So, today we made it into Alberta after climbing the Crow’s Nest Pass. We had left Fernie after a full breakfast at about 8:30 am. Cool sunny morning perfect for climbing. We stopped for coffee in Sparwood and the mandatory photo opportunity of the biggest truck in the world, then onwards and upwards to the border with Alberta.
The gradient was gentle and the road had a wide shoulder. It topped out at 1358 m and of course, we expected the usual drops on the other side, but
this did not happen, the elevation stayed close to 1320m for miles. We passed glacial lakes with their distinctive blue colours and the great landslide at Frank,
where half a mountain descended, burying road and railway many meters deep in rock, and dirt. There is a sign which states that the rockslide is a protected area and no- one is allowed to remove stones. It just seemed a little funny at the time seeing as how there was so much debris. We pushed on to Pincher Creek having decided that we would reduce tomorrow’s ride, and take the benefit of the weather. We finally passed into ranchland and followed the Cowboy Trail into Pincher Creek. There are two very good things about Pincher Creek, one is the Pizza at the King Chinese Restaurant, and the other is the Veterans Memorial Campsite.
Nice facilities and a great lady Warden who had lots of stories to tell us, and keep us amused, until we fell into bed about 8:30pm. There was a dry (for us) thunder storm during the night which was very spectacular, it was enough to wake Marge, I never heard a thing.
PS: The Tourist Information is also world class. When they found we were doing the crossing, they cheerfully donated a flag to the cause. Now we have 7, one for each Province we have passed through.
Please don't forget about the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation, all donations are welcome. If you donate on line, it asks for our address, put any address in so long as you fill in the blanks. I know it's a bit silly, but "ronandmarge" is enough. Thanks.
I think that is all the news that’s fit to print for today. Night, night.
18.7 kph Average speed
Distance 119km.
Total Distance 3276km
Altitude Change 650m,
Total Altitude Change 22374 m
Itinerary http://spreadsheets.google.com/ccc?key=rqh-YnkugHVLcYf0I3fj3Fg
Dear R & M,
ReplyDeleteGreat to get your updates and photos. But the main purpose of our comment is to wish Ron a very happy and restful birthday. According to your schedule, which you seem to be tracking pretty well, this should be a rest day.........so as our American friends say - enjoy!
Almost half way home....keep it up!
Love,
Mimi & JohnG
Ahh, memories! We stayed at the same campground on our TC trip. Hope the weather continues to improve. I checked the Fringe Festival web site and it runs from July 13 to the 26th.
ReplyDeleteKeep the rubber side down. Ken P. winnipeg
Happy Birthday Ron! Have a wonderful day.
ReplyDeleteGlad to hear you're a province nearer home. 7 down 4 more to go !
Love and hugs to you both