Oh, Canada...

After a wonderful stay in Whitefish Montana (one of the most inviting and kind communities I’ve ever set foot in) we were off to the Canadian Rockies! As we crossed the border I bellowed… “Oh Canada… My home and native land… True Patriot love and something, something, something!” From there we found ourselves cruising through the most gorgeous river valley, surrounded by majestic peaks on our right and left. We ended the first day in Canada with a long soak in Radium Hot Springs (thanks Dom and Wendy!). These springs sit at the base of a canyon at the doorway to Kootenay National Park. It was such a magical spot… you could almost see the spirits of the native people, who once wandered this sacred place, floating among the concrete and fifties-style architecture that now engulfs this tourist attraction. After a long soak and our favorite dinner, BBQ chicken drumsticks, we hit the sack, a quick recharge for the next mountain adventure.
The following day we awoke early, excited about our unknown journey in foreign mountain territory, and set out into the heart of the Canadian Rockies. We stopped along the way for a five-mile afternoon hike to an enormous glacier that carved and sculpted the mountains above us. The hike was refreshing…following a crisp and clear mountain stream to the foot of the glacier. Along the way we found moose tracks as we crossed over the stream before the final ascent. We ended the day at Mosquito Creek campground with a warm campfire and a yummy bottle of wine.
We awoke the next day with our heart set on getting deeper into the Canadian wilderness. So we packed up our gear, laced up our boots, and headed nine miles into Baker Lake. The hike was filled with color and the first snow of the season. The Larch trees were at their peak, and the mountainsides were speckled with the bright color of gold dancing among the neighboring pines. After what felt like a short stroll through the woods (at an elevation lower than Nederland!,) we arrived at our designated campground for the evening. Our camp sat at the edge of a mile-long lake that was surrounded by jagged rocky peaks. It wasn’t long after our arrival that two friendly Canadian fellows, Bird and Brent, as well as a crafty fellow from Whitefish named Charlie, greeted us (what are the chances?). Campfires were not allowed at this specific campground, but that was not gonna stop this wilily group of outlaws from putting together what would be the jolliest little community campfire that side of the border. The wind was howling and the snow was falling, but the fire and the laughter of our new friends kept us warm. These guys also kept our bellies full with spider dogs (spider dog, spider dog, does what ever a spider dog does). Which is basically the cheapest Canadian pork hot dog you can buy, sliced at both ends, put on a stick, and held over the fire until the ends curl.… turns out we budgeted way too little food for the two night stay and ran outta fuel the first morning… so these dogs were much appreciated! All in all, we missed Kody and it was COLD up there… so feeling satisfied with our effort we cruised back down the trail to the warmth and kush of the camper and the Canadian consumption junction Banff. Are we getting soft out here on the road? We’re starting to wonder…..