July 5-6, 2022

7/5/22

Spent the morning at Cycle North waiting to get a new rear tire mounted.  To save some money I removed and installed the wheel myself.  This I had to do in a gravel parking lot across the street as they don't allow people to work on their bikes on the premises.  Fortunately it did not start to rain before I finally got away at 1:30.  

I was kept company in the parking lot by some local idler whom I won't describe as it would just sound mean.  Also chatted at length with a rider from Santa Rosa who is on a 250 cc Suzuki.  I convinced him to visit Stewart/Hyder which is my immediate destination.

I considered trying to reach Smithers which is a good distance of about 230 miles but stopped in Burns Lake as it was late in the afternoon and I'd already hit considerable rain. Cruising through Burns Lake it was raining hard but suddenly I was nearly past the town and thought "ok, I'm going another 90 miles to Smithers."  But then the Sunshine Inn where I've stayed before appeared like a vision and I pulled over.

About to mount rear wheel with fresh
tire, a Pirelli MT-90.

7/6/22

While loading my bike another Californian came by to chat.  He'd seen my license plate.  He's Mexican and lived in San Diego until his kids were grown and then moved back to Tijuana. He and his wife now travel about in a pickup truck with a nice camping module in the bed which can pop up to over head height. I spied solar panels on the roof and a skylight.  It put thoughts in my mind of my post-motorcycle travel career.

They are returning from Prudhoe Bay.  He told me the road condition on the Dalton is good but muddy because crews now spray water as well as calcium carbonate on it to suppress dust. He's the second person to tell me that. 

Weather was dry as I left Burns Lake but it quickly started to rain.  I was careless and didn't close the vents on my jacket or put on gauntleted gloves until layers under the jacket were soaked. It was really pissing down as I rolled into Smithers. Stopped at a Subway for soup and a sandwich and debated continuing.

From Smithers to Stewart is a bit over 200 miles without many places to bail out.  So I opted for a motel. Called ahead to the King Edward Hotel in Stewart and made a reservation for next two days.  So, come hell or high water, I'll get to Stewart tomorrow.  Tomorrow looks like more of the same weather.

Fuel note:  Between Prince George and Smithers fuel is not a problem.  I don't think there was any stretch longer than 50 miles without a station.  It can feel remote on this road between towns.  Maintain discipline and travel on the top half of your tank and you won't feel anxious.

Lodging note:  There are motels in just about every town.  There are signs for campgrounds though I have never checked them out. I'm not aware of any provincial park campgrounds.

Camper truck mentioned above.  
Also, note the aspen (or is it birch) forest in the background.
I may have posted a better picture in a previous year's blog.

Proprietress of the Sunshine Inn was tending thriving 
container garden and small green house.

All too typical scenery the last two days.