We enjoyed gorgeous scenery difficult to capture in words all day today. The drive began following the Fraser River and passing through the Fraser River Canyon.  We drove through multiple tunnels which was really fun. There are train tracks on both sides of the river and many long freight trains travelling both directions.  We had multiple traffic stops of 15 to 20 minutes waiting for trains to cross the highway. Some road/bridge repair construction through the canyon also with travel delays. All of the stops allowed us to enjoy the stunning views of river and the tall, steep mountains surrounding us.

Coming out of the canyon we drove into a more desert-like landscape. Bare rocky peaks provide stone sheep habitat. We didn’t have to look very hard to see a sheep, she was standing right at the edge of the highway.

Our route continued winding over mountain passes, through beautiful forests.  We are all astounded at the vastness, beauty and diversity of the landscapes we are seeing. Words cannot describe these things, photos cannot fully capture them either, they have to be experienced.

For ye shall go out with joy, and be led forth with peace: the mountains and the hills shall break forth before you into singing, and all the trees of the field shall clap their hands.

Isaiah 55:12

Late in the afternoon we arrived in Quesnel, B.C. We stopped at their quaint visitor center and learned about Billy Barker, a local gold miner who made a million and lost it all. Billy mined a staggering 37,500 oz of gold in his lifetime, yet died penniless in 1894. Quesnel boasts as having the largest gold pan in the world in honor of all the miners who came to this area to strike it rich. It is located across the street from the visitor center.