Our first month

June 14, 2022

Time goes by so fast. Today marks the last day of July, and the end of our first month operating online.

Richard and I are eager to begin filming some adventures, however we are still separated by countries and will have to keep that on hold until next year. He lives in Oklahoma and I live in Canada.

Since we were married in 2022, the immigration process has been extremely long and tedious. I've lived in Canada 47 years. I am a permanent resident here but never applied for the Permanent Resident Card. That card never existed until 2002. So I applied for it this past week.

The application for a visa to go to the States has been approved, however at this point I'm fighting against having to have my interview in South Korea. By proving I am a permanent resident in Canada.  So all this is taking more time now. Why South Korea eh? I'm Australian by birth (Barb) so I guess the US Embassy for Australia is in South Korea. Either that or someone made a mistake for which we are paying for. Seems so ridiculous when I can have the interview here in Canada. We are hoping this can get straightened out. A medical needs to be done but that shouldn't be a problem. Every step forward we have taken has resulted in two steps backwards. No matter how difficult the journey, we have not given up. We look forward to being able to stay together and get on with our lives. We are being transparent, by sharing this with our viewers.

Aldermere: Old Telkwa townsite, British Columbia, Canada

Things To Do

BC & Vancouver Archives

The old historic townsite of Aldermere was located on the old Caribou Trail in the 1800's. Before 1866, the Collin's Telegraph line was going through this area. 

Aldermere was stablished in 1904 circa. The elevation protected it from flooding but made it difficult to transport water and supplies. 

In 1907 folks began moving below the hill to be closer to the river in anticipation of the proposed Grand Trunk Pacific Railway. By 1914, the hotel and stores were closed. 

Today trails lead in to the old townsite location where a person can see a board showing the layout of old Aldermere townsite and also posted signs showing where some establishments once stood. There is a bench where you can sit down. 

Some tips for camping in remote wilderness areas where predators are concerned

Camping Tips

Safety is your number one priority. In the wilds you need to be vigilant and exercise caution. You need to be aware of your surroundings, and you need to be aware of who might be around.

People go to the wilds to get away from crowds, take a break from daily life, for wildlife viewing, cryptid or haunted research, fishing, water sports, mountain biking, dirt biking, four-wheeling, photography, hunting, wild foods foraging, hiking, exercise, rock hounding or exploring to name a few. 

Everyone's experience is going to be different out there. Depends on how you approach it and what your intentions are. Some go out to the woods to take it over. Others want to be a part of it and take it in. 

Bear Sign, Tracks, Scat, Bones and Bears

Out of Interest & Camping Tips

The following collection is from my days of research out in the bush. I'll share some of the tree sign, scratch, tracks, scat, bones and bears I've come across. Use for reference.

Rubbing tree a grizzly uses. I was collecting hair samples.

Jasper National Park of Canada & Town of Jasper Wildfire

The threat of two nearby wildfires believed to be caused by lightning, advanced on the townsite of Jasper. 

The largest fire, referred to as the south wildfire, is estimated to be among the largest in Jasper National Park’s history at 10,800 hectares in size and as of 6:40 p.m. Wednesday had reached the town, according to a Parks Canada post on social media. 

“This wildfire is significantly larger and more aggressive than the wildfires we’ve seen in the past few years,” said Katie Ellsworth, an incident commander with Parks Canada.

At least 25,000 people have been ordered to evacuate. 

Dead Wood Gone Airbnb, Restorations & Creations, Smithers, BC, Canada

Our very first post introduced a new Airbnb operated by Joshua and Amy Gunster, on the outskirts of Smithers, BC, Canada. 

If you haven't read it yet, you can view the writeup at this link 👉 Dead Wood Gone a new Airbnb on the Outskirts of Smithers, BC, Canada.

Restorations & Creations

Dead Wood Gone also does restorations and creations. This is what they will be known for. "Giving new life to old things and keeping the dead things running". 

Indian Head, Saskatchewan, Canada

Things To Do

Saskatchewan has been inhabited by indigenous peoples for thousands of years. The First Nations of Saskatchewan are Nêhiyawak (Plains Cree), Nahkawininiwak (Saulteaux), Nakota (Assiniboine), Dakota and Lakota (Sioux), and Denesuline (Dene/Chipewyan).

Europeans first explored this area of Canada in 1690 and then began settling the area in 1774. At first, Scandinavians, mostly Norwegians settled near Watrous and in the Birch Hills. There were also groups of settlers along the southern border from Estevan north to Weyburn.

The Saskatchewan landscape changed as the Dominion Lands Act/Homestead Act came into effect in 1872. While Saskatchewan would not become a province until 1905, settlers arrived during the mid- to late 1800s because of promises of land grants by the government. 

The Dominion Lands Act of 1872 outlined the provisions for granting homesteads to settlers: free homesteads of 160 acres were offered to farmers who cleared ten acres and built a residence within three years of a registered intent to settle a specific land claim.

Wolseley Motel, Saskatchewan, Canada

In October last year, we purchased an RV. I was going to be building a massive four arch gazebo for my sister and brother-in-law's new Airbnb. I lived in the town of Smithers at the time. The trip out there and back would be too much so we figured the best thing to do would be to spend the winter in the RV on the ranch, while I worked on this project.

Richard lives in Oklahoma. We were married over two years ago in Telkwa, BC. Ever since then, we have been gathering documents for US immigration and have been going through the process so I can move to Oklahoma to be with him. He comes to visit me often. So I stayed in the RV by myself, with the exception when Richard came to visit. Five months later, my project was completed for Dead Wood Gone Airbnb. 

Making the most out of a single candle

Camping Tip

You are out camping and have only a single candle to use for light around your camp. You don't want to use your flashlight because that would only drain your batteries. You might need your flashlight to make those bathroom trips in the dark.

For added measure there is a campfire ban in effect. So you cannot use a campfire for light either. 

If your vehicle is close by, you could keep the engine running and use the headlights. But that just burns your fuel, makes a noise and just doesn't feel like camping.

So how can you possibly stretch your candle to make more light?

MR300 Thermacell - Portable Mosquito Repeller

Gear Review

We've included a demonstration video with this review.

The MR300 Thermacell is light weight, easy to pack and is easy to use. The mosquito repeller provides 12 hours of scent-free, mess-free mosquito defense up to 15 feet.

No batteries or cords are needed. 

The portable mosquito repeller is ideal for hunters in a tree stand to the duck blind, as well as on-the-go adventures like fishing, camping, hiking, picnics, outdoor gatherings and more. 

The Beast from Boulder Creek: The night the mountain reigned terror on us!

Out of Interest

Bigfoot encounter near Witset, BC, Canada

The following is a true account of what took place during the summer of 1991 or 1992. I was married to my second husband, Brad and we were living in our mobile home on a section of my parent's ranch, outside of Moricetown, B.C.

It was during summer holidays that we decided to check out the historical town and park of Barkerville. I had never seen it before and thought it would be a nice change. Feeling somewhat parched, we thought we'd stop by the old saloon and have ourselves an ice cold root beer. We then went on to have our photo taken. I was a saloon girl and Brad, a cowboy with a hexagon barrel rifle.

Some time later, we found ourselves drawn to a trough where a crowd stood around watching others pan for gold. We thought we would give it a try and came away with a small vial containing the flakes we successfully panned. We hadn't realized it at the time, but we both had been struck with gold fever. If it ran, we panned and the more we panned, the more infectious it became. Our favorite TV program was Gold Trails and Ghost Towns, hosted by Mike Roberts with historian storyteller, Bill Barlee.

Goosly Lake, Bulkley-Nechako, British Columbia, Canada

Things To Do

Goosly lake is approximately 50 km from the town of Houston and is located at the headwaters of Buck Creek. 

It's beautiful out here. Northern River otters can be seen on the lake. A brief video clip will be added below.

The lake has a few small bays but is mostly linear in nature with its western arm narrowing as it flows into Buck Creek. It's deepest point is around 20.1m (66 feet).

There are two access points: One is located right off the Parrott Main around 41.5 km. The other access road begins around 40 km on the Parrot Main and winds down to the lake.

Owen Lake Recreation Site, Telkwa, British Columbia, Canada

Things To Do

Owen Lake is a popular place to go for weekend and long weekend camping with friends and large groups. I hired a floatplane for a couple hours back in 2016 to have an overhead view of my research project areas. We met the plane at Owen Lake. - Barb

The recreation site is located at approximately 39 km on the Morice Owen Forest Service Road. You turn off Highway 16 at Monster Industries, outside Houston and follow the road up past the sawmills and industrial area. Keep following the road to around the 39 km mark before you reach the turnoff to the lake. 

Owen Flats Recreation Site, Telkwa, British Columbia, Canada

Things To Do

You turn off Highway 16 near Monster Industries, across from the Bulkley River on the outskirts of Houston. Keep going past the sawmills and industrial area. All logging roads are radio controlled. If you do not have a radio to call out your miles, someone who does will inform the next oncoming vehicle of your presence. This is for safety reasons.

September 2012, a man from Anchorage, Alaska was fishing on the Morice River when he was mauled by a grizzly bear. The attack occurred around 7:30 p.m., 23 kilometres up the Morice River Road, as the fisherman was preparing to leave the area.

It was a very serious attack. The 65 year old man suffered severe injuries to his face and many puncture wounds and claw wounds to the upper torso.

Despite the severity of his injuries, the fisherman crawled approximately 300 metres back to his vehicle along the Morice River Road where he was spotted by a woman driving by who upon noticing the wounds called emergency services.

Aspen Park Recreation Site, Telkwa, British Columbia, Canada

Things To Do

Another one of our favorite places to explore, camp, sightsee and wildlife view is out along Morice Forest Service Road. 

Aspen Recreation Site is just one of the many places out there. It's a bit confusing when you hear that this is Telkwa because it's on the outskirts of the town of Houston. The site is 23 minutes (22.5 km) from the town.

Highway 16 from Witset, the drive will take you 1 hour and 25 minutes (111.4 km). From Smithers, the drive takes 1 hour and two minutes (77.7 km). 

You turn off the highway where you see Monster Industries across from the Bulkley River and go down past the sawmills and industrial area. Aspen Recreation Park is located at 17.5 km on the Morice FSR.

Kitseguecla Lake, Bulkley-Nechako, British Columbia, Canada

Things To Do

Kitseguecla Lake is located in the Skeena Region, northwest of Smithers.

From Witset, it will take you 32 minutes (25.8 km) to reach. If you are heading out there from Smithers, the drive will take 46 minutes (41.5 km).

Both directions will turn off Highway 16 on to Kitseguecla Loop Road. Next turn on to Kitseguecla Lake Road which will take you across a railway track. Your destination is 16.6 km along this road.

The scenic drive covers some beautiful farm land properties with gorgeous mountain views along the way. It is a gravel road. The possibility of seeing some wildlife along the way is good. Depends on how much traffic the road has received before your arrival.

Adventures With Cecils YouTube Channel Trailer

 

Music: Whenever.   Musician: LiQWYD 

Sharing where we’ve stayed and explored through our blog, and very soon as YouTubers too!

July 2023 Skimmers on Tyhee Lake, Telkwa, BC, Canada

Out of Interest

2023 wildfire season was the most destructive in British Columbia's history. More than 2.84 million hectares of forest and land burned. Tens of thousands of people were forced to evacuate. It will always be remembered for the tragic loss of six members of B.C.’s wildland firefighting community.

Friday July 7, 2023 Powers Creek wildfire discovered at 6:15pm

State of Emergency in Telkwa

Babine Lake, Skeena/Omineca, British Columbia, Canada

Things To Do

Babine Lake borders the Skeena and Omineca regions. It is the second largest and longest natural lake in British Columbia. The maximum length is 153 km (95 miles) and its maximum width is 10 km (6.2 miles). Average depth is 55 meters (180 feet) and maximum depth is 186 meters (610 feet).

The lake has 37 significant tributaries of which the Sutherland River, Pinkut River, Fulton Creek, Morrison Creek and Shass Creek are considered major. 

The Babine River is the main sockeye salmon tributary of the Skeena. 

The legendary lake contains large Rainbows to 12+ lbs., Cutthroat to 2-1/2 lbs. and Lake Char that are capable of reaching 35 lbs. Bull Trout, Chinook Salmon, Coho Salmon, Dolly Varden, Kokanee, Lake Trout, Mountain Whitefish, Pink Salmon and Steelhead. Fly fishing is fabulous in some areas. The reason for such great fishing is Sockeye Salmon. By the tens of thousands, these Sockeye come home in the fall to spawn in creeks that feed into the Babine Lake.

Chapman Lake, Bulkley-Nechako, British Columbia, Canada

Things To Do

Chapman Lake is popular for boating and fishing. It's RV and trailer accessible. It has a boat launch, dock and 12 campsites. Picnic tables, firepits and toilets available. Several good spots for large groups and overflow space. 

We found a small private spot away from the campsites further up the road a bit and stayed for a couple hours. Perfect tenting area or truck camper spot.

To reach Chapman Lake, you travel up Babine Lake Road to the 38.4 km mark. Then turn left onto Upper Fulton Forest Service Road for another 2 km. 

From the town of Smithers, it will take you 48 minutes (50.5 km). Highway 16 from Witset, will take you an hour and twelve minutes (83.9 km). 

The Phantom Grizzly on Display at Smithers Airport, Smithers, British Columbia, Canada

Things To Do

Visitors arriving at the airport in Smithers are greeted by a 1,012 lb grizzly bear. The Phantom Grizzly Bear from Hungry Hill stands within a sealed glass display. 

The Phantom Grizzly is one of two grizzly bears that were killed for the downing of a lot of cattle in the Hungry Hill area, 14 km west of Houston, BC. Some of the cattle the bear killed were reported to weigh as much as 1500 lbs (682 kg).

Conservation Officers set out snares and traps but the grizzly avoided being captured over a three year period.

The fall of 2001, Conservation Officers caught up with the Hungry Hill Grizzly Bear. They were able to capture the grizzly in a cable leg hold snare. As officers Kevin Nixon and Brad Lacey approached the bear, it broke free from its snare and charged the men. The grizzly was only 7 meters from the two Conservation Officers when it was shot and killed.

Kleanza Creek Provincial Park, Terrace, British Columbia, Canada

Things To Do

Kleanza Creek Provincial Park is located amongst the forests and rock canyons in the Coast Mountains. Occupying frontage on the Skeena River and on both sides of Kleanza Creek, the park is of historical significance. 

Kleanza means gold in the Gitxsan language and it was this metal that influenced the early history of the park site. Placer mining for gold was first carried out in the creek in the late 1890s.

The park occupies over an area of 269 hectares. Operational months are May to September. Camping is permitted. There are picnic areas and pit toilets on the grounds. There is a handpump on the grounds for water. 

Ferry Island, Terrace, British Columbia, Canada

Things To Do

Ferry Island Campground is a municipal campground. There are 103 campsites. The campground is surrounded by a 150-acre park that includes trails, children's playground and unique 'Spirits of the Forest' tree carvings by Rick Goyette. Visitors to the Ferry Island pond as asked to respect the fragility of the creatures living there. 

Ferry Island is conveniently located 3.5 km from downtown Terrace. Operating season is May to September. 

Click here to view more information (PDF)

From Witset, the drive will take you 1 hour and 49 minutes (168 km) on Highway 16. From Smithers, the drive will take 2 hours and 14 minutes (202 km).

Hudson Bay Mountain, Smithers, British Columbia, Canada

Things To Do

Hudson Bay Mountain towers above the town of Smithers like a majestic backdrop. 2,589 m (8,494 feet) at its highest point. It is one of Canada's highest major summits. Its name refers to the mountain's proximity to a ranch once owned by the Hudson's Bay Company at nearby Driftwood Creek.

The mountain draws tourists from around the world for its world-class skiing, downhill mountain biking, cross-country skiing, hiking, quadding and snowmobiling. It is a four seasons playground for everyone to enjoy. It was also used as a filming location for the movies The Grey and Eight Below.

Fulton Lake, Bulkley-Nechako, British Columbia, Canada

Things To Do

This has to be one of our favorite lakes to visit. The drive alone to reach the Fulton Lake is absolutely breathtaking. You cannot help but pullover and stop to take in the scenery. Snap some photos. You are very likely to see moose, deer, black bears, grizzlies, and coyotes. If you are lucky, a wolf as well.

If you are looking for a spot to camp for more than a few days, this would be the one to go to. If Fulton Lake happens to be busy, there are a number of spots along the way a person can stop and stay for a while. This will be a location you will never forget and you will most definitely want to return another time.

Tanglechain Lake Recreation Site, Bulkley-Nechako, British Columbia, Canada

Things To Do

Babine Lake Road will take you to a number of beautiful lakes. The scenic drive is really worth your while. If you don't want to camp, you can go sightseeing, go for a hike along the many trails along the way, rockhounding or perhaps you would like to go fishing. It's an absolute playground for everyone. No matter what your interests are.

There are two ways you can get there. If you are coming from Witset, you can cross the bridge at the canyon and follow the Telkwa High Road until you reach Babine Lake Road and go from there. This route will take you about one hour and twenty-three minutes and covers 86.6 km. 

Outbound Single-Burner 8,000 BTU's Camp Stove with Heavy Duty Case

Gear Review

We've had our camp stove going on two years now and we absolutely love it! 

Perfect for camping, picnics and power outages while at home. Richard and I do a lot of off road driving, making frequent stops to stretch our legs, explore and have a coffee break. 

The stove is simple to use and heats our water fast. Great for when there are fire bans too. A person can still cook something or make a hot drink.

Round Lake Resort in Telkwa, British Columbia, Canada

Richard and I picked Round Lake Resort for our honeymoon. We had never been here before and wanted to give it a try.

The family owned resort offers 5 fully equipped, rustic cottage rentals along the shores of Round Lake. It's very secluded from Highway 16 as it's situated at the bottom of a hill from the road. It's also surrounded by lots of trees. Giving you that remote feeling. This place allows you to be immersed in nature. There is plenty of birds and waterfowl if you are in to birdwatching. 

Your rental includes free use of their kayaks and paddle boat. Life jackets are provided. You can also use the covered firepit area, BBQ and wood. For those who love to sit by the shore of the lake, wooden lawn chairs are provided as well. 

Noralee Resort outside Burns Lake, British Columbia, Canada

Richard and I spent our first year wedding anniversary at Noralee Resort. We stayed in cabin #2, as seen in photo.

Noralee Resort is located at the west end of Francois Lake on Colleymount Road, outside Burns Lake BC. It's a beautiful resort. Bonnie and Jim are amazing hosts.

Noralee resort offers great fishing. Francois Lake has Burbot, Lake Trout, Rainbow Trout and Kokanee. 

The resort offers comfortable 1, 2 and 3 bedroom cabins with all the amenities. Fridge, stove, bedding, dishes, pots and pans, microwaves and toaster ovens. Free highspeed internet. It also offers serviced and unserviced RV sites. Pets are allowed. Operational all year round.

There's a cute little church on the grounds. Perfect place to have a wedding celebration or family reunion.

Fishing the Bulkley River at Telkwa, British Columbia, Canada

Things To Do

The village of Telkwa is located nearly 15 km or 9 miles southeast of Smithers where world renowned Bulkley and Telkwa Rivers meet. You can fish on either side of the Bulkley River. A great spot for fishing can be found along the bank on the opposite side of the river from Highway 16. You need to cross the Bulkley River via a single lane traffic bridge to where you can find a parking spot. From there you cross a train bridge on foot. 

Hazeltons, British Columbia, Canada

Things To Do

Roche de Boule

55 minutes west of Smithers BC, you'll find Hazelton (also known as New Hazelton) nestled within the Roche de Boule Mountain range along Highway 16.

Just before you reach Hazelton, you'll find a turnoff for Ross Lake Provincial Park. A beautiful place to stop and have a picnic, swim or go for a walk along the trail that surrounds the lake. No overnight camping allowed.

Fishing the Bulkley River at Trout Creek near Witset, British Columbia, Canada

Things To Do

Co-ordinates: 54.941014, -127.324990

A few minutes east of Witset, you'll find a great spot to fish in the Bulkley River. You can pull off of Highway 16 and park near the river. A short walk and you can find your own spot anywhere along the bank.

In addition to steelhead, you'll find all five species of Pacific salmon in the Bulkley River. Spring salmon (also known as king or chinook) along with Coho (silver), sockeye and pink salmon.

Witset Canyon near Smithers, British Columbia, Canada

Things To Do

Witset Canyon, formerly known as Moricetown Canyon, is situated approximately 24 minutes west of Smithers, BC along Highway 16. 

Tourists from around the world stop to watch the local Wet'suwet'en First Nations people fish for salmon, as the fish make their way up the Bulkley River and up over the falls. With ropes tied around their waists, the locals stand close to the edge using pole nets to capture the salmon. Years ago they used gaffs.

Dead Wood Gone a new Airbnb on the outskirts of Smithers, British Columbia, Canada

Smithers is located approximately halfway between Prince George and Prince Rupert, BC and boasts a population well over 5,000 people. The beautiful town is nestled in wilderness area with an abundance of world class wildlife and fishing. 

Farms consisting mostly with cattle spread out along the outskirts of town on either side of Highway 16 and also outlaying areas, such as the Telkwa High Road. The main industries are forestry, mining, agriculture and tourism.

Hudson Bay Mountain known for it's skiing appeared in the movie The Grey starring Liam Neeson. Smithers has become a perfect spot for filmmakers over the years.