Written July 28th in 10 Mile Lake Provincial Campground.

I spent the evening doing the back float in 10 Mile Lake. Ummmm. The water was not too cold but cool enough that I could really appreciate it after the heat of today. Families of ducks paddled around while I was swimming. I was wary of swimmers itch which I am told comes from fowl in the water so I was glad to be in a place where a hot shower was available even though I had to stand in a line up. It wasn’t so bad. It was a great opportunity to meet people

Political protesters

I got to Bakerville early today, just after they opened so that I could walk around before it got too hot. There was a nice breeze going down the main street so it wasn’t too bad although it was very dusty, probably much as it was in the late 1800’s. I spent most of the day there. Bakerville is a museum dedicated to the gold rush in the area. It is a large village but it was probably much bigger at the height of gold fever. Actors portray the towns residents and so as you go you can talk to the locals about what their role in town was. I got to speak to the doctor and a couple of rabble rousers who were trying to get the people worked up over some political issues. I heard a fire and brimstone sermon at the church (there was actually a disclaimer that no one under six should come to that one) and a woman tried to sell me shares in a flooded gold mine. I held my money tight. There were stage coach rides but it was too hot and dusty to cram myself into one of those and I didn’t go to the theatre. I thought it would be really hot in there even thought the shows are said to be excellent. It was enough to watch the staff portray their roles as historical figures from town. They were very good. I even got to the saloon but wasn’t up to quaffing a root beer. I left quickly before the local toughs noticed my reluctance to drink with them. It was fun. Touristy but not too much so. Probably the biggest museum I have ever been in and because it is at the end of a long road with not much else on it, the crowds were manageable.

Looking down the main street of Barkerville

When I drove back to Quesnel along highway 26, I didn’t see another car going my way. What a nice drive. I headed back to the info centre to post my blog from yesterday and to make a few calls. Then I headed to 10 Mile Lake park. I had dinner, did some sketching which was fun and then went swimming. On the shore I met Violet who warned me about leeches in the water…ewww! Although I didn’t see any. I sat and talked to her for a bit but she listens to too much news. She told me about all of the fearful things that I needed to be aware of when traveling. I finally had to leave her and her black cloud behind. I guess bad things could happen to me but so far they haven’t and so I would rather not try and imagine what shape they might take if and when they do happen. When I got back to the campsite I sat out as long as the mosquitoes would let me but eventually they drove me in. I am off to bed now. Hoping for a cooler night. Talk soon.

Taken with drippy fingers right after I was cool enough to get out of the water