Heavenly Hazelton

Holy crow.

This has been one amazing tour. I have met the most remarkable people, and seen the most remarkable things.

And driven remarkable bridges…

Hazelton is now officially the furthest north I have ever been in British Columbia. It’s just a couple hours drive from the Alaska border, and man — what a beautiful site.

This wee town is located at the confluence of two of BC’s most beautiful northern rivers — the Skeena and the Bulkley. It was the bridge over the Bulkley that won my heart.

Currently, to drive into the old townsite of Hazelton, this is the bridge you cross:

[What? You weren’t expecting an action shot?]

Okay, here it is from the side:

Beautiful, right?

The Hagwilget bridge is a suspension bridge, single lane, metal deck. SO Much Fun to drive on! This incarnation was built in about 1931, and reinforced in the 1990’s.

But check this out. Here’s a shot of the bridge that this one replaced.

Yeah. I know. This picture was taken sometime in the 1890’s.

Not done, yet. Cause the bridge this second one replaced? Someone took a photo of it in the 1870’s. In the winter.

Right?????

Anyway, today Hazelton is just as picturesque, warm and lovely as you might imagine. Home to the Gitxsan and Wet’suwet’an First Nations, it is, hands down, the most beautiful corner of my province I have yet seen.

Have a look…

The Bulkley River gorgeView across the Skeena from K’SanSo, yeah. Breathtaking.

My event was the final evening event of the tour, and it was fantastic. Librarians Ruth and Jaimie gave me the warmest welcome ever, and the place was filled to overflowing with readers wearing plaid, Scottish knitwear and giant smiles. A night I will never forget.

After Hazelton, it’s time to head south. Next up — Williams Lake!

More, soon…

~kc