This is just below the convergence of the Fraser and Nechako rivers, with the much clearer water of the Nechako River flowing along the near shore, and the silt-laden Fraser along the far shore. This colorization mixed as the river flowed downstream.
We spent the morning in the Lheidi T’ennah Memorial Park (formally Fort George Park). The fall colors are become evident in the foliage.
Here are some random shots of the random flower gardens along the Fraser River.
This is the original village site of the local First Nations people. It has been used as a burial site for many years, as the original people believed in cremation, but later internment has been dictated by the church to be more in-line with European custom. Headstones of more recent burials are located in the back corner.
Cathy likes hanging out with local “big wheels”. The green one is sixteen feet in diameter and was installed at the Eagle Lake sawmill sometime prior to 1828. Driven by a steam engine, it used a 30″ wide leather belt to power the entire mill. The black, smaller one was not identified.
The entire park was impeccability landscaped with paved walking trails, a water park for children, a small train ride and a museum including “The Exploration Place” designed mainly for children.
This is the cairn commemorating explorer Sir Alexander Mackenzie. Mackenzie, a native of Hebrides was obsessed with the idea that a practical water route existed between Lake Athabasca and the Pacific. His first attempt to find the route in 1789 led him down the river that bears his name to the Arctic Ocean. A second attempt via the Peace and Fraser Rivers brought him to the sea near Bella Coola in 1793.
After spending time at Lheidi T’ennah Memorial Park, we went up the hill to Connaught Hill Park, which was renowned for its flowers. It did not disappoint. We parked and walked around the park marveling at the beautiful gardens. Now, if I just could make our backyard look like this!
After walking the entire park, I was in photographing the landscape and caught Cathy just resting. Guilty!
This is view looking down at Prince George from the top of the hill. The Yellowhead Highway bridge crossing the combined Nechako/Fraser rivers is visible in the distant.
We took a little side trip to see the sights in downtown. We just stumbled upon the incredible bakery. This bakery has been on this location on George Street since 1955.
We continued south on the Yellowhead to the town of Quesnel, just in time to enjoy the local farmers market which runs on Saturdays from May to October and has about 40 venders. We spotted this pretty neat clock on the corner.
Here is a sampling of the types of produce being offered at the market. We picked up some Russian Red garlic. Because we were crossing the U.S. border in two days, we decided not to purchase any of the fruits and vegetables as that would be a concern at the checkpoint.
We took time to walk several blocks into the city itself and were amazed at the amount of flowers displayed and the overall cleanliness and neatness of the city streets.
We managed to spot a truly black flower. We did not know these even existed.
Quesnel has something for everyone, even the dogs!
After leaving Quesnel, we continued south, along the Yellowhead towards Cache Creek, our destination for the evening. We stopped at 108 Mile House Heritage Site for some needed leg time. There happened to be an event going on so we walked the historic buildings that were open to the public.
This building was originally built as the 1867 Roper logs shed, then was subsequently torn down and reassembled (repurposed) at the Telegraph Office and Store.
This structure was built in 1892 and served as a bunk house.
This was the Stobie Lake patrol cabin used by the British Columbian Game Warden.
Originally built in 1867 by W. J.Roper as the “108 Hotel”, this building was moved in 1892 to its present site.
The blacksmith shop held original-era equipment.
The barn also contained original-era equipment.
The schoolhouse had room for up to 21 students!
Continuing south, we passed through Lac La Hache, 100 Mile House, 70 mile House and Clinton (we should have stopped, the town was chock full of antique shops) before spending the evening in Cache Creek. Myrna treated us to a very good dinner at a local drive in, located in “downtown” (inside joke). We drove around town a bit before retiring to the RV Park.
Travelling with the Schinglers 