Do I have a southern accent? I don’t think so, but here everyone comments on it. “Where are you from?” I’ve encountered a few Canadian “Aye” and their inflection which turns statements into questions but that seems more prevalent in eastern rather than western CA. Guess my southern USA roots are showing!
I’ve driven a lot of miles so frequent gas stations regularly. Prices have varied from $1.25 - $1.45 which sounds GREAT until you realize it’s per liter and not gallon. One gallon equals 3.79 liters or about 4x the price. So, my “bargain” gasoline is really about $5.00 - $5.80/ gallon. Makes you appreciate the prices in the USA!
I’m always interested in sunrise and sunset when I travel which varies where you are east/west in a time zone but also north/south. In Sun Peaks, BC, sunrise was at 4:45 so it was light at 4:30 every morning. Here in Panorama, BC, sunrise is at 5:30 and sunset at 10:00 so it is light very late. And no, I have not been getting up to see sunrise!
I spent yesterday at Fort Steele Heritage Town which started as a North West Mounted Police post in 1887 to settle a dispute between settlers and First Nation People. In 1892, major deposits of lead, silver, and coal were discovered nearby and the settlement boomed.
It became the area’s commercial, administrative, and social center and grew to over 1,000 people. The 1989 local newspaper listed 11 hotels, 4 restaurants, 4 general stores, a hardware store, brewery, and numerous other businesses from a Chinese drugstore to tailors, lawyers, and dressmakers.
Administration buildings had pictures hanging of the reigning queen - Victoria!
Interesting door handle using nature!
One of the Mounties stationed here in 1885 was Zachary Taylor Wood, great grandson of America’s president, Zachary Taylor, and nephew of southern Confederate President, Jefferson Davis. Virginia history has followed me to Canada!
When the railroad bypassed Fort Steele, land values decreased along with the population and by 1910, this short-lived once bustling township was quiet and declining. A group of concerned citizens petitioned the government in 1961 “to preserve, present, and manage for public benefit the historic settlement of Fort Steele.”
Does this remind you of somewhere close to home?
It was interesting to wander the streets and buildings and compare them to Colonial Williamsburg. It was quiet on a weekday but looks to be busy with interrupters on the weekends. A group of young children were running around the military parade ground holding sleeping bags for a sleep-in at the military barracks.
I sheltered in the schoolhouse during a brief thunderstorm which also hailed pea-size icy pellets. The dressmaker’s shop smelled delightful with homemade soaps along with the aroma of fresh bread and cinnamon buns from the bakery. Yes, I bought one!
I stopped at a visa for Columbia Lake, the origin of the Columbia River. One of the major North American waterways, the initial two-fifths lies within Canada. It enters the US in northeastern Washington and finally drains into the Pacific at Astoria, Oregon.
A little rain today but heading down the mountain about 13 miles for lunch, groceries, and look around the town of Invermere. The Toby River runs along the narrow mountain road and is roaring with spring run-off. Watching the river and the road is dangerous; learned riding a bike down Haleakala in Hawaii that you go where your eyes go so watch the road!
Lunch at golf clubhouse w/ appropriately named restaurant, The View. I could watch golfers on two different greens plus gorgeous mountains and the rain coming through the valley.
It’s chilly today...40’s and 50’s...and rain is predicted for the next week. I know the area needs rain, but selfishly, Lord, could you please clear Banff NP in 3 days?
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