Day 9 – Friday 2nd June - Hat Creek Ranch Cache Creek to Wells Gray

Before we depart this morning we are treated to a guided visit to a reconstructed first nation summer encampment, which was very interesting; and then continued with a ride on a stagecoach to the original Hat Creek Roadhouse an historic monument from the days of the Gold Rush.

This was a great start to the day and it was hard to tear ourselves away from this atmospheric place, though most of those who had failed to apply insect repellent this morning took away some nasty mosquito bites.  Before we set off it was coffee and warm, fresh baked blueberry muffins, though the muffins themselves were closer to what we would call a blueberry scone.

The drive from here to our next destination was through a dry and arid landscape, though after a while the route closely follows the Thompson River which seems to gather water and grow in size as we follow it towards Kamloops Lake and then again north of the town towards Clearwater.  Here we leave the main road and head into Wells Gray Provincial Park on the Clearwater Valley Road.

We pass the campground and make for the nearby river with the intention of visiting Dawson Falls and Helmcken Falls on the Murtle River.  Both are spectacular, the latter especially so and once again we stand and stare in awe at these amazing torrents of water plunging into deep gorges.  It is clear that winter has not long passed as below Helmcken Falls the remains of the ice cone formed over the winter months is still visible and for a brief moment there is a rainbow visible over the gorge.  Stunningly beautiful.

On our return to the campground we spotted a large black bear crossing the road so it was check rearview mirrors for other vehicles and then brake hard while Mary grabs the camera!


Our stay for the next couple of nights is the Wells Gray Golf Resort and RV Park. Tonight we have marshmallows around the fire pit, at least the smoke keeps off the worst of the evening insects.

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