“Swiss Family…… Roadtrip!!!” by N&J

Whistler, BC (Sep 29/25) – This journey has been in the planning stages with N&J’s friends Sarah & Kaspar (S&K) from Bern, Switzerland …for many, many months. Back in late 2013, S&K came to British Columbia on a 3 year work assignment in Vancouver, they were looking for rental accommodations and by chance answered a ‘FOR RENT’ ad that N had posted for her condo in Vancouver. As it would happen, her condo was ‘just rented’ to another party moments earlier; but J had a condo that could be rented out (he didn’t know it at the time, until N suggested the idea and quickly decided that they would be perfect tenants for J’s condo). Thus it was fortunate for Sarah & Kaspar (and N&J) that a rental was available …and a friendship began.

During the 3 years of S&K’s ‘work holiday’ in Vancouver many events happened with this foursome, skiing in Whistler, dinner parties, hiking in the mountains, S&K gifting the game ‘Brandi Dog” which if you have ever spent time at N&J’s, you have likely played this game into the wee hours of the morning! Heading back to Switzerland in late 2016, thanks to the online world (email, Skype, Facetime, etc) helped them to keep in touch ‘from far away’.

Christmas dinner at N&J’s, Vancouver 2015…

Meanwhile S&K introduced a new addition to their family, Lillianne (now 5 years old), completely adventurous, she is fluent in mainly Swiss-German with a bit of English (compared to N&J who speak NO Swiss-German). An exuberant ball of energy who certainly adds a lot of spark to a vacation.

The plan was set originally for a 3 day sailing trip on Spirit Bear (deferred due to windy weather & accessibility concerns), then a 10-12 day road-trip. Sarah, Kaspar & Lillianne (SK&L) had arranged a rental of a ‘Sprinter Van like’ camper van through Karma Campervans, it had a fridge, stove, beds & all the camping essentials needed.

So after a quick visit to Vancouver Island & the Sunshine Coast in lieu of the sailing trip, they drove their camper van up to Whistler to meet up with NJ & Jesse.

FYI… After returning home from their last sailing trip “Tempest in a Teacup”, N took a serious fall landing directly onto her left knee cap causing all sorts of injury & mayhem. This has necessitated the use of crutches to see her way around, another reason the sailing trip was kiboshed as her ability to move around the boat would have been difficult …to say the least.

N trusty ‘support crew’ leans against Hobbes, “Don’t Leave Home Without it”…

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Let the roadtrip begin!!! …

The first leg was intentionally kept short so Lillianne could achieve her ‘road legs’, and Rogers Creek Rec Site (in the Duffey Lake region) was the perfect option, only a couple hours from Whistler. Nestled beside the Cayuse River, a creekside camp spot was occupied. The weather being overcast with a bit of rain here & there, made for an early evening after dinner. Next morning the prognosis was much better with the sun shining through breaks in the clouds, facilitating a group hike through the campsite and onto the camp to the south via a trail along the Cayuse. It was here where the ‘language’ relationship began between Lillianne and N&J, lots of hand gestures and translation from Lillianne’s parents. Lillianne was completely enamoured with Jesse, and with his help the ice was broken, this was going to become ‘something special’ between the group.

The day dried out quite nicely, making for a relaxing drive to their next camp. N&J brought out the walkie-talkies (2 way radios) so the parties could communicate along the route, thus any needed ‘pit stops’ were easily arranged, along with the ‘play by play’ of the sights seen along the route. In no time Lillianne was making announcements via the radio, albeit in broken English …but the message was received “Loud & Clear, Good Buddy”.

the dry desert-like conditions found north-east of Lillooet…

After driving east on Hwy 99, passing through Lillooet, over the Fraser River & along the lakes (Pavilion & Crown), they turned north onto the Cariboo Hwy 97 towards 100 Mile House. The change in topography & climatic zone very apparent since their morning departure, the area now more arid, with smaller pine & silver birch trees interspersed with small ponds & lakes on the undulating landscape.

Along the blue-green waters of Pavilion Lake…

Turning east onto Hwy 24 (aka The Fishing Highway), now driving through the region that is ‘chock a block’ full of lakes where fishers (N being one of them) vie for the famous Rainbow Trout. After about an hour, at the eastern end of this route, the travelers came upon Latremouille Lake Rec site (a spot discovered by N&J a few years ago). Nestled along a quiet peaceful lake, well off the highway, a camp spot was found, a perfect place for a perfect evening.

With the extreme wildfire conditions throughout British Columbia, an ‘almost permanent’ campfire ban has necessitate using an alternate fire source, so a propane fire pit was brought along. This turned out to be a good substitute as it provided much needed heat & visual appeal to the cooler September climate …and easier & guaranteed to ‘start’ then traditional wood fires. Meanwhile the haunting sound of loons could be heard on the lake, the only sound to break the stillness of the night.

The sun was shining brightly the next morning, highlighting a light layer of mist on the lake. After breakfast and much banter from Lillianne (she is now getting a hang of this ‘camping’ stuff), the crew started their travel day eastward, towards Little Fort on Hwy 5. After turning right, they headed south where a backroad was accessed near Louis Creek, heading east towards Adams Lake on a beautiful pastoral route dotted with farms & fields. The landscape changing again as the Monashee Mountain range rises up, tall timbers adorn the mountainsides.

Getting closer to Adams Lake, the paved road ends leading onto a gravel forest service road, a decent pathway unlike some of the other FSR’s that can be daunting …mind you a wee bit bumpy and dusty (cough, cough). The area here was ravaged by a wildfire 2 years ago and the extensive change to the forest is very apparent, but nature’s recovery is well on its way with tender shoots of greenery everywhere.

The road eventually changes back to pavement & the Trans-Canada Highway (Hwy 1) is soon joined, heading east to Tappen (N’s childhood neighbourhood) where they turn off the main highway onto a lakeshore road leading to Herald Park Provincial Park located on the north side of Shuswap Lake. This will be home for the next 3 nights.

Lillianne ready for a rousing game of Brandi Dog; Kaspar ready for a rousing bout of… drinking???

The climate has definitely warmed up, the sun is now hot & Lake Shuswap is beckoning. A shaded (thankfully) camp spot had been reserved earlier in the year, near the lake & on a foot path that led to the beach, playground …Lillianne LOVES playgrounds, give this girl a ‘swing’ and nothing else matters.

J forgot his hat, so improvising a sun shield was necessary in the hot Shuswap heat…

The next 2 days was spent swimming in the warm waters of the Shuswap Valley, sun-worshipping, BBQ’s & sitting around a warm campfire in the cooler evenings. A hike to Margaret Falls, always a crowd favourite, breaking up the sedentary-inducing lifestyle of camplife, regretfully N could not join the hike due to her aforementioned knee injury 🙁

Lillianne hiding behind her dad (camera shy ???) at Margaret Falls…

Lead the way Jesse…

After 3 wonderful days soaking in the sunshine, it was time to ‘saddle up’ again and hit the road. Stopping at the ‘DeMilles Farm Market’ in Salmon Arm in an absolute must for anyone passing by. A highlight most anyone would delight in, as the farm animals are so welcoming and just being in their presence is magical. The market offering a wide range of really great items for the next part of the journey. It was decided from there to take the back country road south through Falkland to avoid the busy highways.

The Petting Zoo at DeMilles is always fun; Jesse unsure of what he is looking at… Seriously!!!

Driving through very fertile farm land, mountains & streams on either side, eventually reaching Hwy 97 (the main road between Vernon to the south & Kamloops to the west). After a brief drive along this highway, a right turn onto the Westside Road that leads down the west side of Okanagan Lake, leading to Fintry Provincial Park.

Fortunate to get a camp spot for the evening, J had not reserved for this campground thinking it would not be busy. But a spot was available in this what was once a small campground of 50 spots, now in the hundreds.

N’s uncle Paul and cousin Sidney who live very close by, came by the campsite bringing roasted chicken dinner with all the fixings! N very thankful for her Uncle’s generosity and so excited to see her family.

Visiting N’s Uncle Paul & his cat ‘Katniss’…

Next day, a quick visit to Uncle Paul’s beautiful home overlooking the lake at Fintry, the journey continued south towards West Kelowna, passing by numerous small communities along the lake. Many of these communities experienced drastic wildfires a few years ago, the evidence is overwhelming …mass areas of forest decimated, some encroaching on the residences along the way, with new construction underway to rebuild what was lost.

After passing through West Kelowna & Peachland, stopping for fuel & food they came upon Okanagan Lake South Provincial Park. A beautiful campground situated right on the lakeshore, surrounded by trees & green areas that give the occupants protection from the hot glare of the sun in cloudless skies.

Lillianne & Jesse became fast friends, with L always ready to take Jesse on a walk…

Lillianne & Jesse were somewhat inseparable for most of the trip…

Jesse chillin’ with his mom…

After a few days relaxing in the Okanagan Valley, camp stakes were pulled up. A visit to Summerland 20 minutes down the road for stocking up supplies & a stroll along the town’s ‘Main Street’ (where a farmer’s market was happening).

The trip continued onto a backroad through the town’s enormous valley where fruit & vineyards abound, all along the undulating hillsides. Soon a turn onto the Summerland-Princeton Road, a mixture of paved & gravel road surface that would end in Princeton, BC.

After traversing the forest service road they came upon many ‘Forest Service Rec Campsites’, some that were located beside lakes such as Osprey & Chain, the latter was chosen for the next stop. Once settled in to the camp a quick dip in the waters of Chain Lake cooled off the group.

And no trip to the mountains of BC would not be complete without a bit of fishing, it was here Kaspar and N try their luck casting into Chain Lake for that elusive Rainbow Trout…

N & Lillianne discussing the techniques & finer aspects of trout fishing…

Lillianne demonstrating the ‘escape hatch’ on the top of their camper van…

Later a BBQ dinner and lots of ‘sweet treats’ around the campfire, what would be their last night together as Sarah, Kaspar & Lillianne were heading west towards Vancouver to return their camper van rental & finish off their BC trip with few more days on Canada’s west coast.

Next morning was a sombre moment, reflecting back on the wonderful 12 days they spent together, re-living the past & celebrating the bright future. Lillianne’s communication skills had grown immensely during this period, discussions no longer a ‘game of charades’, now filled with words & understanding. All of 5 years old, Lillianne was an inspiration that only a precocious youngster could provide, showing to the ‘adults in the room’ how wonderful life is …a beacon for the future. 🙂

After many hugs, the group said their goodbyes, waving & horns honking to mark an end to a remarkable journey… 🙁

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NJ & Jesse continued back towards the east for about 10 kms, then turning abruptly north onto the Peachland-Headwater FSR (forest service road) that heads towards Peachland …a route never traveled before. A gravel road that is in very good condition having been recently serviced for use as a detour by travelers on Hwy 97 blocked by landslides near Summerland. Traveling through very lush vegetation, they come upon Headwaters Lakes about halfway, where some forest service campsites are located as well as the Headwaters Family Resort …a beautiful surprise, located in the middle of nowhere.

Overlooking Headwaters Lake…

The view from the Headwaters Lake Rec Site…

The drive to Peachland was uneventful, a long traverse down from the higher elevations to Okanagan Lake. Now heading north on Hwy 97 for a rendezvous with N’s niece Haley, to see her rental condo near where she attends at the UBC Okanagan campus (north of Kelowna).

After a lovely visit with Haley & lunch at an Indian restaurant near the campus, Hobbes is heading towards home. Heading north on Hwy 97 towards Vernon, then left (west) towards Kamloops.

As the daylight faded & the evening quickly approached, the traveling threesome decided it was time to pull over. At the west end of Kamloops Lake, at the mouth of the Thompson River, Steelhead Provincial Park campsite was chosen. Surprisingly for the time of year it was quite busy, most spots were occupied.

Jesse overlooking ‘his’ domain…

After a reasonably quiet night (reasonable if you love trains, which J does), the morning brought favourable driving conditions, not too hot, not rainy. The journey westward brought N&J to Cache Creek, northbound onto Hwy 97, then westward onto Hwy 99 towards Lillooet …and finally down a most familiar route (Duffey Lake) back to home… in Whistler.

Sitting around the campfire with stars in the night sky… it just doesn’t get better than this.

Another rewarding trip with beloved friends, good food, great scenery has come to a close …always a treat to get out on the road, always a treat to get home. 🙂

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AI NOTICE: The Westfalia Journal (WJ) does not use any ‘AI’ in the content found on this blog, past or present. All the story-telling is done the ‘old fashion’ way …using our brains, imagination & conduits of creativity.

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