Alaska 2011 - Hyder, Alaska to Whistler, BC (FINAL Alaska Post)

"INUKSHUK"

Our trip down the Cassiar Highway (Hwy. 37) was a beautiful drive. Our goal was to get to Hyder, Alaska. We were starting to think about getting back home as well. However, there were still some places and things that we wanted to see and do. The weather was great and the scenery spectacular. We wanted to stop and look around at Jade City which was very interesting. They say that 70% of the worlds jade still comes from this area. In the slideshow below, look for the Jade sculpture of the INUKSHUK (In-ook-shook). This means "in the image of man" and were lifelike images of man erected in stone. They were unique to the Canadain Arctic and along Canadian's most northern shores. The original purpose of the Inukshuks was to act as a compass or guide. The ancients used them for safe trips and to guide them to the hunting grounds and home again. They were also used during winter snow storms where 30' to 60' of snow fell and drifted. As seen above, it was the symbol used on the 2010 Winter Olympics Logo. We saw more black bear on the Cassiar Highway than you could ever imagine.

We arrived in Hyder, Alaska with overcast sky's and a very thick cloud of “skeet’s”. There really is not much to do in Hyder, especially if the weather is bad. This area is very beautiful with its rugged mountains, waterfalls, and glaciers none of which we were able to see clearly due to the low hanging clouds and weather. We found a campsite at “Camp-Run-A-Muck” campground. We knew that we were too early to see the grizzly bears feeding on salmon, but drove up to the viewing site anyway. The highlights of our Hyder experience were seeing Bear Glacier and having the halibut stuffed dinner at the SeaAlaska Inn restaurant. We were not disappointed and would highly recommend this family kept recipe.

The weather forecast was for more rain, so we decided to bag Prince Rupert and visit the ‘Ksan Historical Village in Hazelton, BC. “Ksan is a reconstructed Gitxson village located at the confluence of the Bulkley and Skeena Rivers in northwest British Columbia. Gitxsan “People of the River of Mist” are a thriving, active First Nation community who still display the richness of their culture and heritage. There are approximately 13,000 members with 70% still living in the territory. It is the desire of ‘Ksan to preserve and truthfully portray the lifestyles of the people who have always lived here. All of the dwellings and totem poles are created from Red Cedar trees, as well as all other things: canoes, storage boxes, hats, cedar bark clothing, ceremonial masks, and tools. Cedar rope is still used to hoist totem poles and beams. Fishing is still a very important part of their survival and they look forward to visiting their many fishing camps in the summer months. We stayed at the very nice campground located in the village. To get to the village, you must cross the famous Hagwilget Bridge (single lane suspension) over the Bulkley River canyon. This bridge is 459’ long and is 262’ above the river. It is still one of the highest suspension bridges in North America.

Our next stop was the Treasure Cove casino in Prince George where we spent the night in the parking lot. The next morning we headed south through Clinton, BC to the Hwy. 99 junction and to Whistler, BC. This is a paved over logging road that takes you down the Fraser River and through the coastal range mountains to Pemberton and Whistler, BC. This is a single lane road in many places, crossing single lane bridges, with grades up to 17%. The scenery is spectacular and well worth the “white knuckle” experience.

Whistler Village and the surrounding area is a recreational paradise. After making several attempts in our past to visit Whistler Mountain, we finally got the opportunity. We stayed at the Riverside RV Park, which was within walking distance of Whistler Village. Historically in 1877, the Pemberton Trail first connected this region to the Pacific Ocean. It quickly became the inland route for prospectors and trappers into this untamed frontier area. In 1914, recognizing the immense recreational potential, Mrytle and Alex Phillips from America, bought 10 acres near Alta Lake and built the Rainbow Lodge. Soon after, the railroad came into Whistler Valley and this area became British Columbia’s top tourist attraction. Alta Lake is at the base of both Blackcomb and Whistler mountains. Today, it is an internationally-renowned four season destination and will be remembered as hosting the 2010 Winter Olympics.

We stayed two very enjoyable days, had beautiful weather, and did some hiking. Before departing Nancy and I looked at each other and said, “What a fantastic adventure and opportunity to share together in our lives”. This was a life-event never to be forgotten and we headed home to Fox Island.

We would like to thank those of you that followed us on our “Alaskan” adventure. Putting the blog together in a timely manner is a lot of work, but well worth the memories that you can share with those that you love – family and friends. THANK YOU!

CLICK HERE to view our slideshow traveling the Cassiar Highway to Hyder, Alaska.

CLICK HERE to view our slideshow of the 'Ksan Historical Village.

CLICK HERE to view our slideshow traveling Highway 99 to Whistler, BC.