June 9

Well ... we missed a few days.
We are now in Hope visiting Susan's brother and his sons.

First back to June 6.  A decade ago we drove the kids and Keefers across the country. One of the things I wanted to show the kids was the Rocky Mountains rising out of the prairie - a majestic site.  Unfortunately that was the year of sky was  forest fires and we drove from Calgary to Lake Louise without seeing a mountain. The smoke was that thick. This year the sky was clear and we could see the mountains. They really are there.

Now back to the regular narrative.
We stayed in Banff on June 6.   Charles seriously considered staying at the Banff Springs hotel but the rates were too steep even for one night. So we went up to look as we were leaving.

Keefers on the lawn at the Banff Springs Hotel

Driving from Banff to Lake Louise we took the Bow River Parkway. The highlight was a flock (herd?) of mountain sheep and 2 elk.

 

The next stop was the summit of  Rogers Pass.

Our day ended at Chase BC, where we spent 2 days.  Chase is at the south-western end of Shuswap lake. Charles's cousin Jan was having a birthday party and pig roast on her farm down the road. 

While doing laundry we saw a very cool red scooter.

The hills above Chase.

The party was wonderful - a gathering of friends, neighbours and relatives.  The food was great and all prepared by neighbourds - rural life has attractions.

Keefers enjoyed the people and the party. But was denied entrance to the food tent. After a few hours he took up a position in the grass where he could see all routes to our vehicle. He was clearly concerned that we would leave without him.

This morning we had breakfast with Charles's mom, dad, and sister. Then the big trek to Hope BC to see Susan's brother, Geordie, nephews, Colin and Mark, new dog, Wolfy and their new house.  We really enjoyed the setting and the house.  When we arrived Geordie was about to take Wolfy for a walk so we joined him for a half hour trek through the woods.  The dogs were pretty tuckered out when we returned.  There were a few territorial issues but overall they got along well.  We hope they'll have many happy years of visiting each other on the island and in Hope.

                                           Keefers and Wolfy, canine cousins at Uncle Geordie's

Tomorrow we will get to Vancouver.

CSK