Lunch by the Goat River

Map

We pressed on east today, to reach Valemount, BC, the alleged front door to Banff National Park. The drive was pleasant, but not spectacular.

We stopped for lunch along the Goat River.

It was all very pleasant.

There was the usual road work.

The motel is simple, but the views are good.

After Kate had her nap, we went off to find something like dinner. We dined at the A&W across the road.......A&W has a strong presence in the Canadian outback....perhaps because we were not eager for another meal eaten out of our hands, we decided to try a Canadian favorite, poutine. 

Think soggy french fries with bits of cheese, with a sauce that's not quite gravy poured over. Yes, it's that good. We had debated trying the stuff for sometime, and decided to go with it. OK, we did, and we won't do it again. Not good. Very not good.

I think I mentioned that last night's Ramada Inn, in Prince George, was above standard. Well, the Ramada Inn we're in tonight is sub-standard. We've learned that once you get out of the very few towns with populations above 30,000 or so, the accommodations go downhill fast. Our recent stay at Toad River Lodge was a pleasant exception to that, but for the most part, the accommodations available are small, cramped, and rather basic. This place is no exception. Valemount has a population of no more than a few hundred.