(QUESNEL) It’s late by the time we finally get to Quesnel, check into our motel and grab a bite of dinner. It’s been a very long day and we’ve covered a lot of ground. Stephen is just as chipper and loquacious as when I picked him up at the ferry terminal – when was that? Seems a very long time ago, but it was just this morning. That was quite a trip. Tomorrow’s agenda is just as ambitious – Quesnel to Barkerville then all the way to Hope. Better get some shut-eye…

Soda Creek elder Ralph Phillips stamps
Stephen’s passport at Xatsu’ll village

(XATSU’LL HERITAGE VILLAGE)  The sun’s setting and the smoke from the camp fire is drifting up into a cloudless sky as we walk up to Ralph Phillips, who has been patiently waiting for us (we’re about an hour late). The smoke is a good thing – keeps the mosquitoes off. This is a great site – pithouses and traditional shelters mixing with a few teepees that have been added for dramatic effect. Ralph speaks about the importance of sharing the stories of this place to visitors. It is tempting to stay here and talk into the night, but we have one more stop a long way down the road – Quesnel.

The 108 gang stamping Stephen’s
passport on the porch

(108 MILE HERITAGE SITE) Sun’s out in full, sparkling off the lake and it’s as warm as that Cariboo welcome we’re getting from Mary Ann Rutledge and the rest of the heritage society that have made this a premier attraction. From the house and store to the brand new church, it’s a marvelous place to visit. We’re lingering a bit here, reluctant to leave. But we gotta press on – next stop, Soda Creek and Xatsu’ll.

Stephen at the 100 Mile post

(100 MILE HOUSE) The media was waiting for us up here – 100 Mile Free Press snapped Stephen’s picture right at the cairn beside the Visitor Centre as he was getting his passport stamped. It’s hard traveling with a celebrity like this. But hey, the sun is shining and 100 Mile looks pretty in the late afternoon-early evening as we saddle up and head out for the next stop on the fun-filled agenda – 108 Mile Heritage site, just up the road…