“Boys Camp-out” by N&J

Whistler, BC (Oct 08/2021) – Originally the plan was for N&J (and Jesse) to join fellow Westfalia friends Chris & Olivier (C&O) for a week traveling in BC’s Cariboo region. But plans changed after N’s mom who is waiting for a hip operation needed some TLC, this of course was best provided at N&J’s Whistler home. So after much insistence from N …it was decided that J & Jesse would set out on their own first ever (after N replenished Hobbes’ food cache) …all ‘Boys Camp-out’ excursion!!! (Ok, Chris has been declared an ‘honourary boy’ for just this outing only) 😉

Leaving Whistler with an empty seat was difficult for both, Jesse looking over N’s usual place in Hobbes, wondering where his mom was (Meeeeoooow!!!). The weather initially was sunny & warm, a good day to traverse over the Duffey Lake route north to Lillooet, punctuated by J remembering his meds are still at home 🙁 luckily discovering this momentary lapse ‘sooner than later’ (N met them halfway to Pemberton to fill that need).

click on pic to enlarge – right/left arrow to scroll thru the gallery

The ‘boys’ met C&O (and Westy the new kid…er dog in town) at the Seton Lake campsite near Lillooet (BC’s best kept secret: its FREE …Shhhhhh!!!). BC Hydro’s presence in the area includes 2 hydro power generation plants, water diversion, fish spawning channels & a wonderful campground (much like the BC Provincial Campsites) that has about 44 sites with tables & firepits, really clean bathrooms (outhouses) in a beautiful setting among the tall rock-faced peaks surrounding. It was here that J presented C&O with a long planned gift of a Westfalia Fire Screen …sadly N was not there 🙁

A lovely cool, dry evening presented itself to enjoy sitting around the campfire, after a long, hot, smokey summer without.

The next day it was decided to stay an extra night as the weather was holding nicely, unlike the deluge of rain hitting Metro Vancouver & the Whistler area. A long walk along the dyke that creates the aqueduct that funnels the Seton Lake water destined for the hydro power generator emptying into the Fraser River. Jesse enjoying his ‘go-cart’, Westie running back & forth (exhausting to watch). Another evening to enjoy the fire (albeit rain was threatening) after a nice BBQ meal (thanks to C for all of the great meals).

The following morning, a drive north & east towards 100 Mile House was dry & easy-going, assisted by use of the 2 way radios to enhance communications between the Westfalias. The distinctive colours of fall abound everywhere, accenting the green/brown hills with red, orange & yellow. A small diversion along Hwy 97 (north of Clinton) to a lookout known as Chasm, where the high plateau meets the river gorge originally carved out by the receding ice-age mass. The viewpoint is spectacular. Turns out this would be a good place to camp for the night if a respite is needed from a long drive …something that will be noted for future travel.

The destination of the day ended at a little known forest rec site near Canim Lake (about 40 min drive north-east of 100 Mile House), after leaving the paved road, a 5 km up-hill drive on a gravel forest service road brought them to Howard Lake. N&J had discovered this gem on a previous visit to the area, it abounds with fish and is very popular with the fishers. Quiet & serene, the loons lull you to sleep.

After a couple of days at Howard Lake, drove to meet friends of C&O who live at Deka Lake on a lakefront property. Beautiful spot, lovely setting, large treed acreage with lots of room for the dogs to run. It was here that J not feeling well due to flu symptoms decided to leave and head for home…

Thinking the drive all the way back to Whistler was a bit daunting, J decided to stop at Goldpan Provincial Park along the Thompson River, but alas the campsite has been closed since the fire destroyed the Village of Lytton & continued to burn the valley northward for most of July & August. The devastation was overwhelming, seeing the mountains scorched, in some cases right along side the Trans-Canada Hwy. In order to return to Lillooet, a drive through the burnt remains of Lytton was necessary, the road through the town fenced & tarped to prevent ‘lookie-loos’ from stopping & gawking. Stopping was prohibited & security people were everywhere to ensure compliance. Needless to say, witnessing the destruction first hand was humbling …a sad scene indeed. One can only hope that Lytton will be rebuilt sooner than later. CBC’s ‘Still Standing’ did a show (season 1 – episode 7) all about Lytton a few years back, a glimpse what this little town looked like before …a really good watch.

Over night at Seton Lake campground again as the daylight was waning fast. A peaceful night for J & Jesse (missing his mom). Next morning a uneventful drive back to Whistler along the Duffey Lake corridor. The first time ever that the boys adventured out on their own without N by their side …No more crying themselves to sleep at night …they arrive home safely.

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