Snapshot of British Columbia

Frazer Canyon

Damn, I'm getting good at self portraits ... the joy and folly of traveling alone through the middle of nowhere.

I found an awesome place to camp during night two in BC ... I woke up to fresh snow and blue skies ... enticing me to take a walk instead of hit the road

The Zipmobile

Can I get out of the car now?

What a view!

It's called "Beatiful British Columbia" for a darn good reason

Totem Bight in Ketchikan

Zippy and I headed north out of Ketchikan's city center, toward Totem Bight State Park. Given the chilled November weather, we had the place entirely to ourselves ... leaving us free to wander through the forest and along the coast, from one totem to the next ... a very serene and magical setting.

On the ferry ...

I made three different ferry trips through Alaska's Inside Passage: the first from Haines to Juneau, about fours long, smack dab in the middle of the night; the second from Juneau to Ketchikan, which was the longest leg; the third from Ketchikan to Price Rupert in British Columbia. Alaska's ferries are big beasts, a bit dated but chuggin' slow and strong. Since I chose the dark and rainy month of November to make the sojourn, I had plenty of elbow room on board. (Only about 100 passengers on boats that can hold 700). In terms of a way to sit back, relax and take in the dramatic meeting of mountains and sea, there's no better means of travel. I highly recommend the trip - anytime of year.

Coming into Ketchikan

The solarium, which is a big hit in the summer, but was pretty deserted in November

One of many sitting areas

The corner on board the Malaspina where I put out my thermarest and made myself quite at home.

Black capes prohibited

Note to self: Don't wear a black cape, top hat and a mask in this neighborhood ... it's unclear whether I'd be "welcomed" or reported to the Police Dept.

Happy travels

Happy, happy traveling ... in Juneau

Mendenhall Glacier

Eagle River to Haines

I arrived to Haines during the bald eagle festival ... the largest gathering of bald eagles in the world ... 3,500 birds converge on one river. The river has a late salmon drawing all the eagles. The eagles were bigger than the ones I've seen in the Anchorage area ... and absolutely everywhere! (Note: I had planned to come back during daylight hours to get better photos, but a blizzard canceled my ferry, so I had to leave Haines earlier than planned).

On the road between Haines Junction and Haines

Gotta love the signs for frost heave

Yukon's winter vistas

Night 2 I parked the car in this pullout that was located along a side road. There were some trails that lead up a hill to great views of Lake Kathleen. I first hiked the trails at night when I arrived. The stars and milky way were incredible. I felt wonderfully small.

Zippy playing before we hit the road

Self portrait after a night spent in subzero temperatures. Between several blankets, a sleeping bag and a fleece balaclava, I was plenty cozy.

Mom, where are we?

In the Yukon

On the road between Glenn Allen and Tok