Yes!  It is extremely rare (not sure one has ever been done!) that a blog post is done regarding a travel day.  But here it is.

It is only a hop, skip and a jump from Telkwa/Smithers to another Princely city – Prince Rupert – following the beautiful and wide Skeena River much of the way.  At Moricetown is a village of 800 Wet’suwet’en First Nation people, who salmon fish in the crashing whitewater of the Moricetown Canyon.  They were here this morning fishing with their nets.

Hold on tight.

E has a fascination for bridges and waterfalls;-)  So, while looking up Freightliner service centers along the way, she was also happily snapping away – –

“While looking for a Freightliner service center?” you say.  Yes – it is true.  While our trips seem all rosy – there are days of frustration when things do go wrong.  So, for the second time in three days we were looking for Freightliner.  Thankfully ‘Mr. Premium Truck & Trailer’ owns two such facilities exactly on our travel route.  Wednesday we were in the Prince George facility and Friday in the Terrace facility.  Thankfully Magic’s issue was only that of a leaky rear axel seal (Wednesday on the driver side – Friday on the passenger side), which didn’t require ordering parts and the service people were knowledgeable and efficient.  The Terrance stop gave us 2 hours to hit the local Safeway, which had several items we were unable to find in prior stops (Canada is not BIG on Mexican food, apparently) and a Starbucks;-)

Magic – now good as new AGAIN – was ready for the Yukon Territory and beyond.  But, first a few nights stay in Prince Rupert.

E & G – Off to see the Grizzlies

The beautiful Alberta Mountains have been left behind for the more rural farming area of British Columbia.  Don’t misread what was just typed as there is still beauty here – just different.  In order to meet our travel guidelines of no more than 250 miles or 4 hours on the road each day – and staying two nights in each location – Smithers/Telkwa is where Magic was parked for the last two nights.  AND – a nice spot it was overlooking the Bulkley River.

Yes – G was at it again with the drone.  Hope this one stays out of the river!!

The view from our living room.

The drone is out for a spin. Check Instagram for a video.

This little town of 5,000+ sits at the base of the Hudson Bay Mountain, which means one can be pretty sure it got its start in the 1800’s (long after the First Nation people)  when the Europeans arrived to satisfy Europe’s appetite for fur and established a Hudson Bay Trading Post.  It also means glaciers, rivers and waterfalls.  So – off we were on the suggested hike for the day to Crater Lake above the ski area.  Only to be rebuffed by the clouds of bugs 15 minutes in.  Second choice – Twin Falls on the other side of town.  Much better – –

Twin Falls.

Very LOUD – but BEAUTIFUL.

The hike was short but still worked up the lunch appetite.  Tandoori Bistro was on the way back to Magic and provided an excellent Indian meal;-)  There was other scenery on the way that just made us laugh – –

As Jeff Foxworthy once said, “if you mow your lawn and find a car…you might be a redneck.”

Smithers and Telkwa – the stay was short but you provided great sights for the day.

See ya – E & G off and running again tomorrow

Just when you think it can’t get any better – there it is right in front of you – AGAIN!

The ‘farewell committee’ was out to say good-bye and to see us on our way as we left Jasper – –

The elk bid us farewell – –

– – but, really didn’t want us to leave.  So, they just blocked our way.

Today’s destination was Prince George as we began our journey along the Yellowhead Highway 16.  But, on the way was another of our fav’s – Mount Robson.  The highest peak in the Canadian Rockies it stands at almost 13,000′ and – just like Denali – creates its own weather system.  Therefore, one is not likely to see the top or the clear mountain.  Except for us;-)  It is one of those ‘you just have to wait for it’ times.

The usually shrouded peak of Mount Robson.

And then a brief FULL view of the peak.  AWESOME!!

Just another FABULOUS lunch spot!

We could spend hours looking at this incredible sight as it changes from minute to minute.  But, Prince George was calling.  An interesting city – inhabited by the Lheidli T’enneh First Nation thousands of years before any Europeans arrived.  In 1807 a fur trader by the name of Simon Fraser established a fur trading post and nearly 100 years later agricultural development began around the trading post when the Grand Trunk Pacific Railway entered the region.  Taking time off from history lessons – we just played golf in this princely city at the Prince George Golf & Curling Club.  Even though the course was in flat fields – there was still wildlife and reminders by way of inventive signs.

Our gallery at the #2 hole on the Prince George golf course.

This sign should be posted on the first hole of ALL golf courses!!

While at the Golf & Curling Club, we thought we should join the Canadians and try our hand at curling.  However, it seems that curling is only a winter activity and the curling portion of the building was closed up tight;-(  Guess they don’t have to practice year round.

Tomorrow it is back on the Yellowhead Highway 16 westward to Smithers.

See ya later – E & G from Prince George

Jasper NP is definitely one of our favorites – and it is next up on the agenda;-)  Getting from Banff to Jasper is also a real treat.  The Icefields Parkway is a continuous sight of majestic mountains, waterfalls and one of the largest accumulations of ice south of the Arctic.  Its meltwaters flow west to the Pacific, north to the Arctic and east to Hudson’s Bay and on to the Atlantic!  The pictures only give you a ‘hint’ of our fabulous drive – –

BIG Mountains!!

The cloud coming off the peak looked like a ship’s smokestack.

AND – another perfect lunch spot;-)

Jasper NP was established in 1907 and extends over 4200 sq miles.  It is the largest national park in the Canadian Rockies and is part of UNESCO’s Canadian Rocky Mountain Parks World Heritage Site.  It has it all – ice fields, peaks, hot springs and wildlife.  In fact – they call out the deer, elk and caribou (and sometimes a bear or two) to welcome all visitors.

This welcoming committee at Whistlers Campground in Jasper NP.

Their lead greeter.

Our last visit to the area enticed us to do EVERY activity on the ‘must do’ list.  So – this time we took it a little easy and just enjoyed views.  First from the fantastic Fairmont Jasper Park Lodge.  It is a mere 700 acre mountain resort which wraps around the shores of  ‘Lac Beauvert’ and Canada’s No. 1 golf resort course!

It’s history began in 1915 and consisted of ten luxury tents on the shores of Lac Beauvert, each with wooden floors and walls.  Needless to say – it was called “Tent City”.  In 1921 the Canadian National Railways took over Tent City and immediately renovated the existing camp to eight log cabins and officially opened The Jasper Park Lodge in June, 1922.  Today it is a far cry from those eight log cabins – or The Tent City – –

“Cheers” to Jasper NP & the Jasper Park Lodge!! 

The grounds of the Lodge on Lac Beauvert.

The golf course across Lac Beauvert – and us;-)

During the 1920’s the Jasper Park Lodge added the now ‘world famous’ golf course designed by Canada’s Stanley Thompson, whose philosophy has been described as ‘natural artistry’.  His fairways are carved in the surrounding forests, giving priority to the natural contours of the mountains.  Allegedly it took 50 teams of horses and 200 men one year to clear the land to accomplish Thompson’s vision.  The scenery was too beautiful to care about the golf – –

And we are off –  for our round of golf.

We would have used this vintage cart from the early 50’s – but we walked.

More great scenery out on the course.

View from the green we were contemplating yesterday.

And so – our quick couple of days in Jasper came to an end;-(  However –  we did fret about a couple of things during our stay.  The campground we love so much – Whistlers – was a little worse for the wear from our visit ten years ago.  Then we happily learned that the campground will be closed in 2019 for reconstruction.  This was a fabulous campground we loved 10 years ago and hope that in 2020 it will be that way again.

We were also quite distressed over all the dead trees in the park.  When looking at the mountains it appears that fall colors have set in.  Unfortunately, it is not colors at all – but dead trees.  The Mountain Pine Beetle, an insect native to Jasper NP, has infected about HALF the trees in the park.  They tunnel into the mature pine trees and disrupt the flow of nutrients within the tree.  About the only way to eliminate the beetle is through prescribed burns or letting nature take its course when a fire is started by lightening.

The Mountain Pine beetles’ impact on the pine trees in the park is evident everywhere!

Even with its few recent faults, we still love this National Park.  The scenery is stunning and the Canadians take good care of their campers;-)

E & G saying it is always too short a stay in Jasper

Look out Canada – here we come STAMPEDING ALL THE WAY;-)

Home for the next 5 days is the Mount Kidd RV Park at the foot of Mount Kidd in Kananaskis Country.  The jagged peaks and u-shaped valleys in Kananaskis Country that provided our fabulous environment are 12,000 year-old reminders of the last ice age.  The rock is mainly limestone made from layers of fossilized sea creatures that lived hundreds of millions of years ago in the inland sea that covered southern Alberta.  Archaeological evidence of humans in the area goes back over 8000 years to First Nations people who have deep connections to this land.  The area is named from the Cree “Kin-e-a-kis” – the name of one of their warriors.  Today – it is just plain beautiful every where one turns – –

The Kananaskis Trail brought us from Glacier NP to Mount Kidd just west of Calgary.

Magic’s beautiful spot for the next few days  …

…with excellent views of Mount Kidd with…

…and without cloud cover (from the drone).

The primary reason for the stop here was to fulfill another “Bucket List” item of attending the Calgary Stampede (at the insistence of our Scottsdale neighbors who also reside in Calgary).  What an event the city of Calgary puts on every year for 10 days!!

Our first time to attend the Calgary Stampede.

The opening ceremony for the Rodeo was full of surprises – including the arrival of several of the bare bronc riders ‘flying’ in over our heads on a zip-line with fireworks in the background!  This may have been scarier for them than that ride on the bronc?!?!?!

Yippee – kai – yeh!!

Oh, Canada.

AND NOW – we were ready for the good stuff.  Bring on the bare bronc riding – –

The broncs and riders went at it with gusto.

Just give me an 8 second ride – please.

Apparently the Calgary Stampede has become such a HUGE deal – that the organization now has its own ranch and animal breeding program to provide much of the ‘stock’ for the rodeo.  Some of the new yearlings and their Moms were introduced to the crowd.

Broncs of the future.

A performance was provided by First Nations members.

And then it was time for the main event – bring on those bulls – and pray!!

Not sure whether the bulls..

..the cowboys…

..or the rodeo clowns..

..were the most awesome performers.

Whew!  Don’t know about those cowboys – but we were sure worn out after that.  However –  the day was not over.  After a walk into downtown for dinner, we were back in our seats for the evenings entertainment of Chuckwagon races and the Grandstand Show with fireworks;-)  This was like watching the Kentucky Derby – BUT, the horses had a chuckwagon attached to them.  Great news – one of the heats was won by a wagon sponsored by Arizona Tourism.  How fun is that?!?!

First time to see chuckwagon races. Kinda different and fun.

After a very long and exhausting day we returned home with neighbors, friends and hosts for the weekend – Karen & Doug – for a short nights sleep.  We are very grateful for their hospitality, friendship and all their wonderful ideas for our 5 days in and around Calgary/Canmore/Kananaskis.  After a quick evenings sleep, we returned to Magic who had been enjoying the quiet of Mount Kidd.

BUT – we weren’t done here yet.  There were still two days of golf, lunches and many more hours of visiting to be had.  One of those days was spent in Canmore – golfing Stewart Creek (awesome!!!!) and checking out Karen & Doug’s Canmore ‘digs’.

Doug and Karen and son Craig at their Canmore townhouse.

G wishes his golf game was half as stellar as the beautiful Canadian Rockies and the Stewart Creek golf course in Canmore.

Who cared about the golf – the scenery was to die for!!!

This view of Three Sisters peaks above the Bow River was on our walk to lunch from Doug and Karen’s mountain retreat.

And then it was a new fresh day and we were all off to another day of beautiful scenery (and a round of golf) at Kananaskis Country GC at the foot of Mount Kidd;-)

The course just reopened after being destroyed by a flooding Bow River five years ago.

It was hard to keep our eyes on the ball with all the surrounding beauty.

Like all good things – this stay must come to an end.  Karen & Doug were incredible hosts and excursion planners – for which we are most grateful;-)  We just wish they would spend more time in Scottsdale, as they are fun people and wonderful neighbors.

With one more ‘Bucket List’ item crossed off, we are on our way to Jasper NP.

An Overwhelmed E & G

Hard to believe we were heading north already – but, the route to Alaska was calling.  So – north it was on the I-15 to Bozeman for a quick nights stay, a tour around Montana State University campus and a round of golf;-)  The travel day was one beautiful scene after another as we skirted the Gallatin River along much of the way –  –

Love those mountain roads along rivers;-)

A brief respite was waiting for us in a nice, green, lush golf course – Bridger Creek – which seemed to be set down on an old dairy farm on the north side of Bozeman;-)

Magic had a great parking spot waiting for us to complete 18.

We had interesting visuals to distract from the golf!

By mid-afternoon, Magic was all set up in her new parking spot in the Saint Mary KOA on the east side of Glacier NP – and G was itching to fly his new drone!!  Oh yes – G got a new drone to replace the one he put in the Provo River and as soon as we ‘landed’ in Saint Mary he had to test the new bad boy to get some good shots of our campground and Saint Mary Lake.

A quick flight with the new drone. The video from the flight is posted on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/p/BlEIywSACwD/?taken-by=garydickey

We DO LOVE our National Parks!!  And Glacier NP is really special as it is also the world’s first International Peace Park.  Yellowstone is the grandaddy of them all – the world’s first national park designated in 1872.  Its popularity quickly gave rise to others, including Waterton Lakes in 1895 (just north of Glacier in Canada) and Glacier in 1910.  Since they adjoined one another along the International Border, in 1932 the governments of Canada and the US linked the two parks as the world’s first International Peace Park – a further evolution of the park idea.  And – what a GRAND idea it was.  Further, in 1995, Waterton-Glacier was named the world’s first international peace park World Heritage Site.

We are especially grateful to George Grinnell, co-founder of the Audubon Society and tireless advocate of the interests of the native Blackfeet people and the establishment of Glacier as a NP.  It was Grinnell who aptly named this beautiful place the “Crown of the Continent” in 1908 and is celebrated as the “Father of Glacier NP” for his efforts to achieve NP status for the Glacier area – –

Truly – the Crown of the Continent!

One of our favorite places to visit and hike is the Many Glacier area with the National Historic Landmark hotel sitting on Swiftcurrent Lake.

The Many Glacier Lodge’s spectacular setting provides superb dinner views – –

– – Out the back and across this lake.

Long before any European explorer confronted the area now known as the Rocky Mountains, the Blackfeet people of the northern plains dominated the area.  They were aggressive to protect their east-slope buffalo hunting grounds from incursion by western tribes and the occasional foreign traveler.  With the last bison in the area killed in 1882, there was rampant starvation on the Blackfeet Reservation.  George Grinnell (also editor of Forest and Stream magazine) was contacted and with his connections he helped increase government aid to the Blackfeet.  This is when he was first introduced to the area and began the process of pushing for NP status for Glacier.

To the Blackfeet, this land is still sacred.  In a coordinated effort with the Park Service – representatives of the Blackfeet tribe give evening talks – or provide information thru song – to pass on their heritage.  We were lucky enough to attend one of these evenings – –

Grammy nominated singer songwriter and member of the Blackfeet Nation.

Early the next morning, it was back to Many Glacier for our current day’s hike.  The plan was to take the shuttle-boat across Swiftcurrent Lake then across Lake Josephine to hike to Grinnell Lake.  Unfortunately – best laid plans were put aside as all the shuttle-boats were full for the day.  As is often said, everything works out for the best.  The above hike was a repeat from earlier years – and now a new hike was put in the plan.  Off we went to Ptarmigan Falls with some fantastic views across the valley, interesting sights of nature and beautiful falls.

On the trail to Ptarmigan Falls the sights were breathtaking.

An excellent view of Mt. Grinnell.

Lots of these small, delicate blue butterflies along the trail.

The stones in the creeks looked like nature’s mosaic art.

AND – the falls were fabulous!

Providing another awesome lunch spot.

The day was lovely and invigorating;-)  BUT – we weren’t done yet.  The trip back to Magic provided the first bear sighting of the trip and perfect lighting for a perfect picture of the incredible wildflower meadows – –

This little guy was making dinner out of all those red berries;-)

The wildflowers are in bloom right now and are gorgeous carpets of color.

After a good nights rest, we were ready for more.  Off to Logan Pass at the top of the Going-to-the-Sun Road for the trek to Hidden Lake.  Although – we learned about half way there we could only go to the overlook.  The fish were spawning in the lake and the bears were feeding – so the trail from the overlook to the lake was closed.  No problem – the overlook was a good hike and felt on the legs for a few days to come;-(  AND – the animals were out for a good show.

Plenty of snow still on the trail to Hidden Lake.

Awesome scenes around Hidden Lake.

The mountain goats were out today.

Our stays are always too short in the NP’s.  This trip we really enjoyed seeing all the families with young children on the hiking trails and conversations with visitors from other countries.  Our NP are true gems!!  We love them and love to see our fellow citizens out there taking them in.

E & G saying – “Go enjoy a National Park!”  You, too, will love it;-)

We look forward to the visit from the Shoe Crew for the 4th of July in Park City – which has become a bit of a tradition.  Of course, G & E can’t wait to whisk them off to one of our favorite spots – Provo Falls in the Uintas – for a morning of hiking up and down the falls.  AND – this year was especially good as the water level was pretty high –  –

The Shoe Crew – daughter Heather, son-in-law Christian and granddaughters Haley, Olivia and Kira;-)

Our turn with the granddaughters;-)

As mentioned – it was nice to have the water level high to create wonderful falls!  That is until G’s drone went into the river on the opposite side and there was NO way to get across;-(  TOO BAD!!

Gary’s drone video production was going swimmingly until operator error led to a crash and wet grave for the drone.

When the Shoe Crew visits, we not only celebrate America’s birthday – BUT, also Heather’s birthday (July 4) and Haley’s birthday (July 15)!!  Tonight was the night to celebrate all with a BBQ by G – –

Happy Birthday girls!!

Make Good Wishes;-)

American Girl doll Kit has taken up golf.

Today’s activities included a geocache hunt on Park City Main Street.  A fun time was had by all searching from clue to clue until we found that promised cache – –

Ureka – we found it!!

Haley and E & G also hiked into Keith’s meadow at Deer Valley, spread some seeds and hiked down Ontario Trail to Silver Lake.  A GREAT morning!!

Our annual visit to spread seeds in the meadow where son Keith’s ashes were spread.

Our 4th of July fireworks celebration came a night early as we enjoyed concerts and fireworks at the Canyons on the 3rd – –

Listening to live music while waiting for the fireworks.

July 4th brought the usual small town events – pancake breakfast in the Park, a fly over from Hill AF base and the ever amusing local parade;-)

An AWESOME flyover!!

Our friend Jack was in the parade with his fly fishing buddies.

Minnie Mouse high fives her way down Main Street.

And so – another summer (or short 4 weeks) ends in Park City and we are on our way NORTH – to Alaska.

Next stop Glacier NP – see you soon – E & G on our way

It seems that Park City came and went with the blink of an eye.  So used to having 2-3 months here to visit, golf, etc – our brief 4 week stay was over before we could turn around;-(

We did manage to see all the ‘old’ friends with 9 rounds of golf, 12 dinners, 1 concert, a couple of hikes and general hanging out;-)  The animal life in the area (especially on the golf courses) always amazes and entertains us.  Although this year could NOT compete with the banner ‘moose year’ of last year.  BUT – this nest of baby robbins in the tree just outside Magic was pretty special.  Especially the morning Mom kicked the kids out of the nest and proceeded to teach them how to ‘hunt’ for food.  Kept E entertained for an hour!

Mom – where are you?  I’m hungry.

An abundance of ducklings at PC golf course – that time of year.

Deer galore at Wasatch golf course.

Young wild turkeys – at Wasatch.

Mating dance of the wild turkeys – Tom was ready for action at Wasatch!!

Perennial favorites, the sand hill cranes – at Park Meadows.

Our standard hike at Deer Valley was on the agenda.  And Gary even got in the picture this year –

A view of the the Jordanelle Resevoir from the top of Deer Valley Resort.

The Cylvick boys entertained us again this year with their competition at the Kids Adventure Games – a great competition for kids organized by age groups.

Let the race begin.

Cash cheering on his younger brother Tor.

A new experience for us this summer was a concert at the Usana amphitheater with friends Jane and Jack.  The concert – Chicago – was awesome!!  Usana amphitheater – not so much;-(

Saturday in the Park;-)!!!!

This short stay has us soooooo confused.  We think there should be ‘colors’ on the hillsides, more concerts to have attended, and lots more time to spend with friends.  There are so many restaurants and hikes we did not get to – but, guess they will all be there next year.

One more celebration in Park City – 4th of July and we are on our way.

E & G – dazed and confused

Magic traveled from the ocean to the mountains and traded cypress for pines.  It is always fun to be reminded how much one enjoys the coolness of the higher elevations and the smell of the pines all around.  We have come to really love Truckee, CA – with its golf courses that have become some of our favorites, the BEST Ace Hardware store anywhere and a very accommodating Coachland RV Park – –

Wedged in between the pines, all set up and ready to enjoy;-)

Not much rest for the weary.  So we were off to couple of days of golf – with LOTS of trees- –

We golfed at Tahoe Donner…

…and Coyote Moon.

Beautiful views of the snow capped mountains all around;-)

One could spend all of their time in Truckee – there is so much to do – but, we did take a drive to see Lake Tahoe and have a nice lunch with friends, the Lenzi’s.  Then it was time to move on again.  The drive across the northern Nevada desert was quite pretty and even surprised us with more snow scenes –

The snow capped mountains along I-80 in Nevada.

Then – we were back ‘home’ in our usual spot at the Park City RV Resort.  All is good!

All set up and ready to enjoy Park City.

Can’t wait to begin all our visits, golf, hiking and eating with friends here;-)

All is good in Park City!

With Memorial Day on the horizon and a week of 100+ degrees coming up, we set off on a long (not) 120 mile drive up the I-17 to Flagstaff and back to the good ole J&H RV Park.

Magic’s spot in Flagstaff.

Friends, the Bolton’s, were not far behind – so we met up for a little Thai dinner and a round of golf.  NAU also beckoned for a walking tour of that campus that served as home to E many moons ago;-)

Believe it or not – the building IS older than E!!

Just a few short days later, we were off to the Monterey Peninsula to meet up with our cruising mates for THREE days of golf – and dinners – and conversation;-)  Suddenly there were cypress trees lining the fairways instead of pine trees!  They truly are beautiful.  First up on the agenda was Black Horse GC at Fort Ord.

UGH!  The high scores here were made more palatable …

… by playing with good friends.

The second day brought on Poppy Hills.  We all just wanted to feel like PGA players – too bad our scores did not look the same;-(

Line this putt up well – as there is a lot riding on it!

The girls and the does.

Day three was at the Quail Lodge GC – a really beautiful course.

Beautiful – BUT not friendly;-(

Magic’s parking spot in Carmel Valley had fantastic views of the surrounding canyons – but, the drive in was quite something (a VERY narrow one lane road) and the actual parking spot was a bit narrow.  We didn’t look like this when parked – –

This just made us laugh;-)!!

So begin our summer adventures – ultimately to Alaska.

E & G headed for the hills