{"id":43838,"date":"2023-02-12T08:10:42","date_gmt":"2023-02-12T15:10:42","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/adventuresoflupe.com\/?p=43838"},"modified":"2023-03-29T09:58:06","modified_gmt":"2023-03-29T15:58:06","slug":"oh-canada-the-long-road-north-to-the-canadian-rockies-beyond-7-30-22-thru-8-3-22","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/adventuresoflupe.com\/?p=43838","title":{"rendered":"Oh, Canada! – The Long Road North: To The Canadian Rockies & Beyond! (7-30-22 thru 8-3-22)"},"content":{"rendered":"

Days 1-5 of Lupe’s 2nd Summer of 2022 Dingo Vacation to Canada & Alaska!<\/em><\/p>\n

7-30-22, 2:30 PM, 92\u00baF, home<\/em> – Hours of preparations and excitement had led to this!\u00a0 Resting high on her pink blanket covering a pile of supplies and padding, Lupe smiled broadly in happy anticipation of what was next.\u00a0 The American Dingo was about to set off on her 2nd Summer of 2022 Dingo Vacation, and this wasn’t just any old Dingo Vacation, oh no!<\/p>\n

Are we really going to Canada and Alaska, SPHP?\u00a0 It’s been 3 years!\u00a0 I was afraid we might not ever see them again!<\/em><\/p>\n

SPHP tried to sound convincingly cheerful.<\/p>\n

Absolutely, sweet puppy!\u00a0 At least, if Canada will actually let us cross the border.\u00a0 Think I’ve got everything all lined up.\u00a0 We’ll just have to see how it goes.\u00a0 Should be fine, Canada is officially open again!<\/em><\/p>\n

Before turning the key, SPHP looked over at Lupe.\u00a0 She was so beautiful, and so happy!\u00a0 This late July afternoon truly was a rare and wonderful occasion, only the 5th time the Carolina Dog had ever set off for Alaska!<\/p>\n

Epic!\u00a0 Yet also bittersweet.\u00a0 SPHP was filled with grief and remorse.\u00a0 The left side of Lupe’s face had an ugly wound on it.\u00a0 Brand new.\u00a0 And it was all SPHP’s fault on this otherwise joyful day.<\/p>\n

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Loopster ready to set out for Canada & Alaska for the first time in 3 years!<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Happened just yesterday.\u00a0 At some point in the last month or so Lupe must have rolled in something, because she’d had a black, sticky, tar-like substance clinging to a small clump of fur on her face for the last several weeks.\u00a0 When it wouldn’t wash off, wanting Loop to look her finest for her next big Dingo Vacation, SPHP had gotten out a scissors to cut away that little clump of gooey fur.<\/p>\n

The tar was tougher, and provided more resistance than expected, but a few seconds of cutting with the scissors had finally done the trick.\u00a0 The tar came off, but when it did, SPHP was instantly shocked and horrified.<\/p>\n

Oh, no!\u00a0 Oh my gosh, Lupe!\u00a0 What have I done?\u00a0 I’ve cut your beautiful face wide open!\u00a0 You didn’t flinch, or bark, or shy away from me.\u00a0 You should have bit me!\u00a0 Instead you just looked trustingly into my eyes and let me do this terrible, painful thing to you.\u00a0 I’m so sorry!\u00a0 How could I have been so careless and such an idiot?\u00a0 We’re going to the puppy doctor!<\/em><\/p>\n

At the emergency clinic, the puppy doctor cut away a loose flap of skin with beautiful fur still clinging to it that was going to die anyway, fully exposing the hideous wound.\u00a0 The wound wasn’t deep, just a fleshy spot the size of a nickel seeping a little blood.\u00a0 Staples or stitches to close the gap weren’t required, but Lupe’s fur wasn’t likely to ever grow back.\u00a0 She would always have a scar.<\/p>\n

Lupe went home with an anti-biotic cream and pain pills.<\/p>\n

SPHP was guilty, guilty, guilty, but there was nothing more to be done.<\/p>\n

Oh, Lupe!\u00a0 We’re going to have so many grand adventures in Canada and Alaska on this Dingo Vacation!\u00a0 Going to be just like old times!\u00a0 You ready?<\/em><\/p>\n

I can hardly wait, SPHP!<\/em><\/p>\n

SPHP turned the key, and backed the RAV4 out of the driveway.\u00a0 After 3 long years, the Most High Exalted Dingo of the Arctic Sisterhood<\/strong><\/span><\/a> was on her way!<\/p>\n

7-31-22, 7:18 AM, 52\u00baF Bighorn Mountains, Wyoming<\/em> – Exactly 3 weeks ago, on the last day of her prior Dingo Vacation to Wyoming, Lupe had been by here on an evening so cold and windy that SPHP had chickened out and driven her straight home.\u00a0 The Carolina Dog was back, though!\u00a0 From the Bald Mountain campground off Hwy 14A, Loop trotted toward the familiar open slopes of Bald Mountain<\/span><\/a> (10,042 ft.)<\/span><\/strong>.<\/p>\n

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Setting out for Bald Mountain<\/strong> (L). Photo looks SE.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Are we going to fix the names, SPHP?<\/em><\/p>\n

We are!\u00a0 Hard to believe, but it’s been 4 years since we’ve been up on Bald Mountain, Loopster.\u00a0 A little maintenance is likely in order.<\/em><\/p>\n

Make that quite a bit of maintenance.\u00a0 The names were still there, but in poor condition when Lupe found them not too far from the NW end of the vast summit region.\u00a0 The American Dingo had plenty of time to sniff about while SPHP made extensive repairs.<\/p>\n

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Loopster by her reconstituted name on Bald Mountain<\/strong>. Photo looks SE.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Once the names were back in order, Lupe naturally completed the easy stroll to the true summit.\u00a0 Medicine Mountain<\/span><\/a> (9,962 ft.)<\/span><\/strong> and it’s giant FAA golf ball were in sight several miles back to the NW, but all the more distant views were hazy.<\/p>\n

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Medicine Mountain<\/strong> (L of Center) from Bald Mountain’s true summit<\/strong>. Photo looks NW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

The entire American West fills up with smoke every summer, doesn’t it Looper?\u00a0 Didn’t use to be that way.<\/em><\/p>\n

Oh, but aren’t we the lucky ones, SPHP?\u00a0 Bet we won’t have to worry about smoke once we get far enough N into Canada!<\/em><\/p>\n

Sure hope you’re right, Loop, and suspect you are, but you never know.\u00a0 Remember how smoky even Alaska was in 2019?<\/em><\/p>\n

5:01 PM, 81\u00baF, Little Belt Mountains, Montana<\/em> – Bald Mountain had been a great morning romp!\u00a0 Most of the rest of the day had been a long, hot drive from Wyoming on into Montana.\u00a0 So many cows and horses to bark at!\u00a0 It had been a wonderful, if shrill time.\u00a0 Late afternoon now, but Lupe had made it here\u00a0<\/strong>early enough to honor a long-standing tradition.<\/p>\n

Kings Hill Pass (7,393 ft.)<\/span><\/strong>!\u00a0 We really, truly are going to Canada, aren’t we, SPHP?\u00a0 We always come here first!<\/em><\/p>\n

Almost always, Loop.\u00a0 We didn’t the first time in 2013, but ever since then, yeah.\u00a0 The Little Belt Mountains are a nice, cool spot to spend a night.<\/em><\/p>\n

We always climb Kings Hill<\/span><\/a> (8,008 ft.)<\/span><\/strong> or Porphyry Peak<\/span><\/a> (8,192 ft.)<\/span><\/strong> when we do come here, SPHP.\u00a0 So which will it be?\u00a0 Any preference?<\/em><\/p>\n

Yes, but we really don’t have to choose between them.\u00a0 Should have time to visit both!\u00a0 Whad’ya say we climb Kings Hill first?<\/em><\/p>\n

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Kings Hill true summit<\/strong>. Photo looks S.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
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Porphyry Peak<\/strong> (L) from Kings Hill<\/strong>. Photo looks WNW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
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Porphyry Peak fire lookout tower<\/strong>. Photo looks ENE.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
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Big Baldy Mountain<\/strong><\/span><\/a> (Center) from Porphyry Peak<\/strong>. Photo looks NNE.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

8-1-22, 12:05 PM, I-15 at Port of Coutts, Montana\/Canada border<\/em> – Only 2 Canadian customs lanes were open.\u00a0 The RAV4 was 6th in line.<\/p>\n

Moment of truth coming up, Loopster!\u00a0 Hope they don’t make us wait.\u00a0 Told them on Arrive-CAN that we wouldn’t be here until 3:00 PM.<\/em><\/p>\n

Waiting won’t be so bad, SPHP, provided Canada ultimately lets us in.\u00a0 You had to specify the exact hour of arrival?<\/em><\/p>\n

Yeah.\u00a0 Knew we’d be here by noon, but decided to give ourselves some slack just in case.\u00a0 Don’t know what we’ll do if Canada says no, and just sends us away.\u00a0 We’ll have to plan an entirely different Dingo Vacation, pronto.<\/em><\/p>\n

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Canadian customs<\/strong>, Port of Coutts opposite Sweetgrass, Montana.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

For 10 minutes the line seemed stuck.\u00a0 No movement.\u00a0 Then suddenly whatever had been the hold-up was over.\u00a0 Soon SPHP was handing a US passport to the Canadian customs agent.\u00a0 2 minutes later, the RAV4 was picking up speed, heading N!<\/p>\n

Whoo-hoo!\u00a0 We’re in, Loop!\u00a0 You’re back in, Canada!\u00a0 On to Lethbridge!<\/em><\/p>\n

That was easy, SPHP!\u00a0 Same old questions they always ask you.<\/em><\/p>\n

Yup!\u00a0 Not a word about Covid-19.\u00a0 All that hassle and worry over nothing.<\/em><\/p>\n

Our reputation as world class anti-social distancers must have preceded us, SPHP.<\/em><\/p>\n

Oh, yes!\u00a0 I’m sure that’s it, Looper.\u00a0 Anyway, I’m glad it went the way it did.\u00a0 Smooth sailing now!<\/em><\/p>\n

So, what’s next, SPHP?\u00a0 Where are we going first?<\/em><\/p>\n

Mostly just driving again today, Loopster.\u00a0 Been so long since we’ve been to Canada and Alaska that I want to make tracks N as fast as we can the next few days.\u00a0 That doesn’t mean we can’t take the scenic route, though.\u00a0 How about something old and something new this afternoon?<\/em><\/p>\n

You’re being coy, SPHP, but OK, surprise me!<\/em><\/p>\n

Hwy 40 over Highwood Pass was the scenic route.\u00a0 Kananaskis Country!\u00a0 Peter Lougheed Provincial Park<\/strong><\/span><\/a>!\u00a0 The American Dingo hadn’t been to beautiful Upper Kananaskis Lake<\/strong> <\/span><\/a>since 2014, but saw it again today.<\/p>\n

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Storm Mountain<\/span><\/a> (10,153 ft.)<\/span><\/strong> (Center) from Hwy 40 on the way to Highwood Pass. Photo looks NNE.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
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Gap Mountain<\/a><\/span> (8,661 ft.)<\/span><\/strong> (L) from Highwood Pass<\/strong>. Photo looks NW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
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Gorgeous Upper Kananaskis Lake<\/strong>. Photo looks NW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

After a pleasant half hour at Upper Kananaskis Lake, the something new was a trip along washboardy Smith-Dorrien Road, the purpose being to see the Spray Lakes Reservoir for the first time ever.\u00a0 An odd trail from a picnic ground led a short distance down through a forest to a small cliff overlooking the lake.\u00a0 A better lakeshore viewpoint appeared only a few miles farther N along the road.<\/p>\n

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Spray Lakes Reservoir<\/strong>. Big Sister<\/span><\/a> (9,633 ft.)<\/span><\/strong> (R of Center). Photo looks N.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
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On the odd trail overlooking Spray Lakes Reservoir<\/strong>. Photo looks SW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
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A better view from right along the shoreline. Photo looks S.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

By evening, Lupe was in Banff!<\/p>\n

Oh, SPHP!\u00a0 I love Banff<\/strong><\/span><\/a>!\u00a0 Can we do my traditional Pretty Puppy Parade<\/span><\/strong><\/a> up and down Banff Avenue?\u00a0 Haven’t done it in ever so long!<\/em><\/p>\n

Absolutely, Loopster!\u00a0 Can’t miss out on the Pretty Puppy Parade!<\/em><\/p>\n

Banff had changed since the last time Lupe was here.\u00a0 Vehicles were no longer permitted in the heart of downtown.\u00a0 People were dining at tables out in the street, and a new footbridge was under construction over the Bow River.\u00a0 Banff was still it’s same old festive self, though, with scenic Cascade Mountain<\/span><\/a> (9,836 ft.)<\/span><\/strong> looming in the distance, lined-up perfectly with Banff Avenue.<\/p>\n

The Pretty Puppy Parade, a stroll along Banff Avenue while taking in all the tourists, fancy shops, and sniffing with other dogs as opportunity arose, was a success as always.\u00a0 3 young men from Maryland wanted to pet Lupe.\u00a0 They told her how beautiful she was, which made her day!<\/p>\n

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Back in Banff<\/strong> on the Pretty Puppy Parade<\/strong>! Cascade Mountain<\/strong> (R). Photo looks N.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
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Bow River<\/strong> looking W toward the new footbridge.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

8-2-22, 6:30 AM, Banff<\/em> – Although the night had been warm, the morning was pleasantly cool as the RAV4 hit Hwy 1 on the way out of Banff.\u00a0 An incredibly scenic drive was ahead.<\/p>\n

Only one day to spend in the Canadian Rockies?\u00a0 Not nearly enough, SPHP!<\/em><\/p>\n

Oh, don’t I know it, Loopster?\u00a0 Remember back in 2013 and 2014 when the Canadian Rockies were as far as we went on your Dingo Vacations?<\/em><\/p>\n

We enjoyed many glorious adventures here, SPHP!<\/em><\/p>\n

Indeed we did, Loop!\u00a0 Even though we’re making tracks N, we’ll still stop at some of our favorite Canadian Rockies highlights today.<\/em><\/p>\n

I suppose that’s something, SPHP, but sometime we need to come back to really explore again.<\/em><\/p>\n

So many mountains, so little time!\u00a0 Lupe was far from alone in wanting to spend more time in the Canadian Rockies.\u00a0 Even though she reached the turn for Moraine Lake<\/strong><\/span><\/a> at 7:30 AM, the road was closed.\u00a0 Signs said the Moraine Lake parking lot was already full.\u00a0 Even the upper lot at Lake Louise<\/strong><\/span><\/a> was filling up fast, despite having to pay now.<\/p>\n

Crowds had already gathered along the lake shore near the splendid Chateau Lake Louis when Lupe arrived.\u00a0 Mount Victoria<\/span><\/a> (11,375 ft.)<\/span><\/strong> was still as spectacular as ever beyond the turquoise lake.<\/p>\n

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Mount Victoria<\/strong> (Center) from Lake Louise<\/strong>. Photo looks SW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
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Chateau Lake Louise<\/strong>.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Remember when we used to take the Plain of Six Glaciers<\/strong><\/span><\/a> trail all the way to the end to see the Death Trap, SPHP?<\/em><\/p>\n

Of course, I do!\u00a0 So much fun, we did it twice!\u00a0 Even saw a wolverine once near the end of the day on the way back down to Lake Louise.\u00a0 Remember our biggest adventure here, though, Loop?<\/em><\/p>\n

How could I forget Fairview Mountain<\/strong><\/span><\/a>, when I’m looking right at it, SPHP?\u00a0 The views of Mount Victoria, Mount Temple<\/span><\/a> (11,614 ft.)<\/span><\/strong>, and so many others were absolutely incredible from up there!\u00a0 We explored Saddle Mountain<\/span><\/a> (7,963 ft.)<\/span><\/strong>, too!<\/em><\/p>\n

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Fairview Mountain<\/strong> (L) and Mount Victoria<\/strong> (R) from Lake Louise<\/strong>. Photo looks SW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

It was a shame Moraine Lake was too crowded to visit, but continuing N on Icefields Parkway Hwy No. 93, Lupe got to stop at beautiful Bow Lake, another jumping off region for several fabulous Dingo adventures once upon a time.\u00a0 Mount Jimmy Simpson<\/strong><\/span><\/a> was in sight beyond red-roofed Num-Ti-Jah Lodge<\/span><\/strong><\/a>\u00a0from the picnic ground along the E shoe.<\/p>\n

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Mount Jimmy Simpson<\/strong> (Center) from Bow Lake<\/strong>. Photo looks NW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

From over by the lodge, Bow Peak<\/span><\/a> (9,318 ft.)<\/span><\/strong> and the Crowfoot Glacier were in sight to the SE.\u00a0 Bow Glacier Falls and the Bow Glacier above it were visible to the SW.<\/p>\n

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Bow Peak<\/strong> (L) and the Crowfoot Glacier<\/strong> (R) from Bow Lake<\/strong>. Photo looks SE.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
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Bow Glacier<\/strong> and Bow Glacier Falls<\/strong> (Center) from Bow Lake<\/strong>. Photo looks SW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Can we go to Bow Glacier Falls<\/strong><\/span><\/a>, SPHP?\u00a0 That’s an awesome trail!<\/em><\/p>\n

I’d love to, Loopster, but think we should press on.\u00a0 How about we take the Parker Ridge trail, instead?\u00a0 Won’t take quite as long.<\/em><\/p>\n

Parker Ridge<\/span><\/a> (7,612 ft.)<\/span><\/strong> near the N end of Banff National Park<\/strong><\/span><\/a> was a bit of a drive yet.\u00a0 However, by 10:45 AM, Lupe was on the popular trail that switchbacks roughly 900 feet up to the crest of the ridge.\u00a0 A short distance beyond the crest she came to the fabulous scenic reward – a splendid view of the Saskatchewan Glacier.<\/p>\n

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Saskatchewan Glacier<\/strong> (L) from Parker Ridge<\/strong>. Photo looks SW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

A fun off-trail jaunt on grassy slopes among minor rock formations up to Parker Ridge’s E high point provided an even more spectacular vantage point.\u00a0 Almost completely snow-clad Castleguard Mountain<\/span><\/a> (10,098 ft.)<\/span><\/strong> was in sight across the canyon at the far upper end of the Saskatchewan Glacier.\u00a0 On this side of the canyon, both Hilda Peak<\/span><\/a> (10,039 ft.)<\/span><\/strong> and mighty Mount Athabasca<\/span><\/a> (11,453 ft.)<\/span><\/strong> were in view.<\/p>\n

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Heading for the Parker Ridge E high point<\/strong> (Center). Photo looks E.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
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At the Parker Ridge E summit<\/strong>. Castleguard Mountain<\/strong> and Saskatchewan Glacier<\/strong> (L), Mount<\/strong> Athabasca<\/strong> (R), Hilda Peak<\/strong> (far R). Photo looks WSW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
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Zoomed in a little. Castleguard Mountain<\/strong> and Saskatchewan Glacier<\/strong> (Center). Photo looks SW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Mount Saskatchewan<\/span><\/a> (10,965 ft.)<\/span><\/strong> loomed in the distance beyond a long section of the North Saskatchewan River canyon visible below the lake at the toe of the glacier.<\/p>\n

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Mount Saskatchewan<\/strong> (far L), Castleguard Mountain<\/strong> and Saskatchewan Glacier<\/strong> (far R). Photo looks SSW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Looking NW, Mount Wilcox<\/span><\/a> (9,462 ft.)<\/span><\/strong> was in sight beyond Sunwapta Pass.\u00a0 Nigel Peak<\/span><\/a> (10,535 ft.)<\/span><\/strong> stood out just N of the pass.<\/p>\n

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Mount Athabasca<\/strong> (L), Hilda Peak<\/strong> (beyond cairn), Sunwapta Pass<\/strong> and Mount Wilcox<\/strong> (beyond Lupe), Nigel Peak<\/strong> (R). Photo looks NW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Tremendous views all around, but it was hard not to just keep coming back to that magnificent spectacle of the Saskatchewan Glacier!<\/p>\n

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Castleguard Mountain<\/strong> (L) and the Saskatchewan Glacier<\/strong> (L of Center) from Parker Ridge<\/strong>. Photo looks SW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
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Castleguard Mountain<\/strong> and Saskatchewan Glacier.<\/strong> Photo looks SW with help from the telephoto lens.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Parker Ridge was the big outing of the day, but far from the last scenic stop.\u00a0 Sunwapta Pass where Jasper National Park<\/strong><\/span><\/a> began was only a bit farther N, and just down the road from the pass the Athabasca Glacier was in view right from the highway.\u00a0 A must see!<\/p>\n

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Mount Andromeda<\/strong> (L) and the Athabasca Glacier<\/strong> (Center). Photo looks SW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
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Athabasca Glacier<\/strong>. Photo looks SW with help from the telephoto lens.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

The Athabasca Glacier was it for the day as far as glaciers.\u00a0 Continuing N on Icefields Parkway Hwy No. 93, some incredible waterfalls were the new focus.\u00a0 Sunwapta Falls came first, followed by Athabasca Falls.\u00a0 Both were foaming gray torrents, thundering into narrow gorges below.<\/p>\n

Between these falls, Lupe got to stop at her favorite picnic ground along the Athabasca River.\u00a0 The American Dingo enjoyed a romp through the forest looking for squirrels, but didn’t see any.<\/p>\n

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Sunwapta Falls<\/strong>. Photo looks NE.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
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Near the brink. Photo looks NE.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
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Athabasca River<\/strong> from Lupe’s favorite picnic ground. Photo looks S.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
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At Athabasca Falls<\/strong>.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
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Mount Kerkeslin<\/span><\/a> (9,698 ft.)<\/span><\/strong> from Athabasca Falls<\/strong>. Photo looks SE.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

After a quick refueling stop in Jasper, the RAV4 rolled on, taking Lupe W into British Columbia on Yellowhead Hwy No. 16.\u00a0 The American Dingo got out briefly for a look at Moose Lake, and yet again for a pleasant trek down to Overlander Falls, where she scrambled among the rocks by the huge swirling whirlpool below it.<\/p>\n

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Moose Lake<\/strong>. Photo looks WNW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
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Overlander Falls<\/strong> in Mount Robson Provincial Park.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
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How Overlander Falls<\/strong> got its name.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
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Down by the whirlpool.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

The evening ended on a gloomier note with Mount Robson<\/span><\/a> (12,989 ft.)<\/span><\/strong>, highest peak of the Canadian Rockies, shrouded in clouds and light rain.<\/p>\n

At least we got to see Mount Robson<\/span><\/a><\/strong> before, SPHP.\u00a0 Remember when we went through the Valley of a Thousand Falls all the way to Berg Lake?<\/em><\/p>\n

Yes!\u00a0 A fantastic trail, Looper.\u00a0 We ought to do that again someday.<\/em><\/p>\n

8-3-22, 7:31 AM<\/em> – Fog drifted among the mountains.\u00a0 Still overcast, gray clouds spit light rain.\u00a0 Good day for a long drive!\u00a0 Arriving fairly early, Lupe did get out of the RAV4 for a little while to visit Rearguard Falls<\/strong><\/span><\/a>, which she had all to herself this morning.\u00a0 Like all the other waterfalls Looper had been to yesterday, the sheer volume and power of the flow was overwhelming.<\/p>\n

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Rearguard Falls<\/strong> is the upper limit of the Fraser River’s Chinook salmon run.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
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On the elaborate boardwalk leading down to the falls.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
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Right next to Rearguard Falls<\/strong>, which is actually more like a big rapids.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
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Rearguard Falls<\/strong>. Both Rearguard and Overlander Falls are on the Fraser River.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
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By the Fraser River<\/strong> just upstream of Rearguard Falls.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

The next stop came 1.5 hours later at the Goat River rest area, a favorite secluded spot on the way to Prince George.\u00a0 Without any signage, SPHP missed the turn, and had to go back.<\/p>\n

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Enjoying a sniff at the secluded Goat River rest area<\/strong>.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
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Along the Goat River<\/strong> near the Yellowhead Hwy No. 16 bridge.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
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Goat River<\/strong> downstream view.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Lupe’s final stop before Prince George was at the Ancient Forest<\/strong><\/span><\/a>.\u00a0 With time somewhat of the essence, the Carolina Dog did only the basic main loop, instead of the entire trail system as she’d done once before.\u00a0 That still allowed her to visit both Treebeard and the Radies Tree again, two enormous 1,000 year old western red cedars.<\/p>\n

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Arriving at the Ancient Forest<\/strong>.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
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Lupe explored only the main loop (in green) today.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
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On the raised boardwalk near the start of the loop.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
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About the ancient western red cedars.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
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Among the ferns on the way to the upper part of the loop.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
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Treebeard<\/strong>, named after J.R.R Tolkien’s ent from middle earth.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
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Info about the Radies tree.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
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Radies tree<\/strong>.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

With many miles to go, it could rain all day long, if it wanted to, which it did off and on.\u00a0 Lupe snoozed on her pink blanket most of the afternoon, occasionally opening an eye to gaze out the window.\u00a0 Going to Alaska!\u00a0 Could anything be more fun?\u00a0 The drive through the drizzle was so very scenic and soothing.\u00a0 A marvelous day!<\/p>\n

8-3-22, 5:22 PM<\/em> – The afternoon was about shot by the time Lupe reached her next stop of any significance.\u00a0 Can’t miss the dazzling flower gardens at Steelhead Park in the little town of Houston!\u00a0 An impressive variety of lilies seemed to be the specialty this year.<\/p>\n

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Steelhead Park<\/strong> in Houston, British Columbia.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Lilies.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Many other kinds of flowers and decorative plants were featured, too.\u00a0 Steelhead Park isn’t very big, so Lupe had time to visit nearly the entire collection.\u00a0 The only genuine disappointment was that the fountain still wasn’t working.\u00a0 It hadn’t been in 2019, either, the last time Loop was here, but had always been operational before then.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Another colorful display.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
By the Steelhead fountain.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Wonder why they don’t fix it, SPHP?\u00a0 The fountain was always such a lovely centerpiece!<\/em><\/p>\n

Lack of funds, I suppose, Looper.\u00a0 Seems a shame, doesn’t it?<\/em><\/p>\n

8-3-22, 6:21 PM, Telkwa<\/em> – The sky remained overcast as Lupe stood on a new sidewalk on a levee overlooking the Bulkley River.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Bulkley River<\/strong>, Telkwa, British Columbia.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Not much farther to Smithers now, Looper.\u00a0 We’ll be there soon.<\/em><\/p>\n

Smithers!\u00a0 That’s where Hudson Bay Mountain<\/span><\/a> (8,494 ft.)<\/span><\/strong> is, SPHP!\u00a0 And the Babine Mountains, too.\u00a0 Remember Harvey Mountain<\/span><\/a>,<\/strong> the Onions, and Astlais Mountain<\/strong><\/span><\/a>?<\/em><\/p>\n

Sure do, Loop!\u00a0 Hope the weather clears up tomorrow!\u00a0 Been 5 days, and we’re nearly 1,800 miles from home now.\u00a0 That ought to be about enough driving for a while.<\/em><\/p>\n

Oh, are we going to climb a mountain tomorrow, SPHP?<\/em><\/p>\n

If the weather cooperates, Loopster.\u00a0 We’ll see.<\/em><\/p>\n

On the way to Smithers, a small patch of blue appeared to the N, and the sky brightened to the W.\u00a0 At dusk in Driftwood Canyon, it almost looked like the whole sky was starting to clear, but it was hard to tell for sure.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Along the Bulkley River<\/strong>, Telkwa, British Columbia, Canada 8-3-22<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Links:<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

Next Adventure<\/span><\/a>\u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0Prior Adventure<\/span><\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n

Want more Lupe adventures?\u00a0\u00a0Choose from Lupe’s Summer of 2022 Dingo<\/span> Vacations to Wyoming, Canada & Alaska Adventure Index<\/span><\/strong><\/a><\/em>, Dingo Vacations Adventure Index<\/span><\/strong><\/a> or Master Adventure Index<\/span><\/strong><\/a>.\u00a0\u00a0Or subscribe free\u00a0to\u00a0new Lupe adventures<\/strong><\/a><\/span><\/em>.<\/span><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

Days 1-5 of Lupe’s 2nd Summer of 2022 Dingo Vacation to Canada & Alaska! 7-30-22, 2:30 PM, 92\u00baF, home – Hours of preparations and excitement had led to this!\u00a0 Resting high on her pink blanket covering a pile of supplies and padding, Lupe smiled broadly in happy anticipation of what was next.\u00a0 The American Dingo … Continue reading Oh, Canada! – The Long Road North: To The Canadian Rockies & Beyond! (7-30-22 thru 8-3-22)<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":43826,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"nf_dc_page":"","jetpack_post_was_ever_published":false,"_jetpack_newsletter_access":"","_jetpack_dont_email_post_to_subs":false,"_jetpack_newsletter_tier_id":0,"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paywalled_content":false,"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paid_content":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[1585],"tags":[105,34,135,30,31,106,26,40,104,45],"class_list":["post-43838","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-1585","tag-american-dingo","tag-athabasca-glacier","tag-banff","tag-canada","tag-canadian-rockies","tag-carolina-dog","tag-dingo-vacations","tag-lake-louise","tag-lupe","tag-parker-ridge"],"jetpack_featured_media_url":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/adventuresoflupe.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/01\/IMG_5439-scaled.jpg?fit=1651%2C1238&ssl=1","jetpack_sharing_enabled":true,"jetpack_likes_enabled":true,"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/adventuresoflupe.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/43838","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/adventuresoflupe.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/adventuresoflupe.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/adventuresoflupe.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/adventuresoflupe.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcomments&post=43838"}],"version-history":[{"count":5,"href":"https:\/\/adventuresoflupe.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/43838\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":46245,"href":"https:\/\/adventuresoflupe.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/43838\/revisions\/46245"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/adventuresoflupe.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/media\/43826"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/adventuresoflupe.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=43838"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/adventuresoflupe.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcategories&post=43838"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/adventuresoflupe.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Ftags&post=43838"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}