Kool on Kootenay

Wanting to arrive in Nelson in the early afternoon, we hit the road by 930am. A suggested a quick grocery stop for cheese, to go with the sour dough baguette. Onto a twisty side road towards Cranbrook, passing by St. Eugene's golf course.

Heading south, and pushing thought the quirky named village of Yahk, found it boasted businesses of "two's" : Two Pump Paul's (Gas Station), Two Scoop Steve's (Ice Cream Parlour), and Two Toke Timmy's (Pot Shop).

Nearing Creston we took a detour route through the area of Erickson, passing multiple Orchards. Since we forgot about the time change, had an extra hour to enjoy the area, making a stop at the Mountain Barn for more baked goods.

A decided he wanted some fresh peaches, so we circled back in to Creston, and stopped at Rosewood Orchards before heading along route 3A to Kootenay Bay to catch ferry over to Balfour. They were super ripe and very inexpensive.

We had a bit of a longer wait in Kootenay Bay than expected as we read the summer departure schedule instead of the winter. A great time for a picnic to enjoy the cheese and baguette in the warm afternoon. Once on the ferry conversed with a Rossland local, R. He was curious about the bikes, and we exchanged travel adventures. This summer he had ventured to Tuktoyaktuk, YT!

Once across Kootenay Lake we disembarked at Balfour, and were first off the ferry. The ride into Nelson was enjoyable, with minor construction delays. Before long, we were crossing BOB (Big Orange Bridge) into Nelson. After a couple errand stops, headed a short distance west to stay with our friends from Hudson’s Hope, J&E, and their kids.

E made a wonderful baked salmon dinner, while A entertained the kids. Had a wonderful evening catching up, and a hot tub soak before heading for bed.Read more