Six days and five nights we frolicked in the Kootenay Region of beautiful British Columbia. The morning we left home it was raining so incessantly we were wondering if we were going to have a holiday at all! But by evening when we arrived at Blanket Creek the rain had stopped completely and did not rear it's ugly head again until our drive home (more on that later). By day two the skies were blue, the air fresh, and our spirits soaring. We had left the flatness of the Prairies behind us and were nestled in, comfortably surrounded by beautiful mountain forests. The sweet smell of cedar and the sound of birdsong permeated our senses. We hiked, and cooked outside, and sat around the crackling campfire, and made friends with the squirrels, and swam, and cliff dove (or our extremely mild version of it at my panicky insistence--dangerous business that cliff diving can be--the locals told us one or two fearless adventuresome types die every year engaged in the wretched sport). The water was crystal clear and warm like bathwater. I even found the relaxation time to start and finish this book, which was a real treat as time for such indulgences are sorely lacking for me in the real world.
The Ferry crossing in what felt like the middle of nowhere was definitely a highlight for us. The area is so remote we shared the entire boat with only one other party apart from a family of swallows who had made their home there. (Although we certainly do not tolerate vandalism of any sort, E really got a kick out of someone's artistic perspective of the no smoking sign.)
Everywhere we looked was unbelievably more beautiful than the last. Upon our eventual reluctant drive home the torrential rains began immediately, and we drove for 14 hours through unrelenting thunderstorms and heavy winds magnified by the narrow and treacherous mountain passes. Part of the long drive was spent at a dead stop on the highway near Banff, waiting for emergency workers to clear a mudslide off the road caused by the storm. Traffic was backed up for 20 km in both directions (quite significant considering the remoteness of the area) and we wished we could simply return to our blissful retreat.
Eventually we made the long journey home to find a joyful Mylo awaiting our return. Although well-cared for by a dear friend, he clearly missed us terribly and had lots and lots to tell regarding his own adventures without us (he does in fact speak exceedingly well and understands English perfectly).
xoxox
Oh, Janine!! your pictures are beautiful!!! I remember our first (actually only!) trip to Kootenay and Banff....as we got closer and closer to the Canadian Rockies---I kept thinking, it just can't get prettier....and then it did! You captured it well---and took me back to a wonderful vacation!!! Thanks.
(Now, if you could just manage to send us some of that rain.....!!!)
Posted by: steph@woolythyme | July 22, 2012 at 11:42 AM
Oh I wish I could, the storm was TERRIBLE!! Unfortunately it hasn't cooled anything down much, just managed to make it all sticky and muggy.
Try to say cool!
Posted by: Olallieberry | July 22, 2012 at 02:43 PM
That looks and sounds like the most incredible break, a proper get-away-from-it-all. Colour me green! Gorgeous photos too :D
Posted by: Annie @ knitsofacto | July 22, 2012 at 02:46 PM
It really was wonderful Annie; the break was much needed and completely fulfilled its purpose, other than being far too short :-)
Posted by: Olallieberry | July 22, 2012 at 03:55 PM
I've taken some time to catch up on your posts--Wow! Looks like you've had a real get away, your pix are stunning! And happy belated birthday :D
Posted by: Beth | July 22, 2012 at 08:12 PM
Thank you Beth! xox
Posted by: Olallieberry | July 23, 2012 at 08:36 AM