This morning when we left Swift Current it was about -15C and freezing fog. It was like driving through a magical world of a black and white movie. The trees were all encrusted with snow and ice, there was no colour, visibility was low, and it seemed as if a light snow was falling although it never seemed to accumate....the freezing fog, This continued until we reached Calgary. Then, out of nowhere, the foot hills of the Rockies appeared through the fog. And so very quickly we were surrounded by mountains. The sun came out and outlined the jagged tops of the mountains. Then the moon appeared .....it was all such a beautiful day. Soon the light started to dissipate as we travelled towards Radium Jct and the hot springs between the Kootenay River and the Columbia River. The route was so beautiful I just don't know the words to describe it. As we approached Radium Jct the road went between two granite walls of rock.. so very impressive. Our original route took us through Kicking Horse Pass but as we neared Lake Louise signs told us that the Pass was closed. So we had to take a diversion which was probably an extra 100 km. It was so well worth it.This route down 93 and up 95 was truly wonderful.
Unfortunately, half way up the Columbia River Valley about 87 km from golden, Ray suddenly said: "What's happening.....something is wrong, I don't have any power steering...the car has quit...." but in fact it hadn't quit....although there was no power steering - and the battery generator sign came on and we assumed it was the alternator or something else affecting the battery. We weren't sure that we would make it to Golden. It was sort of lonely, as it was almost dark and we were travelling up a river valley between two imposing mountaint ranges. We both had wild images of being stuck in the middle of the mountains. Fortunately, it is only about -12C ...so not too cold and conditions were good. Anyway, we have made it safely to Golden, and are holed up in the Best Western which is quite passable and we have a lovely big room. Had dinner in a barbecue grill which was lots of fun and the most energy we have experienced on the trip. Tomorrow we will have to see about getting the car fixed. The entire Serpentine Belt has ripped apart and Ray is hoping nothing else has caused it to happen....we contacted a garage and they were not certain they would have a part to fit the Audi...but we are keeping our fingers crossed. Not sure if we will need a tow in the morning but we have that lined up too. The car might start. It is all wrapped up in its blanket and hopefully.....we can drive the very short distance to the garage. It really couldn't have happened at a better point in the journey. We are about 700+ km from Vancouver.....and there is a Greyhound Bus service there.....so we know we can always get to Van for Christmas! There is also a ski hill right behind the hotel....so......we'll keep you posted.
Today, I plugged in the Ipod and we listened to Tony Blair's book...it is really inspiring and it is so obvious how intelligent he is and also what a good person he has been. It is a book everyone who is driven to achieve something should read. We have only listened to about 3 hours,but I am looking forward to hearing more about his political life.
I have attached some pictures. I think they will give you some idea of the scenery. I am sorry about the quality of the pictures, but it is really hard to get good ones as there is no place to stop along the highway and we really aren't in the right mood for "sight seeing"...we just want to get the journey done! You may have to "click" on the picture to enlarge it so see all the detail.
I have replaced the picture I mentioned yesterday ....it is the one that says: Tourist Information. It just struck us as funny as we were literally in the middle of nowhere and couldn't see a tourist attraction for miles around!
Anyway, I'll report tomorrow night as to our status....
1 comment:
So glad to hear that you two are having fun and some slightly harrowing adventures along the way to Lotus Land. It wouldn't be a proper odyssey if you weren't.
A low car battery might freeze at warmer temperatures than a fully charged one. I will be surprised to hear that it actually started the car this morning, but hope it did. Sometimes a rest helps the battery.
Why do I have this mental image of your mechanic as a big man with one eye in the middle of his forehead?
Incidentally, once a car battery has been run right down, it doesn't hold charge quite as well as it used to. In Lotus Land that should not be a problem, however. In Lotus Land, there are no problems.
Stay safe.
Randall.
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