Day 8, Monday, July 18: Kelowna, British Columbia

Katie called last night - she was in high spirits and said she wasn't really feeling homesick anymore. I could hear the happy voices behind her and she said it's been like a giant slumber party almost every night. They stay up talking and having a good time.

Katie sent along her picture today that made me very happy (can it be that she looks older already?!).

Lyly sent a couple photos from the Tipi Camp that I just posted. She also sent the two below from Bow Lake and the glacier. Katie said the hot spring water was really hot but it sound like it worked perfectly for Lyly! 


Here's Lyly's note (and the itinerary below the two pics):

Today we woke up really early to get to the ice glaciers. It was a three hour drive and most students slept or wrote in their journals the entire way.  

We arrived at the glaciers and were immediately transferred to an Ice Explorer. The tires alone are almost 6 feet tall and the cab towers over you. It is very intimidating to stand next to the truck. These trucks are made to take very steep climbs up or down without flipping over. The students seemed to really enjoy riding the ice explorer and made all kinds of noise as we headed down the steep incline. As we approached the glacier, it got visibly colder and colder. 

Once on the glacier students were allowed to walk around, look at the glacier up-close, and fill their water bottles. The water flowing off the glacier was so clear and tasted really fresh. Several students asked me how they could bring some water home to share with their families. Unfortunately, I had to tell them it was not possible. :( 

Once we headed back for the lodge/museum, Jillian (the explorer driver) gave us a mini lesson about glaciers. Fun Fact: Did you know that although every year the glacier is growing and moving forward, it is also continuing to lose 30 feet of ice? Eventually glaciers may disappear if we don't take care of them. Also Canada has the only Triple Continental Divide in the world. Which means that the water flowing off the glacier is flowing into three different oceans. 

On our way back to Banfafafa we stopped at the world famous Lake Louise to take a group picture in front of the beautiful blue water. After dinner, students enjoyed learning the history of the Royal Canadian Mounted Police from a retired Sargent. They asked all kinds of questions about his uniform and duties. 

Last we sat in the warm Sulfur Springs. The temperature was 102 degrees and felt great on our achy muscles. Tomorrow we have a big bus ride and will howl with the wolves!

The picture was named Bow Lake but her write up says Lake Louise. Who knows! It's still great.

On the glacier!

People to People Itinerary

Continuing westward today, you journey into the heart of the Canadian Rockies along the Trans-Canada Highway.

Along the way, stop in Golden at the Northern Lights Wildlife Centre to learn about Grey Wolves and howl with them.

Visit Roger's Pass Interpretive Center, in Glacier National Park, and learn how avalanche control has evolved over the years to keep the rail and highway routes across the pass open. You will also learn about the diverse wildlife that calls this region of 400 glaciers home.

Take in the history at one of Canada's most significant landmarks, the Golden Spike; this was the final spike driven into the Canadian Pacific Railway at Craigellachie in 1855. This event marked the beginning of a new Golden age for Canada, free of the long reign of natural disasters, financial crises and rebellion that plagued her shores in years past.

Tonight, you stay on the University of British Columbia Okanagan (UBC-O) campus in the beautiful lakeside town of Kelowna.

Enjoy a BBQ dinner followed by a stone tool demonstration from a renowned archaeologist, during which you have the opportunity to hold stone tools that are over 600,000 years old. Try your hand at making your own obsidian arrowhead!

Okay, I am a little jealous she gets to learn about these wolves.

The Last Spike in a town who's name I can't spell!

The University Commons - wonder if they will be open?

Day 7, Sunday, July 17: Banff, Alberta

She sent me a picture!

Quick text from Katie last night - apparently the day was terrific and even her homesickness had backed off a bit (yeah!). She sent along this picture - which I absolutely love - and I was able to figure out it is at the falls in the Banff National Park.

Lyly sent a note early this morning, here's what's up:

This morning we left Tipi Camp and headed for Banff. Chelsea, our delegation manager played a trick on the students. Chelsea told the students the locals called it Banfafafa and we should too! So throughout today I heard students referring to Banfafafa. :)

On our bus ride we stopped at Okotoks Rock and learned where the term "Indian Giver" came from.

Fun Fact: Napi the trickster was the creator of the Blackfoot People. One day Napi gave a cloak to a big rock and it made the rock really happy. After several days Napi decided he wanted the cloak back and the rock said "no!" Napi tried to enlist the other animals to help him get the cloak away from the rock but they would not help him. He finally convinced a hawk to help him. The hawk picked up the rock and flew away with it. The hawk dropped the rock to the ground and it broke in half. To this day you can see Napi's rock. Hence the term Indian Giver.

Once in Banfafafa we enjoyed pizza by the Bowe River Falls and then trekked back to the YWCA. Students enjoyed shopping in downtown Banfafafa and a gondola ride to the top of Sulpher Mountain. The scenery was breathtaking. We are looking forward to tasting the water at the glaciers tomorrow.

People to People Itinerary

This morning is all about glaciers. Learn about these vast sheets of ice created on the landscape by thousands of years of snow accumulating and compacting. Over time, the sheer size and weight of the glacier causes it to move down slope making the glacier look like a river of ice coming down the mountain.

Travel along the Icefields Parkway, which is recognized as one of the most scenic routes in the world. This highway provides the opportunity to see grizzly bears, mountain goats, lynx, fox and sheep. Along the way you'll also see Eisenhower Peak and hear the story of how this mountain received its name.

Arrive at the Columbia Icefields, where you will load up in specialized vehicles for a ride on the Athabasca Glacier. Half way up the 3.75 mile long glacier, you can get out of your vehicle and run around on the ice, which is hundreds of yards thick. Make sure to bring an empty water bottle so you can taste some of the purest water available on the planet.

Lunch is at the Brewster Lodge located at the foot of the glacier. Then it is time to head back to Banff, making a few stops along the way to see some waterfalls and the powder blue waters of Peyto Lake.

In Banff tonight you will meet one of Canada's Mounties who will describe the history and culture of the Royal Canadian Mounted Police.

This evening, have a relaxing soak in the hot springs at the base of Sulphur Mountain while enjoying the setting sun and alpenglow.

Eisenhower Peak - I have no idea why they named this after our President...I sense a story here.

The glacier - stunning.

I doubt they will meet this guy! But I loved the picture and backdrop!