Cache Creek to Vancouver

After washing all the mud, dirt, bugs, etc. from Alaska and Northern British Columbia, we set out for Vancouver. We stopped in a lovely town called Ashcroft and mysteriously our motor home gravitated towards the local bakery. Good thing we don't do that daily. Ashcroft is truly an oasis in a desert area. The hills and mountains around it are brown and the only vegetation is a type of sagebrush. The Thompson River runs through the town and valley and local farmers use the natural resource to irrigate the otherwise barren land. The contrast between the green fields and the lifeless hills is striking. Ashcroft was a stage coach stop and some of the historic homes are masterpieces.

We left Ashcroft, debating whether or not to fill up on diesel. No, we have a quarter tank and the gas will be cheaper down the road. When will we learn? The next town where we plan to get fuel has a huge sign over the "GAS" billboard marked, "CLOSED". Gulp. What to do...go back 48 kilometers or go south 37 kilometers. We know there is gas behind us. We live dangerously and head south. Little did we know that the 37 kilometers would possess hair pin turns, a gorgeous river running through the canyon and a train track to boot.

Rather than enjoy the scenery, I was biting my nails as Dennis stared at the gas gauge. You know how you can have 1/4 tank and then all at once it drops to nothing? That was the picture we had. Finally, we saw a "fuel ahead" sign and crossed our fingers that the station would have diesel. Yes! Our tank takes 100 litres of fuel. We put 97 litres in the tank. Too close for comfort. Note to self: when you see a gas station, fill up!

We took a few scenics along the Fraser River before the weather soured and turned to significant rain. It rained until we hit the outskirts of Vancouver. With just drizzle, we took a few pictures, including one of logs floating in the Fraser River. The logging companies cut the lodgepole pines, deliver them by truck and train to the river and put them in the water. They are then picked up by boats and taken to far off countries.

We headed for the Visitor's Center in downtown Vancouver. Despite the fact this city was recently named the best place in the world to live, we unfortunately took an artery that traveled through the worst part of town. Streets were filled with homeless and drug addicts. It really made you shudder to think that people live this way.

Finally finding our way to the visitor center, we parked in a "motorcycles only" parking place. There weren't any other options. We took some record shots of this beautiful town. One included a docked cruise ship, the convention center and our trusty (and clean!) motor home.

Vancouver is a happening place with young people everywhere. It is a haven for those passionate in the arts. A number of American film companies have studios there and Vancouver is often used as a prop for city shots. Michael J. Fox spent his teen years in the Vancouver area, and Vancouver has been called Hollywood North. They will be hosting the 2010 Winter Olympics, as well.

We fight the incredible traffic in a town that does not have the infrastructure to support the number of cars on the road. There is a very good mass transit system in place, but we guess that on Saturdays, everyone wants to drive their Saab, Audi or Nissan.

We were amazed however, at how respectful people were of the traffic signals. Back home, a yellow light means, "keep on trucking". A red light means, "better hurry." Here, when the light turned yellow, cars stopped. We then realized why; traffic cameras!

We head a bit south to the town of Tsawwassen. We plan to take the ferry to Victoria tomorrow. Another capital awaits us.