The Rockies

After a month in Vancouver, a trip to the Rockies was well overdue. Most people we'd talked to couldn't believe that we hadn't made it yet. So it was with a lot of anticipation that we jumped on the Trans Canada Highway and headed east, over the mountains.

The road was almost immediately scenic, moving through the fertile farmland around Vancouver towards the coastal range. We managed to take a heap of photos of the approaching mountains, not knowing that better ones were definitely still to come.

Passing the first range, we arrived in the semi arid Fraser Valley. The change in landscape was immediate and a huge contrast to the soggy coastal zone.

The next day was pretty spectacular, driving through a string of National Parks including Mount Revelstoke, Glacier, Yoho and finally Banff. Unfortunately most of the trails were closed for the winter, being under metres of snow and ice. But the view from the road and roadside lookouts was still great.


Approaching the start of the Rockies

Late in the day, we made it to Lake Louise, known for its blue colour and surrounding cliffs. At this time of year, it's not so much blue as white, being totally frozen over. So we took a stroll across it, past the 'thin ice' sign, expecting at any moment to fall through and turn into an ice cube.


Lake Louise

We then based ourselves in Banff for a few days. We were unlucky enough to get the worst day of the season weather wise on our planned skiing day, so we gave it a miss and hit the hot springs at nearby Radium instead. I was a little hesitant, as it looked like bit a kiddy pool, but after I slid in to the water, which was at about 35 degrees, I was sold.
The sights along the way weren't bad either . . .



Next day was a great one to hit the snow. The snow was still falling from the previous day but the visibility had lifted. The snow was fantastic. Light powder over a really deep base, not crowded, and heaps of runs to suit our limited skill level.


Matt at Sunshine Village

Needless to say, by the end of the day we were happy campers.



The Icefields Parkway was next, the road between Banff and Jasper. This was probably the most scenic drive I've ever done. So I won't describe it but will instead let the photos do the talking.







While staying at Jasper, we caught some local wildlife too. We saw quite a few elk / moose / caribou (not sure of the exact distinction) and couple of wild and woolly mountain sheep. Managed to dodge them all too - I'm sure they would put a bit of a dent in your car.

The last day was a drive through the sunny (and supposedly desert like) Okanagan Valley. It's yet another place popular with the elderly for its sunshine and lakes. Also very famous locally for the wineries in the region. Most are more hobby operations but we did sample some very nice pinot and riesling at an aboriginal owned and operated winery just north of the US border.


Vineyards in BC, who'da thought?

This trip really got us in the mood for more rocky adventures later in the summer, when the hiking and water sports are in full swing. So if you're keen too, let us know!

Last piece of news is that we've found a place to stay in SF, just in time for my start date at work [and end of my holidays:( ]. We'll be in an area called The Richmond, near Golden Gate Park. Pics soon!

All the photos:

The Rockies