Yukon Sights by Sue Thomas

Vancouver Island to Lac La Hache Provincial Park - Hwy 97

1 August 2010 - Sunday

Today we were ready to depart for Alaska. Taking the ferry on a long weekend usually is not a wise choice but we had a reservation for the 9 a.m. ferry and arrived in plenty of time to take a picture of our "rig" parked beside a bigger rig.

Swartz Bay BC Ferry Terminal
Truck & fifth wheel in line a the Swartz Bay BC Ferry Terminal

BC Ferry personnel ensure drivers load correctly on the ferry. Because we travel with our pets we stay in the fifth wheel while on board, reading & napping.

Swartz Bay BC Ferry Loading
Driving onto the BC Ferry at Swartz Bay

The day was somewhat overcast but the seas were calm. As usual the inbound & outbound ferries passed in Active Pass.

BC Ferry - Active Pass, British Columbia
BC Ferries passing in Active Pass

This year, forest fires were consuming the mainland of British Columbia. The smoke was very thick as we headed northward; not good for picture-taking! Our first overnight destination was Lac La Hache Provincial Park campground. There were nearby forest fires and the area was thick with smoke. Of course, there was a fire closure. No fires permitted -- not even in the fire pits.

Lac La Hache Provincial Park, British Columbia
Sign at the entrance to the Lac La Hache Provincial Park announcing the fire closure

Despite the scent of smoke and the poor air quality, the campground was busy this long weekend. Even so, there was a decent site available when we arrived at supper time. 

Lac La Hache Provincial Park, British Columbia
Campsite at Lac La Hache Provincial Park campground

There wasn't much to do other than walk the hiking trails and visit the lake across Highway 97. Then early to bed -- it had been a long day! 

Next Page - 2 August 2010