Get off my cloud - Waterton 2nd September 2011

I have never stayed in a Motel before. My expectations were influenced by watching 'Crossroads' (the original with Miss Diane and Benny - oh dear showing my age now) and more recently 'My name is Earl'. I am happy to say that the experience was not that bad and although very basic the Westcastle Motel was clean, comfortable and no encounters with a crazy men with moustaches trying to rectify their past mistakes in life.

Upon arrival in Pincher Creek, Stuart was keen to continue his search for a Barbers. We did find one called 'Gary's' which had one of the old fashioned Barber chairs and probably blades which were centuries old. It looked like something out of Sweeney Todd and I was very relieved that it was closed because I think Stuart would have got more than a haircut! We then ventured into an 'old ladies' salon which was more like 'Desmond's' but as it was nearly 5 o'clock the lady was very reluctant - Stuart's observation that it would only take seconds made little difference! The search continues…….

Pincher Creek is a very small place and I was really surprised to find that a fellow Career Coach has a business here. His name is Herky Cutler and the name alone made me want to meet him. Sadly his office was closed so I was unable to do any networking but I urge my careers colleagues to check out www.herkycutler.com He has an interesting take on using music to stimulate thinking about values and passions.

It's raining, it's pouring and the old man is snoring…..

We awoke very early the following day because we wanted to make the most of our one day at Waterton Lakes. Once again we were greeted with pouring rain and temperatures of 5 degrees so dressed for the worse.

Upon arrival we made our way to the Information Centre to check out the best hike to do given the weather conditions. We opted to walk up a reasonably steep ridge to Bertha Lake, enjoying Bertha falls along the way. The rain made it tricky in places but we managed to make it to the lake without injury. As we approached the lake we actually walked through rain clouds to find some sun! It was like entering another world and quite a strange experience knowing that all below you were getting wet. As a bit of an aside the lake was named after Bertha Ekelund who was sent to jail for passing counterfeit currency. How odd?

Waterton is a lovely place and we were sorry that we did not have more time to explore.

Tune in again tomorrow to hear about our epic 16 hour coach drive to Vancouver - definitely another traveller stripe earned after this experience!

Matthew we hope you are enjoying your first couple of days at Senior School and that you have not lost your scarf or tie yet!

Karen xx