't: because you are doing it! What a team. You both look brilliant, fit and together (even bedraggled and wet!). I'm so proud of you sis. Mum said recently 'it is life's challenges that make you grow up'....you guys must be really old by now then. You must be really looking forward to a week to rest in Vancouver - maybe you should make it two? Lots of love. graham Milnes Fri, 11 Sep 2009 00:53:40 What makes this such an interesting "read" is you include the "trials and tribulations" as well as the "highlights!" Sue Fri, 11 Sep 2009 14:33:38 Really great to see all your posts and videos today, I miss you. And send you lots of thoughts prayers and love. Richard Sat, 12 Sep 2009 22:06:30 Wow Rollie and Bel! Ken Curtis of Alaska Mon, 14 Sep 2009 11:29:03 Glad to see Belinda hasn't lost her appetite for health food after we met over a can of Pringles! Thoght of you guys when I couldn't find any more almond M&Ms when we shopped for our drive to America. Hope to see you this fall again. Thu, 01 Oct 2009 08:36:51 Thanks everyone for the great comments - it's nice to know people read our journal...... and enjoy it! Leave a Reply |  Roland and Belinda
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