July 10, BC to Smithes

July 10,  BC to Smithes

Left around 9am and headed back up 37A to 37 (Cassiar Hwy), such a pretty canyon. Turned south headed for the Yellowhead Hwy 16 (also known as the Trail of tears). 60 minute documentary last year on how many women have been abducted over the years on it. It runs east-west from Jasper, Alberta through Prince George to Prince Rupert on the coast. We decided we had seen Prince Rupert once before and decided to keep heading for home. Nothing too interesting on 37, road got better. Once interesting 1 lane bridge with a neat rock gorge. Stopped about 3:00 at Riverside Park in Smithers. Settled in, with Jerry taking a nap and who shows up but the Lutes group. They had decided not to do the Haines side trip after all. So we visited with them, and were happy to see them once again.

 

July 11, Smithers to Vanderhoof

Lutes group head out at 9am and we stick around and go to two different locations for waterfalls. One at Moricetown Canyon and Falls. Great pictures from the bridge across the gorge. Then up to Twin Falls for a steep hike up to a viewing platform. Pretty spot. Then headed out at noon for Vanderhoof, BC. Nice visitor center with lots of old buildings. Still logging mills in this area along with a mineral mine. Tomorrow we go up a side road to Fort Saint James, to see a historic trading post.

July 12,

Great highway into Fort Saint James, made it there in about 30 minutes. Drove around town until the National Historical Center opened. The employees were all gathered for a meeting, so they set us in front of a video about the historic site. We then toured the museum by ourselves. The most interesting thing ironically was the stourgen fish in the acquarium. Very prehistoric looking. Then we showed our parks pass (really paid for itself), and took a map to tour the old buildings which were restored from the original Hutson Bay Trading Post. Very interesting, and most had a person to explain what went on in that building. In authentic dress, ofcourse. Then there were chicken races, silly but fun. When we arrived we were the only ones, but at noon when we left there were about twenty or so people there. Probably the best park and historical park we have seen.

Then we hurried back into town to get our fifth wheel and on to Prince George to see friends of Jerry’s family. They live about 15 south of Prince George on Highway 97. Yes, highway 97 goes from Weed California through our home town of Klamath Falls all the way up into Canada.

Had a great evening visiting with Caroline and her son Lindy. Camped next to their driveway.

July 13 Prince George to Vernon, BC

Visited again this morning and said our good byes. Headed south thinking we’d route through Bellingham, and down. Got to Cache Creek and decide shorter was better and followed 97 south toward central Washington. Stopped really late at about 7:00 in a state park on the lake at Vernon, BC. About 130 miles from the border. We tried to park at Walmart but they had no parking overnight signs. Cost us $35 for the overflow parking that was not even flat, but it was paved.

July 14 Vernon to Canadian Border and then to Lake Chelan

Took forever to drive that 130 or so miles to the border. Curvy road around lakes and through towns. Easy at the border, two cars ahead is all. Then we ofcourse went to secondary for inspection. She asked about dog food and if I had bought any in Canada. I said no, I brought it from US and two bags still sealed, with a small amount in a pastic zip lock. Asked if I had the Rabies certificated, but did not ask to see it. Then checked the frigerator, did not take the eggs, one onion or one tomato. Strange, expected her to do so. Gave away a fair amount of food before we got there. All went smouth. Exchanged my Canadian money for US right at the Duty Free Store in Canada.

Stopped at Walmart in Omak near Okanadan to restock, then arrived at the 25 mile campgroundon on Lake Chelan about 5 pm. Crazy run state campground. Some people here have moved three times this week because someone reserves the site each night out from under them. Our site is reserved for tomorrow night, so we will need to move. Very disorganized as there is no one at the gate building explaining which sites are available. They just work 9am to noon.

This is my last post