Rocky Mountain Road Trip: Part 3

Did you read Part 1 and Part 2 of our adventure?

Day 6: GONDOLA ride up Kicking Horse Mountain, Golden, BC


The day started out with not much of a plan. A thunderstorm rolled through mid morning so we all sat out on the cabin porch to watch. Our North Dakota prairie thunderstorm are quite a lot more exciting than these mountain storms were. But boy oh boy did it smell good.

After the storms cleared, and after we had lunch, we headed up to Kicking Horse Mountain to ride the ski lift gondola. Before traveling to Canada I honestly didn't know much about the sights and attractions but I did learn from multiple people that, "riding a banff ski lift" would be a great bucket list item. So after just a few minutes of research I learned that the Kicking Horse Mountain ski lift was far more impressive (and significantly less busy) than those in Banff. Lucky for us it was just a 10-15 minute drive from our cabin.

Kicking Horse Mountain has the fourth highest vertical drop in North America (over 4,100 ft), with a summit elevation of just over 8,000 ft. Oh and for you skiers ... the average snowfall at the summit is over 295 inches and well over 15% of the ski runs are rated for "expert only." It's an extreme place.


So ... up, up, up we went. It was definitely a day for challenging my fear of heights.


As if  gondola ride aren't exciting enough, this one also has front-row seats to X-Games-style extreme mountain biking.


These guys zoomed down the hill right under us, but one had an intense wipeout on nearly vertical sheer rock. We hope he was ok.


The town of Golden and the Columbia River wetlands valley down below us


We reached the summit and it was windy and snowy. Chilly to say the least. And my fear of heights was in full swing.


But the views were breathtaking!


In every direction. Mountains for days. The brighter green vertical paths on the mountains (that look like ski runs) are avalanche paths.


Kya loved every minute of it. Typical of her sherpa ways.




Gavin couldn't take his eye off the bikers. He was fascinated with their gear and speediness.




This photo is so special to me and I will never forget it. Corey and Gavin were on the middle bump, and Kya and my Mom were heading down to it. My dad and I were planning to chill at the top while the adventurers did their thing out on the ridge (with cliffs on each side!).

But at this point, Kya turned around and said, "mom, aren't you coming?"
I said,"yep, in a few minutes ..." (fully intending to stay put in my safer location)
Kya was quiet for a minute and then said (in a completely un-whiny tone) "You can do it mom, I'm right here to help you" "It's awesome, you have to mom!" "I can do it, so can you" "One step at a time" ...
She kept going like this, saying the most encouraging, supportive things I have ever heard. I totally need her as a childbirth coach, should I ever have another baby.
So what was I to do? I listened to my spunky 5-year old and started my journey toward her. She talked me through the whole thing, "one step at a time." And she was totally right, it was SO WORTH IT.
So we snapped a few photos out on the pinnacle of death (as I was referring to it in my mind). And then we started back up to the summit. Kya looked over at me and said, "don't give up on this mountain!" Ha. Like I was going to spend any more time out there than I needed to.
We raced to the top. Safely. In the absolute center of the trail. Single-file. Haha. I may or may not have been a little nervous mama with my two squirmy kids out on a cliff.










We arrived back at the summit windblown and chilled ... so the rest is history.
Best view from a bar stool? Oh yes.


The Caesars were AMAZING!




I had "adult" chai tea ... fanciest one ever.


Corey's beer


Gavin and his hot chocolate

. . .

I'm so excited for the next post! Day 7 (at a more reasonable elevation).

Rocky Mountain Road Trip: Part 2

Did you read Part 1 of our adventure?

Day 5: HIKE Yoho National Park, BC Canada
This was such a fun full day of hiking that it will be it's own single-day blog post.


Since we knew we'd be in Canada for an extended amount of time, we purchased an annual Canadian National Parks family pass.

Yoho National Park is a less known "sister" park to the very popular Banff National Park. Separated by the Continental Divide and a providence border, the Yoho and Banff parks are surrounded/bordered by other Canadian National Parks like Jasper and Kootenay. Basically this area is North America's hot spot for super sized natural wonders.


Our first stop in Yoho National Park was Takakkaw Falls, Canada's second-highest waterfall. This waterfall is fed above it directly by the Daly Glacier.






The waterfall produces a lot of mist — of which Gavin was not fond of. But he perked up when he saw a river and a lifetime supply of rocks. "Throw rock!" and "Big splash!"




Natural bridge, a rock formation created by many years of water erosion.






Next stop: Emerald Lake, Yoho National Park

It was around this point in our vacation that I realized that while there were certainly a fair amount of American tourists in Canada, we were greatly outnumbered by travelers from around the world (especially Asia and Europe). To me, it felt like we were a million miles from the prairies of North Dakota, but interesting to think that most of the other tourists traveled significantly farther to be there. We were so far from home, yet also so close.


Picnic lunch at Emerald Lake


Hiking the Emerald Lake Loop trail (3.25 miles)


The first third of the trail was a popular wide trail, so Gavin got to stretch his legs.


The second two-thirds of the trail were less traveled (much preferred by us) and we had the trail to ourselves much of the way.


Corey and the kids, dipping their toes in the glacier river. Yes, it was cold.




After hike snack at the Emerald Lake restaurant.
I had wild boar pizza and fireweed lemonade — absolutely delicious!
In this photo, my mom is feeding the kids wild blueberry "appetizers" that we picked along the trail.


And ice cream for dessert.


(pardon Kya's ice cream face)


Hiking to Wapta Falls (3 miles)
Hiking is never boring with Grandma Z (and her moss mustache)! Or witness protection?!


This was my view for much of the trip. Gavin in his element — throwing rocks into the nearest glacial lake or river.


Apparently this rock was particularly fantastic.


Kya found her happy place too — hiking. She started calling herself "Sherpa Sophie" and bravely led our group up and down the trails.


The very silty Wapta Falls



. . .
Next up: Rocky Mountain Road Trip blog Part 3!

Rocky Mountain Road Trip: Part 1

Our summer 2015 Rocky Mountain Roadtrip vacation was a few things:
1. The longest vacation Corey or I had ever taken (2 weeks)
2. The most planned vacation we've ever had — and that's saying a lot for me (this includes applying for the kids' passports 9 months in advance). Yet it was also very unplanned regarding an itinerary, we had ideas of things to do but no set schedule.
3. Not exactly the trip we started planning nearly a year ago. When we started thinking of this trip, we had every intention of staying in Montana the entire time. But the lodging we wanted in Glacier National Park was completely booked, so we looked nearby ... but that was also booked. So we dreamed big and decided to go to Canada.
4. Keeping with the 'dream big' theme, we kept a seize-the-moment attitude in Canada, which resulted in a backcountry camping night in a very restricted area (super cool! so watch for those photos).
5. The absolute best vacation ever for so many reasons. Many thanks to my parents for adventuring with us!
6. Unplugged. While in Canada (for over 10 days) none of us took cell phone calls due to high rates, and while backcountry (5-6 days) we were without e-mail and texting. We minimized the kids' iPad use to just a few hours total for whole trip.
7. Just what we needed. Glaciers, mountains, trees, memories, giggles, adventures ...

Day 1: FLY from Bismarck to Kalispell, MT (with layover in Denver, CO)

Day 2: SHOP for groceries and travel items in Kalispell, PACK the vehicles (SUV and travel van)

Day 3: HIKE Glacier National Park, Mom and Dad arrive

Day 4: DRIVE to Golden, BC, CANADA! from Kalispell, MT (6 hours). Stay 4 nights at Mount 7 Lodges, Golden, BC

Day 5: HIKE Yoho National Park

Day 6: GONDOLA ride up Kicking Horse Mountain, Golden, BC

Day 7: HIKE Yoho National Park. Just Corey and me — my parents stead at the cabin with the kids.

Day 8: DRIVE to Banff National Park and HIKE Banff Park. Stay 2 nights in Banff National Park at Johnston Canyon Cabins

Day 9: DRIVE the Icefields Parkway north to Jasper National Park and Jasper town (8 hours round trip)

Day 10: SHOP Banff town and drive back to Golden, BC. Stay 4 nights in Golden at Mount 7 Lodges

Day 11: CAMP backcountry in Yoho National Park — Gavin and I opted out of this adventure

Day 12: RELAX day for Gavin and me. HIKE Lake O'Hara for Corey, Grandpa and Grandma Z, and Kya

Day 13: SWIM in natural hot springs 

Day 14: DRIVE back to the USA to Kalispell, MT

Day 15: SWIM and SHOP in Whitefish, MT

Day 16: FLY Kalispell, MT to Bismarck, ND (with layover in Denver, CO)

Day 17: WORK selling Bison Booties at day 2 at the Capital A'Fair (Caitlyn managed day 1 for me)

. . .

Part 1:


to Canada!

Day 1: FLY from Bismarck to Kalispell, MT (with layover in Denver, CO)

we made it through security at the Bismarck Airport


... only when traveling with kids ...


Kya and Gavin literally studied the airplane safety cards for 30 minutes


Here we go!


Our 90 minute layover turned into 3.5 hours. But we were excited to see a friend in the airport (also delayed on the same plane to Montana) — Justin — who is the husband of Jessica Buscho (Campbell), one of my great friends in California. Hello Buscho family!


We explored every corner of the Denver airport (or at least our terminal) and finally got to Kalispell at about 12:30 am.

Day 2: SHOP for groceries and travel items in Kalispell, PACK the vehicles (SUV and travel van)

The next morning, Gavin was quick to spot the vintage metal toy cars that were once my dad's and his brother's. Caitlyn and I loved playing with them when we were kids, so it was fun watching Gavin and Kya discover them too.

Day 3: HIKE Glacier National Park, my Mom and Dad arrive in the evening

Kya and her Great Grandma Katy on the Trail of the Cedars in Glacier National Park


We made it! Avalanche Lake in Glacier National Park
The hike up to Avalanche Lake (5.5 miles roundtrip, rated 'moderate') was an incredible learning experience for Kya. She doubted herself most of the way up, which was hard to watch. I knew she has it in her, so we took it one step at a time. Upon reaching the lake, Kya instantly transformed to confident and energetic. We were so proud of her! On the hike back down, she had fun watching for young hikers on their way up — she'd tell them "good job" and "you're almost there!"

We brought two child carrier hiking backpacks on the trip (both bought used that we owned before the trip) since we weren't sure what Kya could or would want to hike. I carried the larger pack (without kid in it, just in case Kya would need a lift) and Corey carried Gavin in the slimmer pack. In the event that Kya would need a ride, we'd switch packs, and I'd take Gavin, and Corey would carry Kya. Long story short, for the ENTIRE trip ... Kya never once got a ride. More to that story later.

Our hiking carrier packs:
1. An older very loved metal frame basic Kelty Kids pack without any "pack" space.
2. A newer yet also previously loved Kelty backpack and child carrier (you can see Gavin leaning on it in the photo above). Much improved and updated from the older pack. I got a bargain locally on this pre-owned pack, and it was an absolute necessity this trip.
**note: we are considering selling both packs soon, so let me know if you're interested in either **

To get the packs from home to Montana, we packed both hiking packs together in one carseat bag, and checked it at the airport as "free child luggage."


I never thought these two kids looked alike. Until this photo.





Day 4: DRIVE to Golden, BC, CANADA! from Kalispell, MT (8 hours). Stay 4 nights at Mount 7 Lodges, Golden, BC

The next day we loaded up the vehicles and headed north to Golden, BC, CANADA.
A trillion thanks to my grandma for loaning us her two vehicles!
1. Buick SUV with three rows (shown above with third row folded down)
2. Conversion van (shown below)

The seating arrangements weren't without great thought and a hefty amount of research.

Our top priority was safety. Next priority was 'what fits where.'

I know I'm opening a can of worms here, but I also know there are many other families doing similar road trips, so I'm offering up our child carseat strategy ... (skip over this next part, unless you want to know way too much about child carseats)

I was not satisfied in the safety of children's carseats in conversion vans, so both kids rode in the SUV for the entire trip. Because of the location of the third row seat-back latch anchor (there was only one in the third row, positioned in the middle seat), it was impossible to install either seat in that row, while also seating an adult. So, both kids sat in the second row bucket seats. Kya is 5, and is definitely still safer in a 5-point harness seat (same seat we have at home - love it!). This was not my top choice, but we opted to forward-face Gavin (he is still rear facing at home) to save space, since my mom and I would both be riding in the third row for much of the trip and needed a route into and out of the third row. 

On the note of carseats ... I am generally not comfortable renting carseats since the history of the seat is unknown (car accidents, germs, etc). Plus, we knew we were going to be driving an extensive amount on this trip, so we wanted the kids in good quality, safe, comfortable seats. With much advanced planning, during one of my grandma's previous trips to North Dakota, we had her drive Gavin's extra seat back to Montana with her. Kya was due for a carseat update, so we ordered a new seat from Amazon and had it shipped directly to Montana before we arrived. My grandma picked us up at the airport with both seats in her car (uninstalled) and I installed them at the baggage claim curb. We'll leave Gavin's extra seat in MT for future trips and my grandma will drive Kya's seat out to North Dakota the next time she visits. 

More thanks to my grandma for helping us keep the kids safe!
#SafeTravels


The camper/conversion van. I'm not sure what the exact name for these vehicles is, but this is a Roadtrek 210 and it was so much fun. The kids loved to "play camping" when we were parked at the cabin and there were even a few "camp out fun" overnights in the camper (it has a king size bed!).

The van has a good sized fridge for transporting our perishables, plus a bathroom, small kitchen, and TONs of storage space for things that we'd normally have to rationalize more ... like stocking up on diapers for the whole trip, bottled water, canned food, pack-n-play, hiking backpacks, coolers, etc. My parents drove this van up to and back from Canada — but for most of the driving while there, all six of us rode in the SUV. Yup, clown car style. That's how we roll.


Kya was an excellent traveler the entire trip. I'm convinced that age 5 is the perfect age to travel and explore. "Look, mom, trees!" Kya often demanded that I hand over my camera, surprisingly, she knew how to focus and said, "always take two photos." Proud mom moment.


Just across the Canada border we stumbled upon Fort Steele, a charming, historic, touristy town. We had picnic lunch and let the kids run off energy. FYI: Fort Steele's little cafe store has the best pot-pies!


Our home base at Mount 7 Lodges, in Canada, near Golden, BC. This is the view from our cabin.


Gavin walking up the road to our cabin.


Cheers from Canada!
Did I mention our cabin has a hot tub? That's awesome.
Stay tuned for Rocky Mountain Road Trip: Part 2 ...