Finding Spring

The thrift store stop of yesterday's post was really just one of the bonus asides of our trip across the border last week.

The real reason we went was to retrieve the ski coat that my dad had left behind at a restaurant up there the week prior.

The secret agenda of the trip involved running into the grocery store to sneakily get, below the boys' radar, some of these just in time for Easter.  I've never seen them this side of the border but they're everywhere in Canada, at least this time of year.

I also like to pick up a big, bulk-sized box or two of these whenever I'm up that way because they're way cheaper and then I can "import" them myself.  We didn't, however, go for the poutine at the DQ although, gosh, it was a little tempting just to find out what all the fuss is about.

We had planned on stopping here on the way home, to have lunch, and to throw rocks in the river.  Not sure what I was thinking.

We were a little underdressed.  So, instead, we stood around and ate our croissants and apples.  Fortunately, the snow was crusted over enough that you could walk on top without breaking through...much.

Snowballs and sticks were substituted for rocks.  That, and watching icebergs float down the river.

We did, however, find Spring on the way home, right on the side of the road.

Clear cold spring water, that is.  (You see folks, even semi truck drivers, stopping here all the time to fill their water bottles.)

Comments

[Heather]

We camp each Summer at Wasa Lake, and this year we went to Fernie for the day so my husband and my oldest could mountain bike at the ski hill. We somehow managed to pick the day that the thrift store was closed. You can imagine my dismay as I could only stand outside with my nose pressed against the window, drooling over all the goodies inside. :-( I meant to write down the day so I would remember for this Summer - I think it was a Tuesday. Fortunately we were in Cranbook a couple days later and I found another great thrift spot. Love the sheets you found.

[Berlinswhimsy]

It looks so beautiful there!

[Peg]

I'm Canadian, have tasted Poutine, and wouldn't stop to get it either! It is really big in Quebec with the French Canadian folks. However, I can remember eating French fries with gravy and all that was missing to make it Poutine was the curd cheese.
Our DS lives in the USA and he misses Smarties. Funny about some things. I do agree with the crackers - they are the best!
Happy Easter to you and your family!

[ellen]

Your winter pictures are just stunning. I envy you the beautiful views you have - although not the weather since here in Oklahoma we are much farther along on the road to spring. Tulips and Star Magnolia are already in bloom here.

[Bethany]

I don't think DQ is the place to get poutine. You probably didn't miss much. There's a place in Vancouver I think that has as close to the real thing as you can get outside of Quebec. I'll ask around for you, if you really get the urge to try poutine.

I didn't know you can't get kinder eggs in the US. How odd. We can get them year round. There are some people (adults) who buy them too just to collect the surprises.

[carocoknits]

We have been following your skiing pictures, anxiously awaiting our turn. It has finally arrived and we will be driving through this town in about twelve hours! Thank you for keeping us updated - your pictures are better than the hill's webcam. By the way, poutine is highly decadent and is far above a days worth of calories, and we can't imagine life without Kinder Surprise...

[Elizabeth]

I love that you appreciate a little Canadiana.
And no,DQ is not the place for poutine, regardless of what that sign says.
Great photos as always.

[Nancy]

Goodness gracious, the images are just stunning. You have me dreaming of just heading north till I hit snow and mountains, even though here in NC we're 70 degrees with daffodils all around. Man, I wish I woulda had some Kinder Surprise in my basket! --Nancy in NC

[Diane]

The Queen of Poutine made me laugh out loud this morning! Excellent. I'm thinking that DQ might be just the place to get poutine sometimes -- I mean, if you're talking about fries and gravy and curd, wouldn't it seem proper to have it there?! ; )

[Tina J.]

Do you boil the spring water before drinking it? Just wondering why you aren't worried about giardia?

We used to drink from every stream we passed, until my Mom got really sick from giardia...

Just a friendly reminder. I love reading your blog.

Tina J.

[Ellen]

How majestic and immense are those mountains...breathtaking.

[Jennifer]

I have enjoyed reading for so long now, but have to comment on the KinderSurprise Eggs - we lived in Canada for a few years, and my kids just adored them, and now, back in the states, they moan about their loss... what a fun memory to think of. I'll bet your boys were thrilled with them on Easter morning!
Cheers!

[L.C.]

I live very nearby where you took these photos! Poutine is best at an actual restaurant, not a fast food place, and you have to love fries and gravy in the first place to even imagine loving it with melted cheese. If you're fat-phobic then don't even bother, it'll gross you out. We have shipped cases of KinderSurprise eggs to a friend in the States often, as his wife is crazy for them! You also need to try a Coffee Crisp bar, something else I understand you don't have south of the border! The stream of water you stopped at on the highway is well known by locals and is very safe to drink. I'm glad you enjoy coming up here and I wanted to tell you that I love reading your blog.

[rositta]

Glad you enjoy Canada, Kinder Surprise are available all year round, poutine is gross, don't even bother and yes your photos are wonderful...ciao