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Published: September 26th 2008
Jerry first thing AM
This is how Rita sees him first thing in the morningWe are not Lost
We were upducted by aliens who didn't give us time to post. Ok, that was a lie but sounded like a good excuse for not posting the last few days. Honestly, we keep trying to find time to catch up on the days we've missed but quite frankly, we are having too much fun making the memories and thus, too tired at night to post - fresh air and all you know. Alas, we decided to forego catching up and just tell you about today following a brief talk through of where we've been.
After spending two days in Glacier National Park, we headed into Canada. We skipped one part of our plan and went right to Calgary for a night. Then, through Banff, Lake Louise, and the first drive of the Icefield Parkway. We landed in Jasper, Alberta - the furthest northern point of our trip. We took a free day there but by the time we slept late, had a late breakfast, did some wash and visited with some new local acquaintences, the day was done. We drove back through the Icefields and with all the stops and side trips, landed at Lake
Jerry Cleaned Up
What the rest of the world sees - doesn't he clean up well? Louise late evening.
Today, we headed out from Lake Louise with the intention of getting to Kelowna, British Columbia - a drive we've been told is outstanding. We are still planning to catch up on the other days as this will be our travel record as well. Until then, we'll try to get back on track with posting a little more regularly. No promises there however. We're having such a great time, it is very difficult to make posting a priority - especially getting through all the pictures to share.
Surprise Side Trip
We have a Guide via GPS type of device that talks us through the parks. It told of a special side trip that everyone should take - only twenty minutes to Takakkawa Falls. We believed it was a must see.
Two and a half hours later, we'd agree that it was something everyone should see but whoever dreamed up the twenty minutes to do so is out of their mind.
The pictures probably tell a better story than any words. However, we'll give it a shot. A right turn on to a small road leaves us wondering what we have gotten ourselves into. It is a better road than a similar side trip two days before so we proceed. After a very short while, we are going up and quickly. We can barely see the road as it turns first one direction and then another. At one turn, pines and evergreens surround us - all the green beauty one can imagine. The next turn, the car almost stops on its own as the dignity of mountain topped with snow is framed by the varying greens of different pines or evergreens. (Tree experts we are not). Then, suddenly, upon yet another turn, new trees line the road with autumn colors so vibrant that our breath is simply taken away. Inevitably, these too frame another mountain view that in pictures, likely look much the same but in person, are one painted
Lake Louise Inn
Great place. We highly recommend it. picture after another. We quickly run out of words to describe what we are seeing to each other.
Higher and higher we climb. We have gone ten minutes and still no sign of the falls we were told to visit. Then, we are directed to a pull out named the "Meeting of the Waters." Truly, pictures cannot show the magic of the water. One creek falling from the mountains feeds the river in front of us. The other creek running more at ground level and meeting up with the mountain stream come together in an obvious clash of forces. They are so different. It is truly water meeting water; the calm meeting the storm; colors running together to create a new hue on a painter's palet. The sound is deafening amidst the quiet of the mountainside. Birds can be seen but none are heard over the crash of the meeting waters.
Alas, we continue on this mini-adventure, unsure how high we will need to go. We never see far enough ahead to know where the road will take us - only the trust we have that a road does exist after each turn and eventually, we will see
Heading out
Rainy day expected the falls we set out to see. Cars come at us from above, manuevering the turns coming down with the power derived from gravitational pull. Our car creaks at the climb as if too tired to take us further. We push ahead, believing the site is worth every minute of time to get there.
Our GPS guide warns us of upcoming switchbacks and wishes us luck. We look at each other like, what the heck? Then, we see it and we are on edge - quite literally. There, on the side of the hill...no, the mountain...no, the ledge...whatever "it" is becomes unbelievable. There are wooden planks carefully placed along the wall of the mountain to keep rocks or stones from falling away, taking the road with it. We watch as a truck makes the first turn, stops, and has to back up and maneuver the turn to manage its degree. At the same time, the road climbs sharply. No wonder our voice guide wished us luck! As we cautiously approach and work to maneuver the turn ourselves, we are silent. There are no words to describe the anticipation, the excitement, the adventurous spirit that pushes us forward rather than
Winding Road
Once again, the roads wind about the mountains turn around. One can only imagine the snorting of horses if they were asked to travel this portion of the road.
Finally, we spot the first of many views of Takakkawa Falls. We are completely speechless. From afar, one can clearly see the force of nature so hard at work. The closer we get, the more massive it appears. We arrive at the parking lot and step out to take a look. There is a paved path to the waterfall. Jerry says he'll walk and so he sets out. A stop at the washrooms (they aren't restrooms up here, they are washrooms) and Jerry looks to the path. He turns to give that "I don't think so and no, we're not getting the scooter our" and before he can say a word, he gets "the look" back with a rather commanding "Yes, we're getting the scooter out and Yes, we are going." Without another word, Rita turns and heads back to the car for the scooter. (Jerry later thanks me for this one....whew!)
The Scooter Ride
We get back to the car and get the scooter out using our new scooter lift. What a treat compared to
Going toward Golden
Every turn brings a new view having to put it together, take it apart each time or the heavy ramps and maneuvering it down the ramps. Jerry gets on the scooter and begins his first mountain scooter ride. He sits proud and though he'd never say it, is like a little boy setting out on an exciting adventure. It is amazing how many people you meet and talk with when in something like the scooter. All have some kind of comment or friendly word; some we stop to talk with, others we nod and smile in agreement. Across a bridge, down a path that mimicks the roads, never sure what the next turn will bring. Then, there it falls right in front of us - a gigantic water fall shooting water in the air as it hits boulder on its fall to the ground. Absolutely amazing!!
We stare at the falls, enjoying its miraculous and endless descent. We turn around and in every direction is an unspeakable view of mountains, some snow-topped, some not. Other streams of water run down the mountain sides but none as stupendous as this. It is a nature at its best.
We reluctantly turn to take the "hike" back
Another turn
...another view to the car. Our twenty minute diversion is now at two hours and we still have to get back down to the main road. As we pack the scooter away for now, we agree it was an outstanding, worthwhile venture.
Downward
We head back down toward the main road and yet again, every turn has a different view, unseen by our eyes on the way up. Down, down, down....no stops on the way down except for a picture here and there. Awesome! We finally get to the main road and simply sigh for what we have seen. We take the turn to continue toward Kelowna.
Lunch
In Golden, British Columbia, we find a Diner that takes us back to the day. Elvis and other paraphenalia is all over the walls. Little red stools line the counter and booths of yesteryear make it a perfect lunch stop. We keep waiting for 'the Fonz' to walk in but alas, no such luck. The food was great but the ambiance fit best. It was a treat!
Kelowna? No way!
It doesn't take long to realize that between the falls excursion and the constant stops to take pictures
Spiral Tunnels
Intro to a great side-stop or just try to absorb the world arounds us, there is no way we will make Kelowna unless we want to travel well into the night. Not! So, we get into Revelstoke and after a short search, find a hotel that suites us. It sounds so repetitive but once again, we are surrounded by mountains in a small but comfortable place with the peace and joy that only another good day of travel can bring. Trouble sleeping? No way...we'll be asleep as soon as our heads hit the pillows. Tomorrow is another day.
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Vickie Hart
non-member comment
Outstanding!
Wow you guys...what beautiful scenery. I look forward to your posts. It's kind of like hitching a ride along. Bryan says hello and wishes he was there (maybe you don't but he does ha, ha). Have fun! Love, Vickie