Onward to Canada

Idaho's Panhandle Region to Radium Hot Springs, BC 

(to meet a cousin from the Netherlands)

August 6 - 8, 2016

When Laura was writing the book on her father's side of the family she was contacted by a previously unknown cousin from the Netherlands.  An email correspondence began between Marijke (Mar I' ka) and Laura and a friendship developed.  Marijke helped translate some Dutch documents and provided her own research on her side of the family to Laura.  She and her partner Hans were traveling in Canada this summer and we all agreed to meet in Radium Hot Springs on August 7th. 

Amazingly and unbeknownst to Laura, her cousin Lee (from the previous post) had independently found Marijke on the internet and began a correspondence with her.  Naturally he was interested in meeting her as well so he and DeAnn also drove up to Radium Hot Springs.


The sign says "Great Selections" "Great Prices" "Families Welcome" but the
 building doesn't look like it's ready for business.  Of course I'm kidding but we
thought this was pretty funny.



It was an exciting moment when they finally met and the talking began in earnest.  We chatted away the afternoon then had dinner and dessert together.  It was like we all had known each other for ages.  The next day Marijke and Hans continued on to Calgary where their trip would end.  We hope to eventually travel to the Netherlands to see them on the their home turf. 

The "Cousins"
Marijke, Laura and Lee

Lee and Hans.

Doreen, Marijke and DeAnn