Backroad Adventure

Yesterday, we (just the adults) went on a long day trip – we left home at 6am and headed North on Hwy99 to Whistler, past Pemberton and Lillooet, entered the In-SHUCK-ch Forest Service Road that took us on some scenic and bumpy backroads and out onto Hwy 7 by Harrison Mills.

The drive was beautiful, especially with the Fall colours.

We drove past a few waterfalls along the way..

The drive was quite uneventful until we approached this bridge around a corner and there were 3 animals ahead! And all I could say was “whoa whoa whoa”… because I have never encountered this animal in our many adventures. And lo and behold, they are cougars!!! To see a cougar is a rare sight, but to see 3 is just crazy.

I had my camera on my lap, always ready for moments just like this.. I was taking pictures in the safety of the truck and Jeff told me to get out to take pictures.. So, I was “forced” out of the truck – but I left the passenger door opened :). I took a couple of quick snaps and went right back in the truck. We sat in the truck and watched the cougar disappear ahead.. Wow, all we can say is wow.

Anyways, continuing our journey, the road got progressively bad.. real bumpy as we made our way to Sloquet hotsprings. There are signs telling visitors that it is a sacred place and that dogs, food, smoking and alcohol are not allowed at the hotsprings. Well, we saw one guy breaking all the rules.. Aside from that, it was very nice taking a dip in the hotsprings.

After the Hotsprings we continued our journey towards Harrison Mills. The road got progressively bad. It was really bumpy and I felt like tossed salad. In fact I could taste my lunch in my throat. Fortunately I was smart enough to take my gravel a couple times on this trip.

There were a few narly sections where we had to engage the 4X4 low gear.

And sometimes we may have a drive around boulders…

Besides the cougars, we also saw this beautiful deer.

It was just before 5pm when we finally arrived at Harrison Mills. I was sure glad we’re on our way home as getting tossed around is tiring.. Jeff asked me what I wanted for dinner, I wanted nothing, I just want to go home, take a shower and go to bed… it was a long day. But it was fun.