Day 3 Making History

The Cariboo Region is full of such interesting history and characters, whose images we caught a glimpse of in Clinton last night. When Bryan headed out this morning, I walked into the heart of the main street that features photo histories of the town. Although the museum was not yet open, active businesses also had displays and one coffee shop patron told me a tale from the book he had written of the area. 

At the same time, Bryan was facing an 8% grade wake-up call that also featured side and tail winds and rough shoulders.  Then the rolling highway again turned into a long uphill to Begbie Summit. That’s where I was waiting with his hot lunch and a lactic acid break. This was also a great place for me to hike up to the fire station that once was the home for a ranger from April to September.  I also met Richard and Irene, a couple of adventurers in their 70's from Langley, BC who were touring today. Richard is retired from a career in the Department of Forestry and had planted over 17 million trees when he was in silvaculture. Pretty impressive!

Our second rest stop for the afternoon was at the 108 Mile Heritage Site. I stayed to tour the large museum grounds while Bryan headed off again. 

This chapel is newly built but patterned after the old log style. It has modern stained glass windows that blend perfectly in this quiet sanctuary. There was a wedding here this spring too.

 Named, the Clydesdale Barn, this massive 2-story structure was dismantled and moved, with the effort that only community spirit can provide. With its new steel roof, it will last another century no doubt.

This tiny log cabin was home to a trapper for many years before it was re-located here beside the small lake ringed with a well-used walking trail. I also saw Richard and Irene here again.

Since we had agreed that with the increasing Friday race to the lake, the poor shoulders and the need for a bit of a break, I pulled into Lac La Hache Provincial Park early, with Bryan not far behind me. After all, 112 km was still a good distance for early in the trip.Our hosts, Diane and Frank from Newfoundland, welcomed us warmly. As a retired RCMP member, Frank is very familiar with the area while Diane shares my love of acrylic painting. Common ground for easy conversation.

We’re in lake country now, leaving the mountain waterfalls behind. The days are hot when the sun shines but the evenings are quite cool and the mosquitos are on the hum.  We are enjoying the quiet in the RV since this is the first night without cycling. We really appreciate the comforts of the RV and a quiet site to turn in early. 

This has been a day steeped in history, even as we make our own memories.