ATLIN - June 3rd

As we have already admitted, going to the northernmost and westernmost town in British Columbia was another of Linda's ideas. Like Neah Bay, the most northwest point in the Continental US a few years ago.  Or the trek to see the world's oldest living Western Red Cedar. Or any number of other examples. Atlin just sounded cool. And this isn't meant to be a dash from point to point.  It's a journey.

The drive down was beautiful. It was 75 km south of our (infamous) campground with spectacular views of lakes and glaciated mountains. The first lake is Como Lake.

"The early gold seekers called it paradise. The tourists of the twenties and thirties dubbed it the 'Switzerland of North America'. This small community, tucked into the shores of the northwest corner of British Columbia, graces the shores of Lake Atlin, a native word meaning "Big Water". This body of crystalline water stretches for a distance of seventy miles, making it the largest natural lake in the province." From The Atlin Visitors Association brochure.

We stopped when we reached town for Visitor Information. And to find a restaurant for breakfast. There was only one open, so that was our next stop. The car showed evidence of the day before's activities and Linda may never stop wearing her Bogs.




This time we were not surprised to see the Wee Kender there.  It was the only place open. And they looked as bad as we did.

After a disappointing breakfast, served by a sullen waitress, we explored  the town. It seemed that half the other restaurants were for sale. but there was a grocery and a provincial liquor store in this community of 400 people.

Although color (gold) is still being found, the primary industry in Atlin is tourism. There are warm springs south of town.


Our return trip to the Alaska Highway, was filled with anxiety but concluded without further events. The sand was packed down better. Just in case, however, we didn't connect the tow, leaving Carole free to take photos and worry as she watched the rear end slip. It was good to wave goodbye to the road crew but they would not be our last.