May 27, 2024 - Day 28

Well, sadly this is  our last hurrah - tomorrow we fly home leaving this amazing province with our wonderful memories. We had a bit of time to see a bit of Merritt before leaving for Vancouver. The town is known for Canadian Country Music and has hosted the best as well as their American counterparts.

The Coquihalla Highway from Merritt to Hope is in the top 3 of BC's most dangerous highways registering 32 fatal crashes in the 10 year period from 2004 to 2013. What the official reason was I do not know. It should come as no surprise to you I do have some thoughts on the issue. It is a high mountain highway tracing a winding, curvy path surrounded by breathtaking scenery as it changes over a kilometre of elevation in 50 kilometres distance. 

The highway is 3 lanes wide in many spots, especially the passing lane sections. Numerous concrete barriers follow the many curves in the road. Add to that the presence of bicycles in some areas and, I've got an idea, let's make the speed limit 120 kph! What could possibly go wrong?

A quick (and I do mean quick) lunch stop at a rest area east of Vancouver introduced us to an ongoing controversy. People in RVs and campers use the spot as a campground some actually squatting there long term. The BC government is well aware of it and is attempting to remove them all permanently. Funny, we seem to experience local news a lot when we travel.

Our final hotel stay is at an airport hotel. It's pretty average but they certainly seem to have a good sense of humour. Apparently they leave a rubber duck in your room for you. 

Sadly, as our luck would have it, they are out of ducks...so I guess they don't give a duck!  😎

I want to thank you all for coming along for the ride with us. I hope you enjoyed it. More to come in the fall.