The sun teased us just enough for us to walk around the famous Dawson Creek yesterday. Then she ditched us. The October-Seattle weather has deteriorated to December-Seattle weather. "Whose idea is this again?" Should've gone south...
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| Made it to Dawson Creek on Day 5 |
Mile 0 at Dawson Creek is exactly what the Milepost Guide described. We quickly located an internet cafe and got two double-shot 12-oz Canadiano, and a bakery opened by a Swiss - the zopf with raisins was delicious. Refined white flour always has a place in my heart.
Cynthia is a wonderful CS host. Her beautiful home is nestled in the valley of 226 acres, with the Pouce Coupe River running through the property. I cannot seem to visualize how much land is in 226 acre. I believe it goes until the end of the earth.
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| Pouce Coupe River |
It never stopped raining, so any hope for a hike has evaporated. Instead, Cynthia took us around her 'hood in her Ford truck, with Spyro the Dog riding in the cabin. We visited local places a tourist will never find: Diamond Willow Retreat - a wonderful "restaurant" opened by the most energetic 67-year old grandmother named Karen McGowan. The proprietor is warm, welcoming, and wicked funny. I am always drawn to funny grandmothers, perhaps because I have little memory of my own grandparents. Both sets passed away when I was very young.
Eric and I had Karen's famous fresh biscuit, hot from the oven, and chicken soup for lunch. It was delightful! Karen has a magnificent and soothing voice. I can listen to her sing for hours. Before we bid our goodbye, she invited us to make some art & craft to hang on her friendship tree. How could you refuse an invitation like that?
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| Diamond Willow Retreat Sun Room and Guest House on left Kitchen & "Silo" (water tower) on right |
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| Inside the Sun Room |
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| Karen, the proprietor |
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| My "craft"... |
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| Fresh biscuit & chicken soup |
We journeyed on and drove to the Old Alaska Highway towards Fort St. John. At Historic Milepost 21 over the Peace River stood the old Kiskatinaw Curved Bridge, a 70-year old timber bridge built by Dow Construction Company, following the pioneer road that was built for military traffic. I am amazed by the spirit of pioneers.
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| Kiskatinaw Curved Bridge |
We sojourned on with Cynthia, our tour guide extraordinare, to many more local spots. On our way home, several curious deer were feeding on shrubs merely 50 feet from the house. At last, wild life sighting other than some household cats.
Supper was filled with more delicious food and gut wrenching laughter. Two of Cynthia and Randy's friends, Bill and Linda, joined us - more people, more wine, more jokes, more laughs. I shamelessly gnawed on the bones of two pork chops, licking my fingers - I am already feeling very comfortable with these folks. Bone gnawing is not poor table manner in this household; no wonder I feel right at home. We finished the meal with Eric's famous rhubarb crisp. As delightful as I remember, especially the rhubarb was picked from Linda's garden just hours ago.
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| Picking rhubarb at Linda's |
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| Eric making his famous rhubarb crisp. More butter, please! |
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We got lots of tips from Bill on the ALCAN - the guy used to travel on the ALCAN for work all the time and knows the highway like the back of his hand. We got information on the "must go", "must see", and the "why bother". It beats any AAA tourist recommendations.
The 48 hours experience at Dawson Creek and Riley's Crossing was rich and entertaining. Cynthia made me moose roast; it was delicious. I met local artists and musicians. Learned about the history of the Alaska Highway. Tasted some damn good single malt Scotch whisky, lit sambuca in a shot glass, and some Tequila Aha Toro that comes in a really pretty red bottle. A rained-out day ended with lots of jokes, lots of laughs, and wonderful memories.
Wicked good times at Dawson Creek. Wicked good times.
Cool!!!!
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