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The Beautiful view we have! WOW!
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Day 1: Wednesday, August 13, 2008
We are three hours behind Spartanburg here at The Cliffs - Kispiox River .
We left Charlotte early this morning flying to Chicago and then on to Vancouver. We departed Vancouver in a little puddle jumper plane on our way to Smithers. The flight was beautiful as we flew up the British Columbia coast over the "inside passage" where boats are shielded from the ocean by a string of islands. Almost all of the mountains were covered with snow. Many had small green pools of water laying in very precarious places on the mountain. I wondered how many of them had ever seen a human visitor.
The flight went well, but the time difference started to catch up with us. We landed about dusk here at an airport half the size of Spartanburg's downtown airport. Runway and taxi way were one in the same. The "concourse" was one room with a huge stuffed grizzly bear display. We were met by Gene from The Cliffs. He was incredibly hospitable as we loaded 7 boys, Kyle and I into the 15 passenger van for a two hour derive to the middle of nowhere. But what at spectacular play "nowhere" is!
About 30 minutes into the trip we passed a river where there was an Indian reservation. The Indians were "dipping", using along net to reach down into a choke point in the river and scoop out salmon. Gene said they are allowed to keep the pink and sockeye salmon, but as part of the deal with the government, they have to tag and release the king and coho salmon.
After going over several one lane bridges and driving through the towns of Old Hazelton and Hazelton, we passed the end of the "hydro line". No more power lines and we drove for another 15 miles or so. We pulled in abbout 1 AM Spartanburg time at the lodge,
I know Mr. Anthony is accustomed to building in difficult and remote locations, but this is incredible. We had a warm greeting from the the staff as they greeted us as part of their family. We stayed in the lodge because we arrived so late. The lodge is beautiful and the rooms spacious and very comfortable. After drinking pitchers of water and eating snacks that were prepared, we went downstairs to watch the Olympics in huge room with a pool table, foosball table , fireplace, slatefloors and sunken indoor hottub. I have to say that it was quite odd seeing the focus of the tv broadcasdt on the Canadian men's gymnastic team as opposed to the United States and Michael Phelps.
What is also amazing is that we have electricity from a generator and satellite internet and television access. After a hot shower, we hit the bed. With 9 of us here, I have my own room. The beds are AWESOME.
Day 2: Thursday, August 14, 2008
Joy, Gene's wife, who also works here, told us last night that we could sleep in until 9 AM BC time (12 noon Sptbg time) I woke to Lukie banging on my door and coming in saying "Mr Raney what do we do? It's 9 AM our time!" Lukie's goal for the week is going to be improving his listening skills! I am glad I woke up early to open the blinds out onto the back of the lodge. There sits a river with it's constant rush of water no more than 50 yards (not sure how many meters) away from my door. It is about 60 degress this morning (farenheit that it is). I am excited about what is in store for us today. more.. | 
