When we arrived in Golden there were signs saying that Hwy 1. Was closed eastbound, and to take the route through Radium Hot Springs. But then there were “flashing” signs saying Hwy 1 was open. Very confusing. A check with Drive BC said that due to construction to widen the highway at Kicking Horse River, Hwy 1 would be closed to all traffic in both directions until September. This was posted on July 29th, so obviously not updated at all. So in the morning we decided to take our chances and head back up towards Hwy 1 and see what was happening. Going through Radium would have added an hour to our drive if we were still heading to Rocky Mountain House. As luck would have it, the flashing sign said the highway was open and we could see the traffic climbing the hill up out of town. They were definitely working on widening the highway, with machinery all over the cliff side of the highway. It is straight down into the Kicking Horse River from the highway that follows the river as it snakes through the canyon, so this is a major project that highways is taking on and won’t be finished anytime soon. Like, not even this year! It was slow going with only one, 10 minute total closure. The road work was really only about 5 kms, so really not bad.
Once we got through the roadwork, we had a beautiful drive through the Rockies.. It was cloudy so most of the peaks were in the clouds, but we did get a “peek at the occasional peak”. There are so many beautiful glacier green lakes alongside the highway. Lots of signs to watch out for wildlife on the roads. I was really hoping to see a moose, bear or an elk through the Rockies, but unfortunately the only wildlife was saw was a grizzly bear lying on the side of the road with a group of people standing around it. It looked like he had just been hit. Poor guy. We took a detour off the highway into Lake Louise. I thought it would be nice to go up and see the lake and maybe tour the village. We went first up to the beautiful lake. Nothing is more beautiful then seeing Lake Louise with the mountains in the background, seeming to slide right into the green green lake. Today though the mountains were shrouded with clouds. Even in the overcast weather the lake is that striking colour of green. Not emerald, but not aqua either. We were happy that we had arrived early in the day, because of the amount of people wanting to also take photos of the lake. Once again, not one person had a mask on nor was there social distancing. We took a couple of photos and then went back to the truck Too many people and too cold!
Leaving Lake Louise, we continued on Hwy 93 and then Hwy 11 which took us into Rocky Mountain House. I am not really sure why I wanted go spend some time here, but I have heard the name so many times over the years, so was hoping I would not be disappointed. There are only three campground in the immediate vicinity. We pulled into the first one, only to be told that they were full for the weekend due to the Chuck Wagon races. Chuck Wagon races!! Yea Haw!!! We were going so see some real cowboys racing their wagons! Not that it had ever entered my mind to watch this,,,,but what the heck,,,something different to do for sure. We checked the other two campgrounds, but all were full! Darn it,,,,Sylvan Lake was only 40 minutes down the road. We could always drive back to watch the races. Did we do that? No we did not because when we got into Sylvan Lake, there was a beautiful lake with an inviting looking marina. We found the Sylvan Lake Campground (which on the map looked like it was right on the lake). It actually was a crappy little site, but as we were in one of the very end sites we didn’t really mind. The lady who was running the campground was from Stave Falls! Had a great chat with her (Bonnie). She had lived up by Rolley Lake and she still has family there. Small world for sure!
Sylvan Lake is a small town with a population of around 15,000 during the summer months it increases considerably with many tourists enjoying the lake. Besides farming, tourism is very important to the town. Sylvan Lake was originally called “Snake Lake” due to the large number of garter snakes in the area!!! OMG, I may not have wanted to stay there at all had I known that. Now, just typing this is giving me the willies! In 2014 I recall hearing of a house in the prairies that was overcome by garter snakes. So of course when I read that Sylvan had been called Snake Lake, I immediately thought this was that town, but I looked it yup and that town was near Regina. Now I am sure to have nightmares of snakes! We wandered around the main part of town and down to the Marina where there was a big Farmers Market happening. We thought we would take a walk through the market to see what they had there for sale and also to check out the food trucks. But when we went to go into the market, it was packed with people! No social distancing nor any masks. We thought be of it and turned around walking in the opposite direction. We found a quiet bar & grill, with outdoor seating so went and had a bite to eat before heading back to our campsite. With the exception of some noisy neighbours, it was an uneventful night.
glad you're staying safe. Now with having to have proof of double dose, should get better...hopefully
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