Leaving Vancouver

There are things you don't get to watch out your kitchen window in Midland, so we enjoyed watching them assemble a crane outside Peter's window. On our next visit, our view of the mountains will be somewhat obstructed by a new building.

After we were satisfied that they had things under control, we loaded up and headed out. Our cross Canada trip over,we started back through the States.

Into Washington state again, and we got on the 90 eastbound at Seattle, if we stay on it, it'll take us right to Boston.

Back into the mountains again, and on into Oregon. The views are magnificant. There is alot of country out here.

We stayed the night in Baker City, Oregon. Then we headed towards Idaho and we learned a few things. Did you know it is illegal to pump your own gas in Oregon? The speed limits increased to 75mph (121 kph), and we saw lots of fields that could use Jesse and the brush cutter.

We saw lots more mountains and valleys, lots of potatoes getting planted, and then a sign for snow, and then snow. We drove through Salt Lake City in a blizzard, but we made it through safely and spent the night in Springville.

Cleveland Dam

Not too much to report today, as the rain fell quite steadily, but we did take advantage of one break in the rain to visit the Cleveland Dam on the Capilano River. Grouse Mountain was fogged out, the Capilano Suspension Bridges were rained out, but the Cleveland Dam was free!!

Stanley Park, Granville Island

On Sunday morning we strolled through Vancouver's Stanley Park

Then we Met Cousin Barb for lunch at a Thai resturant with her son Matthew and friend Bob.

We wound up the day with a visit to the Granville Island market, picked up some smoked salmon and other goodies, and back to Peter's for beer, wine and snacks.

Vancouver and Seattle

Friday morning and we hit the first, and so far only dirty weather. More mountains, and then quite a downhill ride towards the town of Hope, which saw the snowy -3 weather turn to rainy +12 in a matter of 20 minutes. The trees had leaves, and we even saw grass almost ready to cut for silage.

We arrived at Vancouver Airport in time to pick Peter up, and then made our way to his place. A short trip down the street took us to where Nick was just about through cutting up a dead animal, and then we all went for a few beer at the Railway Club. We wandered around for a bit, then had an enjoyable supper at the Three Lions Cafe.

Saturday morning and we headed south to Seattle, and with Peter to guide us and photograph us, we toured the Pike Place Market, a few wineries, and ended back in Vancouver for a nice supper at Kelseys.

British Columbia

Yesterday morning found us in The Banff Gondola, heading to the top of Sulfer Mountain, 7496 ft. above  sea level. The view was awesome, and the trip up and down was fun too.

A few miles past Lake Louise took us into British Columbia, then another spectacular drive through the Rockies. And another time change, to Pacific Time.

 

We stopped in Vernon last night, at the head of the Oakanagan Valley, and as in Pincher Creek, I think we had the motel to ourselves. We at least had the pool and hot tub to ourselves.

Today we drove along Lake Oakanagan, stopped at a winery, and then drove over some more mountains to Merritt, where we again had the pool to ourselves.

I even climbed on an exercise bike for a matter of seconds!

On to Banff

A trip to Edmonton wouldn't be right without checking out the West Edmonton Mall. And the rumours were true, it is big. Apart from all the shops and stores, the attractions were awesome too. Sure beats the balls our kids got play in at McAllister Place.

Then west for a spectacular drive through both Jaspar and Banff National Parks and the Columbia Ice Field Parkway.

We even saw a herd of elk, and this little one walked over to see us.

Sarah worried about all the avalanche warning signs.

I just enjoyed being off the 4 lane highways for a bit.