We started off the day with a bit of clouds hanging over head. I looked out the window of the hotel at what was the funniest view from a “lake view” room I think I have ever had, and saw clouds looming on the horizon. The Canadian version of The Weather Channel was saying the rain was really going to stay a bit farther west for the most part and we should be heading into clear weather.
When we got on the bikes to ride out to the ferry we got a few drops of rain but it looked like it was clearing as we were waiting for the ferry.
The Ferry ride was really great. The only other ferry I had been on with the bike was a little 3 car ferry in Newport Beach a year or so ago, I remember having to hold up the bike. I was excited to be taking the bike on a bigger ferry. The ride across was beautiful. A kind gentleman explained how to pronounce Kootenay, a little about the ferry, her captain, and the lake. It turns out the Kootenay Ferry is the longest inland water ferry crossing in North America. The ferry is also used twice a week to feed the shrimp, which feed the land locked salmon, which feed the Kokanee (which he described as a very large trout that live very deep in the lake).
Once on the other side we were pleasantly surprised to find a nice winding road that followed the lake down to Creston, BC, Canada. At that time we had to leave the Selkirk International Loop (
http://www.selkirkloop.org/) which we had joined in Idaho.
Thinking our day was going to be nothing but good going forward we headed across southern Canada toward Waterton Lakes National Park (the Canadian side of Glacier National Park) in Alberta, Canada. About half way to Cranbrook, BC, Canada I turned 20,000 miles on the bike.
We stopped in the town of Cranbrook for gas and to visit the Harley Dealer. While getting gas we saw the rain coming in…sure enough we got a quick down pour while in the dealer. We talked to a couple of guys that had come from the direction we were headed and they said it was all good that way. As you can see from the picture that was not exactly true…It rained for about 1 ½ hours…it was decently warm and we were wearing proper clothing so we were undaunted.
As we crossed into Alberta, Canada the scenery on the 3 was spectacular. Then as we neared Waterton Lakes the scenery turned to low rolling farm land with strong winds. The large electric generating windmills makes me think that those winds are very common in that area.
Arriving at Waterton Lakes National Park the Prince of Wales Hotel was everything I had read. Our room was on the 5th floor. The elevator was very small and only went to the 4th floor, when we came in with our bags the gentleman that ran the elevator was off giving a tour so we toted them up ALL 5 floors…boy are we out of shape! The room was roomier then I expected and the bed and linens were awesome since we have been spending the night at not so elegant hotels.
The real reason for all the $$ and hassle of getting this room was right out side the window. The view was awesome. The windows are not huge but there was a door that led to the balcony, also known as the fire escape. We sat there marveling for a bit and taking picture after picture. Then the wind started…it was very strong and even just opening the door to get back in the room could be a challenge!
We decided it was time to eat and tried the main dining room. Nothing like having gourmet food in biker gear! The windows were larger and we were able to watch the sunset wile we dined.
Thought the wind howled all night, I guess we were used to it from home winds, and managed a really good nights sleep.
0 comments:
Post a Comment