We called in at the Kamloops farmers market after breakfast at our B&B and then headed towards Revelstoke. Those BC lakes appeared to be everywhere, and we found one to stop at for lunch.
Serendipitously we passed the "Last Spike" at Craigellachie, named after the Grant Clan's home town in Scotland. Apparently some of the top Canadian Pacific officials were part of the clan.
Craigellachie was the site of the driving in of the symbolic "last spike" . It was driven in by Sir George Smith in 1885. The Last Spike signaled the completion of the Canadian Pacific Railway, and remains today a symbol of national unity in Canada. At the time, it fulfilled an 1871 commitment made by the Canadian federal government to British Columbia which stipulated that a railroad be built joining the Pacific province to Central Canada. The promise of a transcontinental railway had been a major factor in British Columbia's decision to join the Canadian Confederation.
In contrast to the ceremonial gold or silver final spikes often used to mark the completion of other major railroads, the Last Spike was a conventional iron spike identical to the many others used in the construction of the line. It inspired me to read Pierre Berton's The Last Spike, which records the traumas of the construction of the railway. Other books you could try are
We found the place charming, and unexpected
And in our theme of following things to do with the railroad, we visited the railway museum at Revelstoke, and saw one of the long Canadian freight trains thunder past. You have to feel sorry for any motorist stuck at a level crossing while waiting for one to pass.
Griffin Lake Lodge was some 10km south of Revelstoke, and was one of the nicest places we stayed during our trip. The owners Wayne and Heather were very welcoming. We walked around their grounds and saw the red trout running. Try as I might, I could never capture their jumps on a photo. By the time I snapped the camera shutter, the fish was back in the water, and all I got were lots of photos of splashes.
Griffin Lake B&B– Revelstoke. They say about themselves "Think of our B&B as a very attractive hotel alternative. Each guest room has its own private ensuite bathroom, open beam ceilings with ceiling fans, air conditioning, fine linens, comfortable beds, and is decorated with a rustic luxury theme and tranquility in mind. All but one of the rooms overlook the spectacular view of the lake and the snow-capped mountains. Our B&B combines the luxuries of life with beauties of nature right outside your window. In keeping with the theme of restfulness, our rooms do not offer telephones or televisions and our hope is that you will slow down, rid yourself of your daily stresses, eat well, have fun ". Griffin Lake web site.
The view above from our bedroom window was fantastic. One of the most magical views I have ever had from a hotel room.
The changing light as the sum sank in the west, led to different views and reflections in the Griffin Lake.
There was a hot tub in the grounds which Chris made good use of. We then availed ourselves of Heather's excellent dinner. It is limited choice, and you have to let the owners know in advance that you want to partake of dinner. Certainly saves the journey into Revelstoke, and I am sure was better than we could have had there.
Evening meal at Griffin Lake Lodge