Day 12 - May 2 - MAKING A LITTLE SOMETHING OUT OF WHAT WE THOUGHT WAS NOTHING

Dease Lake is the last major centre (though it's impossible to imagine this tiny community as a major anything) before the Alaska Highway when driving northbound in British Columbia. The name of the lodge in which we are staying comes from its location on the Continental Divide where water drainage is divided between the Pacific Ocean and the Arctic Ocean.

The rooms have a rustic charm and are quite comfortable with free wi-fi and ROKU TV.

The hallways in the lodge are like an art gallery, the log building featuring beautiful handmade craftsmanship bringing boutique style with a log cabin flare. I must say though, I have mixed emotions about the murdered stuffed wildlife heads mounted on the walls.

It seemed, by any internet research I did, there was nothing to do in Dease Lake. There's lots a fair distance away but nothing right here. Fate stepped in when we ran into the chambermaid this morning. She was a charming young lady from Germany who was familiar with the area so pointed us to the Allan Lake Recreational Area about a kilometre from the lodge. Perfect. We didn't want to drive anywhere today.

Allan Lake is a popular spot for camping and fishing, neither of which particularly appeal to me. Located on the Bonaparte Plateau, the higher elevation apparently provides a nice place to escape the summer heat. I'll have to take their word for that. It was a nice spot for a hike.

The lake loop trail is just under 5 kilometres. We only managed to do about half of it because the trail was very soggy in spots and/or was blocked or extremely hazardous due to snow and ice. We did about 4 kilometres out and back where the trail was manageable. These impediments actually added to the visual appeal quite substantially.

Dease Lake Super A Foods is a snap shot of the community. The vehicles pretty much say it all. One of these is probably not a local.

This place is the winner for scary gas prices. 260.9 for regular is the highest we've seen on this trip...so far! I expect that's not the upper limit. I am biting my tongue refusing to comment on the reason for this atrocity. 

There's nothing we can do about it so it will not dampen our spirits or enthusiasm. We're loving this adventure!

😎