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Dayspring Lodge B&B Between lake and mountains
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To reach Kaslo, our next destination, we leave Revelstoke and the Columbia River heading towards Arrow Lake and Kaslo. There, the heavily loaded ferry awaits us for a 30-minute crossing. The sky is clear blue every day; the colors of the forests, mountains, and rivers are beautiful and pure. Heading into the woods along an abandoned path, a rolling noise of stones higher up on the left breaks the silence of the great outdoors, a few seconds without moving, and two moose appear on the mountainside about 200 meters away. We exchanged glances before disappearing into the woods.
Leaving the small path, we plunge into the deep forest. This forest has remained untouched since the beginning of the century. Trees fall naturally, and one can see the notch marks on the tall, wide stumps that used to support the lumberjack at work. Here, there is no one else, the silence is total, and the atmosphere is a bit eerie with green moss everywhere and fallen trees on which we walk as if on paths. The real forest, the one where you can get lost, where a lynx might pounce on you, or a bear arriving from behind...
Halfway there lies Trout Lake, a small, quiet village that, despite having only around a hundred residents, has its own Windsor Hotel built in 1892. It is 1 pm, and a sign says "back at 3 pm". We were ready for a nice lunch in this surprising place; it will be for another time. About 200m away, lives Marlene Savage, who runs the gas pump and the "General Store Groceries". A small convenience store that will allow us to get something to eat while waiting for Kaslo, which is still 111 km away.
The road to Kaslo quickly turns into a track for nearly 100 km. Guaranteed impression of finding yourself in the deep Canada in this valley along the Lardeau River. An eagle on a dead tree and finally what we hoped for, a grizzly bear on the riverbank. A large bear, strolling peacefully on the other side of the river.
Kaslo, 900 souls living on the shore of a 150 km long lake. Loggers, hippies, artists, IT specialists, and still a few natives enliven this small town. From the mountains, the outcasts descend to do their shopping. The shops are small in Kaslo, but you find everything, and the shopkeepers are very friendly. Not to be missed, Sunnyside Naturals, a natural or "organic food" store run by three very friendly women, two of whom are from the former Czechoslovakia. You can enjoy their delicious homemade organic juices. Nelson is the big city in the area, but it's 65 km away.
A large modern villa built by a creative architect, Dayspring Lodge B&B is located 12 km south of Kaslo, facing the lake. Mark and Jacqueline warmly welcome us into their spacious living room, which extends into the kitchen with a ceiling more than 5 meters high. Small aperitifs by the fireplace and lively discussions; Mark is an anthropologist originally from Victoria on Vancouver Island. He loves books and has hundreds of them. Jacqueline, on the other hand, is more of a manager, with several businesses and a very practical mindset. Among other things, she is a nature tour guide in Honduras and Guatemala. She is the one who prepares the delicious meals and breakfasts, made with a lot of care. They have been running their B&B for 5 years now and are happy here.
It's easy to see why, the view of the lake and the mountains in front is magnificent! A large balcony allows their guests to relax in the sun and breathe in very pure air. Just like the water, which can be drunk straight from the river.
At Dayspring Lodge B&B, Francine, originally from Quebec, offers traditional Thai massages; a combination of stretches and acupressure points. Mark takes us with his big 4X4 to Fry Creek Trail, a path known only to locals, which leads us, after several kilometers of trails, to the edge of Fry Creek. The water along the riverbank is already frozen in places despite the fine weather. Small wooden bridges, a few remaining telephone wires half-buried since the gold rush era.
Mark, despite being 62 years old, is full of energy, and it is difficult for us to keep up with him as he walks quickly and effortlessly. He knows the area well; he was already camping here more than 30 years ago. His two dogs are also full of energy; darting left and right, scaling small cliffs as if by magic, instantly judging how and if it is surmountable...
The Canadian atmosphere, unlike Europe, is a mix of Chinese music, a hot tub, and vast open spaces. The clothing is also very different, more laid back, without complexes. The contact is more direct and attentive. You learn a lot by spending some time with them.
Dayspring Lodge Bed and Breakfast, Jacqueline & Mark Mailing, Kaslo, Kootenay Lake, British Columbia, Canada - Map 
Former resort hotel with a garden on the banks of the Allier, L'Étoile Guesthouse is located in La Bastide-Puylaurent, nestled between Lozère, Ardèche, and the Cévennes in the mountains of Southern France. Positioned at the crossroads of GR®7, GR®70 Chemin Stevenson, GR®72, GR®700 Voie Régordane (Saint Gilles), GR®470 Sources and Gorges of the Allier, GRP® Cévenol, Montagne Ardéchoise, and Margeride. It offers numerous loop routes for hiking and day-long cycling excursions. Ideal for a relaxing stay.
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