Tuesday, October 8 to Saturday, October 12, 2024 (Travel to Cochrane, Alberta)

The day has come! After showers in the campground bathrooms, we finished packing the trailer up, and hitched it up to the truck. We ensured the big trailer and our car were all locked up for the winter...and we pulled out of the RV Park just after 10:30. 

We arrived at the Duke Point Ferry Terminal at about 12:15. We were unable to make reservations, so we will get on the next available sailing. There was one at 12:45 but we didn't think we'd make it...and we were right, the vehicle in front of us was stopped, we'd now have to wait until the 3:15 sailing.

The ferry docked at 5:15 and we drove the short distance to Tsawwassen Mills. There is a Walmart across from the mall in Tsawwassen Commons but there are "no overnight parking" signs. We've heard varying discussions regarding this...I called the security for the mall to see if we could park overnight there and was told no, but they have parking at the Walmart and it is not monitored. So I call the Walmart and was told, no overnight parking, but she said that she has seen RV's in the lot overnight. If you decided to, it would be at our own risk...possibly a ticket? Anyway, friends had stayed in the parking lot of the South Delta Recreation Centre, so I called and she said okay for the night. After a bite to eat in the food court at the mall, we went to the Rec Centre to find the parking lot full...luckily we found a spot on the back edge near the Art Gallery.

Well, we have found out a few things that are totally different in a small travel trailer than living in a big fifth-wheel. First, the inverter only powers one (1) outlet inside the trailer. Although surprised, we felt, okay, we can work around that. But Wednesday (Oct. 9) morning when we got up and I tried making coffee with the Keurig, the fuse blew. Well I guess the 1000 watt inverter will not power the Keurig...that was truly disappointing! I need my morning coffee! We will definitely have to find a work-around for that because we boondock a fair bit and not everyplace would appreciate a generator running at 6:00 a.m.! Guess I'll be looking for a French Press to use for those times when we don't have shore-power or can't run the generator. Thank goodness there was a McDonald's across the street...we got dressed and were walking across at 6:20!

On our way back, Steve took a picture of our spot...

After battling the heavy traffic getting out of the lower mainland, we were finally past Hope and on our way up highway 5 (aka the Coquihalla). We had some bouts of fog...

The colours are stunning!

Great Bear Snowshed...

Wildfire burn…

Merritt in the distance...

Nicola Lake where we workamped at Monck Provincial Park years ago...

We fuelled up in Kamloops, had lunch and then caught Highway 1 (TransCanada) east along the south Thompson River......

Little Shuswap Lake...

Our destination for the night was Salmon Arm. We have overnighted a couple of times at the Piccadilly Mall so I called the mall manager and she said we were okay for the one night. When we arrived we saw signs all over saying "no overnight parking"...being a little concerned, I called her again and she said we were okay. The signs are there to deter people who have not had prior approval. 

We did a little shopping in the mall and I also picked up a package of Starbucks Via Instant Coffee for the morning.

After a good sleep, we were back on the road Thursday (Oct. 10) morning, continuing east along Shuswap Lake...

Coming into Sicamous...

The canal that goes between Shuswap Lake and Mara Lake...

Three Valley Gap Lake...

Three Valley Lake Chateau and Heritage Ghost Town is closed for the season but a really cool place to explore if you’re ever in the area...

Revelstoke...

Scenic views along the way as we go through the BC - Alberta Rockies...

Snow Shed...

Columbia River...

You'll have to forgive the window reflections...

Nearing Field, BC which is a great rest stop for pictures...

Wildlife crossing...

And we're in Alberta!

Another wildlife crossing...

I know that was rather picture heavy but it's just such a beautiful drive, especially when you're lucky enough to have some blue sky and sunshine!

We arrived at Bow RiversEdge Campground in Cochrane, Alberta at 4:30...our home for the next 3 nights. A very beautiful RV park right on the edge of the Bow River...the fall colours are spectacular!

Friday (Oct. 11) was a work/chore day after 3 travel days. First of all, we took the truck to Sam's Car and Truck Wash where Steve gave it a good wash. It is a great indoor setup but a tad expensive at $1.62/minute...total cost when he was done, $54!!

Next, we fuelled up...another expensive job, but cheaper now that we are in Alberta. After that, we decided to find the church where we will be going to tomorrow as we are attending a Celebration of Life for a dear friend (more on that later).

We weren't home long, just taking care of a few chores around the trailer, when Dave and Leslie, our friends from Leduc arrived. They are joining us on our travels south. We greeted them and then let them get set up.

Drinks and dinner was just a short distance away at the Half Hitch Brewing Company  As you can see, it was a bright sunny day...

Saturday (Oct. 12) morning we woke to below freezing temperatures and a frozen water hose. Steve had left the shower tap outside dripping but I guess it wasn't enough. The sun warmed it up and by late morning all was fine. At least we had water in our fresh water tank to get us through the morning.

We decided to go for a walk on the Bow River Trail...a cool, crisp walk...

The entrance to Bow RiversEdge Campground...

One of the collection of birdhouses that line the fence at the entrance to the campground. It even had a little wood stove inside...

Steve also took a couple of drone pictures of the campground...

After our walk, it was time to get showered and cleaned up to go to the Celebration of Life for Charlene Needham. Charlene suffered with health problems for over 40 years and bravely chose to go out on her own terms using Medical Assistance in Dying (MAID). You may recall, we met Ken and Charlene in Parksville for dinner last September 4...and we were so happy to be able to see her one last time. We were anxious about that dinner but after talking with both Ken and then Charlene, it was obvious she was at peace with her decision.

It was a lovely service with a few tears and even some laughter. Charlene loved to dance, so in her honour we were asked to dance to one of her favourites...Kenny Logins song Footloose. Now that's a first for us! The service was followed by a nice luncheon. It's going to be difficult for Ken going forward but we will keep her memory alive. Rest in Peace Charlene...you were a great and courageous lady!