Fort Nelson
British Columbia 
Airstreaming  2006

Arrive:   July 3
Depart:  July 4
Road Conditions:  Very Good
Weather:  Clear & Sunny
Miles:  281

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Fort Nelson was scheduled as just an overnight stop which proved quite fortunate. The weather continued hot and dusty (90 degrees) which clearly emphasized the rustic nature of the area and our campground. The hot and dry conditions make fire a very real threat which could effect our route. The small community of Chetwynd was evacuated and Route 97 closed West of Dawson Creek. We came close to a good size fire heading North on Rt 97, a huge cloud of smoke rose high and Joe thought he saw some flames but it did not threaten our travel. West End Campground was home for the night but one night was quite enough we all looked forward to an early departure. There was however a very nice food market, and the evening meal proved quite good at Dan's Neighborhood Pub.

A problem of some concern came for the ride today. My brake controller would beep and flash a warning "short detected". During the warning I had no trailer brakes, pressing the clear button would reset the controller but this intermittent problem continued for the entire trip. The instructions made it clear a wire or any one of the twelve magnets was causing the short. There were wires exposed on each side center wheel providing a starting point for the investigation. Mike's help was very much appreciated as we removed the curb side center tire, and with tape secured the wires. Bingo - problem solved first attempt - pretty, pretty good. I use a Brakesmart controller which is linked to the brake fluid pressure line offering very smooth performance, I have also used the Jordan 2020 and rank it a close second.

The amount of fuel needed to reach Fort Nelson probably will not exceed a full tank which we all had at the start. However, the GMC diesel truck I drive has the smallest tank and even though better miles per gallon may be mine, overall distance is not. Perhaps because of the holiday, we found hand written signs clearly stating "OUT OF FUEL" taped to all the pumps at all the fuel stops we passed. Now, my computer indicated we could probably make it all the way, but I must say when out in true wilderness, as we were, nervous twitches accompany any thoughts of being stranded. We arrived at Prophet River and pulled into the most promising looking fuel source only to find a familiar sign,but this time directing us across the street where we could be quenched. Well - pumps were off, doors locked, no one home.

Angels came. "Trail Angels", a term describing people Kathleen and I often met while hiking the Appalachian Trail. People that offered a ride, a cold soda, a bag of nuts, a fresh bottle of water, anything that made the journey easier. People who possess a good deal of empathy for their fellow man. People like the attractive young couple I hailed for some help, Jason Madsen and Maggie Thomas.
They were surprised the fuel store was unattended so Jason simply said "Bring your rig over here, I have some diesel in my tidy tank.", he then proceeded to pump in several gallons of fuel as we chatted. Wallet ready I was prepared to pay whatever was asked, here's the angel part,  Jason refused and simply said "... some day I might need fuel in Connecticut." Prophet River, BC is a long distance from Connecticut so we secured a gift certificate from Dan's Neighborhood Pub and will post it in Whitehorse. Thank you and enjoy - Jason and Maggie.