Happy Birthday Oma...
Love,
Andy, Leah, Victoria,Tyler and Kj
we will celebrate when we get home....have a great day
Wednesday, 24 July 2013
I have a guy...
I love this line....our good friend Deb Anderson....laughs out loud when I say..."I have a guy"
On our adventure I have had one issue....a concern. On the back of the trailer we had the dealership weld a trailer receiver....we have a four bike rack.
This rack has some movement in it...but when one watches the rack on the rear camera there is a lot of movement...the four bikes rock and roll.
I was able to find a brace which when tightened held the system tight....well in theory...
As we travelled through Ontario I monitored the "rack"...all seemed well until we hit Manitoba....the unit bent...too much weight.
I spent nervous hours monitoring the "rack"...Papa suggested we strap the bike which we did...it helped reduce the movement....but I was still nervous.
In Vancouver I mentioned my concerns to Mike....LMAO...he said "I have a guy"...
One phone call later... Mike's buddy Jason dropped into the campground while we were out sight seeing and measured what I needed...the next day he showed up with a manufactured master piece....
here we are in South Dakota....and the rack hasn't moved one inch.
When Jason delivered his bracket he took the old bent one and said he would fix it as a substitute...lol...we dropped off an even better ...stronger bracket than the one I am using....
To Jason...and Mike....Thanks....we needed "a Guy"
On our adventure I have had one issue....a concern. On the back of the trailer we had the dealership weld a trailer receiver....we have a four bike rack.
This rack has some movement in it...but when one watches the rack on the rear camera there is a lot of movement...the four bikes rock and roll.
I was able to find a brace which when tightened held the system tight....well in theory...
As we travelled through Ontario I monitored the "rack"...all seemed well until we hit Manitoba....the unit bent...too much weight.
I spent nervous hours monitoring the "rack"...Papa suggested we strap the bike which we did...it helped reduce the movement....but I was still nervous.
In Vancouver I mentioned my concerns to Mike....LMAO...he said "I have a guy"...
One phone call later... Mike's buddy Jason dropped into the campground while we were out sight seeing and measured what I needed...the next day he showed up with a manufactured master piece....
here we are in South Dakota....and the rack hasn't moved one inch.
When Jason delivered his bracket he took the old bent one and said he would fix it as a substitute...lol...we dropped off an even better ...stronger bracket than the one I am using....
To Jason...and Mike....Thanks....we needed "a Guy"
Mt Rushmore....KOA
Leaving Wyoming in the morning left us an option...stay on HWY 94....a major HWY into Rapid City, South Dakota....and then back down HWY 16 into Mt Rushmore.....
or
when you look at the map...HWY 16 is a b- line straight into Mt. Rushmore from Moorecroft, Wyoming...we decided to take the b- line....
LOL....it was a straight smooth line...until we hit South Dakota....I remember reading something on RV.Net....but it didn't hit me until two hours later on HWY 16.
The signs are very clear...."25 miles per hour for the next 14 miles....no shoulders"
I guess when you have to drop into a canyon and then climb out asphalt is at a premium....
But this was not the issue...after one mile into the decent....a park ranger truck across the road...full lights. We were the first rig. I put on the four ways...got out....and then I saw the issue....a double trailer fuel tanker transport truck....fortunately the truck and trailer made the corner....the cub trailer was not so lucky...it was up side down in the ditch...still attached. I could smell the fuel that was leaking from the tanker. I walked up and ID'd myself with my badge...I don't know if it helped but the ranger said go around...you won't have much time as we are closing down the highway....we made it with minutes to spare.... it was tight but I wondered what we were doing on this stretch of hwy....Leah laughed as she described the drop on her side of the canyon...I was white knuckled just trying to keep us on the road without a similar occurrence we just passed....going down the canyon I had the trailer brake and J brake on...a few times I was standing on the dually brakes...that was only half the fun...at the bottom a small creek...and then the climb back up....everywhere else they cut into the hills and mountains...this stretch....nope...hold on and keep it on the road.
We safely made it the 10 miles...and watched as every fire department vehicle....Sherriff's vehicle and ambulance vehicle passed us in the opposite direction....I dread what the alternative would have been for us it that Ranger had not let us pass....remember we were already one mile onto a no shoulder road....
A short hour later we pulled into the Mt. Rushmore KOA...this place is like a resort.....there is everything for kids to do,
a climbing wall
...basket ball court,
Swoooooshhhhh!!!!!
.. two pools...mini putt...and so on...etc.
We set up...a nice spot at the back of a 700+ campground....did I mention horse back riding.....?
It has been a long day...I suggest we hit town and go out for dinner...Hill City...very nice.... obviously close to Sturgis...Magnus let me know about this...in two weeks...a half million motorcycles...and some have already set up shop. This is an annual event...and obviously massive.
After dinner we drove to Mt. Rushmore, we took in the night lighted version...I have trouble describing this place...I would recommend this just as I would the Grand Canyon....mind boggling....the vision, the length of time to produce...and the final product. We are so glad to have experienced this.
We returned to our camp site...just in time for a major down pour...and did it pour....
Leah and I decided we would go in the morning...the children could sleep in....Leah left then a $20....they have a breakfast tent...all you can eat pancakes...$2.50....they did make it before we got back.
Mt. Rushmore was even more spectacular during the day time...
Leah and I took the opportunity and drove approximately half hour down the road to the Crazy Horse Monument.
Equally as impressive, a rock carving...into a granite mountain.....
I did feel this was more of a business venture...the rock looks very similar in 2005 as it does today...when one looks at the feat of Mt. Rushmore back in 1927 until 1941...in our modern times...this looks more like a tourist rip off...(Just my opinion)
This is another area one could spent a week....
or
when you look at the map...HWY 16 is a b- line straight into Mt. Rushmore from Moorecroft, Wyoming...we decided to take the b- line....
LOL....it was a straight smooth line...until we hit South Dakota....I remember reading something on RV.Net....but it didn't hit me until two hours later on HWY 16.
The signs are very clear...."25 miles per hour for the next 14 miles....no shoulders"
I guess when you have to drop into a canyon and then climb out asphalt is at a premium....
But this was not the issue...after one mile into the decent....a park ranger truck across the road...full lights. We were the first rig. I put on the four ways...got out....and then I saw the issue....a double trailer fuel tanker transport truck....fortunately the truck and trailer made the corner....the cub trailer was not so lucky...it was up side down in the ditch...still attached. I could smell the fuel that was leaking from the tanker. I walked up and ID'd myself with my badge...I don't know if it helped but the ranger said go around...you won't have much time as we are closing down the highway....we made it with minutes to spare.... it was tight but I wondered what we were doing on this stretch of hwy....Leah laughed as she described the drop on her side of the canyon...I was white knuckled just trying to keep us on the road without a similar occurrence we just passed....going down the canyon I had the trailer brake and J brake on...a few times I was standing on the dually brakes...that was only half the fun...at the bottom a small creek...and then the climb back up....everywhere else they cut into the hills and mountains...this stretch....nope...hold on and keep it on the road.
We safely made it the 10 miles...and watched as every fire department vehicle....Sherriff's vehicle and ambulance vehicle passed us in the opposite direction....I dread what the alternative would have been for us it that Ranger had not let us pass....remember we were already one mile onto a no shoulder road....
A short hour later we pulled into the Mt. Rushmore KOA...this place is like a resort.....there is everything for kids to do,
a climbing wall
Swoooooshhhhh!!!!!
.. two pools...mini putt...and so on...etc.
We set up...a nice spot at the back of a 700+ campground....did I mention horse back riding.....?
It has been a long day...I suggest we hit town and go out for dinner...Hill City...very nice.... obviously close to Sturgis...Magnus let me know about this...in two weeks...a half million motorcycles...and some have already set up shop. This is an annual event...and obviously massive.
After dinner we drove to Mt. Rushmore, we took in the night lighted version...I have trouble describing this place...I would recommend this just as I would the Grand Canyon....mind boggling....the vision, the length of time to produce...and the final product. We are so glad to have experienced this.
We returned to our camp site...just in time for a major down pour...and did it pour....
Leah and I decided we would go in the morning...the children could sleep in....Leah left then a $20....they have a breakfast tent...all you can eat pancakes...$2.50....they did make it before we got back.
Mt. Rushmore was even more spectacular during the day time...
Leah and I took the opportunity and drove approximately half hour down the road to the Crazy Horse Monument.
Equally as impressive, a rock carving...into a granite mountain.....
I did feel this was more of a business venture...the rock looks very similar in 2005 as it does today...when one looks at the feat of Mt. Rushmore back in 1927 until 1941...in our modern times...this looks more like a tourist rip off...(Just my opinion)
This is another area one could spent a week....
Tuesday, 23 July 2013
It could have been much worse.....
Finally...WiFi, (Sioux City South Dakota)
Tuesday the 23rd of July 2013,
we are camping in Sioux City, South Dakota....this after a full day of driving. So here is an interesting fact. I said Sioux City is in Iowa....but we are in North Sioux City South Dakota....there is also a South Sioux City in Nebraska. When we looked at the map...all three states intersect here...
We left this morning after a pancake KOA breakfast in Mt. Rushmore, South Dakota.....
getting to Mt Rushmore....
When we left Big Timber we continued driving through Montana....Montana is an interesting state....and long. Montana has the Rockies...or the American version and it seemed we hit a couple of versions...we love the mountains...one can chat about this turn...that hill...the river. I did have to laugh at one point...we were a quite a high elevation and when we turned the corner...two to three hundred wind turbines...and big ones. LOL...everyone knows my theory on these devices.....and this time I was right again. 33 degrees Celsius and not one turning....we had a long chuckle.
Montana continued for hours...but the landscape changed big time as well....from those huge mountains to large rolling hills...the ride was less tense and the truck enjoyed the break.
We drove through Wyoming...Wyoming was like Idaho....blink and it is gone.
We did stop in Sheridan, Wyoming... one thing we did not want to miss was the welcome centre...we found that if you stop at the state visitor centres you get all current maps and camping information...it is better than flying off of the seat of your pants....I should know.
It was HOT...when we stop I usually do a walk around the rig...I look down at the drivers side rear tire of the trailer and it is shinning....one of my biggest fears....and here it is....lucky nothing major happened while out in the wilderness....I picked up a big screw embedded right in the middle of the tire.
It was a Saturday and the woman at the welcome centre said we might be out of luck....most places are closed. As luck would have it...one place was open. I was told...two to three hours...the wait was worth it. We enjoyed a nutritional lunch at Wendy's...(sarcasm)...then Leah, Tyler and Kj went to the local Walmart....three hours later...tire plugged...fresh groceries and off we were.
As we lost several hours we decided to stop in Buffalo, Wyoming.....The Indian Campground had a pool...and we needed a break from the heat.
Tuesday the 23rd of July 2013,
we are camping in Sioux City, South Dakota....this after a full day of driving. So here is an interesting fact. I said Sioux City is in Iowa....but we are in North Sioux City South Dakota....there is also a South Sioux City in Nebraska. When we looked at the map...all three states intersect here...
We left this morning after a pancake KOA breakfast in Mt. Rushmore, South Dakota.....
getting to Mt Rushmore....
When we left Big Timber we continued driving through Montana....Montana is an interesting state....and long. Montana has the Rockies...or the American version and it seemed we hit a couple of versions...we love the mountains...one can chat about this turn...that hill...the river. I did have to laugh at one point...we were a quite a high elevation and when we turned the corner...two to three hundred wind turbines...and big ones. LOL...everyone knows my theory on these devices.....and this time I was right again. 33 degrees Celsius and not one turning....we had a long chuckle.
Montana continued for hours...but the landscape changed big time as well....from those huge mountains to large rolling hills...the ride was less tense and the truck enjoyed the break.
We drove through Wyoming...Wyoming was like Idaho....blink and it is gone.
We did stop in Sheridan, Wyoming... one thing we did not want to miss was the welcome centre...we found that if you stop at the state visitor centres you get all current maps and camping information...it is better than flying off of the seat of your pants....I should know.
It was HOT...when we stop I usually do a walk around the rig...I look down at the drivers side rear tire of the trailer and it is shinning....one of my biggest fears....and here it is....lucky nothing major happened while out in the wilderness....I picked up a big screw embedded right in the middle of the tire.
It was a Saturday and the woman at the welcome centre said we might be out of luck....most places are closed. As luck would have it...one place was open. I was told...two to three hours...the wait was worth it. We enjoyed a nutritional lunch at Wendy's...(sarcasm)...then Leah, Tyler and Kj went to the local Walmart....three hours later...tire plugged...fresh groceries and off we were.
As we lost several hours we decided to stop in Buffalo, Wyoming.....The Indian Campground had a pool...and we needed a break from the heat.
Saturday, 20 July 2013
Day two...USA
So where does day two take us....I planned and reserved locations for most of the Canada trip....but thought....USA....fly by the seat of my pants. Not one of the better moves on my part....plus this is Friday....
We left Coeur d' Alene early, 830AM...we had pleasant neighbors in our camp ground. They were from Montana and gave me some clues, I wanted to reach Billings Montana....he did laugh a couple of times saying "you have one or two hills to climb"....
been there done that....or so I thought.
Coeur d' Alene is in Idaho....Idaho is about 110 km wide with Coeur d' Alene kind of in the middle.... we left....I had a half of a tank of fuel....before we left BC I unloaded my two saddle tanks....BC was killing me....regular fuel 1.59 per litre...with half a tank I felt comfortable...but the reserve was empty...
go figure we start climbing....the dually is great but when you go up...the tank goes down. I got lucky...on one of the mountain climbs...a gas station with diesel...I pull in...a guy occupying the diesel pump....I notice he is from California...first it takes 15 minutes to fill the tank...then he cleans his front windshield....I'm 10 feet away waiting to pull up....lol....then he cleans the passenger side....then the driver side....then the back window....his lady shows up with her big gulp pop...1000AM...need I say more.... (Leah did....)
Full tank and both saddle tanks full I felt great here we go....
The morning is beautiful...clear skies....and then it hits....
The mountains start to get foggy....but an eerie foggy...and then the smell....a forest fire. Portable signs indicating a detour....the smoke gets thicker...and it then starts filling the cabin of atonofun. We all start to cough as the smoke gets thicker... I turn of the lights for the truck and trailer...the vehicle in front of us goes out of sight....it was only five car lengths ahead....I slow to about 45 km with the four ways on...no body passes us...and we don't pass anyone....but we don't see anyone either. Then the smoke turns yellow...orange and then red...the red only lasts for about 2 minutes....then it's just smoke....
from start to finish with the smoke was approximately 120 km....interestingly Leah mentioned to me that during the thickest part of the smoke...the on board computer indicated an out door temperature of 21deg from 31 degrees.....
I hope no one was injured through this....
Ahhh yes...a couple of hills....
We hit one hill....I have no clue how the transports get up....my temperature gauge rose almost to the "hot" position...at times we were down to 20 km/h...nobody passed nobody.
After the climb..... down hill....9 degrees....for 17 miles... and what a sight. Totally different from the Canadian Rockies....(I still like ours best)....but I have never had atonofun fight to get up a hill....slow us down before...yes but never like this. I was concerned....what I did not know....Bute, Montana was going to be worse.
Leah made lunches for us....it was nice not to have to stop for a burger or whatever the road offered...we could stop at our leisure....and enjoy....lol.
I passed stops along the mountain rivers that would take your breath away.... spectacular places....lol...
I get hungry and make the decision to stop....a truck stop which has no view whatsoever...lol...transport truck to the left...one to the right....a train track in front of us....lol....did I mention the sandwiches were fabulous.
Leah never said a word...but I brought up the "worst lunch break spot" an hour later and we had a good laugh....
So we stop in Livingston, Montana...the drop HWY to Yellowstone National Park....nothing available...no camp sites in town. One place was nice enough to mention Big Timber....
Here we are....Big Timber, Montana...691 km from this morning...not a great distance...but safe and sound.... oh yes...check this place out.... another one for retirement.
www.springcreekcampground.com
I'm liking Montana...and we are not even half way through.
Mags....you were right....this place is special.
I hope we have WiFi were we stop tomorrow.....it is 1100PM....Leah and the kids are just finishing Mama Mia...movie...I am going to have a rummer... (again) and call it a night.
We left Coeur d' Alene early, 830AM...we had pleasant neighbors in our camp ground. They were from Montana and gave me some clues, I wanted to reach Billings Montana....he did laugh a couple of times saying "you have one or two hills to climb"....
been there done that....or so I thought.
Coeur d' Alene is in Idaho....Idaho is about 110 km wide with Coeur d' Alene kind of in the middle.... we left....I had a half of a tank of fuel....before we left BC I unloaded my two saddle tanks....BC was killing me....regular fuel 1.59 per litre...with half a tank I felt comfortable...but the reserve was empty...
go figure we start climbing....the dually is great but when you go up...the tank goes down. I got lucky...on one of the mountain climbs...a gas station with diesel...I pull in...a guy occupying the diesel pump....I notice he is from California...first it takes 15 minutes to fill the tank...then he cleans his front windshield....I'm 10 feet away waiting to pull up....lol....then he cleans the passenger side....then the driver side....then the back window....his lady shows up with her big gulp pop...1000AM...need I say more.... (Leah did....)
Full tank and both saddle tanks full I felt great here we go....
The morning is beautiful...clear skies....and then it hits....
The mountains start to get foggy....but an eerie foggy...and then the smell....a forest fire. Portable signs indicating a detour....the smoke gets thicker...and it then starts filling the cabin of atonofun. We all start to cough as the smoke gets thicker... I turn of the lights for the truck and trailer...the vehicle in front of us goes out of sight....it was only five car lengths ahead....I slow to about 45 km with the four ways on...no body passes us...and we don't pass anyone....but we don't see anyone either. Then the smoke turns yellow...orange and then red...the red only lasts for about 2 minutes....then it's just smoke....
from start to finish with the smoke was approximately 120 km....interestingly Leah mentioned to me that during the thickest part of the smoke...the on board computer indicated an out door temperature of 21deg from 31 degrees.....
I hope no one was injured through this....
Ahhh yes...a couple of hills....
We hit one hill....I have no clue how the transports get up....my temperature gauge rose almost to the "hot" position...at times we were down to 20 km/h...nobody passed nobody.
After the climb..... down hill....9 degrees....for 17 miles... and what a sight. Totally different from the Canadian Rockies....(I still like ours best)....but I have never had atonofun fight to get up a hill....slow us down before...yes but never like this. I was concerned....what I did not know....Bute, Montana was going to be worse.
Leah made lunches for us....it was nice not to have to stop for a burger or whatever the road offered...we could stop at our leisure....and enjoy....lol.
I passed stops along the mountain rivers that would take your breath away.... spectacular places....lol...
I get hungry and make the decision to stop....a truck stop which has no view whatsoever...lol...transport truck to the left...one to the right....a train track in front of us....lol....did I mention the sandwiches were fabulous.
Leah never said a word...but I brought up the "worst lunch break spot" an hour later and we had a good laugh....
So we stop in Livingston, Montana...the drop HWY to Yellowstone National Park....nothing available...no camp sites in town. One place was nice enough to mention Big Timber....
Here we are....Big Timber, Montana...691 km from this morning...not a great distance...but safe and sound.... oh yes...check this place out.... another one for retirement.
www.springcreekcampground.com
I'm liking Montana...and we are not even half way through.
Mags....you were right....this place is special.
I hope we have WiFi were we stop tomorrow.....it is 1100PM....Leah and the kids are just finishing Mama Mia...movie...I am going to have a rummer... (again) and call it a night.
Coeur d' Alene
Thursday morning.....off we go. The drive to the USA border was about 15 km from the BC camp ground.... we are there at about 830AM....and we wait...it is only 9 cars a head...but with the truck and trailer I am stuck in the outside lane.
Why is it that I feel like a criminal when we get to the border...four passports, all in order...advised officer...we left Ontario for BC via Canada and we would like to return to Ontario via the USA.
Q- any fruit...no.
Q- any meat...yes frozen.
Q- any alcohol...Yes...travelling bar.
Then the delay tactics.....I think when he went around to the back of the trailer and saw the Highway of Hero's sticker...just above the law enforcement charity licence plate holder it clued it....he returns and asks....what do you do for a living....3 seconds later we are off.
Washington State was interesting.....unfortunately while in BC we enjoyed incredible views of Mt Baker....this day it was over cast...nothing...and we drove right by it. FYI.... Mt Baker is massive and looks like the ice cream cone mountain one would expect. From Jay Ann's home it is about one hour drive away...and stands out massive.....thus the disappointment when we drove by and saw nada....nothing.
We by-passed Seattle Washington...against the CAA trip pic directions....Leah is a great navigator using the regular road maps.
In the early afternoon the weather broke and we had complete sunshine...timing could not have been better as we climbed into the mountains...so far the Alberta mountains are tops....but these are not far behind.
Mike suggested Coeur d'Alene as a stop...it was a push....691 km....but we made it.
This place is so beautiful....a week would be perfect... ahhhh when I retire....
So one says....691 km...a short day....normally it would be...some of the hills we dropped to 40 km/h....but worse...some of the down hill drops...for miles....J brake....45 km/h....and a couple of white knuckles..... but it is a safe travel and we are enjoying it.
Why is it that I feel like a criminal when we get to the border...four passports, all in order...advised officer...we left Ontario for BC via Canada and we would like to return to Ontario via the USA.
Q- any fruit...no.
Q- any meat...yes frozen.
Q- any alcohol...Yes...travelling bar.
Then the delay tactics.....I think when he went around to the back of the trailer and saw the Highway of Hero's sticker...just above the law enforcement charity licence plate holder it clued it....he returns and asks....what do you do for a living....3 seconds later we are off.
Washington State was interesting.....unfortunately while in BC we enjoyed incredible views of Mt Baker....this day it was over cast...nothing...and we drove right by it. FYI.... Mt Baker is massive and looks like the ice cream cone mountain one would expect. From Jay Ann's home it is about one hour drive away...and stands out massive.....thus the disappointment when we drove by and saw nada....nothing.
We by-passed Seattle Washington...against the CAA trip pic directions....Leah is a great navigator using the regular road maps.
In the early afternoon the weather broke and we had complete sunshine...timing could not have been better as we climbed into the mountains...so far the Alberta mountains are tops....but these are not far behind.
Mike suggested Coeur d'Alene as a stop...it was a push....691 km....but we made it.
This place is so beautiful....a week would be perfect... ahhhh when I retire....
So one says....691 km...a short day....normally it would be...some of the hills we dropped to 40 km/h....but worse...some of the down hill drops...for miles....J brake....45 km/h....and a couple of white knuckles..... but it is a safe travel and we are enjoying it.
Friday, 19 July 2013
Fort Langley
Tuesday was a day of rest....for the kids...
Jay Ann and Mike took us out for dinner in White Rock. The ocean side restaurant was a perfect setting.....afterwards we went for a nice walk along the boardwalk.
On Wednesday we were greeted with fresh croissants at the trailer....as Jay Ann left for business in Ottawa she dropped into say good bye....
What a great time in Vancouver with Jay Ann, Mike...Liam, Alexa, Brooke, Brinn and of course Nana and Papa.
We decided to drive out to Fort Langley....35 minutes tops....
Fort Langley sits along the Fraser river....Tyler states...not another old building to visit.
OK...time for some facts....at the entrance to Fort Langley....a plaque, Fort Langley the birthplace of British Columbia.... on the 19th of November 1858....a stat I will never forget... cause I was born...100 years later to the date.... belated Happy Birthday BC.
Does anyone know why some rivers and lakes are turquoise and some are deep blue?....
Lake Louise...
Moraine Lake...
The turquoise color comes from rock flower.... which is generated from the glacier water...deep under the glaciers the ice and water grind the rocks into a flour and then it mixes and transforms into this interesting color. The deep blue water color also comes from the mountain ice...but just from the melting snow. While driving along the HWY from Banff to Jasper we saw were the two different waters met.... the turquoise river won but it was amazing to see....unfortunately this was a two lane HWY....there was no way I was stopping to take a photo.
BC was a great time....now it's back home...through the USA.....
(we are in Montana...with WiFi hence the catch up)
Jay Ann and Mike took us out for dinner in White Rock. The ocean side restaurant was a perfect setting.....afterwards we went for a nice walk along the boardwalk.
On Wednesday we were greeted with fresh croissants at the trailer....as Jay Ann left for business in Ottawa she dropped into say good bye....
What a great time in Vancouver with Jay Ann, Mike...Liam, Alexa, Brooke, Brinn and of course Nana and Papa.
We decided to drive out to Fort Langley....35 minutes tops....
Fort Langley sits along the Fraser river....Tyler states...not another old building to visit.
OK...time for some facts....at the entrance to Fort Langley....a plaque, Fort Langley the birthplace of British Columbia.... on the 19th of November 1858....a stat I will never forget... cause I was born...100 years later to the date.... belated Happy Birthday BC.
Does anyone know why some rivers and lakes are turquoise and some are deep blue?....
The turquoise color comes from rock flower.... which is generated from the glacier water...deep under the glaciers the ice and water grind the rocks into a flour and then it mixes and transforms into this interesting color. The deep blue water color also comes from the mountain ice...but just from the melting snow. While driving along the HWY from Banff to Jasper we saw were the two different waters met.... the turquoise river won but it was amazing to see....unfortunately this was a two lane HWY....there was no way I was stopping to take a photo.
BC was a great time....now it's back home...through the USA.....
(we are in Montana...with WiFi hence the catch up)
Wednesday, 17 July 2013
Stanley Park
On Monday it was off to Stanley Park...we followed Jay Ann and Alex who were dropping off Nana and Papa at the airport.
From there it was off to Stanley Park...
We spent the day enjoying a walk around and then...the aquatic shows at the aquarium....
Karlee loved both the dolphin show and the Beluga whale show...it was in the low 30 deg cel and the heat eventually took it's toll.
We returned in Vancouver rush hour...same as in T.O.
After refreshing at the trailer we returned to Jay Ann's for a steak dinner....another great evening.
From there it was off to Stanley Park...
We spent the day enjoying a walk around and then...the aquatic shows at the aquarium....
Karlee loved both the dolphin show and the Beluga whale show...it was in the low 30 deg cel and the heat eventually took it's toll.
We returned in Vancouver rush hour...same as in T.O.
After refreshing at the trailer we returned to Jay Ann's for a steak dinner....another great evening.
Surrey and White Rock
Wow....lol....I say that a lot these days.....
The first 5 minutes leaving Merrit BC should have spoken volumes....we hit the highway.....and up we go...three lanes...wonder why..... we are in the curb lane....and the diesel banger is banging. For 20 minutes we climb. I am being passed by every car left right and centre. Once we hit the first level spot I understand why the Coquilla is so dangerous...and this is July. There are warning signs and STOP arms that drop on the HWY.
It is 249 km to Surrey, our destination for the day and half way along our adventure....do the math....comfortable...three hours right....ahhhhh not so.
This is a major climb hwy....and worse....a huge drop highway.
At one point we drop 22 km at 9 degree's....the warnings are many and I now know why the truckers get out to check the brakes.
I used the J brake on the dually every chance I had along the adventure....and never had an issue...she will drop to 20 km per hour without touching the brakes..... this hill I am monitoring the gauges as we descend....the water temp starts to rise. I have never experienced this....but given our weight and the drop it only makes sense.
Our three hour comfortable ride takes a smooth 5 and a half hours.....and a couple of those minutes were knuckle minutes....but an incredible and beautiful ride.
The biggest change were in the mountains....they rounded out a little....but still huge and majestic.
We arrived at Jay Ann's place...I decided to drive with the condo right to the house.....lucky there was a sixty foot spot right in front of the house....
I dropped off Leah and the kids...and was assisted by Nana and Papa to set up the trailer at Peace Arch trailer camp...about 9 km away.
Jay Ann and Mike put on a spread for dinner....about 15 lbs of coho salmon...and matching potatoes.... delicious.
This is the first time we met Mike and his girls....Brinn and Brooke.
And Char
Everyone clicked...great time.
Liam and Alexa are gems....Nothing lasts in the house....the 15 lbs vanished....it was fantastic, Thanks Mike and Jay Ann.
Sunday we returned in the morning to a gourmet breakfast.... and after went for a walk on Cresent Beach
and then a quick drive to White Rock.
I have to admit BC is beautiful. During our walk we stopped for some ice cream...eventually making it back early after noon.
For dinner we were joined by John and Jane and their children Angus and Eleanor. The kids got along great which gave us adults time to chat and tell stories...it was a wonderful evening.
Char...was that you?.......
The first 5 minutes leaving Merrit BC should have spoken volumes....we hit the highway.....and up we go...three lanes...wonder why..... we are in the curb lane....and the diesel banger is banging. For 20 minutes we climb. I am being passed by every car left right and centre. Once we hit the first level spot I understand why the Coquilla is so dangerous...and this is July. There are warning signs and STOP arms that drop on the HWY.
It is 249 km to Surrey, our destination for the day and half way along our adventure....do the math....comfortable...three hours right....ahhhhh not so.
This is a major climb hwy....and worse....a huge drop highway.
At one point we drop 22 km at 9 degree's....the warnings are many and I now know why the truckers get out to check the brakes.
I used the J brake on the dually every chance I had along the adventure....and never had an issue...she will drop to 20 km per hour without touching the brakes..... this hill I am monitoring the gauges as we descend....the water temp starts to rise. I have never experienced this....but given our weight and the drop it only makes sense.
Our three hour comfortable ride takes a smooth 5 and a half hours.....and a couple of those minutes were knuckle minutes....but an incredible and beautiful ride.
The biggest change were in the mountains....they rounded out a little....but still huge and majestic.
We arrived at Jay Ann's place...I decided to drive with the condo right to the house.....lucky there was a sixty foot spot right in front of the house....
I dropped off Leah and the kids...and was assisted by Nana and Papa to set up the trailer at Peace Arch trailer camp...about 9 km away.
Jay Ann and Mike put on a spread for dinner....about 15 lbs of coho salmon...and matching potatoes.... delicious.
This is the first time we met Mike and his girls....Brinn and Brooke.
And Char
Everyone clicked...great time.
Liam and Alexa are gems....Nothing lasts in the house....the 15 lbs vanished....it was fantastic, Thanks Mike and Jay Ann.
Sunday we returned in the morning to a gourmet breakfast.... and after went for a walk on Cresent Beach
and then a quick drive to White Rock.
For dinner we were joined by John and Jane and their children Angus and Eleanor. The kids got along great which gave us adults time to chat and tell stories...it was a wonderful evening.
Char...was that you?.......
Saturday, 13 July 2013
B.C.
Today is a special day....we camped in Merritt, BC from Jasper
It is about a 3 hour ride down the Coquilla HWY into Surrey BC.
This is mine, Tyler and Karlee's first time in BC. We are excited to visit with Jay Ann, Liam and Alexa....Nana and Papa extended their stay so we could all be together for a couple of days.....
It's 1030AM....if we can just get Tyler up....we are ready to travel.
Vancouver....here we come.......
It is about a 3 hour ride down the Coquilla HWY into Surrey BC.
This is mine, Tyler and Karlee's first time in BC. We are excited to visit with Jay Ann, Liam and Alexa....Nana and Papa extended their stay so we could all be together for a couple of days.....
It's 1030AM....if we can just get Tyler up....we are ready to travel.
Vancouver....here we come.......
Doug Mylie
I know this blog is about our family adventure....but I would like to introduce you to a good friend of our family.
Doug Mylie and I met as board members for AAMAC. Doug was a board member in Alberta. When we first met at an AAMAC conference in Toronto we hit it off right away....might have something to do with our police history.
Even after we both stepped down from AAMAC we maintained contact. We would email...face book and text back and forth.
What makes Doug stand out is when Karlee went in the hospital for her second transplant I received a text...."I'm here for you brother". Doug never missed a day in 6 months....each day I would receive a message of encouragement. Doug travels for a living all around Canada and the United States.....It did not mater were he was.... his first thoughts were about Karlee and the family.
Doug and his fiancée, Tracey drove 4 hours to meet with us in Jasper. Leah and I were picking up some last minute groceries when I received a text photo...a Kokanee beer in the trailer. Seems Tyler, Karlee and Doug and Tracey hit it off right away...just as we did.
Tracey taught K.J. how to hang a spoon....lol
We enjoyed a nice BBQ dinner and one rummer........well O.K....two.....more......Tyler entertained as we sat around the fireplace into the early morning.
We crashed and hit Jasper for a late breakfast.....
It was time for us to move west.... hugs for everyone and off we went...as the Mylie's returned East.
Doug, you are a classy guy my friend.
Doug Mylie and I met as board members for AAMAC. Doug was a board member in Alberta. When we first met at an AAMAC conference in Toronto we hit it off right away....might have something to do with our police history.
Even after we both stepped down from AAMAC we maintained contact. We would email...face book and text back and forth.
What makes Doug stand out is when Karlee went in the hospital for her second transplant I received a text...."I'm here for you brother". Doug never missed a day in 6 months....each day I would receive a message of encouragement. Doug travels for a living all around Canada and the United States.....It did not mater were he was.... his first thoughts were about Karlee and the family.
Doug and his fiancée, Tracey drove 4 hours to meet with us in Jasper. Leah and I were picking up some last minute groceries when I received a text photo...a Kokanee beer in the trailer. Seems Tyler, Karlee and Doug and Tracey hit it off right away...just as we did.
Tracey taught K.J. how to hang a spoon....lol
We enjoyed a nice BBQ dinner and one rummer........well O.K....two.....more......Tyler entertained as we sat around the fireplace into the early morning.
We crashed and hit Jasper for a late breakfast.....
It was time for us to move west.... hugs for everyone and off we went...as the Mylie's returned East.
Doug, you are a classy guy my friend.
SNOW IN JULY ???
Thursday the 11th of July was a travel day for us.....
Banff to Jasper. My brother in law Kurt in one of his text messages let me know if I liked the Banff mountains...wait until I see the ones along the way to Jasper.....was he ever right. If the kids hear one more WOW out of me....I find the views breath taking....and that is the way it is described.
We branched off of the main Hwy onto the two lane Hwy to Jasper.
Road signs....bear warning...do not feed the bears....no kidding. Long Horn Sheep....caution... animals in the wild can be dangerous...do not leave your vehicles. Funny enough....people still get out of their vehicles...with the children to get photo's.
Approximately three hours into a spectacular drive the road starts taking us ....UP....up....up.... a mountain. Even ATONOFUN was feeling the elevation...switchback after switchback.....at times down to 40 km/h. I did not mind the elevation....but why not install a jersey barrier....you know....on the side where the mountain drops....we climb just over 3,000 meters. The mountain tops still out of reach....and once again spectacular.
Sign say's.....8 km to the Columbia Ice Fields. This is one of our planned stops.
We drop the truck and condo in the RV lot and walk up to the chalet.....after a quick lunch we hop inline and get on the first bus shuttle.....
The Columbia Ice Fields are described as 1 km wide at the narrowest spot (the end were we start)....5 miles long to the eye...however the Ice Fields reach many kilometers back which are hidden by the massive mountain ranges.
The point where we walk on the ice fields is 300 meters thick......although the Ice Fields move forward at approximately 1 meter per year forward the are melting at a consistent rate since being monitored.
We are warned of the dangers of walking off on our own...these are enough to convince us...stay within the cones placed for us.
We get great photo's.....here we are on this frozen slab of ice...Tyler in his customary shorts....and it starts snowing....the middle of July....and snow.
It's about an hour to Jasper....a beautiful drive.....the mountains are starting to change....the snow covered rock peaks are starting to become tree covered.....and instead of snow covered peaks...only one face is showing snow.
This was one of the most amazing days of sight seeing I have ever experienced.
Alberta is truly spectacular.
Banff to Jasper. My brother in law Kurt in one of his text messages let me know if I liked the Banff mountains...wait until I see the ones along the way to Jasper.....was he ever right. If the kids hear one more WOW out of me....I find the views breath taking....and that is the way it is described.
We branched off of the main Hwy onto the two lane Hwy to Jasper.
Road signs....bear warning...do not feed the bears....no kidding. Long Horn Sheep....caution... animals in the wild can be dangerous...do not leave your vehicles. Funny enough....people still get out of their vehicles...with the children to get photo's.
Approximately three hours into a spectacular drive the road starts taking us ....UP....up....up.... a mountain. Even ATONOFUN was feeling the elevation...switchback after switchback.....at times down to 40 km/h. I did not mind the elevation....but why not install a jersey barrier....you know....on the side where the mountain drops....we climb just over 3,000 meters. The mountain tops still out of reach....and once again spectacular.
Sign say's.....8 km to the Columbia Ice Fields. This is one of our planned stops.
We drop the truck and condo in the RV lot and walk up to the chalet.....after a quick lunch we hop inline and get on the first bus shuttle.....
The Columbia Ice Fields are described as 1 km wide at the narrowest spot (the end were we start)....5 miles long to the eye...however the Ice Fields reach many kilometers back which are hidden by the massive mountain ranges.
The point where we walk on the ice fields is 300 meters thick......although the Ice Fields move forward at approximately 1 meter per year forward the are melting at a consistent rate since being monitored.
We are warned of the dangers of walking off on our own...these are enough to convince us...stay within the cones placed for us.
We get great photo's.....here we are on this frozen slab of ice...Tyler in his customary shorts....and it starts snowing....the middle of July....and snow.
It's about an hour to Jasper....a beautiful drive.....the mountains are starting to change....the snow covered rock peaks are starting to become tree covered.....and instead of snow covered peaks...only one face is showing snow.
This was one of the most amazing days of sight seeing I have ever experienced.
Alberta is truly spectacular.
Wednesday, 10 July 2013
Happy Birthday Karlee
Today is a great day....
It is Karlee's 11th Birthday....Thank You to everyone who called or text....it was truly a special day.
We just finished having fudge cake...(like Leah and I really needed this).... After a roaring chorus of Happy Birthday...we are all ready for bed.....however....Miss Congeniality 2 just made it on the screen.
Karlee wanted to go swimming on a beach today....one thing here in Alberta...beaches are not plentiful..... Now I know why....
We googled beaches close to Banff and found Cascade Ponds...with a beach just five kilometres away.
We pack a couple of bags...snacks, swim suits and off we go. As we found the corner and see Cascade Ponds...a location almost beyond words...but we can see a beach...and a few people having a picnic.....no one is in the water.
As we park we see the Parks Canada signs....warnings....fast moving waters...with unknown debris below.
This is the results of the storms two weeks ago....
Second...the Cascade Ponds are fed from the Bow River....remember the river we followed 70 ish kilometres to Lake Louise....it is staring to hit me..... But takes the next lake to hit home.
We continue to drive a few kilometres and end up at Lake Winnewanka....
a man made provincial park lake.... This is the only Provincial park that allows motor boats.....
We stop...and it all sinks in....the sign says....
"Summer time water is just above freezing....no swimming".... This whole system is fed from a glacier approximately 100 kilometres north.....this system runs through Calgary and well into Saskatchewan. No wonder no one is swimming.
We enjoy the scenery and head to the next Provincial Park called Two Jacks Lake Provincial Park....
On the trip back to Banff we see two long horn sheep. They are lying down on a rock ledge approximately15 feet above the roadway.... Not bothered as we stop to take photo's.
Back to swimming......approximately 2 kilometres from our campground is a resort with an indoor slide.....we drop off Karlee and Tyler.... It's not at the beach....but they did get some swimming in.
Leah and I took the opportunity and spent an hour or so walking around Banff....unfortunately for the last time.....this trip.
We enjoyed a taco dinner back at the "condo".... This at the request of the birthday girl.
We end the evening with a walk to the "voodoo's".... It is a set of monuments which resemble the same rocks as at the Scarborough Bluffs....
It is Karlee's 11th Birthday....Thank You to everyone who called or text....it was truly a special day.
We just finished having fudge cake...(like Leah and I really needed this).... After a roaring chorus of Happy Birthday...we are all ready for bed.....however....Miss Congeniality 2 just made it on the screen.
Karlee wanted to go swimming on a beach today....one thing here in Alberta...beaches are not plentiful..... Now I know why....
We googled beaches close to Banff and found Cascade Ponds...with a beach just five kilometres away.
We pack a couple of bags...snacks, swim suits and off we go. As we found the corner and see Cascade Ponds...a location almost beyond words...but we can see a beach...and a few people having a picnic.....no one is in the water.
As we park we see the Parks Canada signs....warnings....fast moving waters...with unknown debris below.
This is the results of the storms two weeks ago....
Second...the Cascade Ponds are fed from the Bow River....remember the river we followed 70 ish kilometres to Lake Louise....it is staring to hit me..... But takes the next lake to hit home.
We continue to drive a few kilometres and end up at Lake Winnewanka....
a man made provincial park lake.... This is the only Provincial park that allows motor boats.....
We stop...and it all sinks in....the sign says....
"Summer time water is just above freezing....no swimming".... This whole system is fed from a glacier approximately 100 kilometres north.....this system runs through Calgary and well into Saskatchewan. No wonder no one is swimming.
We enjoy the scenery and head to the next Provincial Park called Two Jacks Lake Provincial Park....
On the trip back to Banff we see two long horn sheep. They are lying down on a rock ledge approximately15 feet above the roadway.... Not bothered as we stop to take photo's.
Back to swimming......approximately 2 kilometres from our campground is a resort with an indoor slide.....we drop off Karlee and Tyler.... It's not at the beach....but they did get some swimming in.
Leah and I took the opportunity and spent an hour or so walking around Banff....unfortunately for the last time.....this trip.
We enjoyed a taco dinner back at the "condo".... This at the request of the birthday girl.
We end the evening with a walk to the "voodoo's".... It is a set of monuments which resemble the same rocks as at the Scarborough Bluffs....
Tuesday, 9 July 2013
Lake Louise & Moraine Lake
WOW.....
We left Banff late in the morning for Lake Louise....it is approximately 68 km away. The drive along the Trans Canada Hwy #1 is difficult to describe....right from the start you are surrounded by mountains on both sides. The Hwy follows the bow river...the river is torquise in color....and moving.
Around every corner it seems the peaks are higher and steeper than the next set.... And snow...middle of July...the on board is indicating 23 Celsius and every peak is covered. Simply beautiful.
We arrive in Lake Louise and look for a parking spot.....along with 3,000 other vehicles...... A small SUV pulls out in front of us and we squeeze ATONOFUN in.
A short walk and we are standing in front of Lake Louise.....
Again breathtaking. The water mirrors the bow river but with a deeper shade of turquoise. The lake is surrounded by trees and mountains.... Breath taking.
We decide to walk around the lake....you can actually only walk half of the lake and back...the other side rips into the lake at approximately 80 degrees. The lake has a depth of 70 meters and I suspect it is on that side. The walk is unobstructed with an 8 foot wide path.
Again the view is breathtaking.
We break for lunch and then it is off to Lake Moraine.... I thought and still do think that Louise was spectacular..... Lake Moraine takes it hand down.
The drive is approximately 14 km from Lake Louise...along the same road....one difference...the whole way is at a 75 degree advance. From Hwy 1 you climb to 7'481 feet and then down to Lake Moraine....Moraine Lake sits at 6181 feet. As we dropped to the lake the traffic came to a complete stop.....I was waved around by a fag man into the oncoming traffic....We had to negotiate with several vehicles leaving....the whole right side of the roadway was with parked vehicles.....the drivers and passengers walking down to the lake.....this all started 2 1/2 kilometers from the lake....good thing we were waved through. At the bottom is a small parking lot which only holds about a hundred vehicles...we get spot number 8 from the lake.
Moraine Lake is absolutely spectacular....the water is a deep...but clear blue....the lake is approximately 2 kilometers wide and approximately 5 kilometers long. The difference between Moraine and Louise is that Moraine is surrounded all around by massive peaks.....
We spent around an hour taking photos and just taking in the sights.....the peaks held pockets of snow....these each looked 20 meters thick and at least a kilometre long.....I kept wondering....if they
come down.....it's all over.
We were all bushed from the walking...returned to the truck and back to Banff.....I could go back in a minute.... Just beautiful.
Tomorrow will be special.....someone turns 11
We left Banff late in the morning for Lake Louise....it is approximately 68 km away. The drive along the Trans Canada Hwy #1 is difficult to describe....right from the start you are surrounded by mountains on both sides. The Hwy follows the bow river...the river is torquise in color....and moving.
Around every corner it seems the peaks are higher and steeper than the next set.... And snow...middle of July...the on board is indicating 23 Celsius and every peak is covered. Simply beautiful.
We arrive in Lake Louise and look for a parking spot.....along with 3,000 other vehicles...... A small SUV pulls out in front of us and we squeeze ATONOFUN in.
A short walk and we are standing in front of Lake Louise.....
Again breathtaking. The water mirrors the bow river but with a deeper shade of turquoise. The lake is surrounded by trees and mountains.... Breath taking.
We decide to walk around the lake....you can actually only walk half of the lake and back...the other side rips into the lake at approximately 80 degrees. The lake has a depth of 70 meters and I suspect it is on that side. The walk is unobstructed with an 8 foot wide path.
Again the view is breathtaking.
We break for lunch and then it is off to Lake Moraine.... I thought and still do think that Louise was spectacular..... Lake Moraine takes it hand down.
The drive is approximately 14 km from Lake Louise...along the same road....one difference...the whole way is at a 75 degree advance. From Hwy 1 you climb to 7'481 feet and then down to Lake Moraine....Moraine Lake sits at 6181 feet. As we dropped to the lake the traffic came to a complete stop.....I was waved around by a fag man into the oncoming traffic....We had to negotiate with several vehicles leaving....the whole right side of the roadway was with parked vehicles.....the drivers and passengers walking down to the lake.....this all started 2 1/2 kilometers from the lake....good thing we were waved through. At the bottom is a small parking lot which only holds about a hundred vehicles...we get spot number 8 from the lake.
Moraine Lake is absolutely spectacular....the water is a deep...but clear blue....the lake is approximately 2 kilometers wide and approximately 5 kilometers long. The difference between Moraine and Louise is that Moraine is surrounded all around by massive peaks.....
We spent around an hour taking photos and just taking in the sights.....the peaks held pockets of snow....these each looked 20 meters thick and at least a kilometre long.....I kept wondering....if they
come down.....it's all over.
We were all bushed from the walking...returned to the truck and back to Banff.....I could go back in a minute.... Just beautiful.
Tomorrow will be special.....someone turns 11
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