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Roger's Creek west site.

We stepped into the creek bed to appreciate the view of the stars in the sky and within 10 seconds both saw a shooting star!

Judy saw another one later, but that was it for our 3 or 4 hours of watching. The longer we watched, the luckier our 1st 10 seconds became.

We did spot a satellite passing overhead, and I believe it was the International Space Stations (ISS) on the eve of the 40th anniversary of the 1st moon walk.

Also, for the first time ever, two Canadians were on board.

From http://www.vancouversun.com/news/Crews+work+through+night+protect+Lilloo...

> A photo released by NASA of Canadian Space Agency astronaut Robert Thirsk's
> view from the International Space Station of Terrace Mountain in British Columbia
> on July 22, 2009, where a 4,500-hectare wildfire spread a massive plume of smoke
> visible from space.
> Photograph by: NASA, Handout

Quick overnighter to our usual spot along Chilliwack River.

Had chance to use tow rope again, but not on us, horray!

Our destination was Barkerville, our trip started well, but it wasn't to be. Not to worry, it ended *very* well.

Left Vancouver 7:15pm thursday, after Judy got home from work, showered, and packed the cooler.

We got some take-away from Burgers, Etc. on Hastings Street in Burnaby (great chicken, pulled pork, and, beef brisket).

We got to Hope at almost 9pm and set up in Telte-Yet (People of the River) site right next to the Fraser Canyon as it flows out of the awesome Fraser Canyon.

Walked through Hope looking for food, but ended up cooking some hot dogs on the camp stove, since all the restaurants was closed.

I was up at an astonishing 7am friday and had half finished my coffee, yogurt, and, cereal by the time Judy got up at 8:00.

We left shortly after 10am, had lunch at the surprisingly excellent The Olde Towne Inn & Restaurant on Hwy 1 in the Fraser Canyon.

Afterwords, we headed north into the Cariboo.

There were storm clouds all around and CBC Radio One reported thunder showers in Williams Lake, up ahead.

We decided to attempt getting to a rec site beyond Williams Lake, close to Quesnel.

Vancouver's ChinaTown night market, on Keefer Street between Main and Quebec streets, runs spring and summer.

These photos are from saturday night (June 13th, 2009), but I used to see them setting up when walking through there after work.

Not sure when they open, 6pm maybe. The close at 11pm, entirely civilized hours!

Good trip to Chilliwack this time.

Fortunately weather wasn't too hot; just right.

Put the big tarp up for the first time, and used the new, 2.3m extending metal pole as a centre pole.

It was the first time for both of them and it wasn't very easy.

Quite a pain in the butt, actually.

Thought about returning $50 telescoping pole and splurging for $250 dining tent, but the tents are so big and heavy.

But so enticingly convenient!

Fortunately there was a wooden pole laying at the site, and it was 3m high.

Between the two poles and a couple trees, we got it up and it worked to keep a big area dry during an overnight shower.

But not impressed.

Didn't help that I forgot a couple of my longest pieces of rope, as well as my collapsing saw and the folding shovel.

Brought a few 3' pieces of 2x4 for firewood, so had to buy a bit for a change. Bought a $10 wheelbarrow load but most of it was dreadfully damp.

Some pieces were surprisingly good - un-split, knotted, un-splittable wood burned well, nicely split blocks only 3 or 4 inches square smouldered all day sunday.

Saturday morning we were woken up by someone's car stereo. It was not moving, loud, and pissing me off. I just got out of the tent and a couple young guys came by looking for a tow rope.

I expressed my general pissed-offed-ness at the 10:00 time, they turned off the tunes, and I scoped the situation.

Kid with brand new Jeep Wrangler did as much digging out by hand as possible, then with Woo's poo shovel.

I eventually drove the 30m to his Jeep, he hooked the $5 tow rope around his rear axle and both end-hooks to separate tow anchors under the front of my truck.

I pulled until there was smoke coming from my front wheels, still no traction.

Dug myself in pretty good too.

Un-hooked from him, changed my angle, and pulled him out easily.

He got stuck again later when just goofing around.

I borrowed his axe to split my crappy wood and we were all happy.

Disappointed at all the garbage left around though, again.