Rossland and Slocan lake

The first part of our 800km journey began with three ferry crossings. There were several delays and we were all very glad to JUST make it to our last boarding. Kate's casual attitude to check in times meant that after some hesitation and uncertainty we were the very last vehicle to be squeezed on. This final crossing took us to Horseshoe bay in West Vancouver.  We had expected a smooth ride across Vancouver. We were mistaken. We crawled painfully slowly along huge intertwining highways covering just 50km in two and half hours....it made Auckland traffic seem mild!  We were all very glad to finally escape the outskirts of the city, passing through agricultural valleys before climbing in to wooded mountains with angry rivers, raging with the spring melt.

The next day saw us descending from a high pass in to land and temperatures reminiscent of Central Otago summer. The girls have traveled really well...Frida has been listening to audiobooks courtesy of the Christchurch library.   After a Tim Horton's revival stop we pushed on through over several other passes to Rossland.

Rossland is a small alpine town of 3000 people situated at 1300m. It rests on a steep hillside 500m above the industrial town of Trail. It is a town of 'life stylers'- ride by summer, ski by winter.  It is the home of some Kiwi friends. Kynan (an old Med school buddy) and Barb (originally from Canada) have lived here for 8 years with their two kids Tarn 11 and Anise 8. Having recently moved in to their newly built home they generously hosted us for five days.

We spent our time exploring the extensive trail network and celebrating Frida's 5th birthday.

Frida did some awesome riding - inspired by her older friends.

Frida's birthday ride 

Juliet is becoming much better at holding on when sitting on the 'Do Little'.

The mountain biking is amazing here and we got out for a ride most days...and for a real treat we even got to go for a ride TOGETHER when Kynan and Barb looked after the kids!

There was still a bit of snow up high and so we got out for a walk up to a hut near Strawberry pass.

Kynan and Barb then set us up for a true Canadian canoe trip. They very kindly lent us their 4wd, canoe and camping gear and we set off on a 3 day trip to Slocan Lake.

Frida relished it and spent some time paddling. Juliet was not such a fan of the confines of a boat and most progress was made when she slept (looking very cute).

We all loved the camping on small beach campsites surrounded by mountains, raging creeks, glassy water and swooping eagles.  The wind never rarely blows in BC, which makes canoe trips much simpler.  It felt like a proper wilderness trip.

Frida writing her journal

We did some really fun riding at Castlegar on the way back to Rossland. Oh....and I had my first bear siting. Spotted running off the track and climbed up a tree. Not sure who got more of a fright! Kate rode the same track shortly afterwards and didn't see it...although she was on high alert!

From here we are heading to Nelson, then Revelstoke, Golden and the Rockies...


For the grandparents #2....Juliet continues to charm every Canadian she meets with her sunny nature, smiles and meaning-filled babble. She has taken a real liking to 'chups, cake and bic' (biscuits), despite her very limited exposure. Last evening after Juliet had gone to bed we shared a hot drink with Frida around the campfire.  All had been quiet from the tent for about twenty five minutes, so we thought Ettie B was well asleep. I asked 'Does anyone want a biscuit?' Up pipes a small voice from the tent 'Bic, Mum Mums, Bic, Bic!' Next thing the whole tent began to shake and we found wee Juliet busy unzipping the tent and clambering out!

Some kids from a campground we stayed at started calling Juliet "the barefoot baby". She loves taking her shoes off and running everywhere. She has stubbed her toes multiple times but seems unfazed by it. She loves all the bush walks, climbing over obstacles and throwing stones in creeks and lakes.