The Canmore Miners' Day parade took place today, and takes place each year on the dates closest to the anniversary date of July 13 commemorating the closing of the Canmore coal mines in 1979). There was a 'short' parade -- about 10 minutes -- up main street to recognize the coal mining heritage of this community and the families that played a role in coal mining - many are still are present here -- they and their work resulted in the establishment of the town of Canmore. Following the parade, there was a lunch ($5 for beef on a bun and a drink) at the Civic Centre. More activities occur for the miners and their families as it is their reunion weekend. July 2010 will also celebrate Canmore's 127th anniversary, and the 100th anniversary of the Miners' Hall.
Canada Day in Canmore -- wow -- exceeded our expectations. Truly a 'community' undertaking. Started off with a pancake breakfast that was sponsored by the Kiwanis, and served up by the Calgary Stampede 'caravan unit'. Free, with donations gladly accepted for charity. A 'run' for charity that started earlier this morning finished at the same spot with all the finishers being mentioned by name. We saw a real mixed crowd today, reflecting the nature of this community -- all ages at all stages, but -- generally all good role models as far as fitness seems to go.
Then, the parade at noon. Didn't expect a lot, but there was much content and the parade was of almost 1-1/2 hours duration. Very well done. People reserved their spot on the street by putting our their chairs (no need to stay with them), then come back at parade time.
Went down to Millennium Park for fireworks -- a nice display, but short (maybe they were tight on the budget). Anyway, a lot of folks showed up and it was enjoyable. Nice to be able to walk to everything!!!
Our friend Roy was heading to Edmonton today, and then subsequently begin his return trip to Toronto. I encouraged him to take the Icefield Parkway and said that I would go about half of the way up the parkway as far as Saskatchewan River Crossing. Day started off sunny at about 18 degrees and was nice for the early part of the trip. Then, the weather became changeable, with the temp. dropping to about 3 degrees with a rain / snow mix. A nice drive (other than weather), but the views were not what I was hoping for due to overcast, etc. We made it to Sask. River Crossing about noon and had something warm (soup and coffee in my case). The 'crossing' is the only place for gas on the parkway, and they get a lot of tourists stopping. Also, a number of motorcyclists took the opportunity to take a break. We met a group from Louisiana >> heading to Alaska -- wow, what a trip they will have (and then back!!!). Said our goodbyes, and I headed back to Canmore. As luck would have it, the sky cleared and most of the ride back was in broken cloud / sun mix -- nice -- arrived back in Canmore at 25 degrees (much nicer than the 3 degrees I experienced earlier in the day). About 320 km today.
We talked with Roy subsequently and found out that the weather wasn't so good for him -- temp remained cold and the volume of snow fall picked up significantly -- he had a very long and trying day, but made it to Edmonton unscathed. Great riding with you Roy; we'll miss you. Come back with Catherine for a visit (and no, you don't have to ride out here --- try a plane!!).
OK >> time to do some more unpacking and sorting so that Susan and I can enjoy our new place.
Today we decided to do the 'Golden Triangle' loop. Canmore to Golden to Radium Hot Springs and back. The first stop though, was to Takakkaw Falls - 254 meters in height and fed by the Daly Glacier with the headwaters only about 400 meters from the falls themselves. Then on to Golden past the Kicking Horse ski area -- the sky was not looking very good as we could see a large approaching storm from the west. Luckily, we were heading south from Golden, so a quick fill-up with gas and we headed through Golden and south down the rather wide valley to Radium. Lunch at the Husky station in Golden -- good food, lots of food and reasonable price (a place to note for a future visit). Then off to Radium Hot Springs where the massive and very high cut through the rocks was quite impressive. This turned out to be a great road to ride as the mountains are close on each side and we saw a fair amount of wildlife. 520 km trip.
After a day off, thought that a tour would be in order, including Lake Minnewanka (no pic), view from Mount Norquay (Roy B in foreground) - pic (ski area), Morrain Lake (pic) and Lake Louise (pic) -- about 300 km loop. Great view of Banff with Roy B in the foreground. Nice twisty and climbing road into Morrain Lake, and the temp dropped considerably as we climbed -- don't recall the last time I was there, so it was great to see; more tourists there than I expected this time of year -- the parking lot was full. While rain was threatening, we managed to just avoid it.
Left Lethbridge at 9:30 to drive along some of our favorite roads. Went west to pick up Hwy 22 and head north along the foothills (hills and mountains on the left, prairies on the right) to Longview (home of famous 'beef jerky' and home of singer / rancher Ian Tyson) where we stopped for coffee/lunch. Then west and north along Hwy 40 over the Highwood Pass (Canada's highest paved road at 7,300 ft -- road is open June 15 to Sept 15 >> closed due to likely snow the rest of the season). A great trip, and we found ourselves above the snow line. Met mountain sheep and a 'moose' along the way -- just munching on a tree by the road. A little over 300 km today. Total actual trip (excluding the one 'day trip) turns out to be 4,100 km. Arrive in Canmore by 4:00; in time for some furniture to be delivered at 5:00. We're 'home'!!!! Oh.........and the Lilacs are in full bloom in Canmore (unlike Ontario where they died off a couple of months ago --- maybe we've gone back in time out here !!???!!
Stay tuned for a few more blog posts in next day or two.
A day off from travel today, so Roy and I decide to go to Waterton National Park. Susan gets a day to spend with Sheila and take it easy. A very nice ride along some great roads took us to the national park. A great look-out along the way. Took the road part way to Big Chief Mountain to see the view, then back to Waterton to see the Prince of Wales Hotel, some of the town and Cameron Lake. Upon leaving the lake we decided to head north out of Waterton (skip seeing Red Rock Canyon) as a storm was moving in -- we stayed ahead of it and had a nice trip back to Lethbridge. 390 km. Mike came down to Lethbridge for the evening/night -- great to see him and spend some time together. Tomorrow, we're off to Canmore!!!
A 9:00 start with sunny and blue sky -- nice. Oh, oh --- we just started and the rain clouds appeared in the south -- rain gear time -- a nice rain storm (no mud!!!). Managed to find a really bad road (50 km) with lots of pot holes to be avoided -- tiresome; Sask. seems to have a number of roads in relatively bad shape -- what we heard from others and certainly our experience --- noticed a major improvement once we crossed the border into Alberta. What views on the road -- this is definitely 'big sky' country. Lots of deer and newly formed lakes. Since we have been travelling much further north than planned (actually somewhat NE of Calgary), we headed south to Lethbridge to visit with Susan's cousin Sheila and husband Ray. Got in about 7:00pm. Great to see Ray and Sheila again, and they provided accommodation to the three of us for a couple of nights -- a nice rest not having to be on the road again. However, riding time is always on the schedule! 784 km today.
An 8:30 start today. Route change due to flooding of the roads and wash-outs. We decided to head NW to Watrous and Manitou Beach resort and spa (the detour will add about 400km to our overall trip). Mainly backroad travel. Had to get off one of the roads to let a 'house' travel by, also managed to overcome some flooding by travelling down the centre line of the highway while water flowed over the road --- they do have water here -- ponds and lakes where farm land usually exists. Today was 477 km. Lake Manitou has very high salt content (more than the Dead Sea) -- it is impossible to drown in the lake as you bob like a cork!!! Saw lots of deer today. Had a wonderful room, nice meal. A good walk around the town --- took a 'traveller' (a Rye and ice!!!) with us. Great little vacation resort and an historical dance hall (check out the pic).
