Prince George to Kelowna

We had an early start yesterday.  We usually stay in Quesnel but staying in Prince George makes it a longer journey and we had to drop the Triumph off at the dealer for a warranty part replacement as well.  Wednesday night was a shower, beer and then dinner at the Thanh Vu vietnamese restaurant which is in the same complex as the motel.  It's always a good choice.  Eric was in bed by 8pm and me shortly after. We were up at 5:45 and after a quick scone and coffee breakfast we were on the road by 6:45.  

It was still dark and although we try never to drive in the dark it was not freezing or raining so it was doable.  

It's a good thing the lines are freshly painted or it would be hard driving.  Temp 2C and light traffic.

As we came into Quesnel it was getting light.  Off to the right you can see one of the pulp mills located here.  Steam stacks everywhere. There used to be pulp mills in Kitimat and Prince Rupert farther north but they are long gone. 

The Quesnel River.  It's really convoluted to get through Quesnel and you wind your way through.  

There is huge paving project between Quesnel and Williams Lake that went on for miles with not a worker in sight.  It appeared to be at an unfinished standstill.  There are no lines on the pavement for miles and driving in the dark would be really hazardous.

Next up will be Williams Lake. 

No one working here anywhere just signs that it is a construction zone.  

Coming down the long hill to Williams Lake.  Straight ahead you end up in the Chilcotin so left for us.

Williams Lake.

Lac La Hache....20kms long. 

Down the long hill into 100 mile house. 

Up ahead is Clinton.  The long hill coming down from about 3700 ft. 

It's a neat and clean little place. 

Clinton to Cache Creek and it's really pretty through here with lots of fall colour.  

The grass is still green here and the hills are really pretty. 

We stopped in Cache Creek for lunch and then we were off up the hill heading towards Kamloops. 

Lots of hay and grain is grown here and also feed corn which hasn't been cut yet.  Up ahead there is a huge feed lot and lots of cattle grazing so I'm guessing that's what the corn is for. 

Benches along the Thompson River.  

Up ahead is Kamloops Lake.

We're up high above the lake. 

Coming down the long hill into Kamloops.  Our granddaughter Abby is living and working here as a vet tech.  

Down the long hill.

Up ahead the sprawling city of Kamloops. 

From Kamloops to Vernon we pass through the Falkland valley and it is really pretty through here.  During the summer the traffic must be a nightmare!  Like a lot of BC this area has seen it's share of forest fires in the past few years and many areas have hills of black dead trees. 

Lots of fall colour and green fields.  We love the drive through this area. 

Monte Lake.

Through the Falkland valley and now we come onto highway 97 where we head south to Vernon and then Kelowna. 

Vernon used to be quiet little town.  Not anymore!

A sunny day and about 13C/

Kalamalka Lake on the left.  

Next up was Kelowna where we dropped the motorcycle off.  We arrived at 3:30 so we made good time.  

Heading down Gordon Drive towards Ian and Linda's. 

Lots of fall colour here still. 

San Michelle Drive and our stop.  The trees are beautiful but really messy. 

We had a lovely faux Thanksgiving dinner last night.  We'd had a few beers and lots of chat first.  We were both exhausted and ready for bed.  We'll visit family while we're here in Kelowna and then move on to Manny and Connie's and Coos Bay, Oregon at the beginning of the week.  Time to relax!

This is our two day route and it took us a bit longer than the time shown.  Roads were good except for where the highway was wet and salted so the truck and trailer are white!