Often, one has to travel around the world and back again to see through fresh eyes and gain perspective.
Canada has so much to offer and its not that I didn't remember how beautiful it was but I needed to step outside into another space to fall in love again.
Reto's visit from Switzerland was the perfect opportunity for a Canadian adventure. We have been so many places abroad I wanted to show him my home. What better way than a road trip with Dahlia (our bright yellow bug) to Vancouver Island and back.
All summer I danced for the weather gods. I requested an Indian summer and they delivered with flying colors! We were blessed with blue sky, sunshine and warm weather. The only exception was a morning near Port Hardy (Northern end of Vancouver Island). We woke to a shaking tent and huge raindrops soaking the tent.
Reto and I took three weeks to drive 3500 km. We traveled the Southern route along the Canadian-American boarder to Vancouver. Looking out the window Reto repeated "It looks just like the Western movie!"
After a week on the road we reached Vancouver for a much needed stop at my brothers house. A hot shower and bed felt like heaven after sleeping on the ground and cooking on a camp fire. Following our visit we took the very expensive ferry ride ($80.50 one way for a car, driver and passenger) to Nanaimo.
Vancouver Island was amazing! A stop in the Cedar cathedral was awe inspiring. 800 year old trees towered above us as early morning sunlight shown through the upper canopy. Sept-October really is the perfect month for anyone planning a trip like this. We were usually alone in our camping sites, walks and general adventures. The Canadian wildlife made an appearance. We saw two black bears, several elk, a whale (and it's tail), eagles, big horn sheep and wild jumping salmon!
From West Vancouver island we drove East and North to Port Hardy where my brother is currently living. I would love to revisit this place. The outdoor activities are amazing. From fishing and boating to hiking the North Coast trail or Cape Scott National park there is plenty to explore, perhaps next year...
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| My Swiss boy has been converted! |
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| Even after 3500 km Dahlia was still smiling. |
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| Three nights in Crawford Bay. |
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| Hey yogis, do you think he has potential?? |
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| Vancouver public art |
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| Sunset near Crawford Bay, BC. |
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| Enjoying the drive. |
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| Amazing river on the road to Tofino, BC. |
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| Camping at Morton Lake just outside Campbell River, BC. |
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| He jumped so high he went right over the sun! |
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| On our way from Golden to Invermere. |
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Margo & Reto on Highway 93
Following a great visit with my brother and his girlfriend it was time to head back to Calgary. We took the North route. Two hours outside Vancouver the weather started to change. The temperature dropped and we knew it was home time. We spent a restful night in Golden before visiting several friends in Invermere and Canmore the next day. Thankfully we arrived back in Calgary just in time to wish my friend Rod a Bon Voyage before he left and throw snowballs at each other (on Oct 1st!!)
What a great trip! Ontario, here we come.
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