End of our Canadian summer

 The days are getting shorter and cooler and it is time to winterize Dutchess.

 The winter cover has been repaired and pulled on from the back to the front. A number of straps hold it in place against the winter winds.

Dutchess is covered and hopefully will be in good shape when we arrive back in the spring.

Hope

We are getting close to the West Coast, with only 150 kms to Pacific Border RV Park in White Rock. It is time to spend a couple of nights in Hope, get our bikes back on the road and explore the Othello Tunnels a short distance out of Hope.

These tunnels were built in the late 1800's and the early part of the 20th century. It is a terrific site to see the engineering that went into their building. There are 5 tunnels on this section of the Kettle Valley Railway that connected Hope to the Okanagan Valley. The rail service operated until the mid 1950's and carried both passengers and freight.

 It was a good bike ride but had to dismount in the tunnels.

 Through several tunnels it is necessary to have a flashlight, especially those with a curve...no light at the end of the tunnel!

The trail continues for several kms after clearing the last tunnel

Serious Mountain Passes

 Warnings at the Summit before starting the decent.

 Note the 'run away lanes' marked on the signs.

An alpine lake at the Summit of Kootenay Pass

Back in B.C.

Today we took the circle route around Calgary and on to Banff where we decided to take the Southern Route via Radium Hot Springs and on for a 2 day stop at Cranbrook. Between Banff and Radium we passed through an active forest fire area. Sides of the mountains were blackened by the fire with fire crews still dampening down some hot spots. Highway 3 was closed for periods several times a day depending on the forest fire activity.

 Marker of the Continental Divide, where water flows East to the Atlantic and West to the Pacific.
We are at 5382 feet above sea level

 Leaving Alberta and entering British Columbia.

Smoke and Rain

Continuing across the prairies of Alberta we encounter the smoke from the extensive B.C. forest fires, combined with showers.

Bassano Alberta

On our East bound trip we stayed at this community operated campground. On our return trip we were ready for a break about the time we arrived at Bassano. A very pleasant town, supporting the surrounding agricultural industry.

West Bound

Last Thursday we left the Historic town of Merrickville, south of Ottawa and on the Rideau Canal. The weather was warm in the high 20ies with a humidex of 33. On Thursday evening we setup camp in the North Bay at the Walmart parking lot. 31 various RV's were parked for overnight and I went out for a stroll to check out our neighbours.

One couple asked me if we were heading to the Truck Rodeo. I replied that I didn't know anything about it. A long discussion followed as they explained to me that semi trailer trucks gathered for a show and shine of trucks plus the main feature of an up hill 'drag race' with modified trucks pulling 'B' trains (2 Trailers) stacked high with lumber. We decided to check it out!

The location is a small village on the Quebec side of the Ontario/Quebec border...Notre Dame du Nord. This quite little village on a lake was trans formed into what looked like a movie scene....100's of huge semi's everywhere, engines revving, beer flowing and black smoke rising on the breeze! Parking was organized for the many RV's arriving but was still at a premium. Food and tourist stalls with continuous entertainment was available.

 The race track as seen before the crowds arrived and the racing started.

 A novel new car, Polaris sling shot with a GM engine.

 A large display of 'Show and Shine' trucks and trailers.

 Totally rebuilt 1974 Kenworth with a 1999 Airstream mounted on an extended chassis.

Vintage trucks on display.

On Saturday just after lunch the 'show' started.

 Much like a drag race the fully loaded trucks, with 'B' Trains race up hill with up to 135,000lbs loads.

Note the green semi, the torque twisting the drivers side up as he pours the 'coals' to it.

 Also racing are 'Bob Tails' trucks with no load...they are very, very fast.

 Not all the races went without a hitch, this truck 'blew' it's engine, truck and trailer had to be towed.

 A very cool day with occasional showers.

Diesel smoke was everywhere.

Perhaps a contradiction.....
This was a weekend to remember.








  

Merrickville

Merrickville, a small town south of Ottawa on the Rideau Canal. It is a National Historic site on the canal and the town has kept much of its charm from the 1800's. The RV Campground is community operated with camp sites right on the canal. We spent 2 nights here with a side trip to Smith Falls an hour or so away.

 Moored boats on the Rideau Canal at Smith Falls

A glass blowing demonstration in town producing items for sale in the adjoining shop 

Kath is enjoying 5ies with her book and a camp fire. This is our last night before pointing Dutchess West on the next morning. We were able to watch the pleasure boats on the canal passing right in front of our campsite.

Canadian Museum of History

The Museum is in Gatineau QC across the river from Ottawa. After entering the First Nations carvings, totem poles and recreated village settings are spectacular.
 

 The worlds largest collection of totem poles are on display here.

After the First Nations display we moved on to a complete history of Canada.

 From the Museum grounds looking across the Ottawa River back towards the Parliament Buildings.

 The back entrance to the Museum.

The gardens behind the museum.

The Museum kept us fully occupied for the whole day and we certainly didn't see anywhere near everything. A return visit is required at a future date.

Bikes on the Rideau Canal

 The bikes had traveled with us across Canada, it was a pleasure to have a chance to use them cycling along the Rideau Canal and finding a comfortable resting spot. We had a couple of days to enjoy the bikes and the canal while in Ottawa.

Lachute and surroundings

We haven't yet had a chance to visit with Pat and Winston as Winston has been in and out of hospital after a quadruple by pass. Before heading back to the Ottawa area we decided to visit Pat and help out if possible. David was down at this time to help with the hay bailing.

 Dutchess is setup at Pat and Winston's farm next to the hay wagons that will soon be used.

 Uncle Lawson's head stone at the St Andrews East Cemetery.

 My Grandfather and Grandmother's head stone at the St. Andrews East Cemetery.

 Museum near St. Andrews East housing many records of our families and their community.

 Next to the Museum the ferry crossing the Ottawa River.

 Pat and Winston's yard and bailing equipment.

 3 generations, Pat & Winston, David & Karen, Victoria, Taylor and Justin.

 Pat and Winston's home, and front yard.