On Our Own, Again (Friday, September 4, 2009) Our intent was to leave early, but it was close to 7:30 AM before we pulled out, saying more good-byes, and taking care of necessities related to preparing the motorhome for a night of expected dry camping at Icefield Centre in Jasper National Park. Thinking there would be gasoline stations before getting on our main route, I bypassed on a side street, then realized that it was 130 miles to the next station, further apart than on any other leg of our trip. Apparently we were driving through a Canadian national forest as there was no development for the 130 miles. Arriving in McBride, we filled with gasoline, and continued, seeing changing landscape and more ranches. Traveling through Mount Robson Provincial Park, I caught sight of a black bear in the shrubs near the road, began braking hard, and sure enough, the young bear ran out in front of us, narrowly escaping being hit. As we drove through Mount Robson, crossing our first mountain pass of the day, the number of tourists and the resulting traffic increased significantly, as most of the parking lots were full. Crossing into Alberta, the time zone changed to Mountain DST, and we moved the clocks ahead one hour. We topped off the gasoline tank in Jasper, and drove the Icefields Parkway towards Athabasca Glacier, crossing our second mountain pass, opting to drive on towards Radium Hot Springs, BC. Despite gearing down, I thought I had overused the brakes as we could smell the odor of burning brakes. A quick check at a pull-out did not reveal any heat coming from the brake area and we drove further south. At Lake Louise, the traffic increased to the point of being bumper to bumper. Grateful that we were turning off to go west again, crossing the mountains through Kootenay National Park, to Radium Hot Springs, we were surprised that traffic on this highway was just as heavy, bumper to bumper, at 100 kilometers per hour, about 65 mph. (We’re not sure if Canadians have a lot of money to spend on recreation, but suspect they, like Europeans, place a much higher value on weekends and time off, or holidays, as they call them than those of us in the U.S.) We crossed yet another mountain pass just after turning off into Kootenay National Park. Interestingly, there was a portable flashing sign warning traffic of a wolf on the road and to keep moving; we didn’t see the wolf, but were amused that our portable signs in Baxter County warn people of sex offenders—different cultures! Crossing our final mountain pass and descending its 11% grade, we were shocked to arrive in this heavily developed resort town of Radium Hot Springs. Apparently, the entire valley is filled with resorts, golf courses, and shops. Turning onto Kootenay’s Red Streak Campground road, we saw several Big Horn sheep, and as fortune would have it, the campground had a vacancy, and we set up for the night. After a dinner of leftovers, we drove to the hot springs for a nice, hot soak, and just a half mile before the campground, another black bear ran out in front of us—a great way to end our first day on our own.
Kay’s Take I really like the not for profit campgrounds better than most commercial campgrounds. The commercial ones are more like ‘parking lots’ with water, sewer, and electricity, but you’re sitting on top of your neighbors! In parks, state, local or national, your site usually has trees, a nice picnic table, and it’s quieter – off the road – no road noise. You’re communing more with nature. We met a nice couple at the hot springs and visited with them as we relaxed our muscles and distressed in the 102% water. Golly, it would be nice to have a heated pool (like a hot tub) in Norfork or Mtn. Home area. Canadians just love them! Summer and winter both!
Our Recommendations for Radium Hot Springs, BC Being in a big hurry to reach the lower 48, we didn’t tarry in Radium Hot Springs to sample the attractions. Apparently, there is something for everyone, from hiking to golf. This might be an interesting place to which to return, on a not-so-crowded weekend.
Campground We stayed at Red Streak Campground, part of Kootenay National Park. With a pull-thru site and electricity, it met our needs, as we were only going to be here for a few hours. It was definitely better, and in a better setting, than some of the commercial parks in which we stay.
Driving Statistics
Beginning Mileage: 16,711.1
Beginning Time: 7:00 AM Pacific DST
Ending Mileage: 17, 172.0
Ending Time: 2:00 PM Pacific DST
TOTAL MILEAGE FOR THE DAY: 460.9
CUMULATIVE MILEAGE: 7,779.9