Clearwater to Nakusp

Today was a long day.
It started off great at Dutch Lake with coffee on the porch overlooking the lake. I even had an opportunity to do a good deed before I hit the road.
Not to far down the road, I came to Barrier and noticed that all the mountains on all sides were bare except for burnt tree trunks.

This went on for miles and miles. It must have been terrifying to be there during this fire. I can only assume that the town was evacuated because the burnt sticks come right down to within yards of the buildings. Obviously the fire crews know how to do their jobs.
Once out of the burnt area, I noticed that the forests on the hills have large swaths of dead trees - pine beetle damage. The dead trees would be perfect tinder.


I zipped through Kamloops only stopping to get a power cord for the laptop. Quickly through, I headed south on Hwy 97. It is spring and raining so everything is very green.
I came across Monte Lake on this leg of the drive and stopped to take one of the prettiest pictures so far. Agree?

Monte Lake, BC

Rolling onward, I had a minor glitch approaching Vernon and then went on through to Lumby. Through construction and onto miles and miles and miles of this:

Bumpy, bad roads in the rain and clouds.

Sigh...









So, I stopped to go for a walk and ran into this.

This is the trail I planned to walk down to Shuswap River on Hwy 6. I didn't even get started! This is of course, child's play compared to what's going on at home right now.
I hope everyone is safe and I send thoughts to those suffering loss in southern Alberta.


Finally, I got to the Needles ferry at the south end of Arrow Lake.  The break while on the ferry was enough to get me to Nakusp where I am holed up in motel for the night and happy to finally stop driving.

Arrow Lake from the ferry.

Driving from Fauquier to Nakusp, I saw a bear - twice, so 2 bears. I also saw deer today between Lumby and Needles.
The first little brown bear was sitting on the side of the Hwy chewing on the grass. It was very cute.

It's strange to be in Nakusp and not with my sister who has property just south of here. But they aren't there until tomorrow! Seems strange to miss her by only that much.

Sleep tight and safe my friends.