TIME TO LEAVE

Today we leave Nakusp and begin to meander through the mountains with no destination in mind. We will explore sites that catch our eye along the way and where we will be tonight is a mystery at the moment.

Last night we walked the waterfront.

Saw condos and this trellis that Margaret worked on.

Stopped to get lettuce from Trudy's garden.

Took a peek inside this church that was brought here by barge when the valley was flooded back in 62.

Tonight we will camp near the Crowsnest Pass. Our first stop will be Sandon a once vibrant mining town but a ghost town today.

Internet access will be a challenge so if you don't hear from us for a few days you will understand.

AMONGST THE GIANTS

We took this logging road back into the mountains today looking for old growth cedars. The drive was slow and easy and fortunately we met no one coming the other direction. We did see fresh signs of bear, cougar and moose but never actually saw one as we hiked into the forest.

Trudy knows the locations that the tourists never see and the type of site we like to visit. We walked in silence almost with reverence for the trees.

I was truly impressed. These are massive trees, growing far longer and larger than any tree I've ever seen.

Did I mention HUGE!!!

Truly G..I..A..N..T..S of the forest.

Now there's just a few left in pockets, scattered where few people see them. Once they provided shelter, transportation and clothing for the Haida. Today we can only sit in awe and silence, and reflect on what once was.

HOT SPRINGS

British Columbia has some of the best hot springs in the world and Nakusp has two of them. We  hiked this trail up to the falls before relaxing in the town hot spring.

At first I thought this was a pavilion and was ....

surprised to discover it was a covered bridge built by Margaret's boss and crew. Margaret is Mary's niece who is in a carpenter apprentice program here in Nakusp.

This is a beautiful area to hike through, easy trails, and the morning light was perfect.

Can you tell we are having fun!!!!

Long before we got to the falls we could see the mist and hear the thunder.

The volume of water rushing through this canyon was deafening and the picture doesn't come close to capturing the experience. You need to stand there and feel as well as see it move.  We were extra cautious as there are no railings and the ground was slippery.

Once over the falls the water churns through the canyon and under the covered bridge we walked across earlier.

After such a spectacular hike the hot springs seemed anti-climatic, very enjoyable and appreciated but we were still talking about the hike. Soon after, a bear was spotted just outside but by the time I got my camera he was gone.

Thanks for stopping by and always good to hear from you.

HEADING EAST

The clouds were low and heavy as we left Vancouver and headed east into the mountains.

The longer we drove and the higher we climbed the more blue sky we saw.

The roads in BC are excellent and the traffic was light so driving was not stressful. According to "google maps" this was a seven hour trip; somehow it took us twelve hours and twenty minutes.

We are now in Nakusp, BC camped in Trudy's front yard and will stay here until Thursday. Once we leave reporting will be less frequent as internet access will be more challenging.

All is quiet and good.

Thanks for stopping by. Safe travels everyone.

A DAY TO RELAX

Yesterday we hiked the Princess Park just a short walk from Jim and Andrea's place. It is part of a network of parks and paths that ring North Vancouver. Unfortunately we didn't have time to hike them all......... just another excuse to return.

It was very quiet and peaceful walking amongst the giant redwoods and cedars that grow here.

Enjoyed some chat time with Jim,

and Andrea....

and delicious burgers by the pool.

It has been a great time together but tomorrow we must leave and head back into the mountains.

We have more family to visit and places to photograph as well as a date we must be home by.

Thanks Jim and Andrea and Andrea's mom Yvonne for looking after us so superbly. We will miss everyone when we leave.

DOWNTOWN VANCOUVER

Early this morning (Friday) Jim kindly drove us to the Seabus Terminal.

Vancouver has these unique bicycle racks that completely protect your bike from theft and the elements; I was impressed.

A day pass cost us $10.00 and we were soon on our way across the bay. The public transit system here is excellent and very user friendly.

The container port was busy loading or unloading a ship, not sure which.

One cruise ship was in port, as we passed.

Mary headed for the National Quilt show at the convention center while ........

I hopped on bus 50 for Granville Island.

The market here is one of the best you will find in any city.

The produce is fresh ...................... and the

pastries  looked so delicious but I didn't dare stop.

Next it was a walk along the waterfront, past million dollar yachts and  ...

 float planes ready for the next passenger.

Even spotted some office workers out enjoying lunch in the sunshine.

Finally a quick walk through Stanley Park before heading back to port....

where I found Mary chatting with Sherri.

It was a great day, lots of walking and Mary thoroughly enjoyed the quilt show. Back home we had another delicious meal with Jim, Andrea and Yvonne. Another perfect day!

VANCOUVER - A QUICK TOUR

Today (Thursday) Jim served breakfast then took us on a quick tour of the area.

Mary loves to fish so she was interested in Jim's collection of fishing gear from his days of ocean fishing.

Although the clouds looked threatening we headed off to see Emma and Matthew's place.

They have a lovely apartment close to shopping and work, a perfect location for them both.

Dad called to let us know he was back and ready to carry on.

But before we left the cats had to perform for their supper, amazing!

The rhododendrons are huge, past their prime for colour this year but still very impressive both in size and beauty.

I've never seen kids play soccer inside a ball. Looked like little pumpkins running around on two legs, so cute.  I thought soccer was a non-contact sport ......... so why the pumpkin suits? How do they see the soccer ball? Didn't have time to stay and watch the game but I'm sure it produces lots of laughs.

Around the corner a group was raising funds for wildlife protection; always something happening here.

Home again and time to think about supper.

No idea what tomorrow will bring but I know we will be busy having fun and doing something new.