We're just about to leave B.C. and DH has given me my camera back (the only reason I got it back before Alberta had to do with a close encounter with a black bear- even DH knew that this bear was demanding to be photographed). It's really too bad I couldn't get a few more shots because this westernmost province is one of the most spectacular photo op areas on the planet. DH doesn't want to spoil the surprise for the airlift of visitors that she is expecting once we do settle into our new Kelowna condo later this year. I used to live in B.C. some years ago and my job required extensive travel throughout the province. Either they added a few more lakes, grew some mountains, and added vast tracks of forest complete with critters, or I just didn't appreciate the true beauty of what the locals call "Gods Country". DH has been wide-eyed and constantly looking around (not always great since she's doing the driving), and I'm trying to act nonchalant like it's old news, but the whole time I'm thinking that, WOW, why didn't I notice this the last time I was here??

Anyway, that's all I'm allowed to say. Our non-B.C. friends are well-advised to book into the Hotel DH early before all of the primo spots disappear.

With respect to Valemount, an Aussie must have been involved in the naming of the town because the original name was effectively "valley between mountains" and as any self-respecting Australian native will tell you, that is far too much wasted time. Valemount, B.C. was going to be our exit point for the province, and I tried to manage DH's expectations because the last time I was here, Valemount was largely a blue collar forest products town. Now, of course, it's a bit of a scenic year round wilderness playground and DH is convinced that I was never actually here but I'm pretty sure I was... maybe... or maybe not.