A Rock in the Road

Well!  We are back in Chilliwack!  What, how???  During our stay at Wells Gray the TwoLeggs notices a problem with the water pump – chumping and chugging when it ought not to, and an ongoing intermittent leak under the sink.  Hoping that both might settle out, we opted to press on to our next stop, where Carlos could try a handful of things if the problem persisted.  It did.   And so did Carlos!  First reading multiple owners manuals for the various piece parts that are involved (gas water heater, since it seemed worse when using hot water on gas, and of course the water pump).  A two night stay in a private park (quite the upscale affair!) provided the opportunity for Carlos to try a few things, and indeed, it SEEMED all was well……

Off we went to Blanket Creek Provincial Park – a LOVELY park south of Kamloops, tucked away along the upper edge of Arrow Lake, a long skinny reservoir that looks, and behaves much more like a river than a lake! banks of the river.  The sites are well spaced with lots of vegetation, creating minimal visibility between sites.  

 The Park is a mix of hemlocks, pine, western cedar, birch and spruce with a rich understory of fern – similar to the rain forest of the pacific coast.  While the trees are not as old and tall, they evoke a sense of mystery, and beckon you to walk among them.  Here too, is a homesite of a long forgotten intrepid soul, who, upon receiving 40 acres to homestead, managed to eke out a living for a while …  

We also visited a colony of ground squirrels, who have apparently had many an encounter with TLs that offer food: when we took our lunch down by the picnic tables at the lake/lagoon, the little critters were relentless in their begging.  You should have seen Minkie trying to scare them off!!!  What a hoot!!!

Kin to prairie dogs, chipmunks, a marmots!

While there aren’t any hikes out of the park proper, there are a few walking trails, including one to Sutherland Falls:

On the downside, there is no cell service, so when the pump and leak problems persisted, poor Carlos was hard pressed to be able to figure out anything else to try.  We were able to get an occasional text and lucky for us, we got thru to Escape, where the kind folks told us to come back if at all possible, and they’d take care of it.   So…..  we turned around, cut short our reservations at the next stop, and tonight we are back near Chilliwack.  After a long day’s drive and few reservation changes, we think both issues care of, AND they showed Carlos how to make adjustments if needed in the future!

Once again, our data speeds are cut (such is the downside of international travel!), so I give you the Toad’s promise, we’ll post pictures as soon as possible!

 

Wells Gray Provincial Park

As we traveled our way north and eastward, once again, the scenery shifted – now back to the trees and understory that signify a more abundant rainfall.   Up to Clearwater town, and from there another 40 miles or so to the campground.  Halfway along the pavement ends.   Once again, we are far from the usual summer crowds that visit the more popular parks in the province.

Why might that be you wonder – is it the remote location?  Perhaps the long drive to the actual campground?  No flush toilets?  Or perhaps it’s because there are no electric or water hookups (though water is available, you just have to carry it!)  The Toad isn’t sure, but the TLs think it might have something to do with the Park’s legendary mosquitoes.  I’m in heaven – my TwoLeggs, not so much.  I do what I can to clear the place, but even I, Road Toad that I am, cannot begin to keep up.  In no time, I am full, and can do nothing but watch as Carlos and Minkie swat and run.  Note to self:  Bring the Toad family next time!

Our campground is located on Clearwater River, just beyond the outflow from Clearwater Lake.  To quote Steven Stills, this is one “rushing, raging river”!  While we haven’t been able to sit outside much (prevented by either weather, previously mentioned mosquitoes, or both), we have taken in many of the sites/walks that the park offers.  Our first day of exploration we encountered this fella, happily munching his way along the roadside.

Yes, there are bears here, but only black bears, that so far, have not been fed, or otherwise encouraged to become “nuisance” critters.  After paying our respects, we continued on to one of the best known falls here – Helmcken Falls.

This is where the Murtle River plunges a whopping 462 feet, creating one of the most beautiful falls in the park (and perhaps Canada!)  This entire area is an ancient lava bed, and further down the gorge, it is evident as the sheer walls of forbidding stone rise in massive testimony to their violent origin.  We walked along the rim for a half mile or so, watching the gorge widen and the river lose some of its fury as it widened, claiming ever more space as it surged onward.  If only pictures could capture what the eye can see!

Another, perhaps more interesting spots we visited falls along the Clearwater River – a little set of rapids called Bailey’s Chute.  Now first, the Toad must tell you that this river is chock full of white water.  In fact, it seems all the rivers in the park (and there are quite a few – Wells Gray spans a full 1.4 million acres!) sport a goodly bit of rapids, falls, and other features that take a while to fully appreciate.  Here at the Chute the river narrows and plunges about 50 feet or so, and it is here that salmon, try as they might, can travel no further upstream.  The Chute is too much for them.  Weary from trying, they give up and return downriver to spawn in more accommodating waters.  

On a far more peaceful note, we also spent a little time in the forest, including a visit to an area once farmed (then donated to the Park) by a brave couple – John and Alice Ray.  Certainly a far more serene scene, don’t you think?

Juniper Beach

AT LAST!!!  We have a little service, so the next few posts will be catch-up time for us all — though with poor data speeds, pictures will likely be added at a later time….  Boo, Hiss!!

We hopped into ETI early Wednesday morning (that would be June 14), where the good folks there took a gander at the window, and after some tinkering, opted to replace it.  Turns out, this is a new manufacturer for them, and they’re still tweaking some of the details.  Lucky for us, it wasn’t nearly as complicated as it could have been.

After finally stocking up with provisions for the next week, we headed out for Juniper Beach Provincial Park.  The road (Trans-Canada Highway) is nothing shy of stunning over this stretch.  After traversing the west side of the Cascades, where the scenery is lush rainforest (though not tropical), you enter the Fraser River Valley where suddenly, a desert valley greets you on each side of the river.  Here the giant evergreens are replaced with juniper, sagebrush and bluebunch wheatgrass.  Annual rainfall averages around 9”, with summer temperatures reaching 104F and winters dipping to 40F below.  Now that’s extreme, no matter how you you cut it!  Bighorn sheep call this home.  A small band of ewes were taking their afternoon snacks along the side of the road as we passed them by.  Overhead, a bald eagle soared.

The road follows first the Fraser River, then, at Lytton, the Thompson joins the fun.  Both rivers are rich with salmon!  Four of the five Pacific species migrate here.  Along with salmon, Rainbow trout and Steelheads claim this river.  Both the highway and railway share the limited real estate  beside the rivers, enhanced of course, by TwoLegg Engineering) – crossing through narrow valleys, river gorges, steep mountainsides, finally giving way to rolling foothills.  The Toad is awed, feeling far more diminished as I contemplate my tiny existence in this vast land.  I told my TL’s how grateful I am that fate brought us together – that they are inspired as I am to see our country and our neighbor’s at a pace and in a fashion that we can take some time to get to know it.

 Juniper Beach Provincial Park is a small park, that sits beside the Thompson River.  There are two sets of train tracks along the river, one on each side.  Most of the activity is freight, though we did see one passenger rail on our side of the river.  Both tracks are well used, with trains passing through on a regular basis, their whistles blowing loud and long – harking back to era where this was a primary means of travel and delivery of goods.  Coupled with the roar of the river as it runs south, one is hard pressed to hear your neighbor, in spite of the close proximity.

The campground is small, sites generally arranged in pairs, the water and electric pedestals in between, making it a bit awkward if you’re on the “off” side (which we are), as you need sufficient hose and power cord to reach said pedestal.  In addition, many sites are both narrow and shallow, so parking the tow vehicle can manifest in some interesting arrangements.  While still allowing room to exit, we’re parked nose to nose with our neighbor’s truck!

Ours is a site by the river.  As we sat enjoying the late afternoon and evening, trains rolling by, fish jumping in the river, osprey hunting overhead – we were graced with one of the many spectacular sunsets that Mother Nature has to offer:

As we prepared to leave the next morning, high over the ridge behind us, an eagle flew in long looping circles.  There was no hint of white on it – none on its head, none on its wings top or underside.  A juvenile bald eagle?  Or a golden eagle?  We opted for the golden.  This bird was BIG!

An impressive omen – as the Canadians would say:  “Perfect!”

Window – OW!

Oh my, what a lively day this has been!  Between spotty cell service and errant emails, we eventually got through to our new best friends at Escape Trailer Industustries. As a result, we took a lengthy drive south, past Vancouver (traffic at a crawl) past Chilliwack, and east to a lovely RV park near Bridal Veil Falls.  We arrived just shy of 7:00 pm, set up in record time, and made it to the local restaurant in time to order an adult beverage, and one of the best roast beef dinners we’ve had in a long time.  Even I, the Imperial Road Toad was impressed!  

Oh, and this loop has also been visited by bear in the last few nights.  A Juvie – we just hope s/he hasn’t been rewarded with any tasty morsels. It’s not a good thing to encourage bad behavior in the ursa-world!

Tomorrow, we get up with the sun (as it rises over the mountain…) and return to ETI where the errant window will likely be replaced. Luckily, this a surgery they know well, so we expect to be in and out well before noon.  Goodnight for now….  

Oh, Canada!

We made it!  We’re in a new Toad House!  The Road Toad is ecstatic!  Carlos and Minkie are doing cartwheels (especially impressive, as neither one of them know how – still, the attempts are most entertaining…)  AND  we’re in CANADA!!!

So, I guess I should calm down, and fill you in on the most recent of these adventures.  Yes, we arrived Thursday afternoon in Canada, checked in to the local hotel, and dreamt our dreams awaiting the excitement of the next day.  Up first thing, went to Escape Trailer Industries, and there she was.  An Escapee like no other.  As the Good Folks showed us all her attributes and accoutrements, the bonding began.  Toad and Trailer, TwoLeggs and Trailer, it’s all good.  From orientation, the trailer is exported by ETI into the US, where we took possession and hitched up.  By late afternoon, we were on our way to the first stop – a commercial campground (Bellingham/Lynden KOA) in Washington.  Lucky for us, the KOA was pretty nice as far as commercial campgrounds go.  Exceptionally well maintained, clean, and well run.  Sites are typically close together, and with a lake for kids to fish in, paddle boats to rent, a swimming pool, playground, horseshoes, volley ball court, café, camp store, putt-putt golf course – it’s definitely a place that appeals to families.  Everyone seemed friendly, and generally courteous – only once did a party get a bit boisterous with noise spilling beyond what is typically considered quiet hours.  No matter.

We spent most of the weekend unpacking the truck and trying to figure out where things would be most conveniently located in the new digs.  New spaces, new options!  Lots of little details, always keeping in mind how things will travel.  “Oops that won’t quite fit there. Wait, here’s a better spot.  Or would it make more sense over there?”  Minkie did a lot of talking to herself….

One Messy Kitchen!

The Bedroom

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

And FINALLY, we took off for our first Canadian campground – Alice Lake Provincial Park, in British Columbia.  Crossing the border was a hoot.  The Customs official took Carlos through a litany of questions – “Where are you from?” “Florida.”  “What will you be doing in Canada?”  “Camping.”  “How long will you stay?”  “About a month.”  “Any liquor aboard?” “No.”  “Any guns or firearms?” “No” “Other weapons” “No.”  “Any explosives?” “No.”   Any alligators?”  “No.  Wait, What????”   “Alligators – you did say you’re from Florida didn’t you?”  All said with a seriously straight face.  And then a big grin.  He got Carlos good!  “Welcome to Canada – and enjoy your stay,” he smiled as he waved us on.

And we began our Canadian journey.  Heading north!  Traffic wasn’t too bad, becoming hardly noticeable once we got beyond Vancouver.  Roads have been good, the scenery turned nothing short of spectacular.  Snow topped mountains, inlets, forests, huge cedars, hemlocks, maples – cliff faces, all abutting each other, competing for attention.  It is gorgeous.

We checked in to the Park, where the rangers had a jolly time quizzing us about our home state and our trip here.  While folks of a southern persuasion aren’t a rarity, they aren’t exactly the usual fare, either.  Oh, and they were also kind enough to let us know that we needed to be particularly cautious with food, chemicals (shampoos, bug spray, deodorant, etc) at the campsite, as several black bears have been visiting the park over the last few days!

The park is great.  Sites are very well spaced and large.  Plenty of room for all manner of vehicles.  While there are no water hookups, fill stations are located throughout the loop.  The comfort station is clean, and showers deliver nice hot water.

Huge hemlocks, cedars, and maples surround us.  Moss covers tree trunks, ferns carpet the ground.  Methinks we’ve entered Middle Earth.  In fact, last night when the wind blew, we were certain we could hear the Ents with their bark-roughened voices singing to the stars.   Stellars jays, crows, little brown song birds with black hoods (anyone got an idea here?), squirrels (and of course the bears) are abundant.  The weather has been very cool – in the 50’s at night, and low 70’s (if you’re in the sun) in the day time.  Shorts have been abandoned, replaced with jeans and sweatshirts.

We’ve had but one little bump, so far.  We may have a faulty window seal (think rain soaking the bed – YIKES!).  We hope to talk with the folks in Chilliwack tomorrow, and if all goes well, we won’t have to alter our current schedule.  Keep your fingers crossed for a hike tomorrow!

Colorado Rocky Mountains – Hi!

Yes, I know – the Toad’s a little behind isn’t he?!  Well I’ve good reason – amphibially speaking.  You see, we first had to leave Texas (rolling hills, a few pronghorns), travel through the northeast corner of New Mexico (buttes, washes, desert and dust), and work our way into Colorado.  First there were the signs warning us of how dangerous buffalo are, and not to approach them.  These posted along the somewhat less than impressive fencing that didn’t seem to actually be containing the mammoth beasts, which is lucky for all of us, huh!  Anyway, this is beautiful country!!  Lush with spring rains, forests and pastures gradually gave way to the Sangre de Criso mountains to the west of us.  We just had to stop for a view:

Those are some highly educated mountains there in the background.  This little range is home to Harvard, Princeton, Yale and Columbia Peaks – all weighing in (up?) at elevations in the 12,000 – 14,000 foot range.  Now that’s high.  On to Independence Pass where the snow is still thick, banks of 4 feet or so line some sections of the highway still!  Carlos is a good driver though, so we had no problems.  

FINALLY, we made it to my brother Smoochy (that’s him in the hat) and his TwoLeggs (Gumby and Pokey), where a warm welcome awaited:

And yes, there was much merriment to be had! We hiked, and ate (that Gumby is one heckuva chef!), laughed, caught each other up on adventures, and did all the things that friends and family do when they haven’t seen each other in a few years.

Ah, but good times don’t last forever.  The weekend ended much too soon, so we are off once again.  Westward we went – into northern Utah (if you’re ever in Ogden Utah, we highly recommend the Ben Lomond Historic Hotel), southwestern Idaho, cut across Oregon, and here we are in Washington, a bit north of Seattle.  We have seen some stunningly beautiful countryside – mountains, deserts, rivers, forests, snow capped peaks, lava fields, thousands of acres of farmland – potatoes, hay, grapes, orchards, beans – it has been a sensory overload of the nth degree.  If only we had had more time to stop for pictures!  

No worries – our real adventure is yet to begin!!!  Tomorrow, we go to Canada – Friday, we will take possession of my new home (Carlos and Minkie only think it is theirs.  But it never goes anywhere without ME!)  

I’ll share some more with you this weekend!