Day 37
Trip Start
Jun 01, 2010
1
32
41
Trip End
Aug 08, 2010
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Hyder, Alaska
Wednesday, July 7, 2010
Started out today from Dease Lake and first thing that I ran into was Construction, this is a common occurance up here and one that you have to be very patient with b/c it can last 20-30 minutes at times so turn off the motor, get off the bike and relax!! After abouot 10 miles of that the Cassiar became very nice and what scenery.....I will let the pic's do the talking. I made a new friend on the way as well, Mr. Black Bear, this guy was not afraid of anything he was hangin out right on the edge of the road, I even stopped and turned off the bike and he wasn't fazed at all.
Eventually I came to 37-A they call this the Glacier Hwy. and you will see why, it is the road to Steward and Hyder and my goal the Salmon Glacier. This is without a doubt the most awsome scenic road that I have been on since the journey began, the road is deep in the valleys between fantastic mountains that are filled with Glaciers, every turn is a new postcard view it is truly unreal. Eventually you come to the town of Steward, BC a really neat little town in the far reaches of an inlet of the Pacific Ocean, it is still a logging and mining town as well as tourism but the beauty is unsurpassed. Another 5 miles or less and you come to Hyder, just across the border in Alaska, mining and tourism is what drives this really neat little village.
Now for the ride to Salmon Glacier, as you know I have now ridden every major road up here for the most part and have enjoyed each one, they all are different and offer their own unique appeal. There are two that are kind-of off the Radar that surpass the biggies the first Hatchers Pass and now Salmon Glacier road. The last 12 miles of this dirt climb can rival any adventure road on the planet, it is so awsome !!! Rough dirt with severe switchbacks and off course not guardrails. The drop offs are several thousand feet and the scenery is beyond compare, when you get to the summit you will be exhausted but exhilerated and the payoff is the best I have experienced "Salmon Glacier" it is a soul touching sight that will like few others out you into immediate proper perspective. Its beauty is indescribable, what a way to leave the far north I am thankful and humble, its awe inspiring.
To top it off their is the Bear Man, Keith that lives on the mountain 3 months out of the year, what a guy!! He knows wvery crevase of the Glacier and will gladly tell you or sell you a DVD, really neat human being and a lucky one at that. My only regret is that Kim wasn't there to see this today.
Godspeed
Mik
Comments
OMG babe ... how beautiful!!!!!!! I wish I could have been there as well to share that experience with you! Not sure about stopping and watching the bear but everything else I would have been right there!!!! The bear picture though is awesome! Be safe and as always enjoy!!! Missing you XXOO
WOW - really enjoying yur writing and pics! Brings back somewhat distant memories of the beauty and ruggedness of the place!
Oh-Oh, and electronics don't mix, & Jerry' not here... so here "goes" (or maybe NOT) ! WOW and WOW!!! Sure can understand your awe! My first time in AK I was alone, in awe, with no one to share with --- so called my Mom in NJ at 8:00 PM ---- forgot about the time lag!!! TH, she was a good sport! So, keep that awe, enjoy EVERY min., and stay safe!!!
The Dude-
Sitting here in my office wishing I was there. Amazing. It makes me think about what I am doing here, now. Is it really worth it to earn a few dollars and miss so much? As the "maybe next year's" pile up, I keep missing more and more. Quite sad.
Cheers to you for doing it - for saying I am going and nothing is stopping me.
WOW !!! Great Scenery.
Hi Mik, WOW, its a shame Mike and i missed that. We are off the ferry now. It was a fantastic ride.. Slow, easy, scenic, and lots of interesting folks to meet and talk to. We saw lots of eagles, several whales, and sea lions. Plus several glaciers, and beautiful mountains, and fishing communities. We are in Prince George tonight, Sat july 10. See youu in Redmond!