We got up early today to get on the road. The distance between Grand Prairie and Vancouver is about 750 miles. After talking to Rick and Sandy, we got online and reserved a spot at the campground in Vancouver for September 2. We figured if we did two 300 mile days, then we can get to Vancouver early in the day on the second and have a chance to look around. I have been using OnX Maps to plan the route as well as the track where we were going, so I’m able to pick an area along the route near the 300 mile mark.
I was originally planning to route back up the Cariboo Highway, and continue down the Cassier Highway, but after driving that portion, it looked like heading back through Jasper National Park was a better route for seeing wildlife. And that did not disappoint.
Toward the end of the day we were approaching the Canoe River Campground at 300 miles
on the OnX maps, but once we arrive there, it was actually a pay campground for $45 CAD and the area did not look very interesting. This map tool is not so great at finding campsites, so I opened up iOverlander and found a spot about 6 km up the road at Upper Canoe River Rec site. There were some warnings that there was only one to two spots, and the site might be occupied. But it turned out to be one of the best camping spots. No one was there, there was a firing, two picnic tables, tons of firewood, and a drop toilet. And they were blueberries everywhere.
I trekked off into the woods to collect firewood while Kathy grabbed a container and started picking blueberries. They were tons of other berries in the area and she found a great app where you can take a picture and identify the plants, berries, etc. I think she found huckleberries, red huckleberries, more raspberries, and some poisonous ones. The application also identified mushrooms with huge warnings, don’t eat them.
We had a great evening and listened to the roaring river behind us and the crackling of the fire.