Day 7 July 30, 2026 Bear Lake British Columbia to Spirit River Alberta 265.6 miles
Today is either cloudy or smokey or some of both. Very difficult to tell. We loaded up and headed out. The resident dog gave us a farewell bark. The landscape has flattened out some and there are more aspen trees. Also more open space that may or may not have a farm.
Not too long into today’s journey a small black bear was in the road up ahead. Unfortunately another vehicle was near and scared it away before we got there. The photo-op ran away. Once they are off the road they quickly disappear in the brush and trees.
Further down the road a very large brush hog was cutting the foliage along the road. From the edge of the asphalt to the tree line is at least 30 feet. That gives better visibility for wildlife. We haven’t seen any wildlife other than the bear for several days. Lots of signs warning about them.
We followed along a river for quite some time. Didn’t see anyone fishing however.
When we arrived in Chetwynd we fueled, ate lunch and did laundry. Not sure the small town we are staying in will have a laundry. The laundromat is small but clean. Also very busy. The price was $10 Canadian to wash and $4 to dry. The jeans didn’t get quite dry but everything else did. Connie visited with a very nice local woman. She said they have a festival of wood carvers in June and the numerous statues around town are some of their work. Some of those statues were of strange mythical characters. She says they are all over town and that they are rotated periodically. She gave us a dryer ball that she says makes the clothes dry faster and removes the static. We will try it next time since our clothes were already in the dryer.
Only drove through the edge of Dawson Creek which is the starting point for the Alaska Highway. We have been through there at least twice before.
When we were about 20 miles away from Spirit River, a lady passed, stopped, videoed us, and repeated twice more. When we arrived at the motel she stopped along side us and asked all about the vehicle. She said she has been an old car enthusiast most of her life. A Model A Ford brought another smile to the surface. Today’s mission was accomplished.
Spoffords Travel 