Crossing British Columbia - Day 6

M y body aches from my fall. My previously torn rotator cuff is acting up. I have to drive with one hand and that seems a bit treacherous on the mountain curves.
I want to stay in a beautiful hotel room with a spacious balcony overlooking these beautiful mountains. I want to rest for two days and then go on to Calgary.
An internet search and brochures at the Visitor Center identified the Island Lake Lodge as a premier spot with balconies, a spa, and fine restaurants.
A phone call lets me know there are no balcony rooms left.
I am in no mood to be anything except 110% satisfied.
I tell them "I'll keep you in mind," and continue the 3 hour drive to Fernie, a former coal town turned resort mecca.
Phone calls and cursory looks at several other places in town don't move me out of my slump. Had I felt better, I am sure I would have found museums and buildings to tickle my fancy.
I head up the mountain to the Island Lake Lodge.
On the phone, reception had warned me that the location is not ideal to just "look at a room for consideration."
She was right, it is 15 km of one-lane dirt road to the lodge,

Tamarack Lodge

4 Small Lodges on the Property

I decided to stay one night. I couldn't see resting in that dim room for two days.

What Small Windows

Some People Get a Balcony

Ha, Ha! It rained almost my entire visit. I am glad I didn't pay the price for an unused balcony.

The lodge has an interesting history and a good tourist ethic. I had to check on line to make sure I knew what catskiing really is. If you don' t know, you can right click this link.

Cat for Catskiing

I had a wonderful lunch, a very good facial, a delicious dinner, a very good night's sleep, and a delicious breakfast included in the room rate.

I skipped the$125 + $85 mani-pedi. Knowing I could pay less than $40 in either LA or Denver, I couldn't convince myself it would be worth it.

Views, Hike, Bike, Catski

Most guests come for the outside activities and not to lick their wounds. I guess the lack of view rooms and plenty of common lounges is not a big deal for most of them.

In the morning, I was refreshed with hardly a sore muscle and ready to see what I would find over the next pass.