Mo. 4.7.: Traveling on Highway 99 (Duffey Lake Road)

Today we start heading north with an overnight stay in Clinton. We have chosen shorter driving distances to experience the beautiful nature with the kids along the way.

Our first hike takes us along the roaring river to the impressive Nairn Falls. Over two levels, massive amounts of water plunge 60 meters into the depths. The viewpoint is well developed but requires surefootedness when climbing the rocks. The kids are definitely thrilled.

Right next to the waterfall, we discovered a hummingbird on its nest. It's not easy to spot it in the photo.

At the next stop, it's just a short walk to the shimmering green Joffre Lake. However, it lacks a bit of sunshine for the perfect color play - but it's idyllic all the same.

The next drive takes us through the Rockies with steep rock slopes and deep green forests. The melting glaciers sometimes reach the highway, and the strong currents of the wide rivers carry a lot of logs, which often get stuck at narrowing points. The entire area is inhabited by the First Nations, and we use the time in the car to tell the kids a bit about this history. Countless questions follow!

Just before our destination for the day, we turn onto Cariboo Highway 97, a part of the 'Gold Rush Trail.' It follows the route that the gold prospectors used to painstakingly travel with covered wagons!

We too succumb to this madness and try our hand at gold panning at the Historic Hat Creek Ranch. Not entirely unsuccessful, as you can see. Here, you can also admire historical buildings, an old stagecoach, and other things from the time of the gold miners.

In Clinton itself, there are also many historical buildings whose history is explained on corresponding plaques.