Tuesday, May 18, 2010

Tumbler Ridge, BC

Leslie – Tuesday, May 18, 2010           Milepost 0 RV Park
We had determined that today we would take a road trip out of Dawson Creek.  Stan and Connie’s truck is still in the repair facility, so we had the whole day to explore.  We read about the town of Tumbler Ridge,  69 miles from Dawson Creek. Off we went. …
At the Tumbler Ridge Visitor’s Center we learned about Kinuseo Falls in Monkman Provincial Park.  The falls are higher than Niagara Falls. If you are brave, you can drive to the top of the falls.  We were warned that the 37 mile road to the falls is gravel and rutted in many portions. There are active mining operations (open pit coal) along the road so it is not uncommon to meet mining trucks traveling fast.  After the drive of 37 miles in each direction, I think I can speak for all of us, that the description given of the road is generous and kind.  The road is horrible!  We bounced along for two hours in each direction, rarely exceeding 25 mph. 
While the falls are impressive, I think that the scenery along the road was equally impressive.
Beaver-Lodge
Beaver built their lodge.
beaver-dam
Beaver built their dam.
stratifications
At the waterfall, the stratification of the rock on the far shore was unusual.
The brochures and materials from the Visitor’s Center claimed that by driving the mining road to the falls we would have a good opportunity to view wildlife.  Unfortunately we were not successful.  Collectively we saw two chipmunks and one squirrel.  That’s not too good for a whole day of driving.   Although grizzly bear have been reported in the area, I wonder if it is really too early in the season to see many of them at this altitude.   The new growth on trees and among perennials has just started to bloom.  There was a field of tulips just like this one that had barely emerged from the ground.
new-tulip-growth

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