A Canadian Adventure - Day 20

Tuesday 22 August 2017

Whistler to Kamloops

It was virtually cloudless all day, with afternoon temperatures rising to 35°C. Far too hot to go for a walk, so we went for a drive to Kamloops. It was very scenic, passing through an increasingly arid landscape over undulating terrain past an assortment of mountains and lakes.

Our first stop was beside Green Lake, where we could look out to a reflection of Whistler and the mountains behind the town (top picture).

We continued to Nairn Falls, where a select band of people were enjoying the 1.5 km walk along a good path to these modest but interesting falls. Erosion of the fabric of the narrow gorge has produced some interesting effects (next four pictures).

Pemberton provided a petrol station where we met a group of Scottish motorcyclists enjoying an annual indulgence. Then we moved on to a café, where a couple of Canadian motorcyclists were also enjoying their trip.

Further up the road, a pause near the end of Duffy Lake offered photo opportunities of the lake and of the log jam that it's known for - the First Nation people know the lake by the name 'Teq', which apparently means 'log jam'. (Pictures 6 and 7)

Naxwit Picnic Area provided a perfect venue for lunch at a shady picnic table. Sadly I left my camera in the car, but luckily the sighting of a large brown bear with two small black cubs is indelibly printed on my retina. They were on the far shore of the river but soon moved away when they spotted someone bathing nearby.

We then passed by Lillooet in increasing temperatures and aridity. Now the tree line was half way up the mountains, with the trees above that line rather than below it.

It came as something of a surprise to reach a city in the middle of this rather desolate landscape. Kamloops offered a large supermarket where we stocked up with provisions for supper. We've just demolished those provisions at the very homely Kamloops Guesthouse Hostel, a private house with four twin rooms for visitors. We are the only visitors tonight so we have a large en-suite room and a separate private bathroom. Quite a contrast to the last four nights' curtained cubicles! And much cheaper.

Before eating, and in rather high temperatures, we got our exercise for the day by way of a short jog beside the North Thompson River, a stone's throw from the hostel. We were still dripping half an hour later, but that offered an excuse for rehydration fluid, and our clothes are all washed, and dried by the hot breeze. The last picture was taken during our jog and shows the inverted tree line phenomenon around here.

Our host, Gary, an elderly  gentleman of oriental origin, is very attentive and has refused to allow us to do our washing up. 

We will sleep well tonight.
 
3 km hike with about 50 metres ascent, and 4 km by the North Thompson River in 21.25. Not forgetting a 305 km drive.