Welcome back and thanks for joining us as we traveled the Midwest, Pacific Northwest, Canada, Alaska's Inside Passage, the Yukon Territories, the Southwest deserts and the Sierra Nevadas. You were great on the trip to the Baja Peninsula and the waters of the blue Pacific. You impressed us as you bundled up for the trek around Lake Superior and you kept pace down to the tip of Florida! Now, join us for some different adventures, including visits to some neat areas around SC.
When we got ready to do a recap of our trip to the Pacific Northwest I started looking back at our posts and began to wonder if they weren't a bit top heavy on the superlatives.
There certainly was no shortage of "awesomes,"
"incredibles" or "amazings!!" And, yes, our ol' buddy the exclamation point gets his share of duty too. So, that got me to thinking about what they mean.
As I pondered I began to realize that the words that seem to jump into our language like that - what we refer to as superlatives - are little 'pieces of emotion' that have to chime in when we are describing something that touches our soul in such a special way that we literally feel it - physically - inside.
I noticed that it was not an isolated phenomenon; all three of us seem to do the same thing. So then I started looking at some of the places we had been and things we had seen and I decided that each sight had definitely earned (and stimulated) those words. As I thought about all this, and considered what things were capable of bringing out such feelings I was struck with an amazing realization.
Yes, the sight of soaring mountain peaks, waves crashing along a craggy coastline or an immense tree bring them out in us - but so do the exquisite patterns of a pine cone, the miracle flying capabilities of a hummingbird, the remarkable colors of summer wildflowers or the spotted coat of a newborn fawn.
And I thought, wow! If we could only allow ourselves to truly appreciate the incredible treasure trove of miracles that surround us each day, perhaps we could begin to realize how very fortunate we are to have received this incredible gift of life.
Maybe then we could learn to look at each other differently, too. As the miracles we are as well. Well, pondering is hard work so I'm going to re-group and try to figure out how to bring you some more of the stuff we couldn't get in while we're on the road - without overwhelming you. Thanks for your patience with my musings. We'll be back in a while. See ya!!
Well we have just about recuperated from the trip and we're already getting itchy feet - and fingers as the case may be. As some of you know, we try to look back at the posts we've done and fill in the many gaps we've left by including photos we haven't been able to share yet. We'll do that over the next few days. I hope you will come back for that. See ya.
In Seattle, early comes the same way it does in metropolitan Ridgeway, S. C. ... early!!! Although we were used to getting started pretty quickly while we were on the road, having to rise at 3:45 a.m. was a bit much. To top it off, the alarm on the clock in our room was absolutely the most obnoxious sound I have ever heard - other than when I was in boot camp and was awakened to the sound of a night stick being vigorously rattled around the inside of a metal trash can. Seriously, that thing sounded like the "dive-alarm" on a WWII submarine.
But - it did the trick and we staggered down to the lobby in time to catch the 5:00 a.m. shuttle to Seatac International. I guess we got through security OK (I was still asleep). When it's that early and you have to pretty much partially dis-robe, get your picture taken in a big machine and get fondled by someone who is definitely not your type it sorta starts your day off on a different note. But, we made it to the gate and eventually boarded the plane for glamorous Cleveland, our interim stop along the way. It was still way early when we taxied out for take-off and it was very foggy. In the past, leaving Seattle has always been exciting because we usually have had the good fortune to get a good look at Mt. Ranier as we were making the turn eastward. I was kinda sad the fog would prevent a sighting today because of the great time we had there on our trip. We roared away through the fog and started our ascent, continuing southward a bit longer than usual - I assume to find better visibility - and by the time we turned west the sun had begun to turn the hazy sky pink. We made a slight turn and all at once we were given this magnificent gift.
Mount Saint Helens, her blast-torn peak bathed in sunlight stood to tell us goodbye!!! I can't tell you how powerful that image was for me. I have hoped to get a good look at that old gal the last several times we have been in the northwest but was never that lucky. In fact, one of the main reasons I wanted to travel from Seattle to Wenatchee via Highway 12 was to try to see her but, as you now know, the smoke from the forest fires eliminated any chance. So this was an extraordinary treat. Then, as if to underscore the experience and permanently put it in the book of miracles for me, another slight turn added two more of my all-time favorites to the picture!!!
Mount Adams (to the left) and, way down in Oregon, Mount Hood (on the right) joined St. Helens to wish us Godspeed on our trip. I mean, all you can say about that is ...... "WOW!!" So, it was on through "...the friendly skies" and, eventually back to the Queen City. Our bags were just about the first ones out on the luggage carrousel and we actually found our car on the first attempt!!! Although it's usual rush-hour self (jammed), I-77 didn't seem too threatening and the miles slipped by with all of us lost in memories of this great experience. Soon we were pulling in the driveway and sitting there as if to form a proper welcoming committee were three deer and ... the cat!!! Sherwood headed back to Columbia and we began the task of re-entering reality. You guys have, again, been the greatest of traveling companions and we hate to end this great trip. But we'll be back with new adventures before you know it. Count on it!!! See ya!!
We packed up after our visit to Kamloops and prepared for the final leg
of this adventure. Sherwood agreed to take on the pilot duties for this
last stretch of "white knuckle" driving and performed flawlessly. She
got us down from the heights and we were soon moving past huge
agricultural areas.
The territory to the east of Vancouver is filled with cattle and horse
ranches, miles of row-crops, vineyards, orchards and poultry farms. The
small towns along the route proudly tout their agricultural lifestyle
and they certainly earned that privilege. Even though we were running
short on time (based on when we had hoped to get to Seattle) we opted to
make a stop in Vancouver as originally planned.
It was going to be impossible to make it to Victoria but we just decided
that would provide incentive for a return visit. Entering Vancouver is
quite a chore on the main highways right now because of the tremendous
amount of construction being done.
In addition, the route we took carried us through some of the seedier
sections of the city. But we worked our way to the "city centre" and
stopped at Starbucks to finish off our Canadian Currency. Then, it was
on to the waterfront to see what we could see.
The Convention Center provides a perfect place to see the constant hubbub of activity in the waters around Vancouver.
The eighth largest city in Canada, Vancouver has become a true "melting
pot" for a diverse and fascinating population. Just walking around the
waterfront exposes you to a tremendous international presence and the
place defines the term "cosmopolitan." After a brief, but enlightening,
visit we headed for "The Peace Arch", the gateway to the U.S. We
properly "yessirred and nosirred" the stern T.S.A. Border Guard and were
soon cruising toward the Seattle skyline. We reached our hotel, got
checked in, returned our trusty steed to the gigantic 'rental car return
complex' and headed over to Dave's Diner, one of our familiar eating
spots, for our final evening meal on the road. It was the end of a long
and incredibly emotion-filled trip and although we had had a great time
.... it was time to go home. So, we'll set the alarm for an absolutely
ghastly hour and hit the sack. We'll be knocking on the door early so
sleep fast. And, tomorrow we'll be back with the wrap-up for this trip
so check back in with us. See ya!!
With another great day "in the books" and a whole treasure trove of
wonderful memories to add to our collection, we had to finally point the
compass to the southwest and begin our journey back to the good ol' U.
S. of A. But first, a visit to a place as special as Banff would not be
complete without trying to 'melt down' a credit card or two in the
local shops. When we had completed what will be known to future
generations as the "Banff stimulus package", we struggled back to the
car with our purchases. Linda got a shot of me helping load our
merchandise from one shop.
After a final stroll through the streets of Banff we again headed up the Trans-Canada highway toward Golden.
The
scenery changed constantly and the mountains rose to ever greater
heights as we traveled. The city of Banff is situated in Banff National
Park, Canada's oldest
and (I think) largest. But this section of the country is rich with
national parks, forests and other protected areas.
We were soon traveling through the Kootenay National Forest, a prelude
to the amazing icefields of Canada's stunning Glacier National Park. In
fact, this area is home to no less than five national parks (Banff,
Kootenay, Yoho, Glacier and Mt. Revelstoke) and an absolute ton of
Provincial and local parks!!!! Amazing!!!
The
area is filled with incredible vistas, magnificent foliage and
enchanting waterfalls springing from the slopes. If you can drive
through this place and not be moved, you had better establish a close
personal relationship with your favorite funeral home. Suffice it to
say that the things you find here simply enrich the souls of those who
experience them.
It was a long trip to Kamloops and our stops were limited along the way so I'll let the photos do most of the talking for now.
As we approached our destination we traveled alongside Lake Adams, a
remarkably lengthy stretch of water that has earned the title of "the
houseboat capitol" of Canada. Interestingly, the lake was named after
the Chief of the Secwepemc tribe who died in 1862. His name was also
spelled "Atahms" and he was quite promenent in his tribe. Anyway - as
late as 1995 the Secwepemc people - along with at least two other tribes
in the area - were in conflict with the local government about
development actions around the lake and they have made it clear that
they intend to be involved in any decisions that determine the use of
their tribal lands. The lake is thirty nine miles long, averages one to
two miles wide and is 1,500 feet deep at its deepest point. It is also
home to a huge Sockeye Salmon run that attracts tons of fishermen to
the area. The origin of the name Kamloops is somewhat hazy with one
camp believing that it comes from the Secwepemc (Shuswap) word for
"meeting of the waters" and the other camp voting for the French origin
rooted in the name "Camp of Wolves." For those of you who have read
Jack London's "Call of the Wild", the French version originated in the
description of a 'wolf attack' much like the one described in London's
text. Whatever the origin, it is an interesting place and one which we
regret we didn't get to spend as much time as we would have liked.
In Kamloops we settled in and looked around for a place for somewhere to
have dinner. Fortunately the area had tons of choices and we settled
on a place with the unlikely name of "The ABC Restaurant." the food was
surprisingly good and we gave it a "six thumbs up." Then we headed for
our rooms to prepare for another long day. We'll be back with a recap
of our final day on the road soon so for now... see ya!!
- Posted using BlogPress from my iPad
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Posted By RAV in SC to SCTravelersX3 at 9/26/2012 11:06:0
After a somewhat poignant visit to Lake Louise we got back on the T.C.H. and headed back to Banff and our home for the evening, Brewster's Mountain Lodge.
Now that name might sound a bit quaint but, let me tell you something, the Brewster's are to Alberta what the Rockefellers were to New York!! Through five successive generations they created, developed and expanded a business empire that encompasses a wide range of enterprises.
The lodge where we stayed was illustrative of their approach to things. Every fixture, fitting, molding and decoration was ordered especially for this structure - including much of the furniture.
Nestled on the corner of Caribou and Bear Streets, the lodge exhibits an unassuming demeanor until you walk through the door.
Although relatively modest in size it is a great place to stay and we enthusiastically recommend it.
Leaving the restaurant Sherwood (always on the lookout for that extra special guy) thought she had spotted "the one!" You know what they say about a man in uniform ... But, we voted and decided that he probably fell short in some critical areas, so the search continues. (Actually, I've been quizzing the staff at the lodge about any "eligible Brewster's" we might be able to introduce her to!!!) So we headed for the lodge and some long awaited down time. Today was a great day and one I think we will long remember so we'll say "...that's a wrap" for today and prepare for new adventures. See Ya!
Those of you who have been traveling with us for a while know that there once were four "SCTravelers" in our original gang and that Lou Gray, our treasured cohort, decided to take a trip on which we could not join her. She left a void in our lives and we were reminiscing about her with her family when her ashes were interred at St. Michael's. When we mentioned that we wished she could join us on our upcoming trip (this one), her nephew and niece said that they thought that was a great idea and quickly had a tiny portion of her ashes placed in a special container. It was almost as if we could hear that wonderful, gravelly voice saying "What are ya'll waiting for? Let's hit the road!!" So, on the road she came. On occasion we had talked about Banff and Lake Louise and I mentioned my desire to visit there. Lou had been to the area and said it was a place she would like to go to again. So, when we planned this trip, and realized it would be possible for us to fulfill her wish we realized that Lake Louise - named after Princess Louise Caroline Alberta, fourth daughter of Queen Victoria and wife of John Campbell former Governor General of Canada - was an obvious destination. Of course being Governor General when a new province was created gave Mr Campbell lots of opportunities, one of which was the naming of the province - thus his wife's name was again memorialized. What better place for our pal to rest than a location that is not only beautiful but which contains a reminder of who she was (Louise), where she came from (Caroline[a]) and where she rested (Alberta). LINDA: As we drove up to Lake Louise and saw the splendor of the whole area, there were many recollections of Lou and what she meant to each of us. For me, her sense of humor, doing things correctly, and absolutely taking care of herself stand out. Each one of us shared memories along with long periods of quiet reflection. The drive became part of the memorial service we had planned. However we were not prepared for the magnificence of Lake Louise and were in awe that this was just the right place for our dear friend. When we arrived, we took a short walk down to the lake and spotted a place where there were steps going down to the water - how perfect is that! So, we said our special prayer and each scattered some of Lou's ashes in the water. We now have special boxes where more of Lou's ashes will remain until the next trip. We will take Lou with us for as many trips as possible. Her love of life will stay with us forever as we continue to "take Lou along for the ride!" SHERWOOD: The Glory of God filled my heart at the first sight of Lake Louise. As we walked to find the perfect place, and we did find it, to leave Lou, I felt the Holy Spirit wrap around me. Hearing the water lapping on the rocks, seeing the mountains and glacier in the background, I knew we had found a place of peace and glory that Lou would love. Even though there were others in the area, it was as if the three of us were alone together with Lou and God. It was a reverently moving and spiritually inspired moment when Lou joined with God's wonders.
RICHARD: We each had many thoughts as we took this sentimental journey and we each remember Lou in our special way. For that reason we have not tried to combine our thoughts but will share them individually. Many of mine are above but, I have to tell you, I was totally unprepared for the absolute splendor of this place. The First Nation people called it "The Lake of Little Fishes" and it is certainly a spot where " feeling little" comes easy. I treasured my friendship with Lou and I am happy I could be included in this wonderful reunion. So, it was with somewhat mixed emotions that we concluded our trip to this gorgeous and sacred area. Our recollections had given us a twinge of sadness but at the same time they brought laughter, warmth and re-kindled love. We miss you, old girl, but we know you're ..... "Fine, just fine!!" We'll be back soon to continue our visit to beautiful Banff. See Ya!!! - Posted using BlogPress from my iPad
OK gang, I promised we would explain some kinda cryptic comments we've made lately - so we will. Remember a while back that I said we wanted to be 'presentable' when we got to Banff? And yesterday when we said we were on a 'mission?'. Well we have dedicated this trip to our former traveling buddy, Lou Gray and we planned to have a memorial celebration of her time with us when we get to Lake Louise. Leaving Kananaskis and heading farther into the heart of the Canadian Rockies we were increasingly aware that we had, indeed, come to a spiritual place.
As we moved beyond the broad valley west of Calgary, the mountains rose to greet us and to underscore the realization that .... " being humble ain't hard when you're riding through God's back yard."
There is so much cool stuff we want to share with you that it is really frustrating trying to decide what all to include!!!!! Anyway - we continued northward and cruised into Banff in the early afternoon.
First things first, of course, we had to do some open-mouth, golly-gee-whiz sightseeing and some shopping. Check this store. Think they got their seasons turned around??
Then, we checked into our lodging for the evening and got ready for our memorial ceremony.
We saddled back up for the short trip to Lake Louise and hopped back onto the Trans-Canada Highway. I Am proud of the excellent highways we enjoy in the States but our sisters and brothers to the north can be justifiably proud of this gorgeous road too.
They are presently well into a huge, multi-year project to wide the T.C.H. from Alberta through British Columbia and with the stunning scenery along the way it is really fun to travel.
A caution, though, it is truly a MOUNTAIN highway. As we proceeded toward Lake Louise in the late afternoon sunshine we reflected on our buddy Lou and recounted the many ways she had brought joy to us and others. We reached the turn-off and made our way north to the lake. We'll close for now so we can devote a whole post to our visit with Lou. See ya!
As I pondered I began to realize that the words that seem to jump into our language like that - what we refer to as superlatives - are little 'pieces of emotion' that have to chime in when we are describing something that touches our soul in such a special way that we literally feel it - physically - inside.
Yes, the sight of soaring mountain peaks, waves crashing along a craggy coastline or an immense tree bring them out in us - but so do the exquisite patterns of a pine cone, the miracle flying capabilities of a hummingbird, the remarkable colors of summer wildflowers or the spotted coat of a newborn fawn.
Well, pondering is hard work so I'm going to re-group and try to figure out how to bring you some more of the stuff we couldn't get in while we're on the road - without overwhelming you. Thanks for your patience with my musings. We'll be back in a while. See ya!!
