Arrived in Hyder

The train didn't bother us too much. David did hear the 3:30 tooting its whistle but I was lucky enough to sleep through it.  Found out why there were a number of powerful sounding cars running around town too. There is a drag strip just a short distance out of town. Must have been the Friday night races there. 

Up early and fed, we packed up and set our course for Hyder Alaska. Beautiful scenery, completely different than the range land we rode through yesterday.   Lots of rivers, lakes, mountains and glaciers.  Our GPS took us over a 17 mile excursion off roading that bypassed a couple of towns but provided us with some spectacular scenery. 

As we approached Hyder (and Stewart, BC, just next door), the countryside became distinctly Alaskan. The ruggedness and beauty seems unique.   Bugs too!  An astonishing amount of bugs.

The temperature was in the mid 70's once the early morning had passed. Very comfortable riding.  After we turned off The Cassiar Highway and headed down toward Hyder, we passed close to a glacier.  The air temperature immediately dropped due to the chill off of the massive ice flow and was even noticeable as we followed the river leading from the glacier.  Anywhere away from frigid ice and water was instantly worm again. 

Hyder's claim to fame seems to be bears and getting "Hyderized".  Our first stop was to take care of the Hyderization and then go on the hunt for bears.  To get Hyderized, is to have a shot of Everclear. If you don't shoot it, you have to buy the house a round. Dave and I only paid our bill.

Just a little further up the road is a small river absolutely teaming with salmon.  Black and brown bears are such frequent shoppers there, that the parks service has built a viewing bridge above the most popular area. Besides seeing thousands of three different species of salmon, we saw several dozen people, waiting for the bears. Alas, the last bear was seen at 6:30 this morning. We did see one on our way into town however. 

We also learned of a glacier said to be well worth seeing.  The Salmon Glacier is just 20 miles further on, up a dirt road.  The light sprinkle didn't hamper the ride; it probably helped keep the dust down.  Spectacular!

We found only one hotel in Hyder.  We decided to return to Stewart where we were able to find suitable accommodations.  

We met some Auzzies at the Glacier Inn in Hyder. The four of them were on rented Harley's, had already been up north in Alaska and were riding south. They were staying at our hotel in Stewart too.  Fun bunch. 

We'll continue north tomorrow. The destination is, as yet, undecided.  It's about a 12 hour ride to Whatson Lake in the Yukon, where we connect with the Alcan Highway to make our way toward Skagway. We may have to break that 12 hour ride in-two.