We left our campsite in Banff with a bit of rain this morning, and we noticed that the mountains had a lot more snow on them. There was a warning for campers that their water could freeze tonight - I think that was a sign that it was time for us to go! Even with the dip in temperature, nothing could dampen our feelings for this wonderful area - especially when, a few minutes later while we drove through the town, a rainbow appeared! Thank you, Banff, for pulling out all the stops to make our time with you so memorable!
We also said farewell to Alberta - and hello to British Columbia! Around the time of being on or near the border, we experienced rain, wet snow, fog and sunshine all in a matter of a few minutes! It's incredible how quickly the weather can change in that area. The drive from Banff to Golden is another showstopper. Snow-capped and tree-covered mountains, emerald water in the lakes and rivers below - you can never tire of these jaw-dropping scenes!
Throughout our time in Western Canada, Dave and I have noticed time and time again how there are so many trains that weave their way through little towns, along rivers and trees, aside mountains and through tunnels. Clearly the railway has played - and continues to play - a vital role in Canada's economy.
We made a quick stop to the town of Golden - a lovely spot that seems to be a bit of a mecca for paragliding, hang-gliding and mountain biking enthusiasts. We made a quick fuel up at the McCafé and were back on the road.
Our next break from the road was at Revelstoke - a place synonymous with skiing, and with good reason. Revelstoke holds the Canadian record for the snowiest single winter. 2447Â centimetres of snow fell on Mount Copeland just outside of town during the winter of 1971-72. That is just over 80 feet of snow - can you imagine?
In Revelstoke, we stopped at the Mount Begbie Brewery. It was voted the Canadian Craft Brewery of the year in 2017 - pretty impressive, when you think about all the competition it would have across the country! Dave and I shared a flight and a plate of nachos. His favourite was the Tall Timber Ale, a dark, full-bodied English Brown Ale and mine was the Begbie Cream Ale, a golden ale, delicately fruity, with a subtle honey flavour that finishes with a crisp hop edge. Doesn't mine sound better? :)
As we left the Rockies and headed towards the Okanagan, you could feel the temperature rise. That parka is being packed away in the furthest corner of Roberto's closet! How lovely it is to see so many fruit stands and wineries! We stopped at Gatzke's Farm Market in Lake Country and were amazed by all the produce - McIntosh, Gala, and Spartan apples (among others), grapes, plums, raspberries and more. It was a huge display - and it was all on offer by way of the honour system! As we walked around the market, looking at the old farming implements that gave a nod to the earlier generations that toiled on the farm, a truck drove up - it was the owner. In no time, the three of us got into a conversation that included fruit, farming, travelling, history, and politics. He told us that we could look all around, pick a handful of raspberries fresh from the bushes, and that there was even a place we could park our rv for the night if we wanted to stay. He could not have been kinder!
After a brief discussion, we decided it would be better to get to our planned campsite destination, Bear Creek Provincial Park. It's a beautiful campsite on Okanagan Lake - I can't wait to see more of it tomorrow.
But I must tell you, we drove through Kelowna - and I am in love. I think I want to move here. It's beautiful, it has everything a person could want and I am simply mesmerized!
I don't think I will want to leave tomorrow. Did I mention that they have wineries everywhere? Another point for my let's-move-to-Kelowna scheme...
Sweet dreams, all! xoxo
p.s. I contacted the Mrs. Meldrum I had found via google - she is a teacher in West Vancouver - and she is very happy to extend the life of my poster by taking it off of my hands! It looks like sometime next week my poster will have a new home! Yay!
