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! 

Vancouver

We are now in the huge, glistening, noisy city of Vancouver. My sister and her family from Edmonton, Alberta flew in not long after our arrival. So now we are a group of eleven. The young cousins met for the first time, so now we have a period of getting to know each other's personalities. Though conversation had been restrained, all four, the two  boys and the two girls from Edmonton seemed to automatically swarm up a fallen tree as we entered the Stanley Park grounds. It will be interesting to observe the interactions over the next nine days.

No firm plans about what we want to see, do, or experience yet. We have three full days here, it is going to be in the high 20s, the city is full of visitors. Saturday night there is a Celebration of Light fireworks in English Bay and The Pride Parade on Sunday.  Oh and it is a long weekend here in Canada too.

Hop on and off trolley service, bike hire, walking, eating..........

Snakes and Lakes

Highlights of today according to the boys: the snake, the lake, the rows of pick and mix in the supermarket.

The abundance of wild life here in and around Dand B's property continues to fascinate the boys. Squirrels, tree bats, white barn owls, woodpeckers and this morning, the snake. The snake slithered away as they walked along the path near to the house.

Jacob loves the creek below the house, over which D built a wooden bridge. The black bear passes through every now and then, so Jacob looks carefully before walking over it. The dog and Jacob have bonded so the two are often seen lying together in any cool spot.

A short drive to Alouette Lake this morning, a breathtakingly beautiful expanse of water surrounded by steep sided conifer covered mountains. We had been warned that the water is glacier fed, so potentially very cold. Marcus and the boys were delighted to swim in the zoned day beach area where the shallower and clear water provided relief from the 34 degree temperature. Families were erecting gazebos over the sturdy picnic tables and grilling food on their portable BBQs.

Sophie, Isaac and I accompanied Barbara on the trip to her local supermarket - a 15 minute drive ....it was here that the row upon row of pick and mix sweets got a "wow" from Isaac and warranted a photo of the Lego man with the isle of sweet dispensers.

The province is currently experiencing drought conditions, minimal snowfall over the winter and three months without any rainfall has resulted in many forest fires and a level 3 water restriction. There were a couple of days rain just before we arrived, this cleared the smoke haze over Vancouver but not sufficient to help the trees which are distressed and loosing leaves. For residents there is a ban on watering lawns and washing their cars, apart from windscreens.  A camp fire ban is also in force.

The water source here for this property is a well. Though the level has dropped recently the quality has not been affected.

One of the benefits of the climate here is being able to prepare meals and eat outside. There are spray parks for the children (on the list to do),  disc golf courses -  Marcus and cousin Simon are playing this evening for the third consecutive night.

A final night around the fire, smores cooked, camp songs from the boys, bats flying around and a few mosquitos swatted away.

Tomorrow Barbara will ferry the Neweys into the city of Vancouver for the next phase of our Canadian Adventure. We leave with a tinge of sadness but a heart full of wonderful memories of the time here. Thank you.

Capillano

The boys have taken a liking to maple syrup. Their adaption of a "first breakfast" on waking in the R.V.  - is to make themselves a toasted peanut butter and Nutella sandwich over which they pour maple syrup. Second breakfast today was waffles, bacon and maple syrup.

A one and a half hour drive along the multi-lane Trans Canada Highway 1A  to The Capillano Bridge Park in North Vancouver. This highway is the main arterial route for moving  produce and goods across Canada so extremely busy with huge trucks and vehicles making their way into Vancouver.

The park is a tourist destination. This has the effect of making the suspension bridge sway a lot. On the cliff walk Jacob was not happy with the vertiginous drop, but rallied well and went round the tree trail. The boys completed The Rainforest Trail, so earned a  Rainforest Explorer Badge each.

The day was completed by a pizza supper eaten on the deck and Dave lit a fire so that the boys could make smores. This gave Marcus the opportunity to use one of Dave's machetes to produce toasting sticks for the marshmallows. A full moon, star gazing, Jack Daniels by the fireside and two very exhausted boys asleep in the R.V. Another day in Canada, many photographs and memories that will be recalled in the future.

Day 1 Kanaka Creek

The trains rumbled and hooted their way through the valley frequently overnight. The deep mournful sounds punctuated our sleep. Later in the day Jacob was delighted to see one of these enormous transport trains sliding by. The train required three engines, one at the front, the middle and the rear to power it along the tracks.

The focus of today was to adjust to the heat, 27 degrees by mid day, and to take a short trail alongside the Fraser River in an area known as Kanaka Creek. The name originated from Hawaiian labourers, known as "kanakas" in their native language, who decided to stay and make their homes on the lower section of the creek. The Hawaiian labourers had been employed on the Hudson's Bay Company ships transporting goods to Europe in the late 1800s. 

At the start of the trail there were a couple of advisory signs "Bear Activity" and caution owing to the potential of Forest Fires. As we walked alongside the river we discovered fresh paw prints of a bear imprinted in the sand and deep claw scratches on a tree. Whilst the boys picked and ate fresh plums from a tree we kept a vigilant watch for any bears!

We watched as cottonwood floated down from the trees and the boys attempted to catch the cottonwood as it drifted by. 

Lunch stop at a riverside restaurant we estimate the width of the river to be around a 100 metres, just a jot wider than our rivers. The remainder of the day passed with launching paper planes from the deck, Isaac played on Dave's 1850 pedal powered organ. Marcus and Simon drove into Langley for a round of disc golf. Photographs on Facebook. Am hopeful that within  a few days I will master importing photographs into this blog! BBQ and Grey Goose completed the day......

The Journey

As the co-ordinator of the travel plans, and having a slight distrust, or ignorance of my iPhone capabilities, my carry on bag contained a file of paperwork relating to every aspect of taxi collections, flight times, e-ticket numbers, airport maps, various accommodation destinations, transport links and family contact details.

Following a 02:00 alarm call, the following four hours drifted by calmly. Taxi collection as arranged, through airport security without a hitch and boarded the first plane from Bristol to Amsterdam.  The departure time passed - the minutes ticked away. The pilot announced that "owing to airspace activity " our departure would be on hold for a short period. We taxed forward, then around the runway, and returned to the starting position.

Then came the information that a problem has been identified with  the engines. Only one was operational and attempts to start the second by various methods one had failed. Communication had been established with the technical staff in Amsterdam. The pilot entered the cabin to state that "never in my experience had this happened" further apparatus was attached to the plane and success -two engines ready to go. So, two hours later than scheduled we were airborne, with the reassurances that " this is a beautiful plane, your safety is paramount, we will not put you at risk". For passengers who had missed, and those who were likely to miss their connecting flights, the team in Amsterdam were re-assigning and finding alternative carriers.

Fortunately,  we had sufficient time to join the next leg of the journey to Vancouver. A nine hour flight in a Airbus 330,  tracked by both the eldest grandson in England and the sister with whom we are staying for the first five days of our vacation in British Columbia.

Customs and security staff at Vancouver International Airport proved to be efficient and through - questioning why we were in Canada, for how long and where and with whom were we staying. Ralph and I were quizzed re any possible contact with Ebola. M,S,I,J had to answer questions appertaining to how many years my sister had lived in Vancouver. However, the boys were delighted to be waved through and their passports stamped with date and time of entry into Canada.

Baggage claim was straightforward, our declarations form relating to an assurance that we were not attempting to bring in fruit, seeds, knives completed and accepted and we were then allowed to proceed into the arrivals hall.

Barbara, Dave and Simon took charge of the suitcases and steered us safely to their vehicles. Having been awake for 20 hours, whizzing through various time zones we were delighted to be swept up and driven to Maple Ridge... Ralph enjoying being whizzed and swept along in Dave's new 5.7 litre V8 pickup!

We are all delighted to have been made so welcome, and this home is beautiful.

"The List"

Warm sunshine and blue sky this morning, so a stroll around the garden is enjoyable. The day poppies have bloomed and the seed heads are ripening. There are a few sweet smelling roses, the foxgloves are looking dramatic and there are masses of raspberries for tomorrow's breakfast.

Highfield in the sunshine

Am calmly working my way through the list of jobs to do before we leave early Monday morning.

Weekend preparations....

We have thought about, planned and this weekend we are preparing for the journey to Canada. Such a momentous time in our lives - visiting beautiful British Columbia to meet up with family who live and work in Canada deserves a few notes!

So this weekend will focus on working my way through "The List"

House, garden, tickets, clothes to go,