The Backroad Chronicles

About the Book

The Backroad Chronicles are a selection of adventures from the author's personal trip log as he, his partner Karen, and canine companion Keera, explore some of the most remote and rugged backroads in all of British Columbia. Join Riel as he pilots their trusty four-wheel drive over trails ranging from modern gravel logging roads to traversing century-old mountain passes with the aid of chainsaws, winches and a measure of good luck.

Along the journeys meet the wildlife: the mating eagle pair, the mighty grizzly, the mysterious Great Gray and many more.

Relax in wilderness hot springs and visit the fading relics of rustic settlements and visit ghost towns where people still live. Travel on the first road built into the interior of BC, over a century and a half old now, hidden and long forgotten.

Learn of the pioneers of yesteryear that built this province and meet the pioneers of today, often living far from modern amenities.

The Backroad Chronicles are about nature's quiet places, deep alpine lakes and secluded waterfalls, geological marvels and thousand year old giant cedars. Pay your respects at the remote mountain top plane wreck and learn of the sacred lake nearby.

Included are backroad travel safety tips, sketch maps and a glossary for off-road and historical terms. The Backroad Chronicles will appeal to the outdoors lover, history buff and off-road enthusiast. Come share in the world beyond British Columbia's blacktop highways and experience the road less traveled.

About the Author

Riel was born in 1964 in British Columbia, Canada. After finishing his schooling in Electronic Engineering in his early twenties, his keen sense for adventure led him to an extended period of travel. From fly-in radar sites in the high Arctic, to deserted dirt tracks in the Australian Outback, to ancient cobblestone routes in China, Riel has worked and traveled in many remote locations of the world. After fifteen years of enjoying the gypsy life he returned to settle in BC. Pursuing his passion for BC's abundant wildlife and natural beauty, and his lifelong interest in history, he let an ageing but trusty four-wheel drive guide him to new adventures along the many forgotten backroads of his native province.

When Riel and his wife, Karen, are not out exploring they can be found working on their handcrafted log cabin in the Okanagan Valley of British Columbia.