Called Whitehorse to cancel layaway order for a new tire. Guy from Parts was understanding when I said I wouldn't make it to Whitehorse: "Bike trouble?" "Yep." "See you next time."
Easy and fast ride back to Smithers and a motel. Cool, sunny weather and a lot of downhill. It would have been a great day to head north, but, not with nagging worries about the health of my bike. Of course, she performed perfectly today.
Fuel stops at Meziadin Junction (BC-37 & BC-37A) and at the junction of BC-37 and BC-16.
Turned off the highway at Hazelton briefly and happened upon this neat little one-lane suspension bridge over a gorge. An informational sign traced its history to a remarkable cantilever bridge built by the indigenous population in the early 1800's using wood and "rope" made from cedar and using only whatever hand tools they had. The current bridge bed is steel grate which is never fun on a motorcycle. This grate was not as large gauge as the worst of them, but, it made up for that in part by having a hump in the middle that necessitates extra power which intensifies squirming. Still, it's a short bridge and no big deal to cross.
It's been pointed out that the text in the above reduced resolution image is unreadable, so here's the first paragraph:
First bridge built in 1856
Described as a graceful wooden spiderweb, the first Hagwilget Bridge was built by the indigenous population using only knives and axes. It was 150 feet long and swayed 100 feet above the churning waters of the Hagwilget Canyon. Six foot wide planking was lashed to the frame with cedar ropes, and load capacity was approximately 500 pounds. In 1866 it was reinforced with wire intended for the telegraph line that was being installed north of Hazelton. Fully loaded pack animals were lead across one at a time.
On accommodations in Stewart and Hyder: In addition to the Bear RV Campground where I camped for 3 nights, there is a municipal campground closer to the center of town. I did not visit it so don't know what conditions are like. There is also a private campground outside Hyder along the road toward Salmon Glacier. Chatted with the host there. It looks nice with sites in a pine forest. Has showers and toilets. Cost something like $20 or $25 for tenters. If bears are around, they will let you tent only if you are an experienced camper and carry bear spray.