18th May - Chetwynd

Big country means big distances. I have already covered nearly two thousand miles. Ok on interesting roads but the Alaska highway didn't change much today & was straight (ish). So much so that when a vague corner arrives you have to remember what to do. Apart from friendly (looking) bears & bewildered moose, my only other companion was a lone wolf padding alongside the road. Its all relative though. I passed a guy in the middle of nowhere in hiking gear with a rucksack & a err... wheelbarrow. He waved as I passed. Shortly afterwards it started to rain.

Stopped in Buckinghorse River (which is a hundred miles from anyway) & got talking to Edwin who manages the campsite/store that is Buckinghorse River.

"Quiet spot." "Yep, that's the way I like it..." "Must see all types?" "Yep, had a guy last week that rolled up late in a blacked out pick up. Starting snooping around. I asked him what he wanted. He said "Got any women?". "No, this is a campsite". "Well those campers must have wives & daughters". 

"What happens when you get trouble - do you call the police?". " Police are two hours that way and two hours that way.." pointing "..but I've got my pistol under the counter and (pause) I have a rifle with a laser sight. I never miss. I don't kill them. Just handcuff them." Right. 

NB I stayed in a better than usual hotel yesterday. To counter this I am in a roadside motel tonight. The guys are outside my door drinking vodka in their trailer & a woman has just been picked up by the ambulance after over dosing in a room further down. Nice. Perhaps need to find the middle ground on the accommodation next time..