Sunday 9 June 2013

A lazy Sunday ride in the Rocky Mountain Trench...


Take5 Ranch
Ha Ha Creek Road
Mt Baker to the Right

These are shot on what I call the Kimberley, Wasa, Wardner, Ha Ha creek loop. The run starts in Cranbrook and heads north to Kimberley. There are many nice places to stop in Kimberley such as the Cominco Gardens and the Train. There is also a great ski hill there and it is where I do most of my skiing in the winter. Back on the road you head north up towards TaTa Creek and once over the tracks head back south on the east side of Kootenay River. There was a Triathalon in Wasa today so the traffic was slow. There is a nice beach just off the road in a Provincial Park. Keep heading South and you will come to Fort Steele. Also a great stop as it is a restored town based on the 1870's era. If you are there in the fall, you can have a wonderful Thanksgiving dinner at the restaurant. Plan on spending more than just a quick stop, there is lots to do there.

Back on the road and head south from the Esso gas station and you are on the Ft Steel/Bull River road. Pekams lake is about 10 minutes south in Norbury Provincial Park. There is a very quiet campground there and Pekams lake is across the road. The picture I took of my bike at Take5 is right beside Pekams lake. There is a great beach there and a nice dock you can sit in the sun on. Heading south again you will do down a hill and there is a trout hatchery you can tour. I am pretty sure it is open all year. Now back on the bike and over the bridge and you will come to The Bull River Inn. One of the best hamburgers you can have anywhere. After you eat then south again to the main highway and make a right, which means you are heading North again. Just over the bridge and you make a left, and then very shortly make a right and you will be on Ha Ha creek road. The next two pictures where taken about 5 minutes up the road in a small valley. A very nice road, but watch for rocks. Not much further and you are back at the highway. Make a left and you are about 15 minutes from Cranbrook.