Up Over: 7/15/16 In Another Country

Geared up to cross over, we rode out in chilly weather. Eureka was our guidepost as we headed north through Kalispell and Whitefish. Blue skies and warm sun mellowed the temperature as we slipped out of our leather. At Roosville, we crossed with such ease, one wonders why they even have border patrol. Diving into the Canadian Rockies, we were surrounded on all sides by massive outcroppings as we followed the Kootenay up into Bristish Columbia. This river has been our companion since Montana, but its character is changing. Now, deeply turquoise, it is hinting at the glaciers that feed it from the north.

A wrong turn on Route 3 gave us the opportunity to have a lovely picnic lunch in Fernie under the shadow of the last remaining wooden oil derrick in British Columbia. It also gave us the chance to view the mountains we had passed, in reverse, as we headed back. A whole new album of oohs and aahs was created.

Rain, our usual afternoon companion, boiled over from heavy clouds. Lucky us, we missed all the storms and rode under low clouds to Radium, where we are spending the night. Mountain sheep skid down the hills surrounding this town, known for its hot springs, and eat the flowers that residents have planted along the main street. We watched them on the far mountain, preparing for their nightly foray into town. A woman we met had a near death experience when a male stood up and "Ram Charged" her as she was taking pictures. They are wild animals after all...

The Canadian Rockies are a whole new world. Unlike our younger, higher peaks with mountain passes, these giants surround you and suck you into their depths. Tonight we are cradled by their cold massive arms and tomorrow we will ride into their heart. I can feel the beat as I fall into sleep.