Fort Nelson BC, on the Alaska Hwy

We have a relaxing day in Fort Nelson, a major town on the highway but still isolated; like most, it is not linked to a power grid and must generate its own power (we understand).  Our rigs are arranged in the classic Wally Byam wagon-wheel shape.  We are very glad there aren't 100-200 rigs as Wally used to run.

In the morning we five couples that seem to be evolving into a ride group go for a 2-mile hike on the Bear Trail.  The trail is well marked and clear, but the bordering trees and shrubs are so dense it is hard to understand how a Lewis and Clark, or a bear, could make any progress.  We proceed making a lot of noise just because we are noisy, but Judy is also wearing a bear-bell to warn off bears.  Barry spots some bear scat, but that and mosquitos are the extent of the wildlife.  Somebody asks if the bear scat contains any bear bells.

That afternoon several of us visit a funky museum of mostly 1940s and 1950s memorabilia, reminders of the road construction, WWII, and early energy exploration.  Our drivers meeting is less chaotic that the first.  Fred (the caravan mailman with the major blowout) reports that with Gary’s help and some locals that opened their stores on a Sunday he now has a usable trailer again; this probably wouldn’t have been possible without the resources available traveling with a large group of similar vehicles driven by very helpful people.

Gary helps with Fred's blow-out repairs.

Drivers meetings take a PA system.

One caravanner volunteers there could be a spectacular aurora borealis tonight because of so much sun spot activity.  Enthusiasm dies when he clarifies the best time for viewing would be about 2 AM.