June 9, 2014 – Vanderhoof, BC to Prince Rupert, BC ~385 miles
Got an early start the next day because we had to catch the ferry that night, and the ferry system says you should be there 3 hours early.
Now I know that’s not really true, but you always try to err on the side of caution when you’re doing something for the first time. Saw a sign I haven’t seen before.
The 16 heading west from Vanderhoof is more fun that I would have expected – plenty of twisties and elevation changes.
Well, do you?
Getting ready to head into the weather.
We plugged along through intermittent to heavy rains that could not damper the scenery until we eventually got into Prince Rupert and the port. I played the role of dumb tourist quite effectively, somehow managing to get lost in the terminal area for a few minutes before finding the ticket office.
Eventually we were squared away, so we went back in town to get dinner. By the time we got back to staging, I was pleasantly surprised by the number of bikes and riders that would be sharing the journey with us.
Our home for the next 30+ hours – the MV Matanuska.
We walked around and met a bunch of great motorcycle travelers. A couple of my favorites were Clay (not pictured) and his wife, who had taken this Harley and custom trailer setup all the way from Key West.
There were also Mike and Jana, who were in the middle of a 48 state tour that they had commenced in Virginia.
After another 30 minute wait, it was time to get on the ferry.
Securing the bikes – next stop, Juneau, as shown on the pieces of paper taped to our windshields. They load cars in based on your port of exit, but typically motorcyclists go first. That worked out well, because Bui was planning on camping on the ferry deck. Even though we took a while to secure and get our luggage, he still got his pick of real estate up top. 
Our trusty vessel.
Went to check in with Bui, got one last look at the moon out at sea, and then retired to my cabin for the night.
Continue on to Day 7
June 10, 2014 – On the Ferry, 0 road miles
Go back to Day 5
June 8, 2014 – Pemberton, BC to Vanderhoof, BC ~435 miles