We had 36 hours, 5 trucks and a lot of ground to cover; a few years back I’d made my first attempt at Molybdenite Lake; a trip that went so spectacularly well, between the snow and off-camber slippery sections, that I thought let’s try this again! Over the years I’ve learned it’s important to go back and own the challenges that resulted in your stomach in your throat.
We headed up the canyon towards the Lytton reaction ferry, our first stop being for the legendary Deroche Beef Jerky! Reaction ferries are living proof that rudimentary functionality is all that is generally required, and it is quite often a better return on our investments.
It turned out our timing was impeccable, after half of us crossed it was afternoon coffee break for the ferrymen, and I had a good chuckle waiting for the others. It was a reminder that life and time work differently here, and you appreciate differently in these remote locations. Shaun went off exploring for a bit, coming back quite excited at his random encounter on the sandy area along the river.
The slower, more picturesque West side of the Frazer canyon provides that “almost home” feeling along the road; created by wild horses deciding to greet you in your window, decaying structures where the ghosts call out your name and where time stops. We reached the Texas Creek FSR, and turned off. As we approached the 4 KM marker I got my first ever flat tire wheeling. As we stopped and swapped out my tire, I carefully read the signs speaking about fines for environmental damage and closures during the breeding season.
We continued along the FSR surrounded by pristine mountains, however, it seemed odd as none of the areas seemed familiar. We explored several of the side roads, and in the distance could see the mountains cascading down into a valley, which I was certain contained Molybdenite Lake. Becoming confused I pulled out the GPS to load fresh batteries, realizing the map chip was now likely floating around in the bottom of the jeep. Taking the latitude and longitude and comparing it to the backroads map book, realized we were somewhat off. I gave my head a shake realizing that my memory does not work as clearly as I’d like.
We headed back taking the correct turn off to Molybdenite Lake, with further adventures in Murphy’s law occurring. Shortly after it became apparent that Adrian did not have 4WD, and was attempting the climb in 2WD, so they attached a tow rope to bring him through the rockier sections. As this comedy of errors was ensuing, the low tire pressure that I’d normally suggest on this run was being created on its own. I shook my head going 150,000 km of dirt road, never having a single tire issue, and I get two flat tires within an hour of each other. As we plugged my tire, it started looking like Shaun’s jeep was overheating, so he had to leave it running so the fans would keep working, as well his e-brake wasn’t working the best went trying to park going uphill.
It was late and I made the executive decision we’d stay at base camp for the night, it was obvious that continuing to the lake would push our luck to an unsafe level. As I parked the jeep, the patch job on the tire was failing, as it decided that 0 PSI would be appropriate for the run into Moly, making up for my last attempt in an over-inflated state of 20 PSI!
We started up the fire with the spare wood I carried, turns out the chainsaw I was given will need a bit of work before it can be depended on. A few stories were shared around the campfire, as people got to know each other, then we retired under a perfect star-filled sky. The next morning, we got up and the work that was needed to finish the trip continued. Shaun finally got his drone up and running, however in the attempt to charge his batteries the inverter had shorted out his cigarette lighter.
Work started on my tire, taking it off its bead so Jody could patch up the sidewall, along with replugging the other. However, neither Adrian’s nor my jeep would be driven into the lake. We were then off on and heading up a road where even riding passengers can raise their anxiety level. Halfway up Jack’s rear track-bar bracket imploded so Jody secured it by attaching ratchet straps to the various tie points to allow a safe journey up.
The rugged areas of BC are breathtaking, narrow roads, small slides that increase the off-camber sections; the kinds of roads where you can feel them decaying right under you as you pass over. The roads snaked along the mountainside, with the earth’s ore sliding onto the roadway in front of us, to our left we could see the rocks scattering down the steep hillside to the valley floor hundreds of feet below. As much as that makes one’s heart skip a beat, it is quickly offset by the serenity that engulfs one in an experience that creates a mixed emotion bringing out both the child at heart and the adult in one’s soul.
We slowly made our way into the lake, spots of snow still encasing the walls of the surrounding mountains, one I called the Spirit of Moly as it resembled Casper the Ghost. Shaun brought out his drone and had a smile on his face resembling a kid in a candy shop. It is these moments that I enjoy having others out, for although I keep searching for a home may not exist; to know that I was able to help show someone something they’d never seen before is part of what drives my soul.
I sat on the shore of the lake, my knees up to my chin, arms wrapped around them, feeling at peace; the drone passed overhead, zipping along the mountainsides and river heading out of the lake. It was time to head back, Shaun wanted to take the end of the line, as he wanted to capture some footage to put together some video footage.
Back at base camp, we swapped out my jeep’s tire, Jody then tackled the next project; an on-the-trail welding job! Bringing out two batteries from the trucks, they were connected with jumper cables; somehow Adrian had a few welding rods on him and I got a lesson on the science behind welding. Several variations in the setup were made to get the voltage correct, alternating between two and three batteries. After a few trials and errors, Jody was successful in getting a firm weld on Jack’s bracket; however, to be safe and not overstress it, they would have it run to the pavement with the ratchet straps.
In the meantime, Jack realized he’d lost his phone where he’d stopped to recheck the ratchet straps. Shaun drove him back up, overshooting the location they ran back all the way back to the lake; luckily the phone was found unharmed. We headed into Lillooet, gassed up, grabbing the ice cream required at the end of any good expedition; then it was time to make a beeline for home.
As we neared Lytton, the very familiar big horn sheep were at their 5 o’clock spot, I pulled over with Shaun to grab a few shots of them. As I entered town, I sighted the waving metal giant who has faded over the decades of service. He has faithfully greeted me each time I’ve passed, realizing at that moment where home was; the open road amongst those who refuse to settle for comfort.
Trix's Trax 