When planning and circumstances come together it can often make a less than ideal situation come to better end than it could have. Such was the case with today's ride. When I arrive in Cranbrook yesterday afternoon it was windy and clouds were beginning to roll in, but the weather was still warm. However, overnight the temperature dropped and it was quite cool this morning with wind and heavy clouds portending rain. I don't like rain, but mitigating factor was that today's ride was a short one; less than 175 kilometres.
I made the decision to ride to Kimberley, BC, to see the downtown with its German theme. On the way the ran began. It wasn't exceptionally heavy, but it was steady. It was raining in Kimberley but I rode around town looking for the German themed buildings. What was indicated as downtown did not have what I would consider buildings that reminded me of Leavenworth, WA. At this point, after riding around the downtown, I gave up and left the town.
Further on, the rain stopped but the highway was still wet. I stopped at a rest stop beside the Kootenay River to take photos. Across the valley to the east the west face of the Rocky Mountains reached for the sky. The Kootenay River was wide and flowing quickly. The sky did not look promising but on a motorcycle there are not many options when one is on the road. Still, as in many places on this part of the world, the scenery is impressive.
Kootenay River looking toward the Rocky Mountains to the east.
Closer view of the Rocky Mountains over the Kootenay River
This is amazing country with stunning sights around many curves. I passed through Skookumchuck, but the only thing I saw there was the pulp mill, but the name it too good to leave out of my narrative. Along the Kootenay River further on I came across what looked like gravel cliffs. I wasn't able to stop because the shoulder of the highway are too narrow to safely stop.
The rain held off but the clouds were threatening. I stopped for a short break in the village of Canal Flats. There isn't much here but it seems to be growing with a large building being constructed on the edge of the village. Looking toward the east, the sky was clear with clouds. To the north, however, the clouds were heavy, low and threatening. I was riding to the north so I was somewhat concerned about the possibility of heavy rain.
The view to the northeast from Canal Flats
The clouds where I was going to be riding were threatening.
I left Canal Flats and stopped at rest area overlooking Columbia Lake, which is source of the Columbia River which enters the US and reaches the Pacific Ocean. It is an experience that makes one realize how insignificant we really are when we can see the headwaters of a river that runs hundreds of kilometres before emptying into the ocean at Astoria OR.
Columbia Lake
Columbia Lake with an information sign.
The final stage of the ride to Invermere was done in light sporadic showers. I arrived at the hotel well before check in time, but my room was ready so I was able to check in. As I unloaded my motorcycle the rain came down with big drops and lots of them. By the time I was in my room, the parking lot was full of running water. I made to my room with just minutes to spare. The mountains were almost hidden by a curtain of rain, but within half an hour the sun reappeared and the temperature rose into the mid-20s C.
Rain storm to the east
Rain storm to the north for the motel.
Having some time to use to explore, I walked around the downtown. There are some old buildings here but there doesn't seem to be a concerted effort to make the place more attractive to the tourists who come for the lake in the summer and Panorama Resort in the winter. The town of Invermere is in a beautiful setting but to me it isn't really as attractive as it might be. However, I don't live here so I really have no say in the matter. Here are some photos of the downtown, so if you read this you can make up your own mind.
The clouds have parted
7th Avenue, Invermere, BC
7th Avenue, Invermere, BC
Metal art on the wall of a gift shop, Invermere, BC
On balance the day went relatively well, concerning the cool temperature and the intermittent rain. A mitigating factor that kept the ride from being a miserable experience was that the ride was a short run of less than 175 kilometres. It is great to have some time to do some exploring without any time pressure. Tomorrow will be a longer ride to the Trans Canada Highway through Golden and Revelstoke, the south to Vernon. And the weather promises to be better.
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