Tourists, Robyn and Rick Sottile, enjoy Fort George Park with their dog, Holly            250News photo 

Prince George, BC – Enjoying the view from a picnic bench in Fort George Park this afternoon were visitors to our city, Robyn and Rick Sottile…

The California residents made a stop in our city as part of a month-long trip through BC to check off one of Rick's 'bucket list' items – to travel on the Alaska Highway.  And they did, all the way to historical mile 635, which is the town of Watson Lake.  The Sottiles looped back down into BC via the scenic Stewart-Cassiar Highway, finding the numerous sightings of bears, foxes, and buffalo a daily treat.  Robyn says a highlight was a moose standing majestically at the top of a ridge as they drove up towards it.

The Sottiles came to the park today to take in the Aboriginal Day celebrations.  Robyn was interested to learn about the Lheidli T'enneh's new Respect Campaign, aimed at combating lateral bullying and intimidation in Prince George and surrounding communities.  As a long-time member of the Girl Scout Council of Orange Country, she has been involved in similar programs in California.

This trip is one of several the couple has made to Canada, including several to eastern Canada, that have fostered numerous friendships and a love for the diverse landscapes.  An earlier cruise ship trip up BC's north coast to Alaska, and a book about the Alaska Highway, peaked Rick's interest in the road trip.  After extending their stops in several communities by an extra day or two, Rick jokes that they should have planned a two-month trip.  However, they will meander their way home to Westminster, CA in time for 4th of July celebrations with their family.