Vernon and Revelstoke

Driving to Revelstoke today, only 200 kilometres so it was an easy day.  Got away early and first stop was…Vernon!!!!  You wouldn’t believe how good that town is, there is something for everyone, it is cool, well presented, good looking and a pleasure to be around.  Remind you of anyone?

On to Revelstoke, the drive was along a valley; first up it was wide with farming and grazing properties.  The valley narrowed as we traveled along it and it eventually was only wide enough for a road, a river, and a railway line.  Even then the rail line ducked into the occasional tunnel.  It was a great drive, with the tall mountains on both sides and the green/blue river alongside.  We did have a little detour thanks to our intrepid and crazy Kylie SatNav.  Left the highway took a ‘shortcut’ through some farming country, a pleasant drive, just a little bit bemusing.  Finally found our Trans-Canada Highway and we were on our way again.

Called into the motel at Revelstoke and picked up a map, went downtown and had a quick lunch before a visit to the information centre.  They recommended the Revelstoke Mountain drive, a 26 kilometre zigzag drive up to the top of the mountain behind the town.  The road was a pleasure to drive, plenty of room for vehicles coming both ways and plenty of well sign posted pullover spots for views and photos.  We may have over done it with the photos again.

Back down the mountain and a short drive out to the Revelstoke Dam.  Not lots to look at except the beautiful green waters surrounded by mountains.

Into town again and a walk along the Colombia River, looking at the mountains and glaciers circling the town.  Bought some supplies for tea, back to the motel for drinks and tea.

The road out of Kelowna.

Pams effort out of the windscreen.  But it's not just Vernon...it's GREATER VERNON!!!

There is Vernon in the valley below.

Welcome to you all.

You CAN make it yours.  Notice also...not just snakes...VIPERS.

I will welcome all visitors.

Need a paper?  Get the Vernon Edition.

Lake at the edge of the road, water was quite warm.

Relaxing in the warm sunshine.

Lakes, clouds, conifers...ahhh Canada.

More of the beautiful valley.

What a road, can't get sick of driving along here.

Revelstoke from the first lookout.

Green grass and blue water.

This is where we drove into Revelstoke, along the floor of that valley in the distance.

I know it doesn't really look like sunglasses weather, trust me, the sun was out sometimes.

The lake on the Columbia River formed by the dam.

Another look at the lake.

Pam hoping the bears stay away.

The smallest lake in the Rockies.

The conifers are all like bonsai plants, shaped and hardened by the snow.

Why hasn't a bear eaten you yet??!!

Revelstoke and the road from Vancouver.

Revelstoke Golf Course.

The dam on Columbia River.

Walk along the river bank with Revelstoke and mountain we drove up in the background.

Rail bridge at Revelstoke.

Waiting for Christmas, just wanting to hang a decoration.

A memorial Inuksuk, commemorating the war dead in the World Wars.

Little league baseball diamond with mountains and glaciers as a backdrop.

Those mountaintop glaciers.

On the way home as the sun sets.