We were served breakfast as we left Vancouver (turkey sandwich croissant, granola, yoghurt, bagel, jam, coffee and juice) and travelled along the Fraser River valley - a very fertile agricultural area (corn, blueberries and dairying being most prominent). Lots of people fishing as the salmon have just begun to run heading upstream to spawn.
After some time we arrived at Hell's gate, the narrowest part of the valley and the river. At this point the river is only 33 metres wide. Up to 900 million litres of water per second pass through and the height of the river can vary 25 metres. It is very low at this time of the year but still an incredible amount of water.
Soon after we came across the junction of the Fraser and Thompson. There was quite a difference, the Fraser being quite a muddy river while the Thompson was crystal clear. Quite a few white water rafters on the Thompson. From here the country began to change from being very green to quite arid with the slopes (very steep and rocky) in particular, quite barren. It was amazing to see the land so dry right beside a river with so much water. There was a change in the air too.
There are quite a few fires around Kamloops and as we got closer the air got thicker with smoke. For the last 35 km into Kamloops we travelled along side Kamloops Lake, a huge mass of water. Quite a few people out boating (water skiing) enjoying the warm weather. It wasn't until we got closer to Kamloops that the water in the river was used for irrigation and we saw a little green again.
Tonight we are in the 'Quality Inn' in Kamloops. Had a very nice dinner at Rick's Grill across the road (I had pistachio crusted Halibut and Jill, Thai prawn and scallop curry with basmati risotto). We've seen some incredible countryside today and are told that the run tomorrow into Calgary will be even better. We catch the bus back to the train at 6:15 in the morning.
