Travels with haRVy

Internet access has not been available when I’ve had time to blog, so I’ll have to do some catching up here. We have seen and done a lot since my last posting. After our paddle excursion we proceeded to the town of Radium Hot Springs, British Columbia where our muscles really appreciated the hot springs pool. The village’s unofficial mascots are members of a resident herd of Rocky Mountain bighorn sheep.

Caught this one ambling down the sidewalk. Not too attractive at this time of year as they molt their winter fur.

Not sure why I found this sign amusing, but I did.

Free overnight camping spot on Lillian Lake. We had this scene all to ourselves. Around sunset I watched an osprey dive to catch a fish. Then a bald eagle came of nowhere to try and snag it. They both lost out as the fish was dropped back into the lake.

One last look at the Columbia River Wetlands, the longest continuous wetlands in North America.

HaRVy entering Kootenay National Park, noted for its diversity of landscapes, ecology and climate.

Our first views of the Canadian Rocky Mountains.

We took a nice hike to the Paint Pots.

The Paint Pots and the associated ochre beds form an area of unusual physical and chemical activity and have a history of use by both Aboriginal groups and Europeans.

Another hike took us into Marble Canyon.

Turquoise, glacial waters and startling canyon walls grow ever more impressive along this short trail. Multiple bridges span the narrow gorge, crossing several times for views of the river below. The surrounding landscape has been shaped by fire, erosion, and mountain-building.

Late that same afternoon we entered Banff National Park, Canada’s oldest national park, established in 1885. After checking into the campground at Johnston Canyon we too yet another hike up the canyon before returning to our campsite totally exhausted.

Johnston Canyon. Can you believe this place?

Al and I are extremely grateful to all the people who have made these incredible places accessible to normal folks like us. The catwalks built along the canyon walls allowed us to hike right next to multiple tumultuous falls. Thank you so much!

Enjoying a cook-out at DeMille’s Farm Market, our Harvest Host in Salmon Arm, BC, Canada.

An interesting stop along the way in Craigellachie, BC.

The town of Revelstoke, BC is in a beautiful setting surrounded by snow-capped peaks. We spent an afternoon and overnight boondock at the Revelstoke Railway Museum.

Snow plow extraordinaire.

Locomotive engine room.

Al trying his hand on the locomotive simulator.

Canadian Pacific dining car.

We spent a second night in the area so we could drive over Rogers Pass in clearer weather. We camped overnight at Lake Williamson where we took advantage of the campground’s laundry and shower facilities as well as a good internet connection.

The “rainy day” turned somewhat sunny soon after we made our decision to stay… oh well.

The water was surprisingly warm. These kids were sure having fun.

We stretched our legs with a hike to the opposite shore of the lake.

The next day we enjoyed the beautiful drive through Mt. Revelstoke National Park and over Rogers Pass under partly sunny skies.

Short hike along the Giant Cedars Boardwalk trail.

View from Rogers Pass summit.

Alongside while waiting for road construction. With scenery like this, who cares if we have to wait. Shortly after this stop we saw our first black bear of this trip. It looked like he was wanting to cross the road. Hope he made it.

The charming town of Golden, BC features the longest freestanding timber frame bridge in Canada.

From the campground we road our bikes into town along the Kicking Horse River.

On our drive south to Parson to investigate paddling opportunities on the Columbia Wetlands we viewed many interesting roadside artifacts.

Including the World’s Largest Paddle – formally recognized by the Guiness Book of World Records.

Once again we had to wait out some rain, but our patience paid off with a lovely, calm afternoon of paddling. Thanks to Columbia Wetlands Adventures for their guidance and hospitality.

We had the entire area to ourselves. Didn’t see another human all afternoon… just LOTS of birds including swans, eagles, osprey, ducks, geese and more.

An up close sighting of this bald eagle guarding its giant nest was definitely the day’s highlight. Isn’t she beautiful?

We have seen the Columbia River several times in different locations on this trip. This, the largest river in the Pacific Northwest, has the greatest flow of any North American river draining into the Pacific. It begins nearby in Lake Columbia and ends, over 4,000 miles later, west of Portland, Oregon. Follow the link provided above to learn more about this fascinating waterway.

O Canada! Where pines and maples grow,
Great prairies spread and lordly rivers flow!
How dear to us thy broad domain,
From East to Western sea!

Except for a few inconveniences dealing with connectivity (why can’t both countries use the same systems to access the internet and cellular networks?!?), we are always happy to be in Canada. Traveling just feels easier here. People seem more friendly, helpful, and less fearful than Americans. The scenery is spectacular, the plentiful campgrounds well managed, and food markets are well stocked with fresh, healthful options. Plus, sani-dumps are readily available… often at no cost. What more could a pair of vagabonds want, right?

We were surprised we had to surrender a dozen eggs and package of organic chicken breasts at our otherwise uneventful border crossing at Oroville/Osoyoos. Although there is nothing mentioned about this anywhere online, our border attendant said it was due to the recent Avian flu scare. I had to deposit our good in a huge freezer that was full of similar products she said would be “buried deep.” What a waste!

Osoyoos Lake – just a few miles past the border in Canada.

Our drive through the Okanogan (US) and Okanagan (Canada) Valley was very pleasant. The primarily agriculture region has been focused primarily on fruit orchards for decades, with a recent shift in focus to vineyards and wine. Fruit stands were abundant, but unfortunately closed since nothing is in season yet. The region is also known for its dry, sunny climate, and lakeshore communities. The economy is retirement and commercial-recreation based, with outdoor activities such as boating and watersports, snow skiing and hiking.

Our first night in Canada was spent with Boondockers Welcome hosts Eileen and Ken in Osoyoos, BC… thank you! We had a nice, albeit brief, visit and appreciated their warm welcome on the occasion of their 42nd anniversary.

Before beginning our journey north in earnest, we drove a few miles west to view Spotted Lake, one of the area’s most provocative tourist attractions.

Known as Kliluk to the natives of the Okanagan Valley, the lake is a sacred and culturally significant site. The therapeutic quality of the waters has been known for thousands of years. Indians used the mud and waters of the lake to heal aches and ailments. Supposedly, two warring tribes once signed a truce allowing both parties to tend to their wounded in the Spotted Lake.

The lake is comprised of many different and highly concentrated minerals. Most of the lake water evaporates during the summer leaving the minerals behind. These minerals crystallize and large spots begin to appear. The colors will vary as each spot will change as the mineral composition changes.

We took a hike at Vasquez Lake. This view is from a bird watching blind.

We spent a pleasant overnight and morning stroll along Okanagan Lake in Peachland.

Our next outing of note was found at the end of a 5 mile dirt road near Kelowna to bike the Myra Canyon section of what once was the Kettle Valley Railway. This 12 km (each way) stretch, now a designated National Historic Site,  includes 18 trestles and two tunnels!

Ready for action! Al feels comfortable riding again thanks to our new full face helmets.

Evidence of the tragic 2003 wildfire that destroyed most of the historic trestles can still be seen. A concerted restoration effort followed, and with the help of disaster relief funding and an army of committed volunteers, the final trestle was restored in 2008. An almost unbelievable feat in our estimation. There is no fee to ride the trail, but we were happy to make a cash donation to support their efforts.

 One of the tallest wooden trestles.

S-shape trestle shown below.

Almost can’t imagine a train fitting through some of the rock walled sections.

A truly great ride – much of which we had all to ourselves.