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Published: August 29th 2016
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We returned to Larry & Judy from a great time in Ucluelet. Richard, a neighbour and friend invited us to go fishing on the Sound which runs out to the Pacific. The salmon were apparently starting to run. A 6am start saw us down at the harbour and setting out on Richards fishing boat. He's a professional captain who normally single crews a 45ft fishing vessel catching salmon, tuna, halibut, crab and oysters. Unfortunately, like the rest of the flotilla on the water on Saturday morning we trolled up and down without catching a single fish. Never mind we had a nice morning anyway. The weather was still fabulous so in the afternoon we were all happy to go river tubing down the Sommos river with Sue, L&J's good friend and tenant. A very relaxing 4 hours drifting in a warm, slow current.
Last day with L&J and Sunday afternoon we went out on Larry's boat to Two Rivers beach at the far end of the lake. Very quiet and isolated and we were all on alert for a bear encounter which didn't materialise. After a short stop we raced back as a large thunder storm approached across the mountains.
We could see rain falling but managed to get back and get the boat on the trailer before it arrived. All that fresh air built up an appetite which we satisfied at the Chinese buffet restaurant in town.
Monday we said our fond farewells to two very good friends who were great hosts and welcomed Liz with open arms. We were very grateful for their hospitality and insisted they stay with us when they come over next year.
So, on to the mainland via the Horseshoe Bay ferry and a trip up to Whistler for 1 night. Nice resort, well laid out with two definite identities: ski resort in the winter and mountain bike resort in the summer. Tuesday we followed the 99 over the mountains, through dramatic scenery to Lillouet for lunch. Great sandwich from an artisan bakery. the town is known for its mining heritage and source of large Jade deposits. Kamloops was our destination for a night in a mom and Pop motel. A very long drive, even on really easy driving roads. Our reward was an Elk steak and Bison meatloaf at The Painted Pony cafe. Thanks Sue & Dave for the recommendation. A
trip to Kamloops HD in the morning and I didn't spend a penny!!
Wednesday morning we drove up the 5 through the Thompson river valley to Clearwater on the edge of the Wells Grey Provincial Park. I'd booked a AirBnB forest log cabin just outside town, it was picturesque, well equipped and very spacious, more than I had expected, we were very impressed. A chicken dinner, hot tub session and 2 episodes of River saw us ready for bed. It was a bit unnerving that night as there was no ambient light or sound of any kind. Next morning we were up and out to the Clearwater river for white water rafting, cliff jump and river swim, excellent time. After a late lunch we drove to Helmken Falls, 35km into the park then Green Mountain observation platform for great scenic views. Ribs, Brisket medallions and local brewery beer at the Hop N Hog restaurant finished off a great day. We were sad to leave next day, I wished I'd booked 4 nights.
Now I've not mentioned it before but our wildlife count was pretty low: a couple of squirrels, a racoon, 3 whales, sealions, porpoise, a deer, a
mink and a sea eagle but no bear, elk or moose so far but we live in hope.
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