So after about 9 days of non-stop work for about 12 or more hours a day we finally finished the contract in Ft. St. John. My friend and co-worker David was heading home at a casual pace and I was headed camping. After getting in touch with the Swamp Donkeys we decided on a small day run in that are. Deny was unable to make it but Charla and Curtis from Edmonton were very hospitable in showing me around their back yard. Along came some friends with Broncos (some people don’t learn). I spent the first night on the shores of the Peace River where it meets the Pine River and enjoyed a fairly quiet night with entertainment provided by some 4WD videos thanks to Robert C. In the morning we all met up and waited for the Ford crowd. The trail proved to be nice, some technical challenges and definitely interesting. We lost one of the Fords not even a quarter way in due to a broken pitman arm. The trip was great and I regretfully had to part ways from my new found friends. I had the intention to hit Hwy 97 and stop for the night at Carp Lake but it was too late in the day, so I had a quick bath in the Pine river to wash off the dust and stopped for the night at Tudyah Lake . It was around 8 and getting dark quickly but to my luck I found that someone left some firewood behind and was grateful for Karma working (I usually try to do the same wherever I go). The night was peaceful and I had some pleasant company from the local field mice and frogs (not the French people). In the morning I hit the highway again and headed to Prince George for some fuel and supplies. Taking Hwy 16 to Bowron FSR with the final destination in mind as just North of Barkerville. The idea was to stick to larger FSRs as I was running solo and still had to be back to work for Wednesday. That idea was slightly changed part way. At Kilometer 109 I encountered a sign that said that 2 of the bridges I wanted to take were closed and soon to be dismantled, it was raining and it was 3pm, the idea of hitting camp by 6 at the latest seemed more distant. I checked out both bridges and decided that neither was doable in the time I had or with only one truck, the only other option was backtracking about 50 Km to a trail that should work. Then I found a trail along the Bowron river that lead where I wanted, the only problem was that it was small (ATV size), with mud pits, swamps and I had no idea if it would continue where I needed it to. At this point I was determined to either be where I want or camp by the river, so I took it. It was not as bad as I originally predicted and I made it through no problem, even met some friends along the line, 4 wild horses just grazing in a field. I manage to arrive to Bowron Lake by 5:30pm, an RV haven then continued on to Atan Lake where again I was greeted by an organized site with way too much already cut firewood. This was the first night I encountered mosquitoes as well as a moose on the other side of the lake. The night was windy and the rain was sporadic. The morning was very wet and I was happy that I set up the tarp the night before. I had a plan to go into Barkerville and I finally arrived at about 10am, the place is great! Definitely worth a stop if you can but try to plan at least 4 hours there, the 2 that I spent was way too little. They do have a Bed & Breakfast there that I can give info for to those interested. The locals that work there get dressed up in old style clothing, there are trips to the old mines, you can even rent clothing from that era and dress up and play the part yourself. Really cool place. The rest of the day was mainly on an annoyingly paved stretch of road know as the 97 Hwy, just North of 100 Mile I decided to camp early and found a very nice lake (a bit close to the main FSR – oh well) and close enough to 100 Mile to have cell service – got to love air cards. So tonight I am at Valentine Lake which is actually very beautiful. Tomorrow, unless I hear otherwise, I regretfully have to be heading home to work on Thursday – Crap!
Let you know if that changes.
Let you know if that changes.
Maybe this year will be different. Only problem is my next North trip will be in January. But hey, there won't be any bugs. 
