31/05

Hi Everyone, here is another catch up day. You would have had this yesterday if I had not pressed the wrong button and lost the lot!

Today was a travel day. I have driven 11 hours and hundresd of kilometers. I started early, up at 7 and out by 7.30. I wanted to break the back of the journey to Bernies place in Squamish, B.C. I was starting further South than planned so I knew it was going to be a grind. Not wanting to spend three whole days driving I just decided to get on with it. Coming from the UK it is difficult to comprehend the vastness of this Country, did you know that the UK will fit into British Columbia 13 times? I have left Alberta and have now travelled to the far South of BC where Squamish is located, it's a bit of a treck.

I was originally going to drive via Kicking Horse Pass and Takakhaw Falls to Golden, then up to the Glacier National Park to Revelstoke. That was about 5 hours and a wonderfull drive. When I got there I had one of those 'oh go on you can do it' moments and kept going to the Monashee Mountain range (absolutely stunning) and onto Salmon Arm. I finally stopped here and had a late lunch of roast port and veg. the difference here is that they give you a whole joint instead of a slice!

I then carried onto Kamloops about another 126K, and it was hot, I mean really hot. When I left Canmore it was 6degrees, the car was now showing 28. I had to keep my arm on the door rest because it was just so hot through the window. I know that 28 sounds nice but on wide open exposed highways with no shade, trust me it was hot. Upon reaching Kamloops I filled the tank for the second time that day and continued onto Cache Creek where I had reasoned I would stop for the night. WRONG! I entered Cache Creek to find that about a million Harley Davison bikers had also thought Cache Creek was the place to be! It was their annual event when they ride in aid of M.S., oh lucky me! Everywhere was full or pre booked. The local garage suggested that I continue to Lillooet, in fairness, Bernie had previously suggested this to me but i had not thought that I would be doing this drive in one session. It was only another 86K so I continued on.

I was really hot and knackered through lack of sleep the night before, I found a sign that directed me to a place called Juniper Beach. Well this route is along the banks of the Thompson River, hence the picture above. You can see how lovely it is, the temptation of standing my baking feet in cold water was too much so off I went and followed the track to the beach. I pulled on my horrible sandels and trotted to the shore line I then strode right in to my knees. Wow, boy was that cold but oh my how refreshing it was. freezing coldwaterfrom theicemelt (have I mentioned that) I stood there for about five minutes and then became aware of a camper type gentleman reading his book behind me and probably thinking 'what's this idiot doing' I tried to engage him in conversation but he was having non of it. Single syllable grunts were about the limit. Never mind. I then got rebellious and got straight back into the Jeep soaking wet, blimey I didnt know I could be so devillish! feeling mightilly better I headed off to Lillooet. Now I need your help here because for effect I want you to go and get your personal copy of The Good The Bad and The Ugly. Go on I know you have it in your record collection, somewhere. Put it on and continue....

Okay got it in your head now? I arrived at Lillooet which does resemble something out of a Western. The buildings are low, the hotels could have swing doors, the odd Red Neck stands and watches you arrive, you slump a little in the seat and watch carefully out of the corner of your eye as he 'eyeballs' you going down the street and spits tobacco onto the sidewalk! Oh my word what have you come to now Winnie??!!!

I think I found the Hotel which Bernie has recommended to me. It does have an overhanging porch, it does have a Western style facade, it does have some very strange people inside. I went to the reception and the lady fixed with her one good eye whilst the other wandered around in its socket settling somewhere on the street outside, 'go through there Bouy' she said. 'Pardon', 'Through there' she said again. Have you got a room? I offered, 'Oh I thought you was the Band for the night' She then gave me room number 3. Phew. What an intro. The place was alright though and the room was very good. I freshened up and ventured out for something to eat. I opted for the Greek place across the street. How can I put this, err, don't bother. I think they are not used to Europeans who visit Greece like this lot visit the Gas station, you know, frequently! It was interesting but not very authentic and the mousaca was cold in the centre because it wasnt defrosted properly and Greek salad with thousand island dressing and only one olive didnt really impress me.

But be that as it may I was dead beat so retired to my room and slept like a log!

Next, the journey from Lillooet to Squamish via Whistler in the driving rain and fog along a mountain road which is notorious for landslides and avalanches which Bernie had warned me that I needed plenty of daylight because it is so trecherous. More on that later,

Take care all.

Chris