On The Meandering Road: June 12, 2017 - Laird Hot Springs & Muncho Lake, BC

I overslept until 9:30 am and Erwin had to get me out of the bed. I was not feeling so good. It felt like an allergic reaction similar to when I eat peanut products.

I had to force myself to get things ready for our trip to take a dip at Laird Hotsprings Provincial Park in Laird. We forgot to pack our lunches!

Laird is about 30 km north of Muncho Lake. We took Highway 97 and there was not much traffic

A black bear was chewing while walking alongside. It was probably like 30 feet away for our Jeep. It made stops to eat flowers.

There was construction and we had to wait for the pilot vehicle to guide us. It was not very long before we got out.

We crossed the bridge over Laird River which was not so far from Laird Hot Springs Provinical Park. The admission was $5 per person or $10 per vehicle. A short drive to the parking lot. And there were enough spots to park.

Laird Hot Springs is a favorite stop for travelers. It is open all year round. There is a 0.4 mile boardwalk to get to the hot springs pool. It crosses the wetlands.

Before dipping in the pool you need to remove non-gold jewelry because the sulphur water will oxidize the jewelry and turn it black!

We spent about 45 minutes at the pool before some of the caravan members arrived. We stayed about 15 more minutes.

It was really HOT!!!

Nita, Nancy & Dick, Earl standing

Nicholas & Pam

Kathy getting ready to take a dip

Andrea & John

Judy

Kathy & Bob

Pam & Nicholas

John & Gerry

We were curious about Smith Falls, but had no idea where it was. Erwin checked with the ranger before we exited Laird Hot Springs, and she told him to turn right on Alaska Highway and go about 30 km.

There was a small sign telling us where the Falls was and the gravel road was rough. One lane road and there is no room to move over if there is an incoming vehicle. We made it to the dead end.

There is a trailhead to get a close look of the Falls, but the surface was wet and slippery. It is a 1.4 km round trip. We decided not to get on the trail. We both were starting to feel relaxed and sleepy after the pool. We were able to get a clear

view of the falls from where we parked near the dead end.

On our way back "home", about a couple miles from Laird, we spotted a lone wood bison grazing. It looked very healthy, still had a bit of winter fur left on its rump. Mature bulls are solitary, joining the herd during breeding season.

Few miles down the road there were two wood bull bisons. Again, both of them looked very healthy.

Female Stone Sheep and its kid were seen coming down from the cliff and started walking along the base.

The Weiner Roast was held at the end near the lake. We the caravan members brought chairs, made it all around the fire ring. Steve and Karen provided hot dogs, buns and all the fixings. Everyone else brought a side dish to share and I fixed diced/ roasted potatoes with dill weed.

Nathan & Donna

Pam C, Gregg & Brian

Donna, Judy & Dick

John

Nicholas

Me & Steve

Andrea & Gerry

Bob

Ginger

Erwin, Donna & Nancy

Steve roasting Peeps

After the roast and smores Mary and Pam played music. Nicholas played guitar and Brian had air blown small piano. Pam and Dee joined in to sign along. It was a very relaxing evening.