Chapter 03 - Against the Rules

Travel Directions:
The Basque Bridge is in the Galatea Day Use Area, Spray Valley Provincial Park, on the west side of Hwy 40, 32.4 km south of Hwy 1 (Trans-Canada Hwy) and 9.0 km north of Fortress Mountain Ski Resort. (It is also 6.2 km south of Kananaskis Golf Course on Hwy 40.) Follow trail downhill approximately 500 m to bridge. For pictures taken during a hike to this location, see “Hike to Basque Bridge” in the Albums link.

Remarks:
The suspension bridge over the Kananaskis River provided a memorable setting for the Basque provisioner’s (Calgary actor David Trimble) remark to Ennis that it was “too early in the summer to be sick of beans.” See:

http://www.cd.gov.ab.ca/enjoying_alberta/parks/featured/kananaskis/parks_spray.asp

The bridge represents something of an engineering feat in a place where technology typically takes a back seat to nature. Walk over it to appreciate its springy quality. It lies near the head of the moderately challenging 6 km / 4 hour Galatea Creek Trail. See:

http://www.trailpeak.com/index.jsp?cat=hike&con=trail&val=1371

For pictures of another bridge of similar construction, see the “Star Mine Bridge” in the Albums link. For pictures taken during a hike of the Galatea Creek Trail, see “Hiking Galatea Creek Trail” also in the Albums link.

Mountain sheep activity is frequent in this area, as the sheep often descend to the highway to lick the salt from the roads. Keep an eye out for these animals, especially driving around curves, and under no circumstances should you approach them.

Important:
Although the bridge is easy to access from a parking lot just off the roadway, the full Galatea Creek Trail should be attempted only by experienced hikers. Wear hiking boots. Bring ample water and protective gear. Never leave valuables in a car parked at trailheads. Use caution; bear activity is common in this area, and in all mountain locations. See:

http://www.srd.gov.ab.ca/fw/bears/safety.html

Always consult park wardens and take appropriate precautions.

Quotation:
“Yeah, well, I’m sick of beans.”