We arose this morning in Whitehorse, YT., to the sound of dripping rain outside our room. It seems that it rained most of the night and as it turned out, most of our riding day.
Most motorcycle riders do not mind riding in the rain if the get caught in it but starting out in it is a lot less fun. We loaded our stuff, got some fuel at the second place we stopped because a lot of businesses do not open before 8 am around here. Takes a little getting used to.
We hit the Alaska Highway going south toward British Columbia with our goal being Ft. Nelson for the evening. We planned to stop at the Teslin Bridge to refuel and get some breakfast before we attacked the l-o-n-g steel grate bridge once again. Of course, we did not really like the addition of wet to the grate bridge crossing. Since there is not another road to take, the bridge crossing was going to happen.
We stopped as planned and the rain had not been very bad. It was more like drizzle and stop, drizzle and stop, so the road being wet was our main problem. The temperature was 48 degrees F or 9 degrees C.
Breakfast went well and then we attacked the bridge. Steady throttle and light grip on the handlebars......easy does it. Hold your breath...we are across!!! When I completed crossing, I let out my breath and my face shield fogged up and I couldn't see for a few seconds. Great. Make the bridge and hit something on the other side.
No pictures on this part since my camera is not waterproof. Maybe next time.
The gravel road repairs that we encountered on the way up were actually much easier now since traffic had packed the loose gravel a great deal and the water eliminated the dust problem. Maybe rain isn't so bad after all.
We quickly crossed into British Columbia and felt better because the roads are in better condition and the riding was easier. Still with light rain, mist, low clouds and wet roads.
As we were approaching our next refuel stop at Coal River, we passed three women ride their bikes. They stopped at the same place we did and they were on their way to the Liard Hot Springs for the day. How do you pronounce Liard? Answer later.
We headed out and suddenly, it seemed that we had entered a zoo. We saw Black Bears, Stone Sheep, Bison, Bald Eagles and Coyotes. Didn't get pictures of the Eagles or Coyotes but here are pictures of the rest.
The Bison
Crossing the Road
The Stone Sheep
Two Bears
The rain quit for awhile and we were able to make some good time in the mountains. A picture of us chasing a big fuel tanker in the mountains....he was really fast.
Chasing Jeff through the twisties....lots of fun when it is dry!!! Notice the lack of guard rails!!
The weather cleared up for a while so we were able to make good time but then as we neared Ft. Nelson, it closed in again and it was raining when we unloaded at the hotel.Road 960 kilometers or 584 miles. Tired and not too wet. Long Fathers Day.
Liard is pronounced Lay Aired. At least in this area of Canada.
Going to Grande Praire, Alberta, tomorrow. Kinda a short ride.
Done for today,
Mike
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