From a Canyon to a Plateau – Discovering British Columbia!

We embarked on our journey to Alaska. Today, we crossed the border in Sumas, Washington and entered Huntingdon, British Columbia.

(Border Crossing)

The Canada Border Services Agency welcomed us with routine inquiries: our destination (Fairbanks), our last visit to Canada (a distant memory, roughly 15 years ago), and our cargo (just some veggies for the road). Thankfully, our cherished biltong—a South African delicacy akin to beef jerky—remained unmentioned and thus, unconfiscated.

We had considered arming ourselves with our trusty Ruger Blackhawk for the Alaskan wilderness, but the red tape of cross-border firearm transport deterred us. Then came the query about mace or pepper spray. Terri, ever-prepared, produced a tiny canister from her purse. She carries it when walking, in case she encounters the cougar or bear others have seen near our home. Upon her showing the officer the spray canister, sirens, alarms, and flashing lights burst forth jarringly and we were surrounded by Canadian Mounties. No. Not really.

After being treated very kindly by the CBSA, Terri relinquished her contraband into the hands of the officer. Paperwork was signed whereas she declared, “I, the owner of the goods … abandon them to the crown.” Although we may have lost to the crown a mini pepper spray, we gained a tale and a few chuckles hoping King Charles finds good use for the spray.

(Terri abandons her pepper-spray "to the crown.")

After the border crossing, we began our five-day trek through Canada toward our first stop in the Cariboo Region. We excitedly feasted our eyes on new towns, untraveled roads, and vistas unseen.

Within an hour of driving into our northern neighboring country, we found ourselves surrounded by snow-capped mountains. The wide expanse narrowed as the mountains closed while we ventured through the highly scenic Fraser Canyon of the Coastal Mountains. It was breathtaking and quite enjoyable.

The landscape gradually transformed as the area became more arid. We were still surrounded by mountains and hills, but there was much less vegetation due to the increasingly arid climate. We thought the area to be reminiscent to Southern Colorado.

(This picture doesn't do justice to the beautiful scenic vistas of BC)

Traveling the historic Gold Rush Trail, we were transported back in time, imagining the lives of prospectors and settlers who once traversed these paths. The road wound its way along the river and alongside the Canadian Pacific Railway and the Fraser River. We also saw a few snow flurries at 2:30 pm.

(Sign along the Gold Trail in BC)

We arrived in the Cariboo, an intermontane region of British Columbia. The name is a reference to the caribou that were once abundant in the area. Right now, we are at our first overnight, The Cariboo Log Guest House, 485 miles from home. We are settled-in having had dinner and a quick game of Five Crowns (resounding victory to Terri). We look forward to what tomorrow will bring as we reflect on the day’s journey—a blend of history, nature, and the unexpected turns of travel.