"You're moving where?" All the way up North and what does Cariboo really mean? And why would you want to work for Barkerville? There were a lot of questions from friends, family and colleagues as I announced the big adventure that would take me from the Lower Mainland to Wells, British Columbia. No cell phone coverage, crazy weather, internet issues, no Starbucks, shopping malls or spas, not to mention leaving the comfort and security of a really wonderful life...what on earth was I thinking?
Right on the edge of the Cariboo and almost Northern BC, my new home is really quite fascinating and is a source of constant surprise. Within days of my arrival, I was invited out for dinner that eventually evolved into a trek out to the Wells Hotel to meet more of the locals. I will never forget the feeling of genuine welcome and how truly "real" my new neighbors were. I found it especially nice to know that no one cared who I was or where I came from or what I did, they just seemed glad to know me and willing to share their life and their community with me.
My home for the first while was the Hubs Motel in Wells and I could not believe the gracious hospitality Dianne and Harold Andreesen extended to me. One of my favorite memories will always be the night that Dianne and I worked together to give Andrea from Hungary and Horatio from Belgium a true taste of Cariboo hospitality.
On the final leg of their North American adventure that will conclude in Alaska, Andrea and Horatio had hitchhiked from 100 Mile House with plans to tent overnight and be in Barkerville for our Opening Day and then head to Prince George in the morning. I found them sitting on the road at dusk waiting for a ride. Underprepared and ill-informed, they had no idea how remote and far a distance they would have to travel or that we still had a lot of snow and it was cold. You can imagine their delight when Dianne offered to have them stay at the Hubs, arriving moments later with a home cooked dinner.
Only an hour earlier the best they could hope for would be pitching a tent on a snow bank and preparing food on their tiny little camp burner. After a warm and comfortable sleep, I picked up Andrea and Horatio and brought them to Barkerville.
"Magical and genuine...a truly wonderful place full of naturally nice people that make you feel really special" are the words Andrea and Horatio used to describe Barkerville, Wells and the people they encountered in the Cariboo...and I couldn't say it better myself!
The most amazing thing about this place is the people. Just like the men and women that came here almost 150 years ago, they are resilient, dedicated and committed to their community and to preserving a very unique lifestyle. I can't wait to discover more "gold" in my very own adventure in the Cariboo!
For those that want to follow my adventures on Facebook...check out Barkerville Bella Donna Dixson!
