Last weekend was Thanksgiving, and it is pretty much the last long weekend for some time in these parts without icy roads and blowing snow.

What does that mean? Road Trip!

But where to? Jasper is nice, but many folks feel as we do, and the crowd factor is high. Banff is a cliche. Well, what about Field B.C.?

Field?

Well, this sleepy little town in the B.C. rockies has a certain charm, but it's real magnet is a tiny eatery called The Truffle Pig. It's got a general store with groceries and fresh baked goods. It's got fair-trade coffee and fresh espresso. But, the visit is to one of the five tables that sit in the liquor and toy store.

Yes, that's right, the Liquor and Toy store. The Pig is short on square footage, so they sell high end children's toys next to the beer and wine, all over-hanging the fine dining tables.

We discovered this treasure this past summer while road tripping through ona a camping expedition, and were amazed by it's gourmet food and friendly atmosphere. And quirky!

In the summer they roll a huge bar-b-que out onto the sidewalk, and grill an incredible selection of meats. One evening, the BBQ was not available. No feeble excuses, just the truth. The BBQ Chef had taken off to Calgary, as he had a sudden need for a new bass guitar.

Well, we booked a suite at a local B&B, and counted the days until we would combine a terrific mountain drive with great food and fresh, cold, fall mountain air.

Alas, the B&B called with but a few days to spare, and reported a flood had made their accomodations unavailable. Argggh!

We found some rooms at the Crossing, only 45 minutes away. Relief!

Last Saturday morning, we tossed the luggage in the C230, and headed for the Crossing. Taking the David Thompson Highway was, as usual, a terrific drive. No matter how many times I drive that road, it's great.

Friday had brought a snow storm through the area, but Saturday was bright and clear.

We met my Dad at The Crossing (www.thecrossingresort.com) and spent the afternoon napping, wandering, picture taking, snacking, and just plain breathing. That evening we dined at The Crossing, and the food was filling and tasty, but not exciting.

The next morning, we headed for Field. After a stupendous drive down the Icefields Parkway, we arrived at Field about seven hours early for dinner. We spent the time hiking around Emerald Lake and taking in the Natural Bridge.

Dinner was fabulous. I had a shrimp bisque that was about the best I've ever had, followed by penne with a white wine sauce and homemade sausage. Wow. Sounds ordinary, but rest assured the taste was not.

After an evening of fine food, some great chatting with Everett the Chef and the other staff, we headed back to The Crossing ready for bed.

Monday morning brought more sunshine and another superb drive down the David Thompson Highway.

With family on-board and snow tires mounted, the driving was not fast, but still spirited on occasion. In the fall, the deer are also close to the highway, so it's best to keep speeds prudent.

If you're in the neighbourhood, make sure you plan on a meal in Field!

The Pig (not my pic, stolen from some's site..):



The Rockies as seen on Sunday Morning headed South on the Parkway:









Lake Louise, also on Sunday morning:



Emerald Lake, Sunday afternoon:



Helen and Catrina on the David Thompson Highway (it was a tad windy...)



The David Thompson Highway:

__________________
John Shellenberg
1998 C230 "Black Betty" 240K

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