Day 41 – Kamloops, BC to Lynden, WA

Today we returned to the U.S. and ended a wonderful 34 days in Canada. We've visited nine provinces, driven 6,547 miles and towed the trailer 5,000 miles while exploring the country. We can’t call the trip over, however, because we’re now over 2,500 miles from home.

About the Day

It was sunny and warm all day. We decided to take the scenic route from Kamloops to the border at Abbotsford.

The terrain and sights were phenomenal. The mountains were rugged, the lakes were peaceful and the rivers flowed wildly. Traffic was light and the highways were in good condition.

We were fortunate. Our 5 minute delay at Customs was trivial compared to those waiting to enter Canada. Their line stretched for blocks.

The Route

We drove 248 miles ... 238 miles on TCH-1 in Canada. We finished with a short drive on WA-9 and WA-542 to Lynden.

The Sights

It seems that the last sights we've seen are the best. Today was no exception. This route is called The Gold Rush Trail. It's well worth the journey.

Leaving Kamloops

Kamloops area lakes have the reputation of being the best fly fishing lakes in BC. We saw a number of them along TCH-1, but couldn't distinguish them by name. Kamloops Lake and Tunkwa Lake were in the mix.

Kamloops Lake

Tunkwa Lake

Our route followed Thompson River and Canadian Pacific tracks from Savona to Lytton. It provided some dramatic views.

There were lots of long, steep (7%) grades. Fortunately, BC was generous in providing passing lanes.

Approaching Hope, BC

The Campground

We stopped at the Lynden KOA. It’s a do-over. We were here in 2010. It’s a nice place and very busy. Our one-night stay here cost $17.48, thanks to camping credits we had accumulated.

Tomorrow

Jon and Judy Siehl moved from Columbus to Seattle a few days after we left on this trip. We’re going to visit them tomorrow to make sure their unpacking is going OK.