As we set off on our first Fantasy RV Tour event, the group of us were greeted with a gloomy, rainy day in Fairhaven, WA. But, despite the poor visibility, our spirits were high as we embarked on a whale watching excursion.
As we cruised out into the open waters, the rain continued to pour down, making it difficult to see much of anything. But, as luck would have it, the whales had other plans. Despite the weather, we were treated to an unforgettable experience as the whales breached close to the boat, giving us an incredible show.
The poor visibility only added to the excitement as each breach was a surprise, popping up out of the water unexpectedly. The group on the boat, made up of everyone going on the Fantasy RV tour to Alaska, was thrilled and we all cheered each time a whale breached. It was a great way to meet and greet everyone, bonding over this shared experience.
Overall, our whale watching excursion in the rain was a memorable one. The whales didn’t let the weather dampen their spirits, and neither did we. If you’re ever in Fairhaven, WA and have the opportunity to go whale watching, don’t let a little rain discourage you. You never know what Mother Nature has in store for you. Click on thumbnail to view image
Whale Watching
Hells Gate BC
After leaving Ferndale with a convoy of 23 other RVs, our tour crossed the border into beautiful British Columbia. As we traveled up the Fraser Valley, the rain spoiled the views surrounding mountains. As we entered Hope the skies began to clear opening up spectacular views of the mountains and the river.
One of the highlights of our journey through the Fraser Valley was a stop at the Hells Gate Rapids. Here, we took a tram down to the river to get a closer look at the powerful rapids and the stunning views. The tram ride was a thrilling experience and we were amazed by the power of the water as it rushed through the narrow passage.
The Hells Gate Rapids is a narrow section of the Fraser River where the water is forced through a small channel, creating rapids and whirlpools. The name “Hells Gate” was given by Simon Fraser, an explorer who named the area in 1808. The rapids have been a popular tourist destination for many years and the area is rich in history, including being a traditional fishing ground for the local First Nations people.
After taking in the sights at the Hells Gate Rapids, we enjoyed a nice lunch before getting back on the road. We continued our journey north to Cache Creek, where we settled in for the night. Click on thumbnail to view image
Cache Creek, BC
Our first night stop was at the famous Hat Creek Ranch. This historic ranch has been around since the 1850s and has a rich history as a stopping point for gold miners, cattle drivers, and even the famous Butch Cassidy and his Wild Bunch gang.
We spent the night at the ranch, parking our RVs in an open field and “dry camping” without hookups. This added to the authentic western experience and made us feel like true pioneers on the open road.
The highlight of our stay at Hat Creek Ranch was the potluck dinner we had with the other RVers in our tour. It was a great way to bond with our fellow travelers and enjoy a delicious meal together.
The next day, we left Hat Creek Ranch early and continued our journey towards Dawson Creek and Mile 0 of the infamous Alaska Highway. Click on thumbnail to view image
Chetwynd BC
As we continued on our trip north, we made a stop in Williams Lake to visit the local museum. The museum provides a glimpse into the history of the town, including its early days as a hub for the forestry and mining industries. We also learned about the local indigenous communities and their culture.
After leaving Williams Lake, we made another stop in Chetwynd, a small town known for its annual chainsaw sculpting national championships. The town has a long history of logging and sawmills, and the chainsaw sculpting competition is a celebration of this heritage. We were able to see some of the sculptures created during previous competitions and learn about the art and skill that goes into each piece. Chetwynd is also home to the Chetwynd Centre for the Arts, a vibrant cultural center that features art galleries, performances and workshops that hosts the chainsaw competition.
As we continued on our journey to Dawson Creek, we were struck by the rich history and culture of these small towns. It was a fascinating glimpse into the lives of the people who call this region home, and a reminder of the natural beauty of the area. Click on thumbnail to view image
