As condensed as this travel season is, I went through a lot of different plans and ideas, and what we settled on is gearing up to be a really amazing season. First off, it just feels great to be back on the road, traveling, exploring and learning. Of course it is a bit of an adjustment getting used to everything again, but after a day or so we are right back to the swing of things.
This season we are heading West. Not just a little west, but as far as you can drive, and then some. Many people don't realize that the west coast of Canada used to have a dense population of people. Canneries, fishing towns, immigrant settlements and first nation villages used to colour the maps of our coastline, that is today basically abandoned. There are a half of a dozen coastal towns in BC, mostly around Vancouver, but smack dab in the middle is Bella Coola. I have been exploring around Bella Coola for the better part of my life, and the drive here alone is worth the trip.
Traveling through the Chilcotin to the Pacific takes you through some wild, beautiful and untouched landscapes. There is an endless amount of glorious camp spots, great fishing, old history and of course, many nice people to meet. Once you hit the dirt, you start top feel how far you have come, and the anticipation for the excitement to come. Dropping down the Bella Coola hille is an experience in its self. Of course not nearly as dangerous as it once was, it is still part of the journey that requires preparation. Dropping from almost alpine, down to sea level, on one long dirt hill, is an opportunity that is getting less and less possible in the world.
Once you have reached Bella Coola, you will start to realize why you have invested so much time in getting here. The mountains and views are world class, the culture is strong and still growing, and as far as you can see in every direction, is untouched. On top of it all, you are now at the Pacific Ocean.
For us this is just a stopping point. From Bella Coola, we board the beautiful Northern Sea Wolf, and embark on our journey to Ocean Falls, our season destination. This ghost city has some incredible history, and for the next 16 days, it is home.
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