A long and winding road...taking us through snow and rain

Who could have guessed that today we would see such a range of weather and terrain? Starting from Creston at 8am and -3C, we marveled at the huge snowbanks as we crossed the Cootenay and Salmo passes. Blue-green ice falls hung from rock faces rising far above the highway as it twisted and turned.
The temperature fluctuated from 0 to +3 with fog and snow turning the landscape into a winter wonderland. Through Castlegar and Grand Forks we enjoyed the ride but from Princeton to Hope, heavy snow alternated with rain to create less than ideal driving conditions. I was so glad that Bryan was at the wheel and that there was little traffic.We were also happy to see that all of the passes were clear to proceed. After that, a steady rain took us right in to Abbotsford at 3:00. These pictures were taken through the window because there was no stopping on the highway passes.

We were also amazed at the changes in the terrain, from rocky outcrops and cliffs to meadows where horses and cattle grazed. We followed the wine route through to Princeton, appreciating the row on row of hand-tied and pruned vines that would soon green up the hillsides. So many hours of labour! At the same time, sagebrush dotted the obviously dry hills in a strange juxtaposition with the orderly lined vineyards. Then back to the climb up mountain passes. Finally, driving towards Abbotsford, we were surprised by patches of green grass. 

One stretch of the Crowsnest Highway that was especially memorable for Bryan was the long, 18km climb out of Osoyoos. Of course, this time, we were on the downhill run! I couldn't believe how steep it was, with hairpin turns made especially impressive with the fog that gave it a surreal element.A photo never captures the incline but perhaps these will give you some idea. Can you see the road at the top of the second picture? Bryan still considered if perhaps, someday, maybe, he might tackle that uphill grind one more time. When he had finished his cross-Canada tour, he wished then that he could go back and show it who was boss.

Today we are enjoying a visit with Sarah Jane Kaminski and little Sullivan. In 2009, Bryan started his tour here as well. Tomorrow we leave the snow and mountains behind, if not the rain! Bryan plans to bike once we cross the border, even in the rain. We have put about 2000 km on our new SUV, so we better put the bike on the pavement here soon. Bryan is certainly ready to start! Sarah helped us to map out a really exciting path through the San Juan Islands. Can't wait to see the sights!