Kootenay Trip - Day 1

Saturday, May 26

I got up early so I could get an early start, but by the time I got everything done here at home, went to get groceries to take with me (so I could cook rather than eat in restaurants - traveling on a tight budget), ran a few other errands I had to do, it was 12:10pm when we (Reba & I) left town. I wasted no time driving through the Monashee Mountains and everywhere either side of them, haha. When I got to the Needles Ferry I saw that I arrived at just the perfect time... cars were being loaded onto the ferry for the trip across Lower Arrow Lake, so I just slowed down and drove right on too. Couldn't have worked out better if I'd planned it.

Vaquero (my truck) and Reba (my dog) on the ferry.

A shot from the front of the ferry

On the other side I drove off the ferry, then found a safe place to let Reba out for a "break". I also tied a tarp over the rack as we'd hit spots of heavy rain and I felt sorry for Reba back there getting so wet. I don't like driving with a tarp on and Reba didn't exactly like it either, but it kept her dry except when she stuck her head into the cab through the back window, as that was not covered by the tarp. It also kept the bag of dog food dry as it was in the back too.

Reba sniffing around with the ferry in the distance on it's was back across with a load of vehicles and others waiting on the other side. The ferry leaves this side on the full and half hours, leaves the other side on the 1/4 past and 1/4 to. So it leaves every half hour from each side. Did I make any sense with that? haha.

I'm not sure where I took this photo, but think it was south of Nakusp, a town I had to travel through on the way to where I was going. If you'd like more info on the history of this part of our province, follow this link. I won't name the town I went to, out of respect for my long time friend Cam, and for my new friend Kai.

This is Bear Lake. When Mom & I drove past here last fall the lake was clam and reflecting the mountains just like a mirror, but the colors were very pale. It was fall and the leaves had turned pale yellow. These shades of green are nicer, in my opinion.


Just down the road a bit is Fish Lake. It was pouring rain and I was getting soaked but "had" to take a few photos. I like these Canada Geese out for a nice afternoon swim.

I stopped for a few more photo ops along the way, but not many as I didn't want to get in too late. When I arrived at Cam's house I found a note that he could be found at his favorite restaurant or at the legion. On my way to find him I took this photo:

As you drive down from Cam's you arrive here, then turn right to go up the main street. I took this photo through the windshield and you can see some rain drops if you look closely.

I checked the restaurant and no Cam, so asked where the legion was. I drove over there and found Cam just getting off his scooter to go inside. We went in, found a table, and he had a few beers while I had a few 7 UP (pop, soda whatever you like to call it) as I rarely ever drink booze. Just don't care for it. Then Cam asked if he could buy me dinner, so off we went back to the restaurant for a nice meal, then to his place. I unloaded all my stuff from the truck and got "moved in". I had planned that Reba would stay in the truck and out in the yard while we were there, but no way. Cam wouldn't have that, he said to bring her on in the house, so I did and she was so happy. I was proud of her. She usually gets extremely excited about being around other people and often jumps on them and such. I usually put her outside in her run when I get company at home because she won't settle down and be good. However, at Cam's she really behaved well. She did get a little pushy at times, as is her tendency, but over all was very calm and well behaved. This was especially important to me considering Cam is very crippled up with Cerebral Palsy. I've always admired him for the way he handles it. Cam "never quits", he lives his life to the fullest, regardless of his physical challenges. I'm not sure if Reba understood that Cam is special, or if it is that she was the only critter there so didn't feel she had to compete for attention, but she was very well behaved the entire time we visited Cam.

"Stay tuned" for Days 2 through 6
:o)