Fully committed, you might even say bullishly so, to the Selkirk Loop plan, we set off to move from Idaho through a bit of Washington, and into British Columbia today.
Shortly after leaving our Idaho campground, we crossed the Pend Oreille river into Washington, where we stopped in the city of Newport (pop. 2,120). Downtown Newport has a Visitor's Center, Farmer's Market, and small historical museum.
At 1030 we stopped at the Camas Center of the Kalispell tribe in Usk, Washington where anyone can pay a day fee to use the modern fitness facilities. The center is set in a field of Bison. The bull in the first photo today was standing just across the lot from where we parked.
At noon we pulled of into Box Canyon where a dam generates power from the Pend Oreille river. It doesn't have a pool of storage, so power generation varies with the river currents. An impressive steel train bridge spans the canyon. Built in 1909 by the Idaho and Washington Northern Railroad, the bridge and train soon brought about the end to steamboat transportation through the area.
We elected to eat lunch and hike to nearby Sweet Creek Falls. Summer has arrived with blue skies and a temperature of 82° F.
Ten minutes further down the road was the town of Metaline Falls. Looking for ice cream, we wandered into the Historic Washington Hotel. The friendly proprietress asked if we would like a tour and took us upstairs to see some of the 14 bedrooms and two baths built in 1907. The ice cream was good, and it was fun to see the historic hotel and the work they are doing to keep it maintained.
Continuing north on route 31, we crossed the US Canadian border at Nelway. Route 6 in British Columbia took us to the day's destination, the town of Nelson.
The Visitor Centre, much to my delight, is in a restored train depot. They even have a detailed HO scale model railroad. In a nod to tourism, a model camping trailer is on the street across from the engine facility.
Full sized vintage diesel engines were gathering graffiti outside.
Nelson is on a hillside. Enchanting pedestrian staircases, like this one, keep snow and rain off the steps.
Downtown was vibrant during peak tourist season. Shops and offices were located in nicely maintained historic buildings.
Beth found several sewing and quilt shops to explore.
Carvings added interest to the Burns building, and many other downtown structures.
Unfortunately, the city campground was full. They recommended trying the Granite Pointe Golf Course where we found a parking lot site for 40 cad.
We topped off the batteries from this convenient power pedestal.
Clean shower facilities were located just behind us in the clubhouse. We relaxed here with just two other campers.
We're looking forward to exploring more of Nelson tomorrow.
Today's Map.
Idaho, Washington, and British Columbia.
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