The mighty Fraser River cuts through the Cariboo mountains and is one of the two routes from the Bellingham area to the Alaska highway. Having now seen this area, I can’t imagine taking the other route just so you don’t have to drive this valley. That is the reason people choose the other route. This drive is magnificent!
It is raining and a bit foggy when we started out, but I couldn’t resist taking a few pictures to show the beauty we were driving through. This is the path of the gold rush to the Cariboo Gold Fields and there remains many historic stops along it. While, it is a tough drive, in that it is curvy and goes up and down a bit, I can’t imagine walking it with the 2 tons of supplies required by the government to go to the gold fields when there was no road! They say some people even pushed wheel barrels! More likely carried them!
I have been pondering what makes a person pick up their life and just go after gold? Did they know someone who succeeded? Who did succeed at this? Was it lack of opportunity at home with only sweat factory jobs available to new immigrants? It is puzzling to me. If anyone knows, please comment.
Alexandra Suspension Bridge
The first stop I wanted to make was to see the Alexandra Suspension Bridge. This bridge was built in 1926 to replace the original one built in 1863. We could see the bridge as we crossed the current highway bridge, but unfortunately, all the access trails and the bridge were closed for renovation. Below is a picture from the Provincial Park website and here is the link. to other pictures.
I met a women there who was taking a break on her drive to Denali where she will be working the summer. I had a lovely chat and she was able to give me some good tips on Denali bus system and trails to hike. She has worked there for several years and lives in California during the off season. I’m hoping to see her again at the park.
Hell’s Gate
Bet that got your attention! It got mine, too. This is the narrowest spot on the Fraser and the most difficult area for them to put a highway and a railway line through. Since it was raining and cold, we just took some pictures and forewent the hike to the bridge or the air tram to the restaurants/shops on the other side.
The Views
Goldpan Provincial Park
We were planning to camp at this park that sits right on the Fraser River. However, when we got there it was too early to call it a day, and the park did not have anywhere to walk Dottie other than between the highway and the river in the very small camping area. So, we stopped to have a lovely lunch overlooking the river. Day use is permitted until 3:30pm.
This turned out to be a longer day driving 200 miles since we weren’t able to do the hikes we wanted, and then skipped the campground. But, when we awoke in Lac La Hache Provincial Park the next morning we had this guy wandering around in our campsite.
Continuing on to Ten Mile Lake Campground
Leaving the next morning, we continued north. I wanted to hit the visitors center in Williams Lake, but believe it or not, it was closed on a Saturday! So, we decided to hit the one in Quesnel instead. We were looking for some knowledge about Barkerville Historic site and some wifi. I sat inside the Quesnel VC on a bench to create and upload the last post as I could not pick up the wifi in the RV section of the parking lot.
Oddly, I have no pictures of Ten Mile Provincial Park. It sits on a lake and we had a nice view of the lake. It also had a nice area to hike around the campground. My sister wanted to know why I had to drive so far when Ten Mile was so close to home?
Posting Comments
I created and uploaded the last two posts at visitor centers. That seems to be the only place I can find good and free wifi. So, as I get further into the wilderness, I suspect my posts may not be as reliable. So, if you don’t see a post for a while, please just know I’m not ignoring you but may be just having trouble finding a place to write up the blog and post it. I also use data to get all the pictures onto my computer and then into the blog site. And with the Verizon issue…..
I think I mentioned the Verizon issue…..0.5G of high speed data per day (this is the best “unlimited” plan) and then throttled to 2G speeds which are UNUSABLE! I time out constantly even when I have a 5G signal! Go figure! They are going to force me to Elon Musk’s Satellite system……which I am very excited about! In any event, cell is a no go for uploading the photos.
Love to all! Happy spring!
I recently wrote a song about the type of people who would drop everything and chase gold! It was my song about Skagway, ironically! In a way, you are chasing golden experiences!
“Let’s go
To the Last Frontier
It’s our last hope that we get there.
Let’s go
To find our gold
Cause it’s clear we’ve got no other roads”
Also, Pam coming in hot with a wee bit of banter about 10 mile. No surprises there.
The mountains look surprisingly like “The Port Hills” and “Godley Head Track” out here.
Love reading about where you’re at! Love you!
Great song, Alex! So funny we would both think about that!
Hey I’m heading to Skagway for 3 nights. Any recommendations on what to see while there? Taking the ferry from Skagway to Haines.
Love to my dear niece! So sorry I will miss your visit to the GR area. Know you understand….NZ is still on my bucket list. Hope all is well there!
Karen, your journey has been breath-taking! You’re right about the Fraser River Valley, it’s spectacular! Thanks for taking us along on the journey.
So great to hear from you, Linda! I hope all is well for you!
Glad you are enjoying the journey. Cheers!
Hi Karen,
It’s great to catch up with your travels! You are looking great. BC is such a beautiful place! We loved it there. So excited to hear you’re on your way to AK. What are the approximate dates of your visit, or will you be flexible? We will be there at the end of July/beginning of August for a family fishing trip. We are unsure if we will camp in Denali at Teklanika again since the road is closed before Polychrome Pass due to the landslide. Still, it is a must see place for a first time visit. If you have any questions about AK let me know. Do you have a Milepost, either paper or electronic? I haven’t read through all of your posts to know. , but they are a wealth of information! Can’t wait to follow along on your journey! Safe travels.
Hi Christie! I am so excited to hear you will be in Alaska! Other than reservations at Denali in late July (24-28) and Victoria coming in for a visit for first half of August where I will need to be in Anchorage to pick up and drop off at airport, I am being completely flexible. I’m breathing and living the Milepost and taking it very slowly. 🙂 It is such a great resource! I’ll reach out in email and see if we can connect while you are here. Would love to see you and the family in what I know is your element!
That would be so fun to see you! It sounds like we may be crossing paths at some point so I’ll watch for your email.
Canada looks awesome! I love the Mountain views. Ugh sorry to hear about the Verizon issue! Happy Trails!
Thanks, Sue! It is truly amazing territory!
Not to worry about Verizon. I survived without cell before…and I can do it again! 😉
Karen, Bill and I are heading to Alaska in July and plan to hike Denali so any advise on trails would be great to hear. Enjoy your time in Canada!
Awesome, Gilann! I’m so glad you are going to Denali and Alaska! Denali is not really a big hiking place is what I was told. It is a wilderness park with very few developed trails, so it is more of a bushwacker kind of hiking and it is necessary to be prepared to cross glacier rivers, etc. An expedition, versus hike!
The two developed trails she mentioned were the Savage River Loop and Mt. Headly overlook trail. The overlook trail is fairly strenuous is what she said. My guidebook also says that park rangers often lead hikes which might be worth checking out if you really want to do some off trail hiking.
I hope to run into you out there!
Welcome to Canada, Karen! You are seeing the most beautiful part of our country as you travel through the Fraser Valley. Years ago, I did a train trip from Calgary to Vancouver and we went through the Fraser Valley and Hells Gate. Absolutely spectacular scenery everywhere you look! Enjoy your journey to Alaska.
Thanks, Angela! I am loving your wonderful country! It is really spectacular; and, the people are so friendly and kind. I am blessed to be able to visit and see it.
Thanks for following and I hope all is well on your end, too!