When I received a phone call saying that Barkerville would be hosting the popular PBS documentary series Travelscope on Dominion Day weekend, it was impossible to hide my excitement.
In addition to having 250 million viewers worldwide, Travelscope photographer Zebediah Smith had just received an Emmy award for outstanding single camera photography on June 17, and we would have them for two and a half days.
If I had any doubt about all that there is to do in Barkerville, Wells and the Bowron Lakes, planning the itinerary for this crew put that to rest.
Soon after their arrival Thursday evening, we whisked the Travelscope gang off to the Bear's Paw Caf in Wells for a delicious dinner followed by a fabulous live concert by the Fugitives at the Sunset Theatre.
Guests at the St. George Hotel in Barkerville were not only willing, but thrilled when Travelscope host Joseph Rosendo asked if they would be willing to be part of the show as they filmed breakfast being served.
Next on the agenda was some fun with three generations of gold panning champions at the Eldorado followed by a blacksmithing lesson.
Dominion Day festivities officially began with a spectacular anvil salute and the annual costumed parade.
From fudge tasting at Mason and Daly to a picnic prepared by the renowned Goldfield Bakery and dinner at the Lung Duck Tong, the Travelscope crew had a chance to enjoy just a few of the culinary treats that are all part of the Barkerville experience.
As if live performances at the Theatre Royal, animated historic street interpreters in period costume, and a range of great educational programs weren't enough to convince our American visitors that Barkerville is one big attraction, we were also able to give Joseph and his crew a bird's eye view of the place, courtesy of Aberdeen Helicopters in Quesnel.
Despite some late night dancing to the bluegrass sound of Lakeside Ramblers at the House Hotel Saloon, Travelscope was up at the crack of dawn to meet Dave Jorgenson of White Gold Adventures.
Ten hours later after canoeing the beautiful Bowron Lakes, the crew returned triumphant. Almost as if she knew how important it was, Mother Nature offered up once-in-a-lifetime footage of a moose mother and her calf with the beautiful Cariboo Mountains as a backdrop.
The ravenous outdoor adventurers enjoyed a hearty late lunch at Big H's Fish 'n Chips in Wells and then stopped in at Amazing Space Art Gallery to meet Claire Kujundzic.
Claire's spectacular pine beetle inspired art is currently on exhibit at Island Mountain Arts after recently returning from a forest conference in Spain.
When our guests, Joseph, Julia, Zebediah and Crosby left us early Sunday morning, they were thrilled to have experienced just a taste of the art, culture, history and outdoor adventure that is ours to enjoy all the time.
More importantly, they expressed appreciation for the authenticity and genuine hospitality of the people that were willing to share their lives with Travelscope's loyal (and large) viewing audience.
