Leaving beautiful Muncho Lake was a difficult task as it was just so stunning, and since it was raining and we only had 40 miles to go for the day, we hung out until we had to check out. I was excited as today was suppose to be the day we might see the Wood Bison herd. Wood Bison are a sub-species of the American Bison, so they are a bit different and are found in western Canada.
This is what we saw on the drive to Liard Hot Springs.
Liard Hot Springs link to Fort Nelson
While I was in Fort Nelson, Victoria had car trouble and we feared the worst that she would need a new transmission. She had an appointment for Monday the day I left Fort Nelson. We had spent much time while I was in Fort Nelson discussing the fact that the Old Ford was not worth putting a new transmission into. So, she was starting to look at vehicles and she was planning next steps while waiting for the diagnosis. So, when I got to Liard, I went to the lodge (the only business within 100’s of miles) to find a telephone (land line!). There was no cell service, of course!
The lady running the lodge suggest I pay $5 for wifi and use wifi calling. So, I did that, but I could not get wifi calling to work on my phone. I probably need a service on my end. So, the lady was kind enough to lend me her phone with wifi calling and I connected with Victoria. It turned out the dealer could not even look at the car until the end of the week. So, there was nothing more to discuss there.
The woman working at the lodge is from Fort Nelson. We discussed my experience with the wonderful people, and she told me she used to organize the help; and, that she personally received help when she had a serious medical issue. More evidence of the kindness there…..so impressive!
Liard Hot Springs Provincial Park
This is a beautiful and fascinating place. The hot springs erupt from the ground and flow through a series of swamps before exiting into any streams. So, the area is very unique and houses a snail that is only found in this location. Here are some pictures and signs explaining.
Wood Bison
OK, the poop was a joke, kind of….I did not see any wood bison the day I expect by Muncho Lake, but I did see them after l I left Liard Hot Springs heading further north. Several herds of them in fact, and this is what they look like.
Other Scenery on the road to Watson Lake
Watson Lake
Sadly, the first thing I did when I got to Watson Lake was go straight to the visitor’s center to report what I had seen. A very large bison in the herd with the feeding baby had a metal fence post impaled in his neck and barbed wire hanging off him. Fortunately, a real milepost (845) sign was not too far from the herd, so I reported it and had lengthy conversations with the animal services people who were going to go look for it and see if they could help.
During that conversation, Victoria called with the report out on the Ford. Fortunately, it was not the transmission, but was just the linkage to it that broke. With a needed brake job and the linkage repair, it was worth fixing the vehicle, and so that is what she is doing. It should be done the end of the next week. (Tomorrow at the time I am typing this.) In the meantime, this was a wake up call for Victoria that it is time to start saving for a new car, and to establish credit.
After all that, I posted a blog post using the wifi at the VC and watched the movie about Watson Lake.
Hiccup
So, it was mid afternoon after all that I had done, so I sadly did not visit the Northern Lights center, and I headed out of town to Watson Lake Provincial Park to make sure I would get a campsite. The campground is about 3 miles out a dirt, rutty in places, road. So, I stopped and backed up to go around a rut, and suddenly a terrible noise was coming out of my left front tire. After stopping and restarting, hitting my brakes and emergency brake several times it finally stopped. But, I was worried. So, I drove back to Watson Lake and waited for a mechanic to look at it. Fortunately, it was just a stone that got stuck up in there somehow and he told me there was no issue. He could see where it had been. Whew!
So, back to the campground I drove. I don’t have any pictures, as I was worn out by this time. I did have a peaceful night though. And, since I will come back to Watson Lake on the way home, I will hopefully see the Northern Lights Center then.
608 miles from Dawson Creek now.
Hey Karen!! I LOVE keeping up with your amazing travel! I’m in awe every time I read it, both for your incredible journey & the beauties around! Only if there were dry lands to Tokyo, you can make it to Tokyo!! Miss you!!
So glad you are able to follow, Yoshie! Made me laugh about dry land to Tokyo. Miss you, too!
Reason your comment did not show initially, is that the first two I have to approve (which means I need cell signal). Once someone has two approved posts, then I no longer have to approve and they are automated. It’s a way to keep bad stuff out of the blog.
How cool to be in Yukon! I guess it’s not uncommon to see bison laying on the road in the cooler months, because of its warmth. I’ve heard people say you have to watch for them in the dark, as you come upon them quickly in the road. The springs look so peaceful and relaxing! If you haven’t seen a moose yet, I’m sure you’ll start looking at every marshy area along the road and you’ll see some in AK for sure! They love wading in the water and eating the weeds. Safe and fun travels to you!
Good to know! Thanks, Christie!
I keep looking for the moose but no real success yet. Just the one in Tumbler Ridge that crossed the road.
Your pictures are so beautiful! What an awesome trip! And the buffaloes – wow!
I’m glad to hear Victoria’s car was a more simple fix and that Clarice only had a stone in the tire 🛞 (whew!).
Thanks, Sue! I was relieved for her and myself! 🙂