Hotter than a snakes ass in a wagon rut

Last night was spent at Clearwater, about half way between Jasper and Penticton, where we currently reside, in a pool of sweat. It was reading 40 on the way down, except it was on the way up..... The ride down the Okanagan Lake is spectacular, but to tell you the truth it was just too damn hot to stop and take photos. Well, actually, the road runs against the lake and the traffic was very heavy (it's a holiday weekend) and I didn't fancy running across the highway just for a couple of snaps. So, I'll take some this evening and post tomorrow morning. I promise. Unless any of the three micro-breweries are any good, and then you may have to wait. Again.

Slo

Not so small details...

I hope you've all been enjoying the pics and descriptions of where we've been...and what we've drunk ! In addition to these larger 'views' of the trip I did wonder if any of you would be interested in some of the details...things that can be every bit as important ? Take my underpants...

Some days ago I was searching the panniers for fresh underwear to discover the stock of 'cleans' dangerously low. The options were to hand wash or run over to the Wal-Mart buy a pack then grab a beer from the bar next door. Anyway...beer and new pants it was. The pack described these 'briefs' as MEDIUM for waist 30 to 32 inches...perfect. The reality is they are more like the emergency pants BA give you when they've lost your luggage...bloody huge !!

Nothing for it though but to make use of them (Slo had purchased also). Slo has a pair of braces which helps. He's decided that after each single use to discard said garments at various hotels across Western Canada. I've decided to hang on to mine in case we run short of gas and can strap them to the bikes as a sail.

Watch out all who shop at Wal-Mart !

Anyway, enough of this. I need to go find a pair so we can get to the pub !

JJ

"Git R Dun"

Up early this morning and a sad farewell to Kim and to Cochrane. Thanks so much for putting up with us the last few days. It was lovely to see you and your gang...some great memories...baseball tournament in the garden, Calgary Tower, Banff, shots in the Magpie & Stump and George dancing Tango in the park surrounded by skateboard kids ! I hope the smell of stale biker fades quickly from the basement !

We had it on good authority (Kim) that the above phrase was the Western Canadien equivalent of 'Just Do It'. You can buy all kinds of stuff (shirts, t-shirts, belt buckles...etc) to convince people you are 'getting R done' ! Not sure how this would go down in Blighty...maybe I misunderstood...Kim ?

Anyway Slo and I headed out from Cochrane and today rode the length of both Banff and Jasper National Parks...spectacular.

We 'Got R Done'

JJ

now that's what I call mountains

Well, ok, not this. This is Bow River Falls in Banff.




Then we headed to Jasper....

I'm not nearly eloquent enough to describe the beauty of the Rockies and, as far as I'm concerned, there is one button on a camera. So there is no way any of my photos can do justice to the place either. All I can say is that it is truly spectacular and, although the day started grey and cold and threatening rain. The JJ jinx worked and we were bathed in sunshine for most of the journey and it was a fantastic ride. My breath has most definitely been taken from me.

Lake Louise



Just a bit further along the road to Jasper




Nice road with the scent of burning brakes from all the cars going downhill ;)


Columbia Ice fields




Yes, we can still muck up a perfectly good photo..


Slo

back in the saddle

We took our bikes in to get serviced and some new tyres (of the round, not square, variety) at Blackfoot BMW Calgary. I'm impressed: friendly, efficient and on time. However, I didn't like being charged $140 to fit the tyres! nor the fact that they didn't clean the bikes ;) Although, I suppose, neither did we..........

So it was grey and miserable on the way into town (rain) and very gentle going on the way back - thanks to said new shiny boots. We're heading up to Jasper tomorrow, I think that we may be taking it easy......

So last night at Kim's. A million thanks for putting up with two less-than-immaculately-smelling bikers and the use of your washing machine and the beer and for driving us about :) Quiet meal and an early start tomorrow.....Now where have I heard that before?

Slo

Banff

It's strange travelling without the bike. The roads feel different, the passing trucks don't have the same impact (as it were). On the bikes, when a truck passes at 85, you get blown around like a rag doll, in a car, you barely notice. The drive up to Banff is beautiful. Strange being on a four-lane highway in the mountains. And being charged $40 to enter the rockies seems bizarre, but, whatever....


Walking around the town offers spectacular views, regardless of the gormless tourists who get in front of the camera....


We stayed at the Banff Springs. A small, understated B and B. To tell the truth, I wouldn't stay there again.... although they do make a mean mojito....







Haunting old haunts. JJ and Kim let me into an old watering hole of 22 years ago. We went in a lunchtime for a cold one. Unfortunately, it started raining and we were compelled to stay for a couple more. Even more unfortunately, the bar manager decided that what we really needed was a few shots. It turned kind of pear-shaped after that.....


After a litre of water and a quick hour in jaccuzi, I was right as rain, so we headed out for dinner. A bison steak and elk rib. Excellent.

This morning were are sitting having a coffee, waiting for the Greyhound back into Calgary. There is a milonga (tango) this evening and then I'm hoping we find a proper western bar (JJ wants to try line dancing now that he has bought some chaps ;)

Slo

Calgary and Cochrane

We've been off the bikes since arriving at Kim's on Thursday. My bike needs it's 6,000 mile service and the first slot available at BMW Calgary is Tuesday. But this is proving a very enjoyable break from the three and a half weeks on the bike.

Our first (misty) view of the rockies....

On Friday we headed into Calgary for a, much needed, massage. I've had a sports massage before, but this one was executed by a physiotherapist - she could really inflict, I mean give a good massage. I've still got the bruises........ In the evening we settled down at a fire and made spiders dogs (split hot dogs).

Saturday was bright and sunny (again :) so after a fast and furious baseball game we headed to the Calgary Tower.....



Nice views....



The reason that we are looking slightly apprehensive is that we are standing on a glass viewing floor.


You get a bit of a ground rush looking down. Yes, that's Tim's feet and 524 feet below him is the street


We then headed to Banff.....

Slo