Monday: July 19, 1999

Three national parks on today's agenda, with the goal of spending the night in the town of Revelstoke. Had our senses not been dulled by previous panoramic glory, I am quite certain that I would have been more impressed with the scenery.

Our 1st stop was the Great Divide and Kicking Horse Pass in Yoho National Park, a place where Divide Creek was supposed to flow both East and West at the same time...an amazing sight indeed! Mom was disappointed when we had trouble finding this highlight. Steve was totally frustrated with all the turning around and asking of directions. Nathan couldn't understand what the big deal was since he figured this scenic wonder was merely a fork in a stream. Persistance prevailed, and we finally found this poorly marked and lightly visited attraction. All had a good laugh as we experienced the excitement of watching a 3 foot wide trace of water hit a large rock and turn into two 18 inch trickles - one headed to the Atlantic Ocean, the other to the Pacific.

Next, it was off to Takakkaw Falls. While the falls itself was impressive, the switchback lane leading to and fro captured most of my attention, or should I say concern. No way could 2 vehicles pass each other on these treacherous man-made traces which clung tenaciously to the side of the cliffs. Our Astro could barely make the turns. Thus I found it amazing that while RV's, trailers and campers were not permitted on this "road", those giant Brewster tour coaches were free to come and go as they please. With a mixture of suspense and admiration, we watched as one of these monsters negotiated these turns. At each switchback the bus had to stop and backup a few times to get into position for the next leg. Glad we didn't meet one along the way.

The spiral railroad tunnels in this area were of interest, especially since they are still in use. Imagine navigating a train through the ups and downs of the Canadian Rockies! The fact is, I found the highly visable and active presence of the Canadian Railroad facinating, even comforting, reminding me of my childhood. Why did we ever let the US rail system flounder?

The Natural Bridge scenic wonder did not even merit a photograph. Glacier National Park was basically a drive through with a stop at the visitor's center at Rogers Pass, and a walk throught a hemlock grove. The scenery was quite wild and untamed with avalanch tunnels around every turn. I was impressed.

Upon entering Revelstoke National Park, we stopped for yet another stroll through the big trees - this time cedars (Giant Cedar Trail). What a lovely peacful walk! I noted in the guest register my wish to have a similar backyard.

On the road again to the town of Revelstoke, were we found a cheep motel on the Columbia River and ate a totally messed up meal at the local Dennys (seems the cooks were having a bit of fun breaking in the new waitress, resulting in free drinks and desserts for all). As evening drew nigh, we strolled peacefully along the mightly Columbia River.

That night CNN reported the first indication of what would become the tragic end of John Kennedy Jr.

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