Today started our Rockies Moose Tour, with Colin the driver on the 'Eric' bus. (Each bus has a name.) this bus was the biggest we've been on, 26 seater so unfortunately I don't get everyone's names.

First stop was Bridal falls, just outside a little town called Hope. Beautiful little waterfall and the start of a waterfall tour really. (Lots of waterfalls in the Rockies, have to keep telling Kenny not to take hen for granted.) Done some introductions; a few English, a Scot (who turns out to be the only person who could understand Kenny when he spoke) lots of German and Swiss, a Japanese, a French and an Israeli.
So good we mix. Next we passed through Hope, named so as they hoped it would boom due to it being on the way to the Rockies. Unfortunately, its pretty quiet but has lots of cool wooden chainsaw carvings and its a beautiful location on the Fraser River. From here we travelled along the Cocohala highway, (very slowly as the bus didn't wana move too much) which is one of the most dangerous road on Western Canada on the winter. The have canons lining the edge of the road which they use to shot down avalanches in winter, then clear the road. We stopped at Kawkawa lake for lunch and swim. Its the first sign I've seen for swimmers itch, better towel off everyone.
On the way to tonight's destination, we drove through the Okanagon, which is a beautiful fruit growing region, where all the nice ciders come from, in funky flavours. (Ginger apple was yummy!) we passed the Okanagon lake, and heard the legend of the Ogopogo monster. (The Loch Ness monster of tho area.) Finally we reach our destination Kelowna, where we get to go for a ride on a jet boat. 12 people swish into three rows and driver flies you over the waves and does lots of twists and turn. Brilliant fun, a few splashes and a good rib swishing on the corners. Then he pulls up alongside a house boat, very common in this area, and we hop on. Just some music, drinks and crushing along the lake.
Dinner is cooked and ready for us back at the Samesun Kelowna, where we enjoy a really good meal of salmon. Absolutely perfect. (ESP for me who isn't a salmon lover.)

After a late start the next morning, couldn't find two of the guys, we get on our way towards Banff. First we pass by Sikamous-house boating capital of Canada. Be pretty nice to have one of those to go relax on at the weekend. Next was Revelstoke, in columbia mountain range, which is one of best ski places in world; they regularly get 50cm snow, sometimes upto 100cm. Those mountains look a little scary to me!!
Next we reach Yoho National Park, where we had a 'glacier' good time. THE most beautiful lake I had ever seen; Emerald Lake. Absolutely stunning. So Kenny getting in the spirit and taking every opportunity, starts his lake jumping in the Rockies and I can tell by his expression that its cold!! (Suppose it does run off a glacier.) but I'm not letting the boys have all the fun, so in I jump too. We got lots of great pictures, even one of the whole group with a Canadian flag, which was great. Kenny left the towel in the van, so along I have to walk past a nice restaurant, 7 o'clock at night, everyone else fully clothed, me in a bikini!
But what a great introduction to the Rockies!!
Arrived in Banff late on and stayed at HI Alpine Banff; lovely hostel but a 20min walk up and downstairs to get to Banff avenue. Great little bar downstairs where a few of the guys did karaoke.