Well I've come home to my own bed and it's awesome to be back.
I've got a few things to take care of before I finish off the posts, galleries and videos so come back soon to see the final product.
Thanks so much for coming with me on my trip!
Sunday, August 03, 2008
Thursday, July 31, 2008
Closing the Circle
We've made it back to Thunder Bay, and the end of the western portion of the trip. All that remains it to get ourselves back home. You might be able to tell from our erratic updating, and lover volume of pictures, that we are getting tired. It's not especially comfortable sleeping in a different bed every day. I kinda miss my old, beat-up mattress, with the familiar blanket, and distinctive slope. It's probably only another two or three days away.
As far as crossing the prairies again, not much happened, asides from a long stay in Calgary to rest up for the long journey, and stopping at a pretty cool dinosaur museum on the way. There was also the biggest RPG store in Canada as well. It had a very wide variety of supplies, and sourcebooks for things I've never heard of. Definitely worth the visit. Most everything after Calgary was just passing through.
I really wish I had more to say. I expected to be the funny one on the trip, but Mark seems to be outdoing me at every turn. My humor must be based on abnormal magnetics, or something. I'll get him later once my powers return.
As far as crossing the prairies again, not much happened, asides from a long stay in Calgary to rest up for the long journey, and stopping at a pretty cool dinosaur museum on the way. There was also the biggest RPG store in Canada as well. It had a very wide variety of supplies, and sourcebooks for things I've never heard of. Definitely worth the visit. Most everything after Calgary was just passing through.
I really wish I had more to say. I expected to be the funny one on the trip, but Mark seems to be outdoing me at every turn. My humor must be based on abnormal magnetics, or something. I'll get him later once my powers return.
Okanagan Valley, Calgary and Banff
Heading back east we went through the Okanagan Valley with the hopes to stay in Kelowna, however when we got there we found that the BC games were being hosted there and there was no place to stay. So we headed on to the next town to find a hotel. The valley is really nice and it seems that you can rent these huge house boats to use on the lake. Maby another time :)
We then headed back up the Rockies and on to Calgary were we discovered that OzzFest was in town and again we were scrambling to find a place to stay! The next day we visited with my friend John and got some ideas of places to see in the area.
We went to the Johnston Canyon in Banff National Park the next day and took the really cool trail to see the falls. Sadly we were too tired to go all the way along the trail to see the springs at the very top. Maby next time.
The next day we headed off to Regina but made a stop in to see the Royal Tyrell Museum in Drumheller. They have an amazing collection of dinosaur bones to see and you can even see their lab where they are cleaning up new finds.
As always I took a ton of pictures. I hope you enjoy!
We then headed back up the Rockies and on to Calgary were we discovered that OzzFest was in town and again we were scrambling to find a place to stay! The next day we visited with my friend John and got some ideas of places to see in the area.
We went to the Johnston Canyon in Banff National Park the next day and took the really cool trail to see the falls. Sadly we were too tired to go all the way along the trail to see the springs at the very top. Maby next time.
The next day we headed off to Regina but made a stop in to see the Royal Tyrell Museum in Drumheller. They have an amazing collection of dinosaur bones to see and you can even see their lab where they are cleaning up new finds.
As always I took a ton of pictures. I hope you enjoy!
Thursday, July 24, 2008
Vancouver
The drive through the mountain pass to get to Vancouver was really fun. Especially the downhill section. It's many twists and turns were very exciting.
Due to some construction we ended up parked on the highway for a while before we could get into the city. It's actually quite small and we ended up passing right though to North Vancouver since I was not sure where to exit, but we found a nice hotel there anyway and found that it was quite close to the aquarium and a ferry to the island anyway so it worked out quite nicely.
We crossed the bridge and wandered though some crazy traffic but we were able to get to the aquarium, but not soon enough to make the line to see the Baby Beluga through the underwater windows. We really lucked out in that they had such a rare birth a month ago so we were able to see something quite amazing. The aquarium was smaller than I thought it would be but it was nice to see all the amazing critters they had.
The next day we took the ferry to Vancouver Island and prepared for the last leg of the journey across Canada.
The trip to the west side of the island and the open Pacific was even better than the mountain pass into Vancouver. There was a section with many more twists and turns and it was super fun to drive it. I'll really miss these mountains!
We got to the Pacific Rim National Park and made out way to the beach. I should note that after going through the mountains the sunny weather we had to start the day turned into a completely overcast day suddenly. The mountains have a huge effect on the weather and most of the moisture that comes from the pacific falls on the west side of the island. This does support an amazing rain forest with amazingly huge red cedars that go up seemingly forever. Check the photo gallery to see just how big.
The beaches were fun but without any sun it was quite cold. I got to wade in in order to escape the rising tides that were about to trap us on some rocks but no swimming here! There were a lot of surfers but they all had wet suits to keep them warm.
We found some interesting sea life in some tide pools. Crabs, a sea slug, some teeny tiny hermit crabs and a few other things I'll have to look up to figure out what they were.
All in all is was quite an amazing end to the cross Canada portion of the journey. Now we being the long trip home.
Due to some construction we ended up parked on the highway for a while before we could get into the city. It's actually quite small and we ended up passing right though to North Vancouver since I was not sure where to exit, but we found a nice hotel there anyway and found that it was quite close to the aquarium and a ferry to the island anyway so it worked out quite nicely.
We crossed the bridge and wandered though some crazy traffic but we were able to get to the aquarium, but not soon enough to make the line to see the Baby Beluga through the underwater windows. We really lucked out in that they had such a rare birth a month ago so we were able to see something quite amazing. The aquarium was smaller than I thought it would be but it was nice to see all the amazing critters they had.
The next day we took the ferry to Vancouver Island and prepared for the last leg of the journey across Canada.
The trip to the west side of the island and the open Pacific was even better than the mountain pass into Vancouver. There was a section with many more twists and turns and it was super fun to drive it. I'll really miss these mountains!
We got to the Pacific Rim National Park and made out way to the beach. I should note that after going through the mountains the sunny weather we had to start the day turned into a completely overcast day suddenly. The mountains have a huge effect on the weather and most of the moisture that comes from the pacific falls on the west side of the island. This does support an amazing rain forest with amazingly huge red cedars that go up seemingly forever. Check the photo gallery to see just how big.
The beaches were fun but without any sun it was quite cold. I got to wade in in order to escape the rising tides that were about to trap us on some rocks but no swimming here! There were a lot of surfers but they all had wet suits to keep them warm.
We found some interesting sea life in some tide pools. Crabs, a sea slug, some teeny tiny hermit crabs and a few other things I'll have to look up to figure out what they were.
All in all is was quite an amazing end to the cross Canada portion of the journey. Now we being the long trip home.
Tuesday, July 22, 2008
Western Expedition
The trip across the prairies were rife with poor internet access and fairly flat. Even up around Jasper and Kamloops we couldn't really get any access. We probably should have done more updating in Edmonton, but one of our Calgary contacts turned out to be an Edmonton contact, so we sorta had to compress time a little to meet our peoples. Also, I'm a slow and lazy updating person.
Still, the prairies were not as flat as expected. It might be that since we took the northern route, there was more terrain. Perhaps when we pass back via Calgary and Regina it'll flatten out some. I'll probably get more of an impression of Winnipeg this time, as it was sandwiched between two 8+ hour drives. Memory kinda fails to hold on to much information under that sort of pressure. Saskatoon seemed a little, well flat. It looked like a respectable town, but there wasn't much life to it. Maybe we caught it on an off day, but I don't think I'll be going back that way. Edmonton is not a friendly place. The highway through runs through the industrial section, and much of the city is devoted to keeping the industries running. They really do need workers out there, to the point of offering benefits and bonuses for even burger-flipping jobs. It's just such a hectic and unfriendly place that I don't think I could be comfortable there. The mall is cool and all, but I couldn't spend every day there.
The Jasper park was a pretty cool place. Got some good shots of animals wandering about and waterfalls and such. If it weren't for the city of Jasper itself being all touristy I probably would have enjoyed it better. I suppose that's what we get for hitting it on a weekend. On the other side of some mountains was Kamloops. The only defining feature I really noticed about Kamloops was the start of the #5 higway, probably the most fun road to drive on in Canada. We experienced pressure changes of around eight thousand pascals during about ten minutes, and the valleys are right pretty. We're really just passing through Vancouver now, on the way to the island. When we come back we'll look it over a bit harder.
Asides from a rotten stomach that won't go away, I'm still in good health, after about a month of travel. It's looking like another two weeks for this travel to finish up. Most of this will probably be the travel back across the prairies and north Ontario.
Still, the prairies were not as flat as expected. It might be that since we took the northern route, there was more terrain. Perhaps when we pass back via Calgary and Regina it'll flatten out some. I'll probably get more of an impression of Winnipeg this time, as it was sandwiched between two 8+ hour drives. Memory kinda fails to hold on to much information under that sort of pressure. Saskatoon seemed a little, well flat. It looked like a respectable town, but there wasn't much life to it. Maybe we caught it on an off day, but I don't think I'll be going back that way. Edmonton is not a friendly place. The highway through runs through the industrial section, and much of the city is devoted to keeping the industries running. They really do need workers out there, to the point of offering benefits and bonuses for even burger-flipping jobs. It's just such a hectic and unfriendly place that I don't think I could be comfortable there. The mall is cool and all, but I couldn't spend every day there.
The Jasper park was a pretty cool place. Got some good shots of animals wandering about and waterfalls and such. If it weren't for the city of Jasper itself being all touristy I probably would have enjoyed it better. I suppose that's what we get for hitting it on a weekend. On the other side of some mountains was Kamloops. The only defining feature I really noticed about Kamloops was the start of the #5 higway, probably the most fun road to drive on in Canada. We experienced pressure changes of around eight thousand pascals during about ten minutes, and the valleys are right pretty. We're really just passing through Vancouver now, on the way to the island. When we come back we'll look it over a bit harder.
Asides from a rotten stomach that won't go away, I'm still in good health, after about a month of travel. It's looking like another two weeks for this travel to finish up. Most of this will probably be the travel back across the prairies and north Ontario.
Saturday, July 19, 2008
Rocky Mountain High!
~BounceBounceBounce~!
Wow! They are Awesome! The Rocky Mountains!
We left Edmonton for Jasper and soon the terrain became more hilly and the fields disappeared and were replaced with ever thickening forests.
It took some time but as we were at the top of a hill we spotted some mountains peeking up in the distance. As we got closer we got more excited. We soon realized that the mountains jump right up fairly abruptly with little in the way of foothills.
It was truly amazing to finally see the Rocky Mountains after a month of traveling. We stopped a lot and took tons of pictures.
We eventually got to the Jasper National Park and soon were in the city of Jasper in the middle of the park. This place is a total tourist city with lots of places to buy campy souvenirs. We wandered around the city to look at the various places and got some dinner. There were a lot of Japanese tourists amazingly and we discovered a clue as to why. There are Hot springs in these mountains! We missed them on the way in but there are more in Banff so we will make a stop there on the way back!
We got a room that cost us much more than it was worth and rested from put long exciting drive.
The next day we headed to the Athabasca Falls which are a major attraction for the park. On the way there we found a ton of people pulling over to the side of the road to take pictures of an entire heard of elk that was grazing in the forest right next to one of the camp grounds. Some of the campers must have had an interesting morning! We got to the falls and took a ton of pictures and explored the area. The mountain water is amazing! You have never seen such a colour!
On the way back we stoped at a lake to check it out and found that there were a lot of people swiming there. We ran to get our swim gear and found a place to hang out. The water was COLD! I was dangling my feet in it and they were hurting from the cold on about 30 seconds. As I am not a polar bear I did not go all the way in and instead contented myself with some warm rays from the sun. John did bravely dive in and soon realized his folly! Instead we watched some braver souls cliff diving from what looked to be about a 5 story cliff face.
We left the park and headed off for the British Columbia border. We found the info centre and a surprise. The amazing snow covered slopes of Mount Robson. The pictures don't do it justice but do take a look.
We passed over the head waters of the Frazer River, famous for it's Salmon. We drove into the evening past peak after peak until we got to Kamloops and settled down for the night.
Wow! They are Awesome! The Rocky Mountains!
We left Edmonton for Jasper and soon the terrain became more hilly and the fields disappeared and were replaced with ever thickening forests.
It took some time but as we were at the top of a hill we spotted some mountains peeking up in the distance. As we got closer we got more excited. We soon realized that the mountains jump right up fairly abruptly with little in the way of foothills.
It was truly amazing to finally see the Rocky Mountains after a month of traveling. We stopped a lot and took tons of pictures.
We eventually got to the Jasper National Park and soon were in the city of Jasper in the middle of the park. This place is a total tourist city with lots of places to buy campy souvenirs. We wandered around the city to look at the various places and got some dinner. There were a lot of Japanese tourists amazingly and we discovered a clue as to why. There are Hot springs in these mountains! We missed them on the way in but there are more in Banff so we will make a stop there on the way back!
We got a room that cost us much more than it was worth and rested from put long exciting drive.
The next day we headed to the Athabasca Falls which are a major attraction for the park. On the way there we found a ton of people pulling over to the side of the road to take pictures of an entire heard of elk that was grazing in the forest right next to one of the camp grounds. Some of the campers must have had an interesting morning! We got to the falls and took a ton of pictures and explored the area. The mountain water is amazing! You have never seen such a colour!
On the way back we stoped at a lake to check it out and found that there were a lot of people swiming there. We ran to get our swim gear and found a place to hang out. The water was COLD! I was dangling my feet in it and they were hurting from the cold on about 30 seconds. As I am not a polar bear I did not go all the way in and instead contented myself with some warm rays from the sun. John did bravely dive in and soon realized his folly! Instead we watched some braver souls cliff diving from what looked to be about a 5 story cliff face.
We left the park and headed off for the British Columbia border. We found the info centre and a surprise. The amazing snow covered slopes of Mount Robson. The pictures don't do it justice but do take a look.
We passed over the head waters of the Frazer River, famous for it's Salmon. We drove into the evening past peak after peak until we got to Kamloops and settled down for the night.
Mall Rats
The West Edmonton Mall is big. Really big. It takes up almost 3 city blocks and has things spread from the basement level up to a movie theater that extends above the 2nd floor.
What is truly mind boggling is that the place is so big there are 2 of some stores! In fact I'm pretty sure there are 3 Mcdonalds! Even with all that space they still cram and ice rink, amusement park, pirate ship and an aquarium, complete with a sea lion show. Thankfully the only thing it did not have was a Walmart.
Later that day we visited with my old friend Jeremy. I had not seen him in a few years since he moved out here and I was glad to see him again. He showed us around the city a bit and then we went for some drinks and some bowling. John, it turns out, is a really good bowler. As I had not laid my hands on a bowling ball in about 25 years I was smoked both games. Wii bowling has failed me!
What is truly mind boggling is that the place is so big there are 2 of some stores! In fact I'm pretty sure there are 3 Mcdonalds! Even with all that space they still cram and ice rink, amusement park, pirate ship and an aquarium, complete with a sea lion show. Thankfully the only thing it did not have was a Walmart.
Later that day we visited with my old friend Jeremy. I had not seen him in a few years since he moved out here and I was glad to see him again. He showed us around the city a bit and then we went for some drinks and some bowling. John, it turns out, is a really good bowler. As I had not laid my hands on a bowling ball in about 25 years I was smoked both games. Wii bowling has failed me!
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