Radium Hot Springs and Beyond

My writing has slowed the past few days after getting home from vacation.  I have a few minutes to get caught up, so here I go.

After leaving Revelstoke, it was time for that long, hard drive to Radium Hot Springs.  The weather has finally warmed and with all of 150 miles to go, we were in no hurry.  We pulled the pass heading east out of Revelstoke with no problem and after an hour, it was time for a potty break.  Once  we pulled off in a pull out for a break, I happened to look over and got a great view of the Columbia River far below.  It was a great spot and we sat there for several minutes watching the river.  Back on the road, we pulled into Golden and had no problem finding our way.  We hit 93 south and made the final 30 or so miles to Radium.  Not alot to see as we head south till we got close to town.  What a beautiful area.  As we neared town, we spotted the RV park on our right.  We stayed at the Radium Vally resort.  AS we were there on our RPI card, they directed us to and area on the north end of the park.  It seemed small for sites, but one we started to back in, it was deceiving as there was a wood walkway and a patio complete with barbecue.  The site was right on the hill and looked toward the mountains on one side and out over the huge valley to the north.

We goofed off at the resort that day and hit the pool after dinner.  A very nice facility and not that many people.  We had checked in town and found a coffee stop with an outside patio and a spot for Walt to sit and watch people and critters.  The following day, we headed back north to Golden and hit Hiway one.  We headed up the the pass and stopped at the famous railway corkscrew tunnels.  We sat and waited hoping to see a train for over an hour.  This location is unique as it has two series of tunnels to lessen the elevation/drop of trains crossing the pass.  As the locomotive enters the tunnel, it make a turn and exits as the middle of the train is still on the top side of the tracks.  At one point you can see three different sections of the train at the same time.  We ate lunch and sat some more.  I was about to give up when a tour bus arrived and several people lined the observation area.  We soon learned they had spotted a train further up and it was expected soon.  Within minutes, the train passed by us and entered the tunnel.  It was quite a site and worth the wait if you are a train buff!

Day three here took us to the hot springs.  We went to the hot pool which was very soothing and enjoyable.  It is built on a rock canyon type setting with rock going straight up all around you.  It was enjoyable sitting and soaking while talking to all the people visiting the area.  As we sat there, I noticed two large big horn sheep walking the 90- degree walls just up from us.  What a site...wish I had the camera.

One thing about this area was the little canyon I mentioned.  When we leave town the following day, we have to pull the trailer through this area and there is one spot that requires me to straddle the center line as there is not enough clearance to get the trailer through in my lane.  They placed a mirror across the street so you can look and make sure the coast is clear as you round the corner.  Oh, did I mention it was also an 11% grade on top of that?  We made it no problem and continued on our way to our next destination, Canmore, Alberta. 

The following morning, we made the short drive to Canmore.  This town is located just east of Banff and at the eastern edge of the Rocky mountains.  We were planning on two nights here and as we dove in, marveled at the beauty all around us.  We found the RV park no problem and as we checked in, the gal told us we were a day late.  I showed the paperwork showing they had booked it correctly and she told me we would have to move sites if we wanted to stay.  I chose to head south instead and we set up for the night.  After getting settled, Lori and I walked to town.  We found a walking trail that took us around and to the center of town.  We shopped and found coffee of course.  After a couple hours, we headed back and found a boardwalk along a creek which ende at the bridge by the park.  It was a wonderful walk and very scenic.  We settled in for the night and talked with several people also traveling in the area.

The next morning brought clear, but windy conditions for our next leg.  We were headed for Lethbridge for a stop over before entering the US.  As we headed for Calgary, we reminisced about the many trips we had made through here on the bike.  Soon we were in Calgary traffic and once we cleared it was a straight shot south.  We made such good time, we made it to the area just west of town by 1100.  We decided to forgo the stop and find a place in Montana.  As we continued, the winds howled and made it tough to keep our speed.  The diesel was working hard to keep us headed down the road and the fuel gauge was dropping fast.

Once we crossed the border just east of Glacier park, it was up and down on narrow roads as well as the wind.  We hit a pullout and had lunch while viewing the park out of our back window.  It was great.  We continued and I felt we could make Whitefish by 5 pm.  We called the KOA and they told us they had a site for us.  We pulled in to a dusty, noisy and cramped park.  There was no way I could fit in the site they had for us and we declined to stay.  We called the KOA at Polson (our favorite) and they gladly allowed us to stay.  We love this KOA and enjoyed the two days  here on R&R just goofing off.  It got kind of cold and this made for early nights.  We made a day of Big Fork shopping a bit.  I have to say that Lori was great this trip and shopped very little.  I also have to mention that no Casinos were contacted either which is a record for me!

Soon it was time to head for Spokane.  We made the quick trip across and hooked up with Mark and Sandy.  I helped Mark change his water Pump and enjoyed visiting with the crew.  Our final two days were in Randle at the K&M park where we were to meet up with the Falls.

We left Spokane that Friday morning having so enjoyed our visit, but with the reality that this was our last stop on our great adventure.  We headed west and soon were in the heat of the Yakima valley.  Up and over White pass with no problems and soon we were pulling into the park.  We got set up and soon the Falls arrived and set up next to us.  It was a pleasant evening and we sat and talked, laughed and laughed some more.  Soon it was bed time and we slept good as we usually do on vacation. 

On Saturday morning, we woke to sunshine and great weather.  We walked to the latte stand and I was able to prove to myself I was better.  (this walk was the one that I had alot of pain on and came to the realization I had a heart problem a couple months ago.)

When we got back, Gwen and Loren wanted to go Geo Caching and hit the dusty road to their own adventure.  Lori and I had lunch and as I sat, looking out the window, I couldn't help notice there were not that many people on the golf course.  Soon Lori and I were on the course hacking and digging divots like the best of them.  We had a great time and headed back for dinner and much conversation. 

All to soon, it was time to head home.  Not much conversation today and Walt was worn out.  He had done pretty good, but the reality of his age quickly made me realize, he is not meant for too many more vacations.  He had a great time and every day stands by the truck waiting for that next great adventure.  We are too and hope to hit the road again soon!