Boya Lake

This is our first "free" camping experience along our journey. After disembarking the ferry at Skagway we stocked necessary provisions and hurried along our way, knowing that in 44 miles, at the top of the pass we would encounter another border crossing. By now we knew the drill, "Do you have any weapons? Why are entering Canada? How long will you be here? Are you carring over $10K?   How many people are in the vehicle? May I see your passports?" Never in our wildest dreams did we think that this shared meeting would encompass intense microscopic drilling! "When is the last time you entered Canada prior to this? Do you have any souvenirs, keepsakes or mementos? Are you carring any waepons? Do you own a weapon? Where is your weapon? Do you have a safe for your weapon?  Do you have any alchohol? (really, do you need to ask ME that question?) How much and where did you purchase it? Do you have any tobacco products? How long have you lived in Washington?  The deliberate shakedown unsuccessfully favored the immigration official desired outcome and after more time then desired we were summoned forward.

The further south we travel the better the road conditions. The clouds and rain we lived through in Haines opened to fancy clear skies as the miles dwindled.

Ah, here we are! Boya Lake Provencial Park in British Columbia!

The crystal blue water reflects aqua marine, clear, blue and turquois in an ever changing condition.

Meet Seth. He is 13 years old and his Native First Nation cares for the park and facilities. He also works in the park collecting income for his future. Seth knows much more about the land and his culture and loved sharing it with us. He offered himself as a volunteer wilderness guide when he discovered that our intention to hike around the lake to find a beaver house and dam. No two old ladies ought to be out and about in bear country without some sort of protection!

See, as Seth showed Nancy the bear claws in the bark of the tree! That was a mighty tall bear! He skillfully guided us to the beaver dam pointing out bear and mosse prints along the way. He showed us squirrel houses perched upon small branches, shaved branches knawed upon by the beavers and even places that was obvious bears had been sleeping at some recient time. He was truly an amazing guide! 

The picture says it all.....

So here is a beaver house. They are quite the architects of nature. The water is so clear that you can see the size of the timber they use to support the mound of branches and twigs! After they have the house constructed they begin bringing in stems of foliage and vegatation under the water,storing them in a unit built specifically for winter meals. 

The water casts back mirrored images as the rolling mass of clouds billowed against the surrounding hills.

This is a view from our campsite!

We had a fantastic time at Boya Lake. If ever you are in northern B.C. you really ought to see this awe inspiring region with your own eyes. It is honestly a remarkable place to see.