From Sea to Shining Sea...

As we left the Northwest on our cross continent dash toward New England for a tour of the Fall colors, our drive on Highway 97, which is also part of the Alaska Highway, zig-zagged us thru British Columbia and the Yukon Territory.  As usual, the route did not disappoint as the beautiful vistas, abundant wildlife, and scenery continued.  On our travels from Whitehorse to Dawson Creek we saw highway warning signs for bison, but didn't really think we were going to see any since we heard there were not many left in the wild.  However as the highway winded along with the Liard River, we ran across a fair number of bison along the edge of the highway.  Thankfully, the majority of them stayed off the highway while we approached.




Bison along Highway 97 in British Columbia



Bison along Highway 97 in British Columbia



Herd of  bison along Highway 97 in British Columbia



Herd of bison along Highway 97 in British Columbia



During our drive, we hit a fairly heavy rain but were rewarded by a beautiful rainbow.  Eventually as we got closer, we were able to see the full rainbow and it's twin (not pictured).

Our next leg of the trip from Liard Hot Springs to Dawson Creek was the richest day in terms of wildlife spotting.  We saw all of the following, in addition to bison, moose, and grouse that we were not able to catch with the camera.



Black bear along the highway.  There was also a cub, but we didn't notice it until it ran away before we could snap a photo.




Black bear along the Alaska Highway.



Stone sheep along the Alaska Highway.



Reindeer along the Alaska Highway.

 

Mile "0" Post of the Alaska Highway in Dawson Creek, British Columbia.  We travelled the entire 1,700 miles of the Alaska
Highway, and then some...


Our sprint across the continent took us through the Midwest where we were able to visit Shonah's parents, some of our friends in Chicago, friends in Michigan and after many years on the list, finally made it to London, Ontario to visit Todd's friend Barb.



Of course our whirlwind day and a half in Chicago had to include a bike ride on the lakefront bike path.  Todd with the iconic city skyline in the background.



Todd and Shonah had been craving sushi since leaving Chicago back in March.  Our most recent visit to Chicago would have been incomplete without forcing our friends to indulge with us.



The "gang" hanging out in Chicago.  From left to right: a new acquaintance, Jeff, Jerry, Sean, Kevin, Todd, and Shonah

 



Meeting the new addition to the family, we visited with Jeni, Derek, Cody Benjamin, and baby girl, Abigail in Michigan.



Visiting with Dave and JoAnne, fellow full time travelers in Michigan.



Ah, the famous "selfie".  Barb was so gracious to open her beautiful home to us in Ontario.



Shonah and Todd in front of Niagara Falls on the Canadian side.



View of Niagara Falls from the Canadian side.

 

Shonah in front of Niagara Falls on the Canadian side.



Niagara Falls view from the Canadian side.



Niagara Falls view from the Canadian side with part of the Niagara Falls, Ontario city skyline.



We always knew Todd was short, but compared to the tallest man?

 

Looks like Shonah has gained a little weight during his travels.

 

Old meets New at the Royal Ontario Museum in Toronto, Ontario.



Sorry Chicago French Market, but meet the fabulous St. Lawrence Market in Toronto, Ontario.  Fresh fish, meat, produce, baked goods, etc. abounds in this indoor market.  The beautiful building was once the home of Toronto's first permanent City Hall and Jail House.