Summer plans, part 5: Eastbound

Part 1 - The prep

Part 2 - The trip west

Part 3 - Okanagan

Part 4 - Smithers

Part 5 - Eastbound

Homeward bound!

Not too quickly though. We made our way to Prince George four hours away, to visit Carrie's uncle and stay there for a night. The girls were a little leery of the dogs and cats at first, but they warmed up in time. Our hosts were lovely, and good times were had (apart from the light beer). They let us crash in their motorhome overnight.

In the morning we were off once again. We had our sights set on Ancient Forest Provincial Park, which was supposed to offer a very nice walk in the woods. It is in the only inland temperate rainforest in the world. And indeed, it was very reminiscent of the wet and mossy forests we'd seen in coastal areas like Washington state.

The trees were impressive. A nice path/walkway had been built through the forest, and despite the wet conditions we (and our feet) remained fairly dry.

After walking the loop, we had a quick lunch and hit the road again.

At one point, the car indicated a low tire. Out came the little Ryobi inflator, and the problem was solved in minutes. It is good to be self-sufficient!

This may have been the only sizeable wildlife we saw during our entire summer drive.

And then we drove to Edmonton. Rich (brother) & Fen are beyond gracious, and nearly unflappable. Karin (sister) & Hank were also there with most of their brood, so it was a hectic commune. If I'd had to host that insanity, I would quite certainly have gone mad. But Rich & Fen aren't old and crotchety like me, so all seemed to go well. We hadn't seen much of either of the couples in Smithers, so it was nice to hang out and catch up, while the cousins all got reacquainted. The more useful people got involved in helping with building the addition on the house. I was not one of those.

I did more fulfilling stuff like split firewood.

Between zip lining, trampoline, pool, hot tub and pet cats, the gaggle of kids kept themselves busy around the yard. On top of that, we took them out for mini golf and other things.

Some play place in town where the ladies took the kids

Carrie and I had our anniversary while in Edmonton, and for the occasion we headed to the University of Alberta Botanic Garden. It wasn't spectacular (the water features even seemed to be running low on water), but at least we got out to do something.

We three siblings went and visited my uncle in Edmonton, who was suffering with an extremely aggressive cancer. For me, it was another farewell visit; again, very happy I got to see him yet.

Our stay in Edmonton was only four days. Never long enough. Better next time!