We’ve cheated a little on our staycation by booking into the Tyax Wilderness Resort and Spa which is about a two hour drive north of Whistler. En route Sandi admires the zucchini at this quaint, honour-system, road-side farm stand in Pemberton Meadows.
We take the Hurley River Wilderness Road. It's a bumpy, 74 km, rough dirt road but the scenery is spectacular.
The historic gold-mining town of Bralorne (population 60) boomed in the 1930s (then the population was over 3,000) and produced over three million ounces of gold until the mine closed in 1971 due to low gold prices. The old mining equipment is displayed outside at the Pioneer Museum.
Located in the South Chilcotin Mountains, Tyax Wilderness Resort and Spa is an all-season wilderness playground. Tim dreams to come here to heli-ski someday.
Tyax is located on Tyaughton Lake, perfect for canoe, kayak and paddle boarding trips.
After a eucalyptus sauna and soak in the hot tub we continue in relax mode on the lawn in front of our room.
Cocktails are in order before dinner in the lively, cosy bar.
The chalet-style resort offers world-class dining. Tim chooses the homemade potato gnocchi served with braised pulled lamb shank in a tomato sauce topped with grana padano cheese.
And maple sugar pie.
We start the next day with a nature walk on one of the interpretive trails next to the lodge and soon spot this Red-naped Sapsucker going about his wood-pecking business.
There are black bears, grizzly bears and cougars in the area and Tim is armed and ready.
Luckily, this timid deer is the most dangerous animal we encounter.
Happy trails!
A grouse watches nervously as our posse trots by.
Early morning mist rises on Tyaughton Lake.
A regal Bald Eagle surveys the territory over Carpenter Lake.
Heading home, just outside of the community of Lillooet, we stop at a road-side stand selling bannock and tours. Lillooet is an important location in native history and culture and remains one of the main population centers of the St’at’imc (Lillooet Nation).
We visit the Lillooet Museum to learn about the town’s history. No iPads or iPhones in this lot.
Our final stop is Fort Berens Estate Winery in Lillooet to sample (and take home) some of their delicious, award-winning wines.
