Traveling West 2011. 8-25 to 28

On the Road Again Thursday Aug. 25


Hoodoos: limestone rocks formed by the wind and the elements.


We saw a lot of logging and trucks hauling logs.


Back home in the U. S. A.


Surprised me to see huge grain fields in northern Washington state.


Grand Coulee Dam, termed by some as the 8th Wonder of the World. The building of the Dam started in 1933. Originally proposed for irrigation, after 1941 productivity electricity was the main focus. Following World War II the focus returned to providing irrigation to the surrounding areas.


We watched a laser show projected on the flowing water of the Grand Coulee Dam. We camped at the Grand Coulee Dam RV Park. It was 93 in the afternoon but cooled to 60 overnight.

On the Road Again Friday Aug. 26


Tour of the Dam.


Transformers.


Inside the plant


Turbine generator


Lake Theodore Roosevelt waters going into the Dam.


Half the length of the almost mile long road across the top of the Dam.


Love this photo of a farmer taking his sheep across the Dam.


Traveling across the desert land of Washington state.


Fruit orchards of Washington state. Example of the value of irrigation. We arrived at Corrina, Tait and family's home at 5 pm for several days visit. (our daughter and son-in-law.)

On the Road Again Saturday Aug. 27


To Soccer Jamboree....Cooper, our grandson, played 4 games. His team won all his games. A beautiful sunny warm day.

On the Road Again Sunday Aug. 27


Mass at St. John Vianney. I have always loved this mural at Corrina, Tait and family's church.


We went to Soccer Jamboree again. Teagan, our granddaughter, played 6 games. Again a warm and sunny day.

Great Thanksgiving turkey dinner to top off a busy weekend.

Location:Grand Coulee Dam $ Kenmore, WA

Traveling West 2001 8-23 & 24

On the Road Again Tuesday Aug. 23. It rained overnight. We haven't had much rain on our trip. As you can see by the pictures, mostly sunny days.


Another gorgeous falls and rapidly moving water.


There are 3 glaciers: Angel Glacier, (Before it started receding, it looked like angel wings from the back), Cavell Glacier and Ghost Glacier.


It is COOL and drizzly. Mount Edith Cavell was named after a World War I nurse.


We made it.


Chunks of the glacier in the lake.


Some people walked into an exposed area of the glacier.


We walked to the edge.


Lots and lots of rocks to get over.


The road was barely wide enough for two cars to pass. No shoulders and drop off at the end of the pavement. TIGHT switchbacks. But it was incredible to experience the mountain and glaciers.


Sunwapta Canyon and Falls. The water is white. Looks like milk because of the rock flour. (ground rocks in the water.)


Hiking to the Lower Sunwapta Falls....we were rewarded with another spectacular falls and roaring water.


Lots of different mushrooms. Have you ever seen PINK mushrooms?


Just before getting back on Hwy. 93 we saw another black bear. He didn't pose, just kept on eating the berries and shrubs.


Interesting rock formation on this mountain....looks like a Mansard roof.

We camped at Banff National Park again. Met more fantastic people. Thanks Shirley and Orest for the delicious home grown peaches. We enjoyed getting to know you, having tea and your daughter's homemade bars. Best wishes in shopping for a different RV.

On the Road Again Wednesday Aug. 24. It was 47 degrees in this morning. Warmer than last Saturday when we stayed here. Aug. 20 it was 39 degrees Fahrenheit at 8 am. Brrrr!!!!!


We crossed the continental divide in Kootenay National Park.


At Vermillion Pass


We thought we would hike in to see Marble Canyon. But there were emphatic posted signs that bears were in the area. We saw evidence at least one had been there. We settled for seeing the beautiful rapids.


Numa Falls.


We saw 2 white tailed, I think, deer along the highway. Was able to get a photo of this one. Earlier we had seen two others scampering into the woods.


Stopped at Olive Lake. No signs...bears present, so we were able to hike to the lake.


This lake is spring fed. We could see bubbles rising to the surface.


Overlooking the Columbian Wetlands. The largest wetlands in North America.

We are camping at Fairmont Hot Springs. Greatly enjoyed soaking in the warm pool and then going in the cooler pool. And repeating it. Another nature observation: watching the kids jumping off the low dive and the high dive. What enthusiasm, for the most part, some hesitant.

This trip through the Canadian Rockies has been incredible. We have enjoyed the beauty of nature, the towering mountains, roaring and gentle waterways, the soaring birds, the whispering pines and aspens and the unexpected seeing of wildlife. What an experience!!!!!!

Location:Jasper, Banff and Kootenay National Parks

Traveling West 2011 8-22

On the Road Again Monday Aug. 22.


The scenery is just so impressive.


Mistaya Canyon and rapids. Picture can not tell the magnitude of the rushing water. In all of these falls and rapids it is a battle. Who will win...the rocks, and divert the water, or the water wins. It goes it's direction and as it does it wears away the rocks.


Water won. Pots are created by the force of the water grind rock particles with such force it wears the rock away.


Glacier afar. The melting snow and ice transform itself to a tiny trickle, into a roaring stream into a quiet lake.


The aboriginals used this pass for 500 generations. We were traveling thru a valley with mountains on either side that measured as much as 3600 meters.


Athabasca Glacier. To get the concept of how large it is, in the lower mid-right corner is the parking lot. This glacier is as deep as the Eiffel Tower is tall.


Hiked to within 40 feet of the glacier.


Model in the Icefield Centre showing how huge the Icefield is. Spanning at least 8 glaciers.


Athabasca River and Falls. Again the power and roar of the water can not be realized until seen in person.


Rock "Traveler" at the quiet Athabasca River after the Falls. There were at least 20 such Travelers. All so unique. Precious to see.


Maligne Canyon and Falls. I never tire of seeing different falls, rivers, rapids and lake.


Medicine Lake. The Indians named it that because it was magic how the lake would disappear. Eventually it was learned that there are splits under the lake and the water filters to the Maligne River.


Part of the Lake is already drying up.


About 14 Bighorn sheep meandering along the road.


What a treat to see a black bear.


And her two cubs eating berries and shrubs.


A grizzly bear enjoying some berries. NO, we do NOT get out to the RV to take pictures of bears.


On the suspension bridge over the Maligne River.


As we started for a walk, we were surprised to see this elk at the campsite next to ours. We are at Whistlers Campground in Jasper National Park.

Another day of unbelievable sights, thrills in seeing so many different wildlife animals and meeting interesting people. Best wishes to the two couples we talked to who are interested in getting a Roadtrek. It's a GREAT way to travel and see the country(ies)!!!!!

Location:Banff and Jasper National Parks