Day 4. New Hazleton to Prince Rupert

The day started so well, clear blue skies, the smell of fresh coffee coming from the kitchen - time to get up and get started. I made my way out of our bedroom and into the living room/kitchen area. Ron was busy looking at old farming equipment on the internet/You Tube. He had acquired an old 'reaper/binder' which he was going to restore and was looking to see what colours it should be painted. Lila was busy in the kitchen putting together a huge breakfast - I asked when we were to expect the other twenty folks?? She laughed and began putting even more food out! The fresh coffee hit the spot, but what did it for me was the amazing apple crisp - ohh my word, mmmmm!! We sat and talked some more, then we thought we should do something about getting on the road. That is when I thought our holiday was going to fall about our ears.

I'd already power washed 'Sydders', now I was going to move 'Gertie' and try to blast off the accumulated layers of 'bug juice'. I tried several times to start the bike, but nothing. She would turn over, not even a hint of firing. I was wracking my brains as to what the trouble might be. The previous day, I thought it might have been the wrong gas. I popped in a bottle of octane enhancer, & filled with higher grade fuel. It now appeared that this action had not made a scrap of difference. I even tried the spare key. The 'Beemer' keys carry a security code that the starter circuit must recognise before it will allow the bike to be started. Well it wasn't that either - I was getting a little pissed now, & could see our much awaited for, & planned holiday going down the 'can', together with a big chunk of our cash. I was now getting worried about the charge level in the battery, so Ron kindly attached a booster box and blow me if the bike didn't start. It looks like it needed just a little more 'juice' to get her to fire. Long short, Ron very kindly loaned us a set of jumper cables to see us through the trip. From then on until we got to the hotel for the evening, she fired up every time. I'll let you know how I get on tomorrow. If I have more problems, you may find a BMW R1200GS Adventure sitting at the bottom of Price Rupert Sound!!

With the bike now running - rather, purring, we wasted no time getting changed, packed and away. Not before we took part in a photo call for Ron. Lila also gave us a couple of 'doggie bags' for the trip. A sneak peek showed two tubs of apple crisp, a bag of jerky and some home made bread! Wonderful. After the photo's, we got on the bikes, waved a goodbye to Ron & Lila, then headed down the long, dusty gravel track to the village. Ron had told us that the road to Terrace was very pretty, but from there to PR, it was even better. I'm here to tell you the man was spot on. The road to Terrace was along a river valley, and the river was running very fast with melt water and the result of recent rains. The road literally clung to the side of the hills, and a lot of the time we were very close to the river - an amazing site. As we closed on Terrace, Wendy told me she would be needing fuel pretty soon, so Terrace couldn't come soon enough.

Terrace is much bigger than Smithers, but no where near as pretty and we were quite happy to be heading out of town for PR. Just outside of town the river became very wide, and the hills grew to snow capped mountains. This was jaw dropping beauty and I was frequently hanging out of the saddle looking up mountains, behind me to the views appearing as we rode out of bends, looking at boaters on the river. In fact, every where but the bloody road. Just about every bend we rode, there was a photo opportunity, but knowing we were already behind schedule, I decided to press on. Then I saw one gorgeous view too many & had to stop. As luck would have it, we came across a rest area at the same time. I snapped 'Gertie' across the road into the car park, closely followed by Wendy & 'Sydders'. In no time helmets and jackets were off, and out came the camera. I managed to get a few good shots, which should encapsulate the overall feeling of that part of the ride, I'll get them posted as soon as I can. Just before we left the car park, I spotted a Bald Eagle sitting high in a tree behind the parking area. I stuck on the biggest zoom I have & took a couple of shots. What a beautiful creature - and bloody big!

We rode on into PR, and with the approach of the coast, came a dramatic drop in the air temp. Within a few miles we went from a warm 23'C, to a cool 17'C. We rode into town and quickly spotted the Crest Hotel. Four stories high, with a huge 'Crest Hotel' sign on the roof, it wasn't too difficult to miss........ We parked up outside of reception & headed inside. There we learned that there was no record of Wendy's booking. Now I know my wife & hotels. If she says she's booked it, I'm telling you, it's booked! Fortunately Wendy had printed off all confirmations for the whole trip, and we presented this one to the check in 'bod'. Long short, they screwed up, so we ended up with one of their best rooms - a single bedroom suit on the top floor overlooking the harbour. Not only that, but we are on a corner and have 90% unobstructed views!! I like it when they screw up like that.

Once more the bikes were stripped of all the bags, and they were 'lugged' up to the 4th floor. We soon made our selves at home and unpacked in record time. While I was looking round the place, I spotted a lovely basket on the breakfast counter, which was holding 5 Granny Smith apples. I'd not had a piece of fruit in a few days and these looked lovely & firm. I picked one out of the basket and proceeded to twist off the short stalk. It was a little difficult, but it gave way eventually. Then I went to take a healthy bite out of it and discovered - it was a bloody fake!!! I couldn't believe it. I have one sitting beside me, reminding me to 'tell all', and I tell you, it's a Granny Smith. Well obviously it's not, but bloody hell, it's a damn fine fake. Wendy thought it was hilarious & insisted that I enter this in the daily Blog. She is frequently the butt of my humour, so it's only fair I take the kick in the arse for this one...............

Once sorted in the room, we headed down to the restaurant for a coffee. After that, we followed one of Ron's recommendations for dinner - 'Dolly's Fish Market', down in old 'Cow Bay', which turned out to be a 5 min walk from the hotel. Dolly's is a tiny place and only has about 6 tables. Apparently they supply the hotel we are staying in with their fresh fish, so we guessed it must be good and fresh. The menu boasted fish & chips with home made 'fries' and fresh Halibut. Well when you are in the Halibut capital of the world, you have to order it don't you. We weren't disappointed, it was delicious. After eating, we wandered round the remainder of the shops in Cow Bay - that took about 10 mins!! Then we headed back to the hotel for a night cap. As we sat in the bar which overlooks the harbour, a Bald Eagle soared straight past the window at mid window height, no more that 20' from the building - amazing. However, according to a guy who was sat near us, they are so common and come so close to you, that they are frequently called the 'pigeon' of the NW! Some bloody pigeon!

Well it's now after midnight, and I have finally caught up with 2 days of events and photo's. Just need someone to read it all now & it will have been worth while.......... Tomorrow is a free day & we are going to take a look round town. I'm going to try & find a 'wand' car wash & finally clean 'Gertie'. However, if she doesn't bloody well start, the fish could well be eating the bugs off while it lays at the bottom of the ocean!! Good night everyone, have a great Monday - we will...............