Saturday, December 19, 2015

Mural Paintings In Prince George British Columbia (4 – Pictures)


Above Photo: One of the many Mural Paintings found in Prince George, British Columbia.

For our family and so many others, Prince George is a great place to spend your holidays. There are a lot of awesome lakes and camping spots available in the summer months, and there are excellent places to ski and snowboard. 

Prince George really has everything you can imagine, as it is a large city. 


Above Photo: One of the many Mural Paintings found in Prince George, British Columbia.

In the summer of 2016 we plan on spending some time in Prince George as it is rich in history and so very scenic. So I can’t wait to dig around to see what I might find and bring to my visitors.

Tourism Prince George.

Prince George - Destination BC  Official Site.

The below text is from Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia.


Above Photo: One of the many Mural Paintings found in Prince George, British Columbia.

Prince George, with a population of 71,973 (census agglomeration of 88,043), is the largest city in northern British Columbia, Canada, and is the "Northern Capital" of BC despite being located in the geographical southern half of the province at only 54 degrees latitude. 

Situated at the confluence of the Fraser and Nechako Rivers, and the crossroads of Highway 16 and Highway 97, the city is the service and supply hub for one of the fastest-growing regions in Canada and plays an important role in the province's economy and culture.

The origins of Prince George can be traced to the North West Company fur trading post of Fort George, which was established in 1807 by Simon Fraser and named in honour of King George III. 

The post was centred in the centuries-old homeland of the Lheidli T'enneh First Nation, whose very name means "people of the confluence of the two rivers."


Above Photo: One of the many Mural Paintings found in Prince George, British Columbia.

Travel British Columbia with Brian Vike blog, please contact me at b_vike@telus.net

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Friday, December 18, 2015

Winter Scene - The Equity Silver Mine Road Houston British Columbia (75 - Pictures/Slideshow)



Above Photo: At the top of the rock bluff the tree tops are pure white from the snow and frost and in summertime you can see the white haired mountain goats laying down sun baking all seen from the Equity Silver Mine Road Houston, British Columbia.

Once again we headed off on a new adventure, this time closer to home. On December 14, 2015 we decided, since it was a beautiful day to take a drive out on the old Equity Silver Mine Road. The road had been ploughed recently so it was like a super highway. The sky was deep blue and the snow crystals glistened in the sunlight.


Above Photo: As you can see by the tracks in the snow 
someone was already out and snowshoeing.

The Equity mine road has been one of my favorite places to visit which is just outside of town. Years back in the summer we would take all the little kids to a spot where they could catch some trout, and it was right at the side of the road. They would cast out their fishing line with a float attached and wait for the float to bob up and down. Of course there was always a juicy worm on the hook.


Above Photo: One of the meadows on the mind road in Houston, British Columbia.

As they waited, which wasn’t long at all the bobber started it’s dance across the water with the end of the fishing rod bent over. The kids always had a lot of fun catching the fish and releasing them back into the pond. We had a blast just watching their expressions on their young faces.


Above Photo: The pond where the little ones would fish on.

Also in the summer the tall grass grows high in the miles of meadows. Moose, bear, wolves, foxes, deer and a host of smaller creatures could be seen wandering all throughout the area. The scenery along the mine road is amazing no matter what season we are in. 


Above Photo: One of the meadows on the mind road in Houston, British Columbia.

Seeing winter is here, the miles of meadows are a winter playground for all. Snowmobiles can be seen racing through the snow at top speeds, or slowing down to pull sleds across the snow with their family members yelling out with laughter. Cross country skiing is big there as well, or maybe you might like to strap on snow shoes and make a new trail across the landscape.


Above Photo: The miles of meadows to have fun on, and if you look way, way back in the photo, you will see the snow capped China Nose Mountain which was the scene for a large Wildfire on August 11, 2014. Below link to photos.

On Monday, August 11, 2014 a Wildfire was reported and the fire’s location was approximately 15km southeast of Houston, British Columbia. 

The China Nose wildfire consumed an estimated 3,450 hectares.

The cause of this fire was lightning. 

A fire camp has been set up approximately 6 km east of Houston, B.C. just off of highway 16.



Above Photo: China Nose Mountain Wildfire on August 11, 2014 just outside 
Houston, British Columbia.

Also just off the mine road we would find the most beautiful Christmas trees. So many of the trees looked like they were cultured trees that you would purchase at a retail store.  


Above Photo: One of the meadows on the mind road in Houston, British Columbia.

Whatever outdoor activity you are into, the Equity mine road has it all. 

We would love to see you here in Houston, B.C. so we can share this 
wonderful snowy paradise with you all.


Above Photo: One of the meadows on the mind road in Houston, British Columbia.


Tuesday, December 15, 2015

Is The 1921 Historic Quick Bridge Doomed Quick British Columbia (Pictures)


Above Photo: The Telkwa Mountain Range.

Today, December 15, 2015 we decided to take a drive on the Walcott Forest Service Road as I wanted to take some pictures of the Telkwa Mountain Range and other scenic areas along the way.

With a bright blue sky and the ground covered with snow, all this make for some really nice photos. I also had my sights set on the old Quick Bridge near the end of today's journey, actually I did not know if it was still there as there has been talk that the bridge was to be torn down.


Above Photo: The old Historic Quick Bridge.

As we dropped in elevation from the mountains and entered into the valley, there it stood, an amazing sight to see, the old Quick wooden bridge was still there. 

The Quick vehicle bridge was built in 1921 using the Howe wood truss design. Fir timbers were used on the span which ran the length of 300 feet from shore to shore. It is also a single lane bridge which gives a great view of the Bulkley River which flows underneath it.


Above Photo: The old Historic Quick Bridge.

Just before our car ventured onto the bridge, I stopped, got out and started taking pictures. I jumped back in and drove to the center of the bridge, jumped out and started filming once again. I jumped back in the car and drove off of the bridge and again pulled over, opened the door and slowly walked back onto the old bridge.


Above Photo: The old Historic Quick Bridge.

I stood looking at all the timbers that made up the structure, thinking of the design and workmanship that went into this bridge, and all the people, old vehicles and farming tractors that crossed so many years ago.

These types of bridges are being lost to new steel constructed bridges which at times have no character at all. This old Quick Bridge is a part of British Columbia’s history that by the sounds of it will be lost forever.


Above Photo: The old Historic Quick Bridge.

So what I can do today, is to provide some of the pictures I took of this magnificent structure. If this bridge is replaced one day, at least there will be some photos and written records to show the younger generation how things looked like back in 1921 at this location in Quick.


Above Photo: The old Historic Quick Bridge.

I hope the Quick bridge can be upgraded, time will tell.


Above Photo: The old Historic Quick Bridge.

Down the road a short distance was the old 1890 Telegraph Cabin in Quick, British Columbia I took pictures of before. Since I was at the location again, I grabbed one picture of the Telegraph Cabin with snow on it.


Above Photo: 1890 Telegraph Cabin in Quick, British Columbia.

Here is that link from a previous posting from me:

1890 Telegraph Cabin in Quick, British Columbia.

You can find a couple of articles  at the below links:

Bridge Back In Time At Quick from the Northword Magazine:

And

Vanishing B.C. Bridge At Quick - by Michael Kluckner:

Below Photos: I have added a few other pictures I took today of the Old Quick bridge.








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Sunday, December 13, 2015

Winter Scene - Travel To Beautiful Houston British Columbia (11 - Pictures)


Above Photo: The Bulkley River filmed from the Bulkley Valley bridge.

Well another dawn arrived in Houston, B.C. with yet another heavy snowfall on the ground. Everything, I mean everything is white. So on December 13, 2015 I headed out harmed with camera, water and pop to one of my favorite places around Houston.

Knockholt for me holds a lot of good memories, my kids when younger would swim in the Bulkley River at Knockholt. Then my daughters kids did the same. They could build sandcastles with moat, ride inner tubes down the river or just splash around having a good old time. 


Above Photo: CN Railway line crossing McKilligan Road.

The scenery there never lets you down, and the beauty about this location is that you can drive right to it. From Houston heading east the distance is only a 8.6km drive along Highway 16 and make a right hand turn onto McKilligan Road, a few hundred yards down the road and you can park your vehicle and within a few steps you are sitting by the river. 


Above Photo: Three of 15 Bald Headed Eagles sitting in the trees around the Bulkley River.

At this location there are two beaver dams on the river which has a lot of water backed up. Today there was a stack of Bald headed Eagles there, I don’t know why they were hanging out in this one area, maybe for fish or a beaver as there was a small open area in the ice.


Above Photo: A bit of open water on the Bulkley River. 

For folks who want to take a break from winter, there is the Houston leisure facility. This facility on a cold snowy day is just perfect to take the family to. There is the popular lazy river with hydro air jets, a 20-person swirl pool and steam room. There is a viewing area at poolside for the moms, dads and grandparents so they can see how their little ones improved on their swimming moves, plus there are lifeguards always on duty. The leisure facility also has a 1,600 square foot gym with weight training equipment and free weights and cardio machines available.


Above Photo: A blanket of snow covers everything at the Bulkley River.

Houston Leisure Facility:



Above Photo: A blanket of snow covers everything at the Bulkley River.

If you don’t want to get wet, then there is the Houston Public Library where you can grab a good book, curl up on one of the comfy couches, or surf the internet free for something interesting to build or look at. There are magazines and newspapers available, and you can even pick out a free DVD movie to take home. Of course the library has so much more to offer, so the next time you have some free time on your hands, check out the Houston Public Library. 

Houston Public Library website:



Above Photo: A blanket of snow covers everything at the Bulkley River.

With winter at our doorstep, people still like to play in the cold, even if it is indoors, there is the Houston and District Curling Club for men and women of all ages. Also if you are planning some type of event, you can rent the upstairs.

For more information and direction to the Curling Club, please visit the following link:


Above Photo: A blanket of snow covers everything at the Bulkley River.

If you are into strapping on a pair of ice skates, you can go skating at the Claude Parish Memorial Arena, or take in one of the hockey games. There are lots of things to do in Houston, which I have talked about in previous postings, so all you need is to use a little imagination and your off.


Above Photo: A heavy blanket of snow covering everything.

Houston and District Chamber Of Commerce/Visitors Centre website:



Above Photo: A heavy blanket of snow covering everything.


Above Photo: A heavy blanket of snow covering everything.


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Saturday, December 12, 2015

Winter On The Morice River Houston British Columbia (10 - Pictures)


Above Photo: Morice River seen from the Walcott Road outside Houston, British Columbia.

Once again we woke up to a blanket of snow on Saturday December 12, 2015. It was just gorgeous out with the new snow and we decided to take a drive out on the Morice River road outside of Houston, British Columbia.

The trees were covered in white, it was as if someone dropped blobs of white paint onto the branches of the trees. Although the sky was dark and overcast, the brilliance from the snow made for a wonderful picture.


Above Photo: Morice River seen from the Walcott Road outside Houston, British Columbia.

Living in small town Houston can be so rewarding as you never have to go far to be alone in the wilderness. Like today, we drove approximately 30 kilometers out on the Morice River road and we saw maybe 5 vehicles. When taking the photos I stood listening to the river off into the distance and there was this calm over the entire area. 


Above Photo: Morice River seen from the Walcott Road outside Houston, British Columbia.

So when it comes to big city life, I love to visit, but I always set my sights on the road that leads me back to my home in small town Houston.

For information on what Houston, B.C. can offer you, please drop the folks a line.

Houston and District Chamber Of Commerce - Tourist Information Center.


The below text is from From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia.


Above Photo: Morice River outside Houston, British Columbia.

The Morice River is the outflow of Morice Lake south west of Houston, British Columbia, Canada. Morice Lake and Morice River are named after Father Adrien-Gabriel Morice Geographic Name details The Morice has many small creeks joining it along its length, but retains the clear glacial hue for its length. 


Above Photo: Morice River Road outside Houston, British Columbia.

The Morice river continues on to the town of Houston at which point the river is joined by a small tributary river called "The Little Bulkley" and the two rivers joined become the Bulkley River. 

They become the Bulkley, not the Morice despite the fact the Morice is larger. This was done by Poudrier, a government cartographer whom, it is rumoured, never saw the region.


Above Photo: Morice River outside Houston, British Columbia.


Above Photo: Morice River outside Houston, British Columbia.


Above Photo: Morice River outside Houston, British Columbia.



Above Photo: Morice River outside Houston, British Columbia.


Above Photo: Morice River outside Houston, British Columbia.

Travel British Columbia with Brian Vike blog, please contact me at b_vike@telus.net

Travel British Columbia with Brian Vike.

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Friday, December 11, 2015

Rest Areas On Highway 16 From Prince George To Prince Rupert British Columbia (Pictures)


Above Photo: As you travel British Columbia’s Highways, please keep them green and place your trash in the rest areas trash containers. Thank you.

Cluculz Lake Rest Area.

Cluculz Lake rest area can be found by traveling Highway 16 approximately 34.1km east from Vanderhoof, British Columbia.

The rest area is open all year. In summer months the rest stop is in lawn. There is an information sign on the site as well.

This rest area has wheelchair access to the washrooms. There are 4 flush toilets and the site has 10 picnic tables. 

There is also accommodations for commercial trucks.

This rest stop is kept neat and tidy, from around the site to the washrooms.

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Dry William Lake Rest Area.

Dry William Lake rest area can be found by traveling Highway 16 approximately 47.5km west from Vanderhoof, British Columbia.

This rest area is open all year. 

This rest area has wheelchair access to the washrooms. There are 2 pit toilets and the site has 6 picnic tables. 

There is also accommodations for commercial trucks.

This is a beautiful rest stop with Dry William Lake in the background.

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Savory Rest Area.

Savory rest area can be found by traveling Highway 16 approximately 82.1km west from Vanderhoof, British Columbia.

This rest area is open all year. 

This rest area has wheelchair access to the washrooms. There are 2 pit toilets and the site has 4 picnic tables. 

There is also accommodations for commercial trucks.

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Sheraton Rest Area.

Sheraton rest area can be found by traveling Highway 16 approximately 29.0km east from Burns Lake, British Columbia.

This rest area is open all year. 

This rest area has wheelchair access to the washroom. There is 1 pit toilet and there are no picnic tables on site. 

There is also accommodations for commercial trucks.

This is a real nice rest stop with a small lake in the background.

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Tintagel Rest Area.

Tintagel rest area can be found by traveling Highway 16 approximately 15.0km east from Burns Lake, British Columbia.

This rest area is open all year. 

This rest area has wheelchair access to the washroom. There is 1 pit toilet and 3 picnic tables on site. 

There is also accommodations for commercial trucks.

Nice rest area with lake in the background.

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Palling Rest Area.

Palling rest area can be found by traveling Highway 16 approximately 19km west from Burns Lake, British Columbia.

This rest area is open all year. 

This rest area has wheelchair access to the washroom. There is 2 flush toilets and 4 picnic tables on site. 

There is also accommodations for commercial trucks.

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6 Mile Brake Check Rest Area.

6 Mile Brake Check rest area can be found by traveling Highway 16 approximately 8.0km east of Topley, British Columbia.

This rest area is open all year. 

This rest area has wheelchair access to the washroom. There is 1 pit toilet and no picnic tables on site. 

There is also accommodations for commercial trucks.

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Topley Rest Area.

Topley rest area can be found by traveling Highway 16 approximately 2.0km west of Topley, British Columbia.

This rest area is open all year. 

This rest area has wheelchair access to the washroom. There is 2 pit toilets and and 3 picnic tables on site.

There is also accommodations for commercial trucks.

I have stopped here a lot of times when traveling the Highway 16, nice rest area.

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Hungry Hill Rest Area.

Hungry Hill rest area can be found by traveling Highway 16 approximately 21.0km west of Houston , British Columbia.

This rest area is open all year. 

This rest area has wheelchair access to the washroom. There is 2 pit toilets and and 2 picnic tables on site.

There is also accommodations for commercial trucks.

This is another nice pit stop as you get a nice view of the valley looking towards Smithers, B.C.

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Bulkley View Rest Area.

Bulkley View rest area can be found by traveling Highway 16 approximately 16.0km east of Telkwa, British Columbia.

This rest area is open all year. 

This rest area has wheelchair access to the washroom. There is 1 pit toilet and and 4 picnic tables on site.

There is also accommodations for commercial trucks.

Another nice rest area, a look over the valley. I have taken a few really nice pictures from this spot.

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Glacier View Rest Area.

Glacier View rest area can be found by traveling Highway 16 approximately 7.0km north of Smithers, British Columbia.

This rest area is open all year. 

This rest area has wheelchair access to the washroom. There is 1 pit toilet and and 3 picnic tables on site.

There is also accommodations for commercial trucks.

This rest area is awesome, you get an amazing view of the mountains and Glacier. Another excellent spot to take pictures from.

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Boulder Creek Rest Area.

Boulder Creek rest area can be found by traveling Highway 16 approximately 52.8km west of Hazelton, British Columbia.

This rest area is open all year. 

This rest area has wheelchair access to the washroom. There is 2 pit toilets and and 6 picnic tables on site.

There is also accommodations for commercial trucks.

I have also pulled into the rest stop, it is along Highway 16, but just off the road and is surrounded by trees. This is a nice place to get out and stretch your legs.

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Sanderson Point Rest Area.

Sanderson Point rest area can be found by traveling Highway 16 approximately 30.0km east of Terrace, British Columbia.

This rest area is open all year. 

This rest area has wheelchair access to the washroom. There is 3 pit toilets and and 5 picnic tables on site.

There is also accommodations for commercial trucks.

This is yet another awesome place to take a break at. 

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Exstew Rest Area.

Exstew rest area can be found by traveling Highway 16 approximately 44.0km west of Terrace, British Columbia.

This rest area is open all year. 

This rest area has wheelchair access to the washroom. There is 2 pit toilets and and 2 picnic tables on site.

There is also accommodations for commercial trucks.

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Telegraph Point Rest Area.

Telegraph Point rest area can be found by traveling Highway 16 approximately 60.0km west of Terrace, British Columbia.

This rest area is open all year. 

This rest area has wheelchair access to the washroom. There is 2 pit toilets and and 4 picnic tables on site.

There is also accommodations for commercial trucks.

This is another amazing spot to get out of your vehicle, stretch the legs and start taking pictures as the scenery is great.

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Basalt Creek Rest Area.

Basalt Creek rest area can be found by traveling Highway 16 approximately 98.5km west of Terrace, British Columbia.

Open seasonally from Apr. 01 to Nov. 01.

This rest area has wheelchair access to the washroom. There is 1 pit toilet and and 
5 picnic tables on site.

There is NO accommodations for commercial trucks.

Thank you to the Ministry of Transportation and Infrastructure
 for the list of rest areas along Highway 16.


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