After the storage containers we picked up, we moved the trailer into the driveway to pack and prepare it for our trip. Every possible space in the trailer was utilized – Susan said “that’s an understatement”
We woke to a lovely morning. July 1st. Happy Canada Day!
We packed a few odds and ends into the truck, and loaded the bicycles on the trailer.
I wheeled my KTM 690 Enduro out of the garage. Unfortunately, it didn’t fit into the container. Fortunately, that means I have to ride it to a friends place in West Kelowna. Yay for me – two days of riding. I didn’t plan it that way – I promise 😜
Susan had her first long drive through the mountains over the Coquihalla Summit and did an amazing job. I got to ride ahead, and take a video of her drive by through the Fraser Valley.
Susan said the truck performed well driving up the Coquihalla, however there was some noticeable sway at 100 kph on downhills with cross wind. The vehicle and trailer anti sway system kicked in and brought it under control. A mechanical sway control will make a significant improvement. We ordered one for delivery to a location along our journey.
We stopped at the summit rest area for a leg stretch and bio break, then we continued to the potable water filling station at Canadian Tire and a quick stop for groceries at Extra Foods in Merritt.
The last leg was a short drive on Highway 5A towards Quilchena, then turning off onto Monk Park Road. The road is bumpy and narrow, but has amazing views of the lake and sagebrush covered hills.
We tried a new technique of providing steering directions while backing up. I walked beside the vehicle facing the direction of travel while susan steered. If I say I want the back of the trailer to go right, she steered right and the same for left. There was no stress and no rolling of eyeballs. We looked like pros.
We set up camp for two nights at a site with amazing views through the pines, and across the lakes to the rolling hills.
We’re looking forward to a visit from my in-laws and my oldest son who live in Kamloops.