Smoky, Hazy, Beautiful Salmon Arm

H waking up at Wapta Lodge

Left Wapta Lodge around 7:00 am and took our time through the magnificent Rockies - passing through Field, Golden, Revelstoke and Sicamous on our way to Salmon Arm. The drive brought us through the rest of Banff-Lake Louise, Yoho and Glacier National Parks. 

Describing the views is pretty much impossible, with superlatives quickly losing meaning. Hope the pictures give you a sense.

Our first stop was a small, lovely rest stop called Faeder Lake where Hailey chased away some Canada Geese (pretty sure I saw the same guys in Orillia this spring). The colour of the water is that spectacular green-blue that I have only ever seen in the Canadian Rockies. 

       

Views from Faeder Lake Rest Stop near Field,
complete with Canada Geese whose wakes (caused by menacing arrival of H) you can just make out

View from Faeder Lake

Wistful H wishing I would let her swim in the super-fast current 
of the Kicking Horse River. As if.

Our next stop was the Kicking Horse Rest Area, an obvious choice given my love for their Kick Ass dark roast beans.

I searched in vain for the coffee plantation and/or roastery.

      

Views from Kicking Horse Rest Stop

Along the way, there were ridiculously beautiful views around every bend in the road. The driving was fun and conditions great with only a few construction stops. 

Random crazy-beautiful view 
with haziness evident

Photos in this post give an idea of the haziness caused by the almost 200 forest fires burning in BC. CBC aired a special this morning on the awful fires, with heartwarming accounts of people stepping up to help in any way they can. Reminiscent of the heroic stories coming out of Fort MacMurray. Can't imagine what it feels like to have your home and personal safety threatened by fire. Words fail.



We also stopped at  the highest point of the iconic Rogers Pass with spectacular views in all directions. Worth noting, I believe, that the outhouse here was by far the cleanest and most charming on the adventure to date. Wish I had taken a shot of it. 

   

Highest point in Rogers Pass

Who're YOU looking' at?

This handsome fellow , a denizen of Rogers Pass, appeared to be the spokesperson for an entire family of these guys, and played to the many tourists who filmed his antics. 

Random Stunning View. Superlatives Fail.  

Other stops included Golden, to get gas (always always always stop for gas whenever there is less than 3/4 of a tank - it's never a sure bet that there will be another opportunity in time) and Revelstoke's Modern Bakeshop Cafe for a delicious panini and perfect latte.

Modern Bakeshop Cafe
Revelstoke

The day started at a bracing 10 degrees at Wapta Lodge and slowly climbed to 30+ in Salmon Arm. Haziness prevailed and the smell of smoke seemed most intense here in SA. (Or maybe the call it The Arm, like The Hat). The high temperatures, haziness, smokiness and CBC updates on BC Wildfires convinced us to stay at Pet-Friendly (you guessed it) Comfort Inn in Salmon Arm. 

Apparently I am a fair weather camper when it comes to car-camping, taking full advantage of welcome alternatives to a sweltering hot tent or miserably wet camping experience. Not so in the back country where my many bad-weather adventures are worn as a badge of honour. Perhaps the car-camping preferences are a sign of maturity. Or sanity. Or something.

H retrieving modest stick in the mighty Shuswap
Canoe Beach Dog Park

As usual, the CI people treated us very well, hurrying to have our room made up, proffering a treat for Hailey (I was passed over by the treat profferer since I haven't perfected those sad puppy-dog eyes and it's a good bet that I wouldn't enjoy a milk bone with the same gusto), and providing directions to the best pooch swimmin' in the area. In this case, Canoe Beach Dog Park on Shuswap Lake. 

Canoe Beach on the Shuswap - perfect for cooling down 
and showing off retrieving skills

Beautiful Shuswap Lake in Salmon Arm. 

It's a beautiful spot, and fitting end to a spectacular drive - even with the limited visibility. We'll be back in the Rockies sometime when it's clearer.

Kilometres to date: 4154

Tomorrow's Itinerary:  Excited to be visiting cousins, aunt and uncle in Kamloops who have offered their usual legendary western hospitality. Added bonus is Darby, the family pooch, who has not yet met (read: been exposed to) Hailey.