Ainsworth Hot Springs… birthday getaway..!

This was such an amazing getaway it is hard to put into words everything we experienced.  It was even harder to choose what pictures I wanted to use in the blog.  There were so many amazing photos and experiences on this overnight trip.

The drive up was absolutely beautiful since we decided to take the North Pend Oreille Scenic Byway.  Not only did it follow the river up but took us by the Selkirk Mountain range.  

Photo along the river.. just the beginning..!

Selkirk Mountain Range

Our first stop in Canada was Nelson… we stopped by the tourist information site to find out what scenic views we would enjoy in the area.  Of course our main goal was to go to places that had few people but lots of beauty.  After taking some pictures at the river we headed on to our next stop.  

Pirate boat in Nelson

Posing with my love... 

There was no one at the Kokanee Provincial Park which was a peaceful little beach.  Matthew was great and would allow me to stop and take pictures whenever I wanted to... which was quite often.  What can I say there were some amazing views along the way and I wanted memories to last a life time.    

Stroll on the beach... 

LOVE this view..!

Our next stop was in Kaslo where we saw an old paddle boat.  This was a cute little town with some great old buildings.  We also shared a quick lunch at a little restaurant. 

A fun old paddle boat... 

Matthew singing "Going to the chapel..."  

Finally, we made it to Ainsworth Hot Springs… and were happy to find out that it would not be crowded since they were not on spring break like we were.  We had an amazing view from our room… and just about everywhere in the hotel for that matter.  Our first stop was to the hot springs where we were able to soak in the warm water which felt great on our sore bodies.  

View from our room... 

Heading to enjoy the hot springs... 

A very romantic getaway..!

Mathew in the cave... pictures did work very well..!

Posing outside.. easier to see

We got all dressed up and had an early dinner to beat the crowd… Matthew enjoyed steak and potatoes while I splurged and ordered salmon and prawns.  The food was delicious and the atmosphere was homey.  Afterwards, we took a short stroll and took some pictures while we were all dressed up.

The view from the restaurant... 

My birthday dinner... salmon and prawns

All dressed up with a gorgeous view... 

Enjoying the Ainsworth Hot Springs Resort

Posing for Matthew... 

We went back into the hot springs one more time while everyone else was at dinner.  It was so relaxing and peaceful… I loved just sitting with Matthew and talking as we enjoyed the view.  We spent the remainder of the evening in our room talking and reading through a book together.  I committed to stay off Facebook for the day and focus just on Matthew which was the best decision I could have made.  I loved every minute of the day with him… even though he was in a lot of pain… but that is part of life so he tried to ignore it as much as possible. 

The next morning we got up and went straight to the hot springs for one more soak before it opened up to the public.  It was sad to leave but such is life.  We decided to take the free ferry across Kootenay Lake and take another scenic route.  We got to the ferry early and enjoyed breakfast at a tiny restaurant.  

Time to cross the lake...

View from the ferry... 

One of the things I absolutely love are lighthouses so I was super excited to find out there was a light house just a short distance from the ferry dock on the other side of the lake.  The lighthouse was secluded which was really nice.  The short walk through the woods was a bit hard on Matthew but he survived and dealt with the pain as well as he could.  I loved the fact that you could see the ferry we took from the top of the lighthouse. 

In the distance you can see our ferry.... what a view from the lighthouse 

Enjoying the remote lighthouse... 

Matthew was a bit sore on the walk... but I loved it..!

While at the lighthouse we found out the lake was 65 miles long and the majority of the drive we had a view of the lake and mountain range behind it.  I loved every minute of the drive.  Of course, we also had to cut across one of the mountain ranges but there was no snow on the roads so it was a peaceful drive.  

I could live with this view... 

Picture I took from the car... 

Driving through the mountain pass... 

Once back in the states there was just one more place I wanted to stop at… the Sweet Creek Falls which was a very short stroll from the parking lot.  Waterfalls are another thing I love so it was icing on the cake for me.  

Enjoying the Sweet Creek Waterfall

Posing at the Box Canyon Dam

I was in heaven every minute of the trip.  Not only did I enjoy beauty everywhere I went… I was able to relax in the hot springs… and most importantly spend some much needed time alone with Matthew.