#205 Sep 2018 One More Stop

In the summer Penticton is too hot and busy for me but is very comfortable in September. We visited friends and favorite wineries.

 

The grapes were just waiting for harvest.

We have driven past the Osoyoos Desert Model Railroad many times and finally stopped this year. 

The Railroad opened in 2003. Since then family and friends of the Pedersen family have created the biggest little European Railroad in Canada. Up to 45 computer controlled trains run on over 2 km of track. 

 

Scenery, buildings and people are painstakingly created. Ulla has painted over 25,000 little people.

A gurney was constructed to vacuum and clean the displays.

Very detailed scenes of roads and small towns connect the train tracks.

Tiny people are on the carnival rides.

Parachutists cruise over the town.

Hot air balloons float

Concerts draw people

Bridges keep people and goods moving

Smart cars wait for drivers

Parades entertain 

Off Roading

Skiing

Night skiing.

Periodically lights are dimmed to provide a night view of the scenes.

Unfortunately train derailments happen.

The repair shop and roundhouse can handle most problems.

The creativity and attention to detail are amazing and well worth repeat visits. 

#204 Sep 2018 Westward Bound

June and July 2018 we explored central British Columbia and learned about the province where we have lived for nearly 20 years.

In August we renewed family connections at the Bergh Reunion. We also visited several of my cousins along the way and caught up with their lives.

In Calgary we visited family and friends. It was a great people and new places summer.

In early September it was time to head towards home. We passed favourite views and mountains.

On the Trans Canada Highway, Scott Lake Hill is the highest point east of the Rockies. It is also one of my favourite views of the mountains.

Ha Ling Peak (far right of the photo) stands out approaching Canmore.

On the highway Cascade Mountain dominates and is the backdrop for many views in Banff.

This waterfall on Cascade always has running water or icefalls.

Castle Mountain signals the junction to Radium BC.

The glaciers and rivers are fascinating and beautiful.

This trailer offered a unique view of our motorhome.

Beside the road is a reminder that nature can be unpredictable and dangerous.

These tractor trailers illustrate the challenges of mountain highways.

We spent a couple of nights in Sicamous just to unwind before home. As always we asked about points of interest in the area.

This salmon spawning creek runs under the highway just east of town.

Salmon lay their eggs in rocky, shallow water then with much body splashing cover them with sand.

The salmon die after spawning. In order to keep track of their count fisheries staff cut off the heads of the dead fish.

Many times we have said we should stop at The Burner Grille beside the highway.

The interior walls and ceiling are covered with logging artifacts. (See post #188 for details about beehive burners.) The food and staff are great.

There is always more to see and do everywhere.

#203 Sep 2018 Canada's Longest Mural

Public art brings a community together.

Canada’s longest mural was organized by Calgary’s Northern Hills Community Association as a way to celebrate its 25^thanniversary.

Artist Mark Vazquez-MacKay went into different communities asking people how they wanted to see Calgary’s history represented. He outlined that vision (think huge colouring book) on the fence.

The fence along Coventry Hill Blvd NE is now a fascinating walk or drive.

In three days hundreds of volunteers painted the 850 metre vision with 900 kg of paint!

Calgary’s history from the ice age to present is represented.

First Nations and cowboys

Buffalo

Alberta’s first black rancher (see post #199)

Cattle

The railroad

Early automobiles

Agriculture

 

Calgary Tower

1988 Olympics with mascots Heidi and Howdy

Oil

As the sun sets on this beautiful fence the northern lights are highlighted!