drive to Prince Rupert, BC

along the upper Skeena River

My route out of Kitwanga this morning took me past this lumber yard. It made me realize that I haven't seen as much evidence of timber harvesting as I had expected in northern BC. 


a side trip to Kitimat

I'd never heard of Kitimat, but I met 3 different couples this summer who either do live there or have lived there. With a little extra time today, I went for a quick visit. 

         


along the lower Skeena River

A big black bear jogged across the road in front of me, just like yesterday. It's still pretty exciting to see them, even after seeing quite a few this summer. 




*   *   *   *   *

Wildlife sightings (not counting those in the conservation preserve or the aquarium)

--> --> today: a big black bear crossing the road

--> --> trip total so far: 

    black bears - 27       deer - 14 (12 Sitka)             grizzlies - 8          moose - 8

    stone sheep - 8        elk - 1                   caribou - 15            bison - 42    

    Dall sheep - 11        porcupines -1         mountain goats - 1       lynx - 1

    trumpeter swans - 34+        many bald eagles    black oyster catcher - 1 (rare)

    sea otters - 27             harbor seals - many, many, many         orcas - 1

    many sea stars & jelly fish        Dall's porpoise - ~ 20

    North Pacific Humpback whales - 2 pods of ~ 12 each + 1 + 1 + 3

    Stellar's sea lions - many, 100+ incl 60 pups in 1 spot (counted by scientists)



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