Since the announcement of Petty Catwater Loft, we have had a few inquires...one was for a long term rental which we had to decline because we are really still in the process of finishing it to our satisfaction. We did accept a reservation from a lovely couple from Melbourne, Australia. Oh my gosh...you could not have had a lovelier couple be your first guests!!! Aron and Kerin had spent 7 months travelling across the USA and Canada, when they had arrived at our door they were on their way to Alaska. We served them a wonderful dinner where we heard about their adventures thus far and chatted about the next adventure to Alaska. We heard from them that they made it thru the Stewart-Cassiar Highway 37, it is the artery to some of the wildest scenery in North America. It follows a scenically stunning route on the east side of the Coast Mountains. It traverses the Cassiar Mountains and Liard Plain before joining the Alaska Highway west of Watson Lake in the Yukon.
It's an adventure...and for two Australian's...Lookout! Aircraft have right of way as remote highways double as emergency airstrips! The Highway follows the Nass River to Meziadin Junction. The adventure continues through breathtaking scenery crossing the Naingunshaw Pass north of Bell II and climbing through the narrow canyon. Those wishing to linger in Bell II can arrange for remote river and lake fishing packages and winter heli-skiing adventures.
Soon enough, the Highway will cross over the Stikine River. To the east, the River enters Mt. Edziza Park, and to the West, Spatsizi Plateau Wilderness Park.Few know that lava flows exist in Northern BC, but Mt Edziza Provincial Park is 230,000 hectares of protected volcanic landscape. Part of a larger volcanic complex that formed over eight million years ago, Mt Edziza was created when tension along the Pacific Plate caused rifting inland. Although remote, this park displays spectacular landscape for those willing to find it. Lava flows, basalt plateaus, cinder fields and cinder cones are on display for all to see. Mt Edziza, the park's main feature, towers at an elevation of 2,787m (9143ft). It is a composite Volcano with a glaciated crater 2,500m (8,202ft) in diameter. The last time Mt. Edziza experienced activity was 10,000 years ago when a basalt flow emerged to solidify and plug the central vent. From the charter planes that tour the area, or to experienced climbers, the 900,000-year old crater of Mt Edziza offers a glimpse into another millennia. Thirty small lava and cinder cones surround the huge volcano. An adventurer's spirit is needed to access the park as it is best done by horseback, hiking, or flight - it is inaccessible by car. These arrangements can be made at Dease Lake, Telegraph Creek or Iskut.
Spatsizi Plateau Wilderness Park is one of Canada's largest and most significant parks. Its a pristine habitat for innumerable animals indigenous to northern environments. Caribou, moose, mountain goats, stone sheep and giant hawk moths are just a few of the animals inhabiting the park. As with Mt Edziza Park, this remote area is not accessible by road and offers no on site provisions or personnel, so come prepared with all necessary supplies. Trails within the park are immensely rewarding, offering recreation seekers a fine opportunity to witness the harmonious balance of nature.
Adventurers seeking water sports are at home in the vicinity as the Stikine River Recreational Area is the starting point for many canoe trips. Take a riverboat tour or kayak the river lined by rugged shores and majestic wildlife. This recreation area is a narrow park west of Dease Lake and connects Mt. Edziza Park to Spatsizi Plateau. The Grand Canyon of Stikine is particularly inviting for fly-over tours and offers 80 km (50 mi) of sheer rock face on the river's edge that is inaccessible by boat.
Traveling further northward, you will come to the town of Dease Lake. This is the largest settlement on Highway 37 and is located 491 km (305 mi) north of Kitwanga/Highway 16 and 235 km (146 mi) south of the Alaska Highway. Take a moment to reminisce in the town's past and explore the remains of the Hudson Bay Company trading post that still stands at the south end of the lake. A fort was built nearby in 1837 when prospecting miners and suppliers poured through town during the Cassiar gold rush of the 1870s. This made Dease Lake part of a major transportation route for trappers and prospectors wishing to make a living off the rugged and weathered land.
From Dease Lake, Highway 37 continues to stretch north for another 965 km (600 mi) until it meets the Alaska Highway. This part of the journey is scenic and offers an amazing variety of landscapes. Witness windblown mountain peaks and watch rivers sprawl across the land while entering the Yukon Territory.
In my youth I travelled to Alaska, I hiked the Great Bear Glacier and spent a few night sleeping out watching the Northern Lights...and a day playing rival castle blow up!!!...laughing. It is such a pleasure to see young people with such a sense of adventure come thru my door.
Grow, Harvest, Cook, Eat and never stop travelling...
Jenn
