Canadian Rockies

Our route from Yellowstone to Vancouver was not exactly a direct path, but we’re thrilled to have visited some great old friends “along the way” in Bend, Calgary and Canmore. It was very interesting for us to see them in new homes, starting their young families and getting happily settled into their communities just as we have packed up the car and left everything behind for this trip to New Zealand. We must admit a few thoughts of “What the heck are we doing?”, but then the grass always seems greener on the other side, and of course others are wishing they could take off for an adventure like ours.

Speaking of adventure, here are some highlight shots from our nights of camping in the Canadian Rockies. The glacial lakes and mountain hikes were absolutely breathtaking, as were the frigid nights in the tent. You know it’s cold when the fully pressurized camp fuel canister barely has enough juice to boil water for the breakfast porridge! Walking near Lake Louise one day, Mike commented on all the snowy peaks and how great it would be to see an avalanche across the valley. Just a few minutes later, voila!


One morning in Jasper we followed a huge buck elk as he strolled past our campsite sounding his mating call. We couldn’t believe our eyes when another male came along and they had a crashing battle only 20 feet in front of us. As they split up and the larger bull fumed past us, the overturned picnic table didn’t seem as protective as we originally thought.



On our way out of the parks, we splurged for a night of camping at the Canyon Hot Springs and thoroughly warmed our bones. Now we’re in Vancouver, back in the swing of city life where a hot shower isn’t such a rare commodity and we each get our own fork and plate at supper. Wish us luck selling the car… 9 days ‘til lift off.