That is the view when you are the lead vehicle, slowing the rest of traffic down through the mountain passes. I am sure everyone was cheering for the passing lane when they came up, because it was like Nascar when there was a chance to pass.
Nevertheless here we are day two. Taking full advantage of getting our money's worth at Pocahontas Cabins, we depart around 11:00. Today is the last big stretch, Jasper to Kamloops in one day, with breaks, we are figuring on a 6 hour day or so. Weather is much improved. While still a bit cool, the sun is breaking through the low cloud cover and within no time we are through the pass and at the summit of Mount Robson. It is all downhill from here...
Meryl has been on the bike all morning, we have never travelled the BC Highway 5 before, so neither of us are sure what comes past Valemount, which is the furthest west we have travelled along this route and that was during the winter years ago. We do our best to keep within sight of each other, but I am a much slower operation, and to have him near me only increases the danger factor for him, so it was best he broke free of the pack.
Things are looking great, we are making good time, traffic is lighter than expected (in the summer it is always crazy on these roads) We have heard that the road north to Prince George is washed out, but this does not affect us in the least, we are southbound. Still, it shows how much rain has fallen this summer as we were experiencing unusually high waters this year. Stopping at the base of a very long stretch of highway, we visit a roadside turnout and visitors information centre. We catch a glimpse of our first mountain pass VW bus in the parking lot. Too Cool.
Several more miles down the road, at the suggestion of the local visitors guide, we come across some spectacular waterfalls, made even more impressive by the high river levels this year. http://www.env.gov.bc.ca/bcparks/explore/parkpgs/rearguard/
witnesses the end of a long journey by the Chinook, largest of the Pacific salmon. These fish have survived several years at sea to return to the river of their birth, the mighty Fraser. From its estuary in British Columbia's lower mainland to this point, the Chinook have traveled upstream over 1200 km.
Just a short jaunt now to Blue River. We need gas and snacks and Meryl's butt is getting sore. I notice the lack of cell phone service and wonder how Darryl and the girls have made out. They went ahead last night to find better accommodations for the house of wheels. I expect they stayed in Jasper.
Ah yes the Petro Canada!!! It is mid day, we are only three hours from Kamloops, should be pulling in by 6:30 or so. Perfect...
"Excuse Me, which way are you heading?" Calls an elderly voice from the vehicle next to us. Meryl replies with our directions, "heading south". "Oh, well the highway is closed dear" exclaims the gentleman, explaining that a large tanker truck has rolled over, spilling acid along the roadway, closing it for at least 24 hours. Well well... Thank god we heard now, and not an hour down the road.
No cell service, family waiting at the other end, remember - the road North to Prince George is flooded and closed, which would have worked because there is another route south. Trapped... Wonder what happened Darryl, where is he at? Where do we stay in Blue River?? OK I am only slightly freaking out, this is not part of the plan...
We find a campsite, at the Blue River Campground and RV Park. A former Co- worker from Athabasca happens to be in the same situation, but had travelled over an hour to the accident site before being turned around. Thank you old people, for letting me know before I wasted two hours of my time.
So we explore Blue River. Eleanor Lake is gorgeous. I visit with the park attendant for over an hour, turns out she lives in the campsite we are staying at and holds down two jobs to pay for her schooling. Interesting kid, very "granola" but she was cool.
Not much happening in Blue River, one local industry, the Heli Skiing. The rest is Alberta Oil money. Surprising that it didn't have more amenities given its location between Jasper and Kamloops, but this is a summer highway and a winter town, so people out here plan ahead, get supplies when they are south and are unfazed by things like a 24 hour road closure.
We settle in for the night. Lil Blue has a hiccup and stalls out on us upon our return to the campsite. Meryl fixes it up with a new fuel filter... good as new. The camp attendant is shooting off Bear flares, there has been a visitor in our campground, cute, black, and hungry. I worry about the kids in the tent, Meryl worries about the leather seat on the bike and the plastic gas cans on the trailer. We decide the kids can skip the teeth brushing for one night, lest the minty freshness attract unwanted attention. (Bears LOVE the smell of toothpaste) and we hope our fuel and bike make it through the night.
Did I mention, it is at this point that Meryl and I realize we have forgotten our OWN bedding. Kids are good, we have nothing, well almost nothing, a plug in travel blanket for one, and our thick hoodie jackets make do for the evening. Beats wrapping up in the stinky bike tarp which was plan B.
Things will get better in the morning... Wonder what happened to Darryl???
Quite the adventure already...and I hadnt thought the real deep adventuring would shine upon you until much later! I certainly enjoyed cruising the Salmon Arm streets in Li'l BLue..A perpetual unending parade as onlookers ogled and waved from all corners and side streets. Never felt like such a celebrity through backfire before.. lol I was grateful that there was no smoke spit out on any of our faithful onlookers. Meryl fixed li'l Blue up quick and easy- yay Meryl!!
ReplyDelete