Cache Creek to Logan Lake (71 miles) DH51
Turning off Canada 1 on 97C we headed into Ashcroft where we snagged a photo at the antique fire station
and then got to wait for 2 trans-Canada trains before heading SE on 97C. This was a refreshing twisty ride up to the area of significant copper mining activity at the Highland Valley Copper Mine.
We stopped at a lookout and learned a bit more about the mine and that it's due to be closed by 2019. There were very few vehicles on the road and it was a nice ride on into Logan Lake (with one obligatory TUT).
We took our photos at the mining equipment
and then had a great breakfast at the Logan Lake Lodge. Here's the evidence.
Logan Lake to Merritt (26 miles) DH26
Leaving Logan Lake, it was another twisty ride down 97C to the intersection with BC8. Again there was little traffic and the road surface was wonderful. The vistas were terrific (but aren't they all terrific in BC!)
Lower Nicola to Spences Bridge (34.1 miles) DH 9
This road was a real treat. It had a great twistiness factor and followed near the Nicola River. Once again there was very little traffic. There was elevation gain and loss with a great pavement surface except for several spots that had received water across the road which left gravel and sand on the pavement. (Read that slow down).
At Spences Bridge, I took us across Spences Bridge (a one lane concrete surfaced bridge that's usually just used by the locals). We then recrossed the Thompson River on the new bridge used by Canada 1.
Spences Bridge to Lytton (22 miles) DH 29
This ride down alongside the Thompson River is one of my favorites. There was increased traffic but there were frequent passing lanes. One can really make some time up on this leg which is a 100km road. There is lots of scenery and the river views as well as the mountains are simply very beautiful.
Boston Bar to Yale (25 miles) DH 37
Our last Destination Highway for this trip was the leg on Canada 1 that runs along the Frazier River after it merges with the Thompson River. While the Thompson is relatively clear, but the Frazier is laden with glacial silt. This road is also very twisty and follows right along the river including such places as Hells Gate (we didn't stop), Spuzzum, and 5 tunnels.
I should say that it actually got very warm once again after we left Logan Lake, and we took full advantage of our cooling vests and frequent stops for cooling water.
The rest of the ride down to the Sumas border crossing was pretty much a slab ride with increasing amounts of traffic. Just before the border we took one more opportunity to cool ourselves down in case there was a wait at the border.
There was little wait at the US Border at Sumas, and the border agent was absolutely the friendliest I can recall. He was totally professional but didn't make us feel like criminals for returning to our own country like many of the border agents seem to do.
Back in the US, we decided to forgo the slab and ride down WA9. It was a good choice and a much cooler ride (still in the high 80's and 90's) than I-5. The twisties were nice (but not as nice as BC's) and until we got to Arlington, the traffic was pretty light.
Sisters from Highway 9
At Clearview, we took the opportunity to refill (my low fuel light had been on for a number of miles) and say our goodbyes. This was one of those weekend rides that we didn't want to come to an end. We continued to ride together down WA9 to WA522 and then I-405 south where the Harvey took the Maple Valley exit and we rode it to the end and arrived home around 6:38pm. As we had a meeting concerning our mission trip to Nicaragua, we did a quick unpack, showers, and fresh cool clothing, and we were good to go.
I logged 807 miles over the 2 days and thoroughly enjoyed the time (including the two gully washing drenches). We in Washington have so many great roads, but Canada's roads are a notch better (sort of like the European Alps. But then Alaska takes it many notches even better, but those rides will have to wait for another day.
Tim
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