AUGUST 26TH, 2009, TRAVEL DAY TO SMITHERS, BC

While we enjoyed Stewart and Hyder, it was really nice to get up and head our for Smithers and hopefully get away from the rain.

We were all so pleasantly surprised that the weather cleared and the town of Smithers was so nice. We felt like we had come out of the woods and were back in civilization. we noticed where they were having their fall fair, but unfortunately, it started the next day and we wouldn't be around.

Our campground was the Riverside Golf and RV Park. The guys were sick they didn't have time to play golf as the fee was $12.00 for 18 holes. Unbelievable. However, we all had such fun visiting that afternoon, sitting outside in the warm air and just enjoying t he sun after 13 days of rain. Whew!

Tonight we had a LEO (Let's eat out) at the RV Park restaurant. We were offered a choice of hamburger or chicken grilled sandwiches with a mixed vegetable salad, a caesar salad and a Thai salad that was great! Dessert was strawberry shortcake. Our spirits were so high. Its amazing what a little sunshine will do for you.

Sue (WM) and Betty(TG) passed out journals which we had all participated in making, but they put them together with each one having a personal picture on the front. Our picture was of Denny and I holding up some of our halibut catch (I looked like I was in pain and I was) and the cutest picture of Rudy with his Alaska hat. They put a lot of work in them and it is probably the best souvenir we could have. A few people told stories of some funny and embarrassing situations they got into on the trip.

Afterwards about 14 of us gathered at one of the picnic tables, had more wine and just laughed and told jokes. It will be so hard to tell this group good-bye tomorrow night. We have really had fun together.