We slept at a beautiful campground (only ten sites) last night just south of Eastport, Idaho. There was a babbling brook and a gorgeous mountain lake. Taylor made us go for a short walk before dinner and it is hard to claim “too tired” or “too lazy” when she just finished an IRONMAN the day before!
We broke camp and moseyed north looking for a breakfast café this morning. Instead, we found the border crossing! The nice Canadian gave Taylor her first stamp in her new passport and we were in the Great White North. Less than a minute later, a bear welcomed us with a pose in the middle of the highway! Between the three of us, we have 7 devices that could take photos – but we were all so busy squealing with excitement at sighting a bear less than 60 seconds into Canada, that the startled bear dove back down into the ditch and disappeared into the bush before we could snap a picture!
What a great way to start our morning on Canada Day!
Unfortunately, the scenic drive north to Cranbrook was only broken by closed cafés that were not yet open for “the season.” When exactly do these restaurants open, if not for Canada Day?
Enthusiastic volunteers staffed the visitors’ centre on the south end of Cranbrook and we learned a bit about the conservation efforts of the local painted turtle. These turtles incubate for more than a year and their gender is determined by the winter temperature during incubation: colder winters produce males and mild winters produce females.
GEOQUIZ QUESTION: What is the name of the First Nation that traditionally settled in this area of southeastern British Columbia, parts of Idaho and Montana?
Francis of Assisi believed that no religious should rely on the handouts of the people being served. Instead, he advocated that all men (and eventually women) who followed his religious lifestyle of poverty, travel, and preaching should practice a useful craft in community (carpenter, stone mason, ironworker, etc.). Evidence of the altars and buildings constructed by early Franciscans inspires awe and admiration for their belief in the value of manual labor. Joe noted the craftsmanship of the railings along the woodland paths and the rock retaining walls. An excellent value to exhort for all of us!
Where in the world are the Gills? 