Northern Canadian Rockies

It's a gloomy, sprinkly day, 51 degrees, but still beautiful scenery all around.  We're stopped at Toad River, BC doing laundry--$8 Canadian for one wash/dry.  Ran into a guy who used to teach in Spooner.  It's a small world! 

People who know me know I really like cookies & pastries. :-)  So far, it's been a bust.  We got two rolls one day to eat the next, and they were totally stuck together so went into the garbage.  Next, we bought a danish coffee cake at the bakery of the local IGA, and I didn't notice the date until I cut into it.  It had been made 12 days before; needless to say, it was dry as a bone!  Last night we stayed at a campground that is supposedly noted for their fantastic cinnamon buns.  I was really looking forward to one this morning, but the people had to go "to town" so weren't baking today.  They also didn't charge for the camping, so that was a nice thing. 

We saw 10 bears last evening driving to the campground (no grizzlies yet) and 3 stone sheep and 2 moose today.  Our next stop today is Liard Hot Springs, where we plan on enjoying a soak.  We should be into Alaska by Saturday.  Some people we've met are driven to get to Alaska right away, but we've been enjoying the beauty of Canada as part of our trip.  We met a guy yesterday (Randy) from Michigan who left home Saturday morning--he was on Day 4 & we were on Day 10.  He is in a bigger hurry than us. :-)  He was fun to visit with though. 

Moose in Jasper

 Bijoux Falls south of Ft. St. John (for you bird watchers, lots of Stellar Jays)

Cameron Lake Campground, Hudson's Hope, BC 

 Teslin River Campground (NO cinnamon buns!)

 Summit Lake--highest pass on the Alaska Highway

Stone Sheep near Summit Lake, BC

Banff & Jasper National Parks, Icefields Parkway, and Mt. Robson Provincial Park

We've had great weather, perfect camping, and endless stunning views on this trip.  We've hiked into places to see magnificent waterfalls (short hikes, mind you! lol) and done lots of walking.  Annie has been the best traveler & doesn't mind getting back in the truck each morning.  We'll be on the Alaska Highway in the next few days.

 Annie in Lake Louise (still lots of ice)

 Lake Louise

 Lake Moraine

 A wayside view of a glacial lake (don't remember the name)

 Sunwata Falls

 Mountain Goat on the side of the road

Mount Robson--highest mountain in the Canadian Rockies

It's been hard to find good WiFi spots, but today we're at the Visitor Centre in Prince George, BC (population 74,000+).  I finally got a fountain pop and a donut at the local 7-Eleven gas station.  It's the little things! lol  Last night we stayed at Purden Lake Provincial Park--a really nice campground but so many mosquitoes we had to stay in the camper.  

Happy Memorial Day!  

Canadian Rockies

Happy Friday & Memorial Day Weekend!  Today we are in Canmore, Alberta, and heading to Banff & Jasper National Parks.  Yesterday we traveled the beautiful Kananaskis River valley on the recommendation of a campground attendant who said it was her favorite drive ever.  So far, she was right!  The mountains, the fast flowing river...stunning scenery every direction!  Last night we stayed in a Provincial Park campground, Eau Claire.  We knew getting up this morning that we didn't have any too much fuel in the truck tank, but we squeezed our way to the nearest gas station with little miles/kilometers to spare.  We won't do that again!  On through the beautiful Canadian Rockies to Banff, Icefield Parkway, and Jasper. 

Oh, Canada!

We crossed the border into Canada a few minutes ago and are stopped at a beautiful visitor center.  Our first night out, we camped at Itasca State Park near Park Rapids, MN, where the headwaters of the Mississippi River is located.  It was very peaceful at the campground, but I'm sure by this coming weekend & throughout the summer, it will be very busy.  It's a beautiful place, and Annie got to puddle around in the Mississippi. The wildflowers are blooming--marsh marigolds, wood anemone, and many more.

From MN, we followed Hwy. 2 through North Dakota (camped in a little city campground in Surrey, ND--nice spot!) and through Montana.  Last night we stayed in Havre, MT, about 100 miles east of Shelby.  Camp life was quite exciting--Randy cooked dinner & I stitched. 

Big Sky Country--Montana--is beautiful!  

Hopefully, I'll get the hang of this blogging thing and get the pictures in a better order, but this is it for today. :-)  It's time to make a sandwich, get some money exchanged, and find a place to camp for the night.  By the way, it's really hard to get into "vacation mode."  I think it will come pretty quickly now that we're in Canada.  Next up, Banff, Jasper, and the Icefield Parkway!

And We're Off!!!

We made it!!  After months of planning and preparation, we're on the road...Randy, Marla, and Annie...heading to Canada and Alaska for some fun and adventure.  Stay tuned for updates and pictures.