Kootenay Lake B.C.

Visually stunning,  the home of British Columbia's first people, The Lower Kutenai and Lakes Bands spent their summers fishing the glacial rivers and lakes and hunting in the forests thousands of years ago. Late in the 19th Century silver and gold were discovered in the West Kootenay mountains. Prospectors surged into the area establishing boom towns in Rossland, Sandon and Silverton. Railways such as The Kaslo and Slocan line carried the ore. Fire, floods and a decline in resources resulted in many ghost towns, such as Silverton, visited a few days ago. In 1942 thousands of displaced Japanese, moved from their homes and businesses at the coast, were interned in Sandon, New Denver and Kaslo. Today, logging, agriculture and tourism and the arts feature strongly, though Silverton is just a scattered collection of old rail wagons and buses, an ice cream shop in the old fire station, and a near-derelict ore washer building.

Some of us visited the excellent Cottonwood Falls Market this morning, which, in 1896, was the site of the Nelson Electric Light Company hydro-electric plant.

Later, the car ferry from Balfour took us on the half-hour ride to Crawford Bay. This is a busy ferry, moving hundreds of cars & trucks across Kootenay Lake each day, saving a 100 mile drive round the lake: and it's a free ferry. Called the "Osprey", it bears the same name as the birds nesting on the tops of the wooden piles aside the ferry's landing bay.

At Crawford Bay a beach was reached along a dusty track, past a field with baled hay and a centre grass landing strip for a single small aeroplane. Children and parents enjoyed swimming in the lake, despite seeing snakes (or something like them) in the water!

Before catching the ferry home, we stopped off at the "North Woven Broom Co.", a log cabin filled with... you guessed it... brooms! And some sewing & binding machinery over 100 years old, but beautifully made and working perfectly to sew and bind the grass sheaves to the handles.

A short detour then took us to the old Pilot Bay Lighthouse: a quaint wooden tower on a headland, now disused but well cared for ("Pease Latch The Door As You Leave").
And so, the ferry back home to another barbecue.

Idaho Peak, Selkirk Mountains

The challenge for today - to be on the road for 08.30 h. The aim being to walk to the summit of Idaho Peak before noon. Not bad for 13 individuals, we were travelling  on Highway 3A an hour later, heading towards Sandon via Taghum, South Slocan, a right onto Highway 6 at Cresent Valley through Winlaw, Slocan, Silverton, New Denver then a right onto Highway 31A. During the Winlaw to Slocan section we were queued in a traffic hold up owing to resurfacing - massive twelve wheeler trucks passed by depositing asphalt, followed by rolling machinery, a succession of men and woman with hand held radios and stop, or slow signs indicated instructions to the drivers. The section from New Denver towards Silverton was not the normal highway, the surfacing varied, the climb upwards through a densely  conifer covered steep incline on one side of the highway and a boulder strewn river on our right with man made groynes of huge tree trunks filled with equally massive boulders in an effort to prevent destruction of the road side gave an insight to the drive ahead. 

Ten kilometres of steep incline from Silverton to Idaho Peak commenced with a single track road, switch back turns, alternating with steep drops, soft road track edges, warnings that there were few passing places, that working machinery may be on the road, and not to attempt the drive in adverse weather conditions. We arrived in the small car park with relief. Car park? Our two people carriers were surrounded by 4 wheel drive wagons that are able to power their way through logging roads, snow and water and with ease up the 10 kilometre road  - though Marcus and Thom must take credit for negoitating the track competently and without mishap. 

The advisory notice included information such as this is bear country, walk in groups, make noise, do not walk in thunder storms, take water.......The single track trail to the summit passed through an alpine meadow, with brightly coloured flowers. Pauline and I sat here and admired the view whilst the remainder do of the party made their way to the peak. They were rewarded with incredible 360 degree views and watched as preparations were made for para gliders to launch themselves from the 6000 foot summit. 

Dust covered children arrived at the base of the trail in need of an ice cream. After negotiating the descent into Silverton with only the need to pass one other vehicle we chose ice creams from The Prospectors Place, read about the once bustling silver ore town of the 1800s and walked around abandoned machinery. 

Though food has not been consumed since early morning, the request to swim whilst the sun shone meant a small detour after New Denver down to a beachside which gave a magnificent view of this section of  Kootney Lake. Thom, Ashley and Marcus joined the children in the lake. A raft enabled them to either jump off, as in Isaac's preference, dive into the water. Four clean children were towelled, dressed and shepherded into vehicles to continue the next leg of the journey towards Nelson and food! 12 hours after breakfast, we were at the Kootney Smokehouse choosing from the menu - a starter of chicken wings, ribs and poutine was rapidly eaten, followed by a variety of delicious pizzas. Oh, and I ordered a locally brewed vodka and a second. 

Another full day, happy children and adults, many memories and photographs. 

Market Day

Wednesday in the summer season, is market day in Nelson. Two blocks are coned off and stalls line both sides of the street. Stalls of locally grown produce such as purple carrots, bags of basil, bunches of beetroot were all which we purchased for the lunch.  Bread bought from the French Baker and a mixture of Italian meats from the charcuterie. The girls purchased jewellery for friends, Sophie a hank of variegated wool spun and hand dyed close by. The lure of food proved too much for Raph and Pauline who shared a plate of Indian chicken and rice freshly cooked whilst Emma sought out the
 créperie, the youngsters visited the Pixie Candy Shop.

The children have seemingly limitless energy so an afternoon at the lakeside gave them the opportunity to swim, climb and spin in various apparatus and of course a game of frisbee. Sherbet ice creams were devoured.

As the evening approached there were a few drops of rain - this became persistent and as it is much needed here we are happy for the residents have water restriction use notices in force. The evening meal was moved into Purcell Suite for a sit down extended family meal for thirteen. We all contributed and ate well.

The cousins are bonding well, there are whispers, giggling and secret planning meetings. Lots of laughter in the post meal card games. Taylor is always around for them and joins in with their games.

Tomorrow? We aim to meet at 09.30 for coffee and breakfast at Oso Negro then we will consider options on destinations.

Moving on

We are all looking forward to travelling into British Columbia's interior and meeting up with Thom and Ashley, in our final destination of this epic journey to Canada.

So today we experienced a smooth taxi ride, collected from the underground hotel parkade, to the downtown Vancouver Train Station. Ralph and Marcus who had utilised the transit tickets and had taken a bus  were waiting to help with the suitcases. This method of travelling to the airport is not only cost effective but gave another glimpse of Vancouver. 

Vancouver International Airport is huge, clean, quiet and efficient. Volunteers step forward to ask if they can be of assistance if one looks slightly lost. Tim Hortons for the boys to have a chocolate cold drink, up to the observation deck to view the variety of aircraft flying around Canada. 

 A slight hitch at security where a very accomadating guard emptied the boys water bottles and then on to Gate 35 and a meet up with the Edmontonian contingent. So, a Dash 8 twin propeller plane for the flight to Castlegar over the Rocky Mountains. With only a tiny amount of turbulence we were delighted to arrive at the tiny airport. Some of the passengers were travelling to the Shambala Festival so had the usual backpacks and camping equipment.

This is a very special airport where arrivals and greeters mingle together around the short carasol so lots of hugs and love all around. Thom led the convoy during the drive into Nelson with Ashley following Marcus to ensure that we all arrived at our destination.

Mistiso's Plave Vacations is a cosely decorated home split into several apartments. Pauline and the gitrls are in The Purcell Suite, M,S, I, J are in Silverking, Ralph and I are above them in Kokanee.

Family barbecue on the patio and then a hilarious "Uncle Sam" game on the lawned area this involved running and tagging.

Tomorrow - the local market stalls. 

Stanley Park

The day starts fairly early for Marcus, who is out and about at 6am to walk around the city. He came across a film set with an enormous amount of technical support vehicles and crew. Along with several hundred other cyclists we cycled around Stanley Park- there is a counter clockwise cycle/roller blade path running alongside a walking / jogging path ( may proceed on either direction if walking or jogging). Jacob really wanted to stop off and enjoy a water spray park, we explained that it is on the list to do in Nelson. Owing to the volume of cyclists many of whom wished to speed around the sea wall and would indict that they were passing by hollering "on the left" as they sped by, the  ride was a test of nerves and I am pleased to report that apart from toppling from my bike on one occasion, sustaining a few grazes oh and a flap laceration from a pedal, we all survived......

Quick lunch and rest then onto Vancouver Aquarium, minus Marcus who took a ride downtown. Sophie and Isaac have photographed some amazing sights, especially the deep sea monsters exhibition, the frogs and the beautiful jelly fish, but it was the water otters who captured the boys attention most and we returned to watch them swim and play before leaving. The return walk to the apartments was, for the first time since we arrived in Canada in cooler conditions. Abandoned plans to attempt to eat out and decided to have pizzas on the roof top deck overlooking the high rise buildings to one side and the mountains and waterfront to the other.

Transport to the airport tomorrow sort of decided - Marcus and Ralph will travel on the transit bus to the railway station, taxi for the others and fingers crossed we will meet for the train ride into the airport for the flight to Castlegar.

Final nights sleep in this enormous king sized bed, both in height and width, and a breakfast of whatever is in the fridge.

Diversity Day

 The group split into three this morning. Pauline and I walked down to the waterfront to people-watch and admire the yachts. Emma and Sophie were determined to obtain a prominent position to watch the Pride Parade so headed onto Robson Street. The adventurous ones travelled by bus, train and another bus to Queen Elizabeth Park, but stopped off at a sports shop to meet Simon and buy frisbies for disc golf. It was very hot and Sophie and Ralph sought shade whilst others ran round after discs. Simon managed to get one into the middle of the half-dried lilly pond! But decided not to risk the walk on the lilly-pads to retrieve it.  At half time we retired to the conservatory & gardens for cooling drinks and to admire the view from this high point. Most of us then made our way home by train and on foot (the bus routes had been changed for the parade!). Down-town Vancouver was cluttered with bunting, confetti and other odd-looking things, as six very tired people plodded back to the hotel.

Meanwhile, the Pride Parade participants enjoyed walking and dancing along the route to a noisy reception of thousands of spectators. The emergency services personal and vehicles led the parade, there were marching bands, flag bearers and cheer leaders.

Simon joined us for supper before riding back to Maple Ridge. Amazingly, the girls have gone out twice for walks this evening, the second, to English Bay, for Emma's Sophie to dip her feet in the ocean.

Tomorrow? Biking around Stanley Park and the Aquarium on the agenda. Marcus wants to find a wood fired pizza diner for our last night in Vancouver. The majority may settle for the nearest pizza meal available.

Hop on, Hop off

We have survived one day of managing to travel around the city without loosing any of the group. After a slow start whilst various girls woke up, The hop on bus tour took us from English Bay to Granville Island - kids market for Lego, food market for marvelling at fruit and vegetable arrangements and artisan goods. Another ride to downtown, short walk to at park for picnic lunch and play equipment for energetic children, followed by a walk to Vancouver Public Libary. An enormous building with floors of books, printed in various languages, comfortable seats, security personnel and one or two residents having a nap.

A further ride into the touristy area of gas town and "the clock" and the group split  - some on the bus to Canada Place, the others walked. With the aid of iPhones we found one another. The boys were delighted to discover a "magical origins " convention taking place. The company's director gave them the very latest packs of cards. Taylor  and  Saorsie headed off to the Taylor Swift concert.

Times Square Suites Hotel has an exceedingly nice rooftop patio area overlooking residential high rise apartment blocks and is an ok place to drink a post meal coffee. 

The evening has been finished with the Celebration of Light firework display down at English Bay. Twelve hours on the move today - my feet are protesting!