Getting the blog caught up! Still in July, but getting there.

 My last post left off when we were boondocked on the lakeshore south of Revelstoke.  Water levels were high and there was no beach exposed, but it was still a great spot to spend some time.

 

 This is another spot on the same lake where I have camped a couple of times, but it is almost completely shaded and you'd need a very long cord on your solar panels to get any power.  It has some nice beaches though, when the water level is down later in the year.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

We headed south through Kaslo, BC, and it finally became clear that the sound coming from the front end of the truck was not my imagination after all!  There is only so long that you can convince yourself it is the rough pavement, or the wind, or the tires!  Turning up the music only works to delay the inevitable.

 We spent the next night up this very rough logging road above Balfour, but the trees were too thick for any decent views - and the mosquitoes were very hungry!

So, the next day we showed up at the GM dealer in Castlegar and got a shiny new wheel bearing installed.

And, back on the road, further south through Trail, BC.  But not before a stroll around Zuckerberg island in Castlegar, and picking up yet another prescription for Hailey at a local pharmacist.

Zuckerberg Island

 

 

 Near the US border I pulled into a spot I have often overnighted in.  It's just the side of an almost unused road, but it's attraction, other than being quiet, is that it is within range of an AT&T tower south of the line.  I pay for my unlimited AT&T data all year long, so it's nice to get some good use out of it once in a while!

Then, along came a friendly local, who directed me to a better spot nearby.  It's even quieter, and has a nice river view.

Iphone through binocular photo of Canadian Customs at the border

With the border closed to tourist traffic, and not much commercial traffic using this entry, this station is pretty sleepy at present.  Small trains come through about once a day, and stop to report.

One downside of this spot, and others in the area, is the presence of Poison Ivy! I think I've learned to identify it at least, and should have no problems avoiding it usually.  But Hailey has no idea about it and wanders through the bush with abandon.  Apparently, it does not bother cats, but I don't want her coming back in the camper and spreading it around.

After I got my fill of data from across the line, we headed north again, this time up through the Slocan valley, and through Silverton and New Denver.  Nearer to Nakusp we spent an uncharacteristic night in a paid campspot (I guess the $6 won't break me) to visit with a college buddy and his wife and friends who were camped there.

 

 

 

Next stop on this journey was in Lake Louise, where I connected with another recently retired Park Warden.  While we used to get paid to hike these trails, we decided it was still worth it for free!  At least we don't have to rescue anyone or write tickets or reports any more! 

We hiked up to the Litle Beehive area with a great view back down to Lake Louise, and the Chateau.

National Park campgrounds were all full due to Covid requirements, so we made a beeline for home after the good hike in the mountains.

One of the first things to do upon making an infrequent visit home between travels is to fill up the bird feeders.

While these two squabbled about who would eat first ...

The little Red Squirrel helped himself!

Next update:  We head out to Vancouver Island, and Hailey hits the hospital.  Coming soon. (?)