After getting a few groceries and day-old bakery items, along with some more smoked salmon and halibut for supper, we set off to see Salmon Glacier. What a drive it was! A very scenic 37 km to the summit, scary in places, a very steep rough drive in places too, fantastic views.
Our faithful van took it all in stride, even with all the shakin’ goin’ on. Mileage was down to 14.5 L/100Km on the climb up, and a lot of the descent was in second gear (and that’s 2nd of 7 gears).
We stopped on the way down for a smoked salmon and cheese bun picnic. Cath was nervous the whole time, expecting a bear to show up for a salmon lunch with us.
Apparently Salmon Glacier is the world’s largest road-accessible glacier. Oddly there were lots of mosquitos around the summit. The Portland Canal, leading in to Stewart/Hyder, is the 4th longest fjord in the world.
Once back in Stewart we power-washed the van again, the third time this trip. Back at the campsite we just sat and enjoyed the sunny 19C afternoon.
After an early light supper we headed back to Hyder, for bear viewing at Fish Creek. A day pass to the viewing area was $24 US for two of us, pricey but the glacier drive was free of admission charges, so we rationalized.
What a sight, to see that many salmon trying (and dying) to spawn.
Soon after we arrived, a large old male grizzly was wading and picking out fish that were special to him for some reason. He had something specific in mind, maybe females with eggs? We could see him sniffing and rejecting other fish after he caught them, and only took two to eat while we were watching.
Soon after we arrived, a large old male grizzly was wading and picking out fish that were special to him for some reason. He had something specific in mind, maybe females with eggs? We could see him sniffing and rejecting other fish after he caught them, and only took two to eat while we were watching.
Still 17C and daylight at 8pm.
Wow, pretty neat to see a grizzly that close!
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