However, we did have a treat once we arrived at our campsite at Clinton. This little village owes its existence to the Gold Rush days of 100 years ago. It was a major destination on the first Cariboo Trail that connected Lillooet to Clinton in the early 1860s and today it exploits its gold rush identity with restored historic buildings and lots of shops to explore.
Just north of town you can find the historic Clinton cemetery which is also worthy of a visit.
Leaving Clinton heading south, the scenery starts out green, forested and hilly.
In no time the vista changes dramatically to grasslands and mountains.
Soon we arrive at the small town of Cache Creek, which just a few weeks ago was the centre of a very unexpected flash flood. Today, it looks surprisingly calm and lush, a beautiful little agricultural valley in an increasingly dried out environment.
Soon we see see the appearance of sage brush on the hills and pines.
And before you know it, the Thompson River is flowing between arid mountain sides.
At Lytton, the Thompson joins the mighty Fraser on its way to the Pacific Ocean.
Lytton has been fighting a forest fire for several weeks. In the bottom right you can see the town, and behind the town to the left side is the dark brown streak of torched forestland. Smoke still rises from the mountains behind where the fire is still smouldering.
After a steady downward course, we come at last to the valley floor at Hope (the gateway to the mountains), surrounded by peaks. From here it will be basically flat land all the way to Vancouver and the ferry, two hours away.
But first we glimpse the Fraser again, coursing its way to Vancouver and to the ocean.
We had the 3:15 pm ferry booked but we made it just in time for the 12:45 pm which gives us a much better arrival time at home. This is the Coastal Inspiration. I am not sure, but the only thing it inspired in me was the desire to get to the cafeteria on the 6th floor before the mobs behind us. While Rick ordered the food, I got the last window seat view of the Strait of Georgia (NB: I am well aware that the Strait of Georgia has been re-named by some idiotic government bureaucrat after centuries of use, and is now called the pretentious sounding Salish Sea. I am in revolt and refuse to call it that ridiculous name. Others may succumb to pressure but not I. The Gulf of Georgia was good enough for Captain Vancouver in 1792 when he named it after King George 111, and good enough for me and Salish Sea is not).
Having a late lunch on the Strait of Georgia....
With Rick on the Strait of Georgia....
First glimpse of Gabriola in the Strait of Georgia. The blobs on the left are the Flat Top Islands which protect Silva Bay and its marina on Gabriola (the solid island to the right of the Flat Tops). If the ferry would only pull in here, we could be a 5 minute walk and be home.
Off the right side of Gabriola is our manned lighthouse on Entrance Island. Behind is Gabriola, Mount Benson and then the mountain range behind Mount Benson in the middle of Vancouver Island.
The wake behind the Coastal Inspiration as we round Entrance Island and head for the dock at Duke Point.
At the Gabriola ferry dock, we watch the Gabriolans in summer dress boarding the ferry. In the background is a pleasure craft, two kyakers and a sea plane landing. This harbour is always full of
activity!!!
Also docked nearby is this RCN ship, probably a training ship (no guns).
And this impressive vessel (we think it is an ocean going tug).
Shortly after loading, we reached home and fell into bed snoring. After a very long and undisturbed sleep, we found that our island was under extreme fire watch and with all sorts of restrictions. The sun is blisteringly hot, the winds are high, the ground crackles under foot, the grass is burned out and we must now carefully restrict our water use. The risk of fire is now very close to home. All of you for whom summer has not yet graced with her presence, reality here is in a different world. We pray for rain and cooler temps but there appears to be no end to this in sight.
I want to take this opportunity and thank everyone, friends and family alike, for making this one-of-a-kind trip so memorable for us. Each one of you has become a precious memory, and an ongoing part of our life. So a huge hug to you all, and we hope to cross paths with you again soon!!!
xxxxoooo to all,
Barbie and Rick
