The drive from Dawson Creek north on the Alaska highway was very scenic. Everything is so green with rolling hills and trees. The descent to the bridge over the Peace River just before Taylor, BC was very steep and winding.
Fort St. John is a short distance from Taylor. We went into the Visitor Centre there to inquire about the drive to see Bennett Dam and about trying to find the elevator Fran’s Dad built here back in the 1960’s. The staff was very helpful and we found what we think might be the elevator and took some pictures.
We saw more breathtaking views of the Peace River Valley and the river itself on the side trip from Fort St. John that we took to see the W.A.C. Bennett dam. There were 10% grades of several miles at a stretch on this road. We saw lots of signs protesting the planned construction of a new dam on the Peace River as it would flood this beautiful valley. These pictures are of the Peace River Valley.
The 100-million-ton Bennett Dam is one of the largest earth-fill structures in the world. It supplies 25% of British Columbia’s power needs. We took a bus to the base of the dam and through the tunnel into the dam itself (500 ft down!). It was very interesting and a little spooky.
Then, after coffee and a donut, we drove the winding, hilly road back to rejoin the Alaska Highway at Charlie Lake (a little over one hour).
We stopped for supper at the Sheperd’s Inn restaurant. Pork chops special – huge servings and very good. Then, we drove a few miles up the road to a paved rest stop where we spent the night.
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