Lytton to Smithers

June 15:  We departed the Kumsheen Resort around 9 a.m. after breakfast (coffee/tea and raisin bran) and long hot showers.  Given the weather for the day we thought a long day on the road was in order.  We delivered on that, for sure.  Driving north from Lytton we drove generally north to Prince George.    On this leg of the journey we passed through many small towns, and many, many farms.  100 Mile House was a bit of a highlight.  The weather eased a bit and we were able to have lunch out of the back of the 4Runner at Centennial Park.  The park seems to consist of an old executive length golf course and wooded area.  Again, what impressed me, and I will sound like a broken record, was how clean and well cared for this and the other parks we have visited thus far on our trip.  Civic pride is alive and well in central B.C.  The wooded area at Centennial Park was beautiful.  Big trees lining a small draw with a creek running through it.  About 1/2 km up from the parking area was a beautiful waterfall.  (No photo of the waterfall.  From that point on I pledged to carry my landscape lens.  So far I have failed on this pledge.)

Before I leave Centennial Park, I have to tell you about the strange scene in the wooded area near the waterfall.  Up one of the banks we spotted a pair of Canada Geese.  We continued up the path just past the falls to observe the pair with 3 goslings.  The goslings appeared to be several weeks old.  The parents scrambled up the sandy slope into the trees.  The 3 gosling followed but not without some difficulty.  First time I had seen such a sight.  I hope they make it.

The rest of the day was, frankly a blur....  Rain most of the way to Vanderhoof, the geographic centre of the province.  (If you got this answer to my quiz challenge, give yourself a pat on the back.  if you got the answer without the use of Google, or asking your wife or kids, pour yourself a glass of wine.) We stayed at a very modest (cheap) motel called the Siesta.  Actually, it was terrific.  Clean. Quiet(ish).  The owner was a real card.  Nice fellow.  We ate dinner at the iconic "The Reid" in downtown Vanderhoof.  Outstanding food and the service was very good.  Next time you are in Vandy, give it a try.  Okay, time to move it along......

June 16:  We birded right out of the gate this morning, spending 1 1/2 hours at the local Bird Sanctuary in Vanderhoof.  A good start to the day with American Redstart, Yellow Warbler, Cedar Waxwing and Flicker.

We drove west on the Yellow Head Highway destined to Smithers, our resting place for the night.  We spend 3 plus hours at the Tyhee Lake Provincial Park near Telkwa (my auto spell check is loving these names....).  We saw many terrific species such as:  American Redstart, Swainson's Thrush (a lifer for Barry), Warbling Vireo, Northern Waterthrush, Red-breasted Sapsucker, Western Wood Peewee (another lifer for Barry), Common Loon on the lake giving his iconic call.  

From Telkwa we continued a short distance to Smithers.  I have heard many great things about Smithers over the years.  I can tell you that all are true.  This is one exceptionally beautiful town, in a gorgeous valley (Bulkley Valley).  I do believe we may spend an extra day here.

That's all for today.  I have included a couple of bird photos.  Enjoy!


American Redstart - female

Warbling Vireo

American Redstart - male




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