June 28, 2019 - Friday

This morning Tom and Debi putt on a Junior golf clinic.  After the clinic, Tom had to work a demo day for PING.   Debi, John and I go played Aspen Lakes Golf Course.  Oh, and we can't forget Ms Rosie who likes to ride with mom.  There were baby ducklings and the beautiful Mom (Pen) & Dad (Cob) Swans and their 8 cygnets.  Another beautiful day on the course. 

That evening all of us were invited to join our friends Candy and Scott for a pizza night at their RV Space with their BIG MONTY (5th wheel) in Bend.  Tom came home not feeling great and Debi coming down with a cold, they both decided not to go.  We joined the Berlin's for an evening of Scotts famous pizzas in his Ooni Wood Pellet Pizza oven, appetizers, drinks, desert and a great time around the fire pit. Thank you both for a wonderful evening.

June 25, 2019 - Tuesday
Seattle, WA to Portland, OR

We went for a short walk and I had to buy a Starbucks in the Headquartered city of Seattle.  As we were walking around we realized we were surrounded by Amazon buildings.  They had a fruit stand that was handing out free bananas so Johnny grabbed a couple.

We were going to tour the Space Needle before heading to Portland, OR.  Unfortunately, we missed our exit and were then in a tunnel that felt like 3 miles long.  Not wanting to turn around after the tunnel, we decided it's something left on our bucket list.  It is also getting late and we have a 3 hour drive + a charge before we get into Portland, OR.  We arrived in Oregon today, checked into the Kimpton River Place Hotel and were upgraded to a beautiful view of the River.  We decided to visit the restaurant for Happy Hour and enjoyed the river view.  Not seeing anything we cared for on their dinner menu and really not feeling that hungry, we walked a 1 mile to the local Green Zebra grocery store for a baguette and bottle of wine to go with our Salami & Cheese we already had.  We enjoyed our cheese board, bottle of wine and enjoyed our room with a view.   That was our day in Portland.

 

June 24, 2019 - Monday
Victoria,BC to Seattle, WA

On our way out of Victoria heading to the ferry, we stopped at Butchart Gardens.  Surrounded by lush greens and colorful blooms, there are over 100 years of blooms.  This land was originally a limestone quarry that was the backyard of Jennie Butchart.  She envisioned landscaping a sunken garden in its place and transforming the property for her family and visitors for generations to come.  Well she definitely succeeded.  There are 55 acres of gardens, 900 bedding plant varieties, 26 greenhouses and 50 full-time gardeners. 

We really enjoyed our journey through the Providences of Canada and it's time to head back to the USA.  We took the ferry back over to Vancouver and drove to Seattle.  Very long day especially when we came to the border crossing.   Which told us there was approx. border delays of 40mins.   It took us 1 1/2hrs to get through the border.  Now through we drove straight to our hotel snapped a few pictures along the way.  Needing to change Tessie from km to miles, I missed the Welcome to Washington sign.  We had to stop and charge Tessie in Lynwood, WA which took another 50 minutes.  

Feeling very tired from our long day drive, we checked into the MOXY by Marriott which we had never stayed at this brand before.  It was quit interesting.  The MOXY is very modern unique hotel. The check in is at the Bar, which they give you a complimentary drink upon arrival.  

We walked over to the Palmera Mexican Restaurant and enjoyed our dinner.  After the Margarita and Dinner we are done for the day.  

June 23, 2019 Sunday
Vancouver, BC to Victoria Island, BC Canada

This morning we took the BC Ferry over to Victoria Island.  On the ferry, they have a “Quiet Lounge”, which we thought would be nice.  There was a lady there to open the door for us, so we went in sat down and thought this is pretty nice.  Well, a lady came over to us letting us  know that we needed to pay to sit in this lounge and it’s $13.00 CAD per person.  No Problem for us which ended up costing us about $20.00USD for both of us.  It was very nice, they have very comfortable lounge chairs, they provided snacks: cheese, crackers, vegetable w/dip, trail mix, coffee, tea and juices and we had a smooth 1hr 35 minute sailing trip.

After unloading from the ferry we headed straight to the hotel (Marriott Inner Harbour). 

Once checked in, we stopped at the Concierge to get information on what is the “MUST SEE” since we only have one day visit on the Island.  It was extremely windy and with the option of biking around town, we would have been blown backwards, so we decided to walk.  We started walking and right away, John needed his hat and I had to braid my hair because of the extreme wind.  Ok now we are ready to visit this windy town.  We walked the river walk, Historic District and Chinatown.   

We were told Chinatown in Victoria is the largest Chinatown in Canada.  Fan Tan Alley was our highlight of Chinatown, which is this alley that is no more than  10 feet wide and lined with shops.

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We walked to the Market Square where there was a band playing (Jamacian type music). We stopped to have a brew and listen.  Very festive event they have every week-end.  

   

We ventured onto Bastion Square, which is a historic pedestrian mall lined up with shops, restaurants and historic buildings. 

We stopped at the Old Times Pub for Lunch/Dinner.  This unique restaurant building is an eye catcher in the center of Bastion Square.  It has the classic Irish Pub fare.  The building was the first home to the Bank of Montreal, built in 1894 by Sir Francis Rattenbury.  The building is chateau style stone work.  The interior has cozy fireplaces, rich dark wood, Victorian-etched glass doors and windows.  It was such a beautiful day, we sat outside.  All the staff wear Kilts to represent the Irish flare.  Of course, John had Fish & Chips and I had there Lobster Bisque and salad.  It was all good and the service was great from our Irish waitresses.  HA

We walked back to the hotel to rest up  for our evening walk in the city.  The Concierge told us to take a short walk at night to see the Parliament Building (Provincial Legislature) all lite up.  We also took a short stroll around the inner harbor beautifully lite up.

  

  

June 22, 2019  Saturday
Whistler, BC - Vancouver, BC Canada

This morning we headed out kinda early for a pit stop to visit the Sea to Sky Gondola.  The 10 minute ride to over 2900ft above sea level to the summit provides sweeping views of How Sound, the majestic coastal forest and surrounding mountains.  Once at the top, we walked across the Sky Pilot Suspension Bridge.  The bridge is just over 300 feet long.  As you walk across the bridge you can get a greater perspective of exposure and height over land.  We then journeyed on a 1 mile hike to several viewing areas.

Just down the road is Shannon Falls.  The falls is the third highest waterfall in British Columbia where water falls from 1100 feet.  The visitors parking was packed so, Johnny let me out to take pictures.  I went to the main viewing area which really wasn't the view I wanted.  I saw some steps and started climbing.  After 100 step I reached the highest tourist viewing point.  I had to have my pictures taken after running those stairs.

We are now on our way to Vancouver, BC Canada and our first impression was looking up through the glass top of Tessie and seeing nothing but Skyscrapers.  

Vancouver's building structures are built ground to sky cause they have very little land left to build.

We checked into the Westin and with our hotel status were able to get an upgrade (as we have with most of our hotel stays). But, this one was one of the best.  Corner room with City and Harbor view.

  

Visited the Concierge to point out interest areas for us to see on one day.  With several options, we opted to walk since we have been sitting a lot.  Needed a brew and a bite, we walked along the river and stopped at the Parkside Brewery, had our brew, bite and watched the Seaplanes land in the harbor.  

Afterward we walked to the Gastown District.  In the 1800's locals named the town after the first saloon was started by Jack Deighton, known as "Gassy Jack" because he loved to talk-apparently for hours. 

The Gastown Steam Clock, which is the world’s first steam powered clock built in 1977 by Raymond Saunders (Clock Maker).  It’s supposed to blow a whistle every 4.5 minutes but didn’t while we were there, it was just steaming and the time was correct.  

Walked through Old Town Vancouver.   Feet feeling tired we headed back to the hotel and turned in for the night.

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June 21, 2019 Friday
Pemberton,BC - Whistler, BC Canada

With only a 30 minute drive, we took our time and enjoyed our morning coffee and Parfait on our deck and took in the sites.
After arriving in Whistler, we checked into the Delta Hotel and since our room was not ready, we set off for a walk through the town.  We stopped at Black's Pub for a brew and wings,  took in the site of the Mountain Bikers barreling down the slopes as we waited for our room.

Rooms Ready....nice view from our room of the square.  Headed out for dinner and a stroll of the various squares.  We decided to eat a recommended Sushi Restaurant (Sushi Village),  The line to get in, starts 1/2 hour b4 they open and for great reason.  The Sushi was amazing and the service was outstanding.  

June 20 2019 Thursday
Kamloops, BC - Pemberton, BC Canada

It was a late start this morning..both of us feeling a bit slow and we have a 3 1/2 hour drive.  Our plan is to drive through to our destination at Pemberton Valley Lodge (again, Tessie's charging spot).  We drove the BC Scenic Hwy of 99.  It was very scenic which pictures can't do justice.

Kamloop to Pemberton scenic pictures

We did drive through one town that was recommended, Lillooet (Guaranteed Rugged).  We were told to view the damn which we never found but, we did get a drive through the little town.  The Seton river runs through the town with very high rugged cliffs.

Our stay was booked as a golf package so, we stopped into the golf course we will be playing tomorrow to have lunch.  The restaurant of built with a log cabin design on the inside and a very nice patio with golf course and mountain range views.  The food was pretty good, but the scenery was better.

We checked into the Pemberton Valley Lodge.  The town of Pemberton is only 30 minutes from Whistler.  The lodge is an all-suite hotel, very modern and feels like a retreat.  The staff is very friendly and the rooms are very nice for a 4 seasons lodge.  We sat on our back little patio with a view of the mountain range and forest.  It was very relaxing and peaceful. 

We took a drive through the town of Pemberton which the major road was under constructions.  Farming is the mainstay of Pemberton Valley.  In the early 1880's, the area saw a large number Europeans settle on the rich farmlands instead of continuing on the northern gold rush. As the gold rush dwindled, those that remained tapped the rich farmlands to establish the Pemberton Valley as a growing area for world famous seed potatoes.  In 1967, Pemberton Valley became the first commercial seed potato area in the world to grow virus-free seed potatoes.  The Valley's natural isolation created by the surrounding mountains, plus careful crop monitoring, helps to ensure the continuing success of this industry. 

June 19, 2019 - Wednesday
Revelstoke, BC to Kamloops, BC

We drove straight through to Kamloops because we decided to sleep in so we didn't leave till 11:00am.  Stopped to charge Tessie, which is also where the Information center is located.  We went in and talked with a very nice young lady about things to do in Kamloops.  It being 2:30pm by the time we arrived at our hotel, we decided to go have lunch/dinner at the recommended Tobiano Golf Course.   

When we arrived at Tobiano Golf Course, checked out the Pro Shop, got a scorecard and bought a logo ball. We would have loved to play this course but, the weather was very iffy.  Thunderstorms in these mountain range can crop up in a no time.  Took our seat in the dining area.  We were ordering our meal and I asked the waitress about the Canadians putting gravy on there fries.  She told us we needed to try it, it's called Poutine.  After talking about it for a bit, we went ahead and ordered as a appetizer.  When served to us, both of us were saying that's a meal for the two of us.  Our Poutine was shredded cheese (should be Cheese Curds but, she thought it would be better for us Americans to have with shredded cheese), brown gravy and fries.  It was sooooo good we forgot to take the picture till after we were done.  Poutine is a dish that includes French Fries, Cheese  Curds topped with Brown Gravy.  There are so many varieties of Poutine dishes, even McDonald's has it on there menu called McPoutine...ha ha  For our meal, I had the Chicken Wrap and Johnny had the Beef Dip.  We rolled out of the restaurant, it was so good and our waitress provided excellent service. 

With booking our rooms at the last minute and it being summer in Canada, it's becoming harder to get our eligible hotel upgrades.  When we checked into the Double Tree we asked for an upgrade and there were no suites available.  We were still able to get the top floor with the best view.  They gave us 2 free drink tickets and full buffet breakfast.  When we entered our room we were greeted with a small fruit display and bottle of champagne.  What a nice touch to our stay. 

June 18, 2019 - Tuesday
Banff, AB - Revelstoke, BC, Canada

Today we left the majestic mountains and lakes of Banff. I decided to do all my pictures today in Black and White.  Last national park we went through before entering "Beautiful British Columbia"  is Yoho.

We have now entered into British Columbia.  The "WELCOME" sign was in several languages but not saying where we are welcomed to so I added "2BC" in my picture. 

You ask why are we going to Revelstoke.  Well remember, we have an electric car and our trip is based on charge points.  The Best Western Plus in Revelstoke has a Tesla Supercharger so that's where we went.  We went to check into our hotel and the room we want is not ready...no problem, we will go play golf. We checked out golf courses in the area and just 2 blocks from the hotel is Revelstoke Golf Course.  We arrived at 1:15pm and the only tee time we could get was 1:24pm cause it was ladies day and they go off at 1:30pm till who knows when.  Rush to the car, grab our gear, already knew we were going to play golf so we were dressed for it and off we went.
Course is tree lined, great fairways and greens.  The bunkers have so much sand, when I stepped in (yes I got in the sand), my feet were buried but I got out first try. 

Checked into the hotel and our room is ready.  Settled in and now the big decision is where do we go for dinner.  Not wanting to drive anymore, believe it or not we thought we would give Denny's a try.  I couldn't tell you the last time we ate at one.  I ordered a hamburger patty and garden salad and Johnny order the Chicken Fried Steak.  They served me my patty and it was broken apart, Johnny asked why and they told us the burgers are homemade and lean.  I have to tell you, both of our dishes were very very good.  Everything was fresh and you could tell was not frozen.  Good Job Denny's

June 17, 2019 - Monday
Banff, AB Canada day 2

This morning we drove to Lake Louise which is 61km from our lodge in Banff.  This hamlet area was named after the Princess Louise Caroline Alberta (1848-1939), the fourth daughter of Queen Victoria.  The village (community) is at a lower elevation which has small shipping centers.  The second community is the Chateau Lake Louise which is adjacent to Lake Louise and is now the Fairmont Chateau.  After having lunch at the Fairmont, we took a walk to the other end of the lake.  Less crowded and more serene...awe.

(The bottom left picture is a view looking back at the Fairmont Chateau.)

We headed on over to  Moraine Lake which is 14km from Lake Louise.  You talk about a majestic lake...WOW!!! It was a little hike to the lakes viewing area.  This lake is a glacially fed lake, it's approximately 6,183 ft in elevation and is 120 acres.  With the lake being glacially fed, it does not reach its crest until mid to late June and reflects a distinctive shade of blue.  The color is due to the refraction of light off the rock flour deposited in the lake.  Guess we arrived at the right time.

Well, today was lake viewing day.  We drove back to town, walked to dinner, after dinner strolled Banff a bit and turned in for the night at our comfortable lodge.

June 16, 2019 Monday
Lethbridge, AB - Banff, AB Canada

Today we have a 3 1/2 hour drive into the beautiful area of Banff with a detour to Kananaskis Country to check out the Kananaski Country Golf Course.  Oh my, not only was the drive  B.U.T.ful, the golf course was also beautiful.  We checked out the green fee rate ($165CAD per person plus tax, x2) which is what we expected for the course..expensive.  But, they do have a twilight at 6:30pm.  I'm like...what??? 6:30pm, they said yep, it doesn't get dark till 10:00pm.  Twilight $88cad/person w/Cart.

John also mentioned playing Banff  Springs Golf Club which is a lot closer to where we are staying. We drove over there and just about shit our pants, ($249.00cad per person plus tax.. x2).  They do have a 9 hole course for $108cad/person. Well that ain't gonna happen.  And it's not even as nice at Kananaskis.  The coolest thing was seeing the cart staff wardrobe.  These 2 boys were so excited we wanted to take pictures of them.  So we thought since we are not going to come back to play we would have lunch instead.  They were just finishing up with Father's Day brunch and asked if we could wait a 1/2 hr so the kitchen could get ready.  No problem, we will sit and have a brew.  We  waited and finally got our order into the kitchen.  The waiter was very slow..must be the end of his shift..busy Father's Day brunch.

After Lunch/Dinner,  we headed to the car, I looked Tessie over to make sure she didn't get hit or dings in her, (I do this every place we leave).  OMG!!!! The front passenger fender was hit.  No sooner I tell John, this young lady comes over saying she backed into our car.  She is an employee at the restaurant and she was returning to our car with her girlfriend and boss cause she didn't know what to do. OK...I need to calm down cause I'm about ready to bust into tears.  So I walk away for a bit as John gets all the information.  I return a bit calmer and telling myself the car is drive-able, nobody was hurt and she has a valid D/L and Insurance, PERFECT.  Let's get out of here and finish enjoying our day.

On our way to check into our lodge we stopped at the Banff Waterfall which was a very short drive from the golf course.

We checked into the Aspen Lodge in downtown Banff.  Very nice, clean and comfortable lodging.  Dang it, I didn't take any pictures except for the outdoor Fireplace/Hot Tub/Pool area.

Not feeling hungry after our big bits at Banff Golf and Country Club, we decided to drive back to Kananaskis Golf Course and play twilight.  Twilight starts at 6:30pm and it doesn't get dark till 10:00pm.  It's pretty sad when it's 9:00pm and you have 3 holes to play...isn't it bedtime.  It was a lot of fun and the course is in great shape. It was sullen weather in the mountains around us.  We just received a few sprinkles but, the wind came up and was a bit brisk.   

Ok,..it's 10:00pm and we are done for the day.  Time to take the 40 minute drive back to lodge and turn in for the night.  

June 15, 2019 - Saturday
Kalispell, Mt - Macleod, AB Canada

The weather has been perfect for the last week or so.  We are now have about a 4 hour drive today.  On our route we were able to visit the West and East Glacier Nat'l Park.  There was a haze in the air and we think it might be from the Alberta fire that has been burning for a few weeks.  Pictures are not so clear but I think you can vision the beauty.

Lake McDonald - West Glacier Nat'l Park

We then drove to Lake McDonald Lodge to tour and check out the scenery.  The lodge was built in 1913 as a Swiss Chalet Lodge and in 1987 was designated a National Historic Landmark in Glacier Nat'l Park.  It has a massive fireplace and a concrete floor scored in a flagstone pattern, with messages in several Indian languages inscribed into it.  We sat by the fire for awhile and then strolled through the outside of the lodge.  They have there own Reading Room & Auditorium.

Tessie's wasn't quit charged yet so, we walked on over to the General Store which is a few hundred yards from the lodge. 

We then continued on to East Glacier Nat'l Park on Hwy 2.  We were going to take the beautiful "Going-to-the-sun" road through the park to St Mary's and charge but the road is closed for snow removal till June 21st. So our alternate route took us to East Glacier Park Village which is St Mary's Lake and it's mountainous beauty. 

As we continued to drive we came across several wild horse who decided to meander on the road and roadside. 

Here are the last pictures taken before we cross the boarder into Alberta, Canada.  Montana is a beautiful state with lots of meadows, dense forests and beautiful mountain ranges. 

Well that was pretty easy crossing the border into Alberta, Canada.  Board Patrol seemed pretty relaxed with us compared to when we came over into Niagara Falls.

We drove into Macleod, AB to Super Charge Tessie and grab ourselves a bit to eat.  When we booked our stay tonight we couldn't figure out how come there are no major hotel chains in this town.  Well this place is a ghost town.  So, we had to drive another 15km to Lethbridge for our nights stay.  Yeah, there's a brewery within walking distance (across the parking lot).  We checked into our hotel and headed over to Coulee Brew Co.  We had a couple of brews, I order Ahi Salad and John ordered Fish & Chips...delicious. 

Ok time to turn in for the night...been a long day.