All week Danica was Grampa’s co-pilot with the best seat in the house. I rode with Dave in his car, which is more comfortable than our Suzuki for sightseeing with 4 people. We had walkie-talkies between the vehicles and Danica was very diligent with “over and out”. The traveling times were good 1 on 1 connecting opportunities. Our sightseeing times were opportunities to create family memories.
Sunday, July 20th we headed back to Calgary. Danica had a birthday party in the afternoon so they headed home and we returned to BowRivers Edge in Cochrane. We stayed a week to re-visit family and catch up on some “housekeeping” errands.
When we bought this RV in June 2013 it was in great shape. As time progressed we noticed a few issues, which is to be expected. The upholstery was cracking on the driver and passenger seats and the couch cushions. We had ordered new covers from the manufacturer and received them in May this year. They sat in a box until this week when Ralph and Dave tackled the project. It was a good chance for father and son to work together. Kari and I often do things together but there are very few opportunities for Ralph and Dave.
Danica had a bicycle camp every afternoon and I was privileged to take her one day. She is so enthusiastic about new skills and she loves talking about her experiences.
Ralph’s nephew Terry, Tammy and Taylor live just outside Calgary and invited us for supper on Friday. Ralph’s sister Marion (Terry's mother) and her husband Donald from Toronto were there as well as Tammy’s parents. We had a great meal and visiting. We have been so fortunate to enjoy the company of so many family and friends during these last few months.
The week was quiet and restful. I didn’t even take any photos – that was very strange.
Sunday we headed west again and enjoyed the summer mountains. This view is one of my favorites as we crest Scott Lake Hill. I have known these mountains for most of my life and the approach is still thrilling.
This mountain of limestone at Exshaw is dramatically smaller than the first time I saw it as a teenager. A mountain of cement has gone into homes, businesses and construction.
The island in the middle of the lake has usually had a picnic table and now comfy chairs and a flag.
Cascade Mountain is a beacon as we approach Banff.
The waterfall always has water whether running in the summer or frozen in the winter.
Castle Mountain is aptly named. Several years ago politicians decided to re-name it Mount Eisenhower to honour the General. Public outcry convinced the powers-that-be to revert to the name that honours the mountain.
The Park Bridge across the Kicking Horse River removed one of the dangerous stretches on the Trans Canada Highway.
Over a few years we watched the bridge develop, as the engineering feat became reality.
We have driven past Revelstoke many times and said “another time we’ll visit the Revelstoke Dam”. This was the time.
This sign gives a bird’s eye view of the dam (since I can’t be a bird or hold my camera high enough).
This dam is one of many on the mighty Columbia River, which flows into the Pacific Ocean at Portland, Oregon. There is a great deal of discussion between Canada and the United States regarding water rights and usage. I will just say that time and politics move onward. We have visited many dams and appreciate the power they provide.
This is the view as we approach but there is no way to convey how overwhelmingly huge the dam appears. It is 574 feet at it’s highest.
This sign puts the Revelstoke Dam into perspective.
From the top of the dam, this view to the south provides an idea of the remoteness and beauty of the area.
This view of the Revelstoke Reservoir is towards Mica Dam 81 miles away.
The Revelstoke Railway Museum brings to life the struggles and dangers of establishing a national railway in 1885.
Engine 5468 sits in the centre of the museum and beckons visitors to explore a working steam engine.
This engineer drove #5468 and others until the 1950’s when diesel engines took over.
The dining car was the ultimate, luxurious way to experience the magnificence of the Canadian Pacific Rockies.
Our next stop was Shuswap Lake Provincial Park to visit my cousins Mike and Gayle with a bonus of Vicki and Murray’s son Colin with his wife Robin and son Cohen. A lovely visit in a beautiful location.
Viewers of “Highway Thru Hell” will recognize the name Great Bear Snowshed on the Coquihalla Highway.
This view shows the base where cannons are placed in the winter to trigger controlled avalanches.
In Chilliwack we spent two nights beside the Vedder River. Fire bans due to a very hot summer had prevented us from using our stock of firewood. Over a roaring fire we visited with neighbours in the park and tried to use up our firewood but left with more wood than when we arrived.
August 1st we returned to Peace Arch RV Park in Surrey and setup to stay for a few months.
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