“Bon Voyage, Safe Travels – A Roadtrip Trilogy” by N&J

Whistler, BC (May 29/25) – WHEW!!! …so far 2025 has been a whirlwind of activity for N&J, with participation in the Canadian Federal Election campaign, volunteering for the Invictus Games, mastering the indoor hydroponics garden, enjoying the mountain lifestyle, and ‘Elbows Up’ with the absolute craziness of ‘Trump World’ down south & everything in-between. A chance to venture out in HOBBES before the onslaught of tourist travel in Canada this summer (with the boycott of Canadians traveling to the USA & Americans escaping the insanity, albeit temporarily) …this post covers three trips so far taken after coming out of winter hibernation.

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TRIP #1 had been in the works for some time. N&J’s Ukrainian friends, now living in Calgary, were planning a journey to the west coast of British Columbia to experience Tofino. They reached out to see if N&J might join them on their first adventure to the wild Pacific shores. Why not? Tofino’s rugged coastline is always a wonderful place to visit!

The adventure began when Tania, Dima & Masha (TD&M) rolled into Whistler after their long trek from Calgary. They arrived just in time for dinner at N&J’s, a welcome pause to share a cozy meal, swap stories, and talk excitedly about the journey still ahead. Laughter and great food filled the evening. After a restful night under N&J’s roof, however, plans shifted. Unforeseen circumstances meant N&J would have to delay their own departure. With hugs, smiles, and promises to reunite, TD&M continued westward. The road ahead would carry them to Tofino, where the wild Pacific crashes against rugged shorelines, the salty air permeates, and the endless horizons capture the imagination.

A couple of days later, N&J were finally able to hit the road, catching a late-night ferry across to Vancouver Island. They stopped for the night at the Parksville ‘Travel Info Centre’ before continuing west the next morning. By midday, they rolled into Surf Grove, where TD&M had rented a trailer for their stay in Tofino. As N&J had written about on a previous trip, Surf Grove is a wonderful place …so close to the beach and all the amenities at hand.

a visit to the iconic lighthouse at Ucluelet…

For Dima, the highlight was clear from the start. An accomplished surfer, he could hardly wait to get out on the waves. The cold Pacific didn’t slow him down for a moment, he was suited up and paddling out almost immediately, spending long stretches of the day carving across the rolling surf with a grin on his face. Meanwhile, Tanya, Masha, N&J enjoyed the beach …walking the shoreline, watching the waves crash in, and walking Jesse along the paths where the forest meets the sand. Nightly campfires & great food all within earshot of the continual drone of the Pacific waves rolling in.

All in all, the perfect rhythm of a west coast holiday, a mix of adventure, relaxation, and simple joy in the wild beauty of Tofino shared with good friends.

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TRIP #2 was all about a fishing getaway to Dugan Lake …a spot that never seems to disappoint. Tucked just 15 minutes off Highway 97 near 150 Mile House (south of Williams Lake, BC), this recreation site has become a favourite destination for N&J. Having returned many times over the years, drawn back by the promise of great fishing and the peaceful lakeside setting.

The Government of BC who manages “Recreation Sites & Trails BC” throughout the province have installed ‘fishing docks’ in many of the lakes that permits fishers who may not have a boat an opportunity to catch the elusive Rainbow Trout & many other species. Each time N&J come to this special spot there are local fisherman lining the dock eager to always lend their knowledge and experience while sharing their space and their fish stories.

N did not waste anytime upon arriving at the campsite, while J setup camp N quickly gathered her fishing gear and headed straight for the dock. Within a short time of casting her line, squeals of excitement echoed peaking J’s ears as he walked Jesse through the tall grass along the shoreline… a beautiful 1.5 pound Rainbow was ready for the BBQ.

Jesse announcing his displeasure at the pace of the walk…

Just before sitting down to the meal, N&J were very pleasantly surprised to have their friend Mark, local to the area, stop in for the evening sharing the bbq fish and a beer around a warm campfire. Mark promising next time that both he and Tammy would come to Whistler for a visit.

A perfect start to the trip, and a reminder of why this lake always calls them back.

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TRIP #3 – Back in 2024, N&J’s good friends and fellow Westfalia owners, Chris and Olivier (C&O), invited them on a cross-Canada road trip leaving in the Spring of 2025. (C&O had also joined the Yukon adventure in 2020.) Having both just retired, C&O were ready to set out on an adventure free from the usual time constraints of working life. For N&J, the invitation was tempting, the idea of crossing the country once again was exciting, but with their new boat came fresh opportunities and responsibilities. It wasn’t an easy choice.

Reluctantly, even waiting to the last minute, N&J decided to pass on the road trip. Excited for their friends and perhaps ‘a little jelly’ it was important to see C&O off on their big journey. N&J would travel with them at least as far as the interior of BC.

The send-off began at N&J’s place in Whistler, where C&O arrived in their brand spanking new PLEASURE-WAY ‘Tofino’ camper van which N quickly renamed to “SEXY Beast”. A retirement gift from Olivier’s mom, the new van was bittersweet: while they were sad not to be traveling in “TURTLE” their beloved 1990 VW Westfalia, the excitement of exploring Canada in a larger, more spacious and decked out rig was undeniable.

The group left Whistler quickly to avoid a large looming ‘wet weather’ storm that fortunately never caught up with them. Driving north via Pemberton they ended the first day at Gott Creek Rec Site on the Duffey Lake Road (Hwy 99). A very wild natural camp along the Cayoosh Creek, off the highway, so very quiet, permitting a comfortable BBQ meal & campfire. So great to be back on the road again…

Chris ‘hiding’ behind a plate???

Working a life-long career to obtain a few weeks vacation here & there, seems backwards in what is important in life. After much anticipation —Taking ‘life by the horns’ it was very exciting for N&J to hear that their friends had finally pulled the plug. A special moment of cheer and celebration with bubbly – Of course !!

The next day was a short drive into Lillooet’s Seton Lake Campsite (a BC Hydro facility), that offers free camping in a well maintained campground. It was here that the group enjoyed dry & warm weather for 3 nights, campfire chats, long walks along the BC Hydro aquaduct that feeds the dam located to the east emptying into the Fraser River, with Westy (C&O’s dog) and Jesse (the adventure cat) in tow.

Jesse climbing tree to meet his new friend…

The drive up Hwy 24 ‘the Fishing Highway’ (runs from Hwy97 near 100 Mile House, to Hwy5 near Little Fort) is beautiful anytime of the year. Lots of lakes to choose from, this time it was Latremoulle Lake, a nicely maintained BC Rec Site. Located well off the highway, so very quiet & idyllic, the lake shimmers in the sunshine while fish can be seen jumping catching the evening flies …as clouds rolled in bringing some light rain.

Next morning brought back sunshine, the journey taking them on the backroad between Louis Creek (on Hwy5) & Adams Lake (near Chase, BC) …the area was ravaged by wildfire a couple years ago, the total destruction is mind-numbing to say the least.

After joining the Trans-Canada Hwy at Chase, the backroad to Skimikin Lake was a beautiful (and peaceful) alternative to the main highway. Once at Skimikin Lake Rec Site, a campsite was found situated along the lake.

It was here that a remarkable breakthrough happened: Westy, the rescue pup from Korea, finally decided that N was a friend rather than someone to fear. One evening around the campfire, Westy quietly nudged his way onto N’s lap and curled up for part of the night. Jesse wasn’t too pleased, but everyone else sat frozen, hardly daring to move for fear of spoiling the moment.

Westy enjoying some snuggle time…

After two peaceful nights at Skimikin, it was time to pack up camp. With Moose — the stuffed animal gifted to C&O — perched at the helm as their faithful guide and protector, they all made their way to Salmon Arm. Stopping in at a cozy local bakery, The Shuswap Pie Co., they shared delicious pastries and hot drinks before parting ways.

It was a bittersweet moment. N&J were thrilled for their friends, eager to see them set off on such a monumental cross-Canada adventure, yet they couldn’t help but feel a little sad not to be along for the ride. With warm hugs, “safe travel” wishes, and a promise to follow their journey from afar, they said their goodbyes.

“The Traveling Trio” – Eastward Bound …Safe Travels, Bon Voyage !!!

For N&J the trip continued south along Hwy97 into the Okanagan Valley, along Kalamalka Lake at Vernon, through the bustling traffic of Kelowna …stopping at Okanagan Lake Provincial Park (south campground) for a single night.

The next day they ventured further south to Summerland, staying at Peach Orchard Municipal Campsite for 2 days. N’s family coming from Penticton to visit was a special highlight of their time there. Always so good to see each other. A few cider houses and a wood fire pizza winery ‘Dirty Laundry‘ may have also been involved! After visiting with family they headed off on the Summerland-Princeton backroad. A beautiful alternative to the paved busy highways.

‘Okanagan Sourdough’ bought at roadside farm-stand along Summerland-Princeton backroad…

Stopping at Osprey Lake halfway to Princeton, a number of provincial rec sites can be found, all along the lakeshore. Great fishing opportunities abound here. N no sooner cast her fly line into the lake right at their campsite, when a 1.5 pound Rainbow Trout took a fancy for her lure.

Later that evening a very large thunderstorm positioned itself directly over the camp, flashes of lightning & loud crashes of thunder lasted for almost an hour. Thankfully NJ&J were safely tucked into the camper van (Jesse seemed to care less about all that racket). The sound of raining tapping on the roof lulled everyone to sleep.

Next morning they arose to a beautiful sunny day, cloudless skies. Traveling via Princeton, Merritt, Cache Creek and Lillooet …this roadtrip ended as it started, via the Duffy Lake road (hwy99) back to Whistler.

The view looking over the mighty Fraser River just north-east of Lillooet…

“Thoughts always present about their friends C&O road-tripping across Canada …Bon Voyage!!!”

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