British Columbia

We're taking a laundry pit stop in Smithers, BC. Didn't know a family of four could create so much laundry in 6 days! We've stayed at Loon Lake, near Cache Creek, and last night we were at Beaumont Provincial Park on Fraser Lake near Vanderhoof. Loon Lake was very cold, and the past couple of days have been raining a little, but each morning seems be be bright and sunny before the clouds roll in. We are anxious to see the local wildlife, but they seem to be hiding. We did see a few deer, but no moose or cariboo yet. We had a bald eagle flying along side the van yesterday, cruising along with us for a bit - then he got bored and few off. The forests up here are tragically affected by the pine beetle; in some areas the forests are 1/2 dead. Tonight we'll be at the junction of Hwys 16 and 37, to head North again.

St. Helens and Birch Bay Park

Notice our friend drinking coffee - everyone seems to be mocking us with caffeine! Everywhere we go they're offering espresso or latte. I cheated yesterday and bought a diet coke... had to bribe Tyler with his own soda so he'd keep his mouth shut.

Yesterday we spent most of the day at the Columbia Gorge, looking at waterfalls and the Bonneville Dam and fish hatchery - very cool! We drove up to the turn off to Mt. St. Helens late in the afternoon, but didn't head up to the mountain since the visitor center was set to close within the hour. The mountain was beautiful, covered in snow, on this perfect clear afternoon. We decided to stay at the local state park (which had showers!) and proceed up the the Mountain in the morning.

We woke up to low clouds! By the time we made it up to the observatory, we were in the clouds, and St. Helens was not at all visible. Bummer! It was cold too. We were able to watch a movie about the volcano, and had good views of the blast zone and lava flows. Tonight we're in Birch Bay State park (more showers!) and will be going into Canada in the morning.

Happy Birthday Mom!

We made it through Oregon!

Two days of travel, and we haven't had any van issues! We had a nice visit with Ron and Sally in Medford, and drove up to Crater Lake this morning - a beautiful, incredibly blue lake with lots of snow for the kids to have snowball fights. Then it was on to the Columbia River. Tonight we're camping near the Cascade Lockes, and plan a hike to see some waterfalls tomorrow. We're missing our Donner Lake friends... hope you guys are having a good time. Please have a margarita for me!

We're Off!

Finally got the van all packed and are ready to go. Happy Trails, and hope to "hear" from you in the comment section!