Monday August 31, 2009
Today was a long 10 hour day on the road passing over the Continental Divide.
Last time we traveled through Kootenay National Park (2003) there were so many fires in the area that all the stops along the road were closed. Even though the air was a bit smoky we were able to stop at the Paint Pots.
This area has three springs and the mucky ground is thick with orche (red to yellow earth). The native Indians used the pigment for their ceremonial paints for body and to decorate containers.
Later commercial mining took over the area. In 1916 when the park was developed it was finally determined that mining the orche was not compatible with the park’s mission and intent to preserve this land. The short hike and historical signs were very beautiful and interesting.
In Cranbook, B.C. it was 920 giving us an excuse for one last visit to Tim Horton’s for Iced Cappuccino and a box of TimBits. Donut Holes, 20 for $2.79. We will miss Tim Horton.
At 4:42 PM we finally crossed back over to U.S. soil into northern Idaho after giving up our contraband (oranges).
Ellen was glad to be back in her home state, even if only for a short time. Turning west at Sandpoint we headed to Newport, WA then slightly NE to Little Diamond Lake a Thousand Trails park for a week.
Today was a long 10 hour day on the road passing over the Continental Divide.
Last time we traveled through Kootenay National Park (2003) there were so many fires in the area that all the stops along the road were closed. Even though the air was a bit smoky we were able to stop at the Paint Pots.
This area has three springs and the mucky ground is thick with orche (red to yellow earth). The native Indians used the pigment for their ceremonial paints for body and to decorate containers. Later commercial mining took over the area. In 1916 when the park was developed it was finally determined that mining the orche was not compatible with the park’s mission and intent to preserve this land. The short hike and historical signs were very beautiful and interesting.In Cranbook, B.C. it was 920 giving us an excuse for one last visit to Tim Horton’s for Iced Cappuccino and a box of TimBits. Donut Holes, 20 for $2.79. We will miss Tim Horton.
At 4:42 PM we finally crossed back over to U.S. soil into northern Idaho after giving up our contraband (oranges).
Ellen was glad to be back in her home state, even if only for a short time. Turning west at Sandpoint we headed to Newport, WA then slightly NE to Little Diamond Lake a Thousand Trails park for a week. We will be here through the holiday weekend..................
