Road to the Rockies

Sunday, July 3rd, 2011.

We arrived in Revelstoke on Sunday afternoon. The weather was warm and sunny for a change! We pulled into the KOA 2 km. on the east side of the town. There was no problem registering. The weekend crowd had pulled out and more than half the park was empty.

This is the spot I planned to check out for our Family Reunion 2014. There are RV spots, tent spots, “Kamping Kabins” and 2 bedroom deluxe chalets. It would suit any age group and inclination. There is a swimming pool¸ pancake breakfast, teriyaki chicken dinner and ice cream social in the evening. Lots to keep the families busy on the property and even more options in the surrounding area.

Monday morning Dan and I set out to explore the town of Revelstoke. We found our way to the public parking by the Info center and went in to get an overview of the area. The young woman we spoke to was very helpful. We gathered brochures, maps and suggestions then walked about.

I like this town. It is small and well kept. There are a variety of restaurants, interesting shops and two museums. We spent time in the city Museum but did not get to the Railroad museum this time. We found our way to Isabella’s Restaurant for an excellent Italian lunch. The special of the day was plentiful. The KOA gives each family a family pass to the Revelstoke Aquatic center but we did not take the time for that. Instead we went for a walk along the river walk. There are beautiful views of the junction of the Columbia and Illecillewaet rivers against a backdrop of the mountains. Every evening in the summer one of the streets is closed, chairs set up and live music is staged in the plaza.

We went on to check out two other possible RV parks. Canada West RV Park is currently under construction and may be a good option by the time we need it. Canyon Creek RV Park is a Hot Spring and very nice for RVs but the cabins were unsuitable for our needs and amenities were all an additional expense.

We went back to the KOA, had dinner and spent a quiet evening on the internet. We sat outdoors by the office to get the Wi-Fi signal. We had to dress for the mosquitos and black flies after dark. The time flew by and it was one of the latest nights of the trip. We managed to catch up with our mail and family connections.

We had another day to explore while we waited for Leroy and Reza to catch up with us. We had a slow start and then went up Mt. Revelstoke to see the wildflowers on Alpine Meadows Parkway. Unfortunately there had been a rock slide on the road and we did not get very far up the mountain before we had to turn around.

Instead we went for a walk along the Skunk Cabbage Boardwalk. It was another lovely warm day to be out in the sun. Right at the start of the walk we saw a sign warning us bears were in the area. We saw how true it was when we found a pile of scat on the boardwalk! I saw many of the berries that attracted them but I did not see the bears.

We checked out the Coast Hotel just above the KOA. They do have a group discount for rooms and they could cater the family dinner for us either on the deck or in the dining room. It was a lovely hotel with beautiful views over the city and mountains.

It was time to go back to our little home on wheels. Leroy and Reza arrived and we had a pleasant evening around our picnic table enjoying a good dinner and a bottle of wine. This would be an early night as we had all had a busy day.

We toured the property one more time and then packed up. We were heading east to Kinbasket Lake. We had no particular directions but found it on Microsoft Streets and Trips with our GPS. Off we went! It would be a short trip. Even shorter than we planned! The turnoff to the resort was well sign posted – long before the GPS route. We followed the signs down the Canada West logging road across the railroad tracks and into the resort.

Kinbasket Lake Resort would not do for the reunion. The lake was a reservoir that at this time had been drawn down a long way. That made a steep drop to the water and would be a worry for any mother of active small children! The water was not clean or inviting. There was not a lot to do unless you had a boat to go fishing. The long rough road in would not encourage you to go in and out often and nowhere to go if you did.

For us it was a quiet day of napping and reading. Very enjoyable! Quiet that is, except for the trains. I was surprised how many trains ran on this track. There was a gated crossing just above the resorts so we heard the bells of the gate coming down, then the shrill whistle of the train for each one that went by – day and night!

That would be our last night in British Columbia. In the morning, we headed east over the Rogers Pass into the heart of the Rockies. We drove through spectacular views of the mountains around us.

On the shoulder of the road we saw mountain goats grazing peacefully. As I got out to take pictures they watched me and stayed aware of my presence but they did not move off.

Carrying on down the highway, we bypassed Banff and went into Canmore for groceries. For the next few days we will explore Alberta.