The Blog

At the start of out North American trip this year I had intended to write a regular blog of our adventures. Unfortunately my regularity has not been able to keep up with our adventures!

It’s not that we’re not seeing a lot nor enjoying the trip. Actually the converse is true. We’re seeing some amazing things! We’re catching up with friends from other times and meeting new friends that we hope we’ll see many more times! To tell the honest truth we are having a GREAT TIME!!!

During the five weeks we’ve been on the mainland we’ve crossed the Rocky Mountains five times. Visited the Joshua Tree National Park, Grand Canyon NP, Brice Canyon NP, Redwood Forest NP, Craters of the Moon NP, Grand Teton NP, Yellowstone NP, Waterton/ Glacier NP, Mount Rushmore NP, Badlands NP. We’ve travelled the length of the Oregon coast, the northern shore of Lake Superior (we’ve now circumnavigated it) and we’ve travelled through many more State and Provincial Parks!

Along the way we’ve driven 14,548 kilometres (9,039.9 miles) and visited 13 States and 3 Provinces of the United States and Canada and we’ve still got to get back to Los Angeles and our flight home. It’s fortunate Julie loves driving!!

Have we rushed these? Maybe, but have we absorbed the majesty of these wonderful places and will take that feeling back with us when we return to Narooma? Will we return and take more time to look more closely, my heart says yes but reality says it’s probably not likely!

Again the real highlight has been the people that we’ve met. They have been kind, humorous and warm in so many ways. And they are the real reason why we travel.  

I’m sitting writing this at the “Red Camp” on Manitoulin Island watching a sailboat slowly cruise along the eastern end of Georgian Bay toward it’s junction with Lake Huron. I’m feeling the warmth of the sun and hearing a variety of birds calling and also hearing, just now at 8.30 a.m, the first sound of motorised transport. Last night we shared a great meal and lots of varied, wonderful conversation with good friends. Is life good? I’ll leave you to answer that question?

Will the blog be more regular? Who knows but we’ll keep trying to have fun!

The Apple Capital of the WORLD!

Georgia Straight was a highlight, as it has been every time we’ve made the voyage and we even spotted "our" Caboose as we exited Active Pass. Memories!

Following the road signs to the border was our only option as the 2010 Winter Olympics had conspired with the BC Government to build numerous roads that were new to Mrs G. Maybe we should learn how to update our GPS.

We found it towards the border and were given two choices 50 minute delay at the Peace Arch crossing (we could see the queue) or 30 minutes at the Pacific crossing. We chose the latter and even though the lines seemed shorter the advertised wait was correct. There was even a guy selling ice creams and water from a little cart between the lanes. Not sure whether it’s just us but it seems as if when we get into a line each of the other lines seems to move much quicker.

Now when we got to be the next car in the queue the youngish, i.e. late 20’s officer, looked severe, unyielding and almost frightening. Were we going to be sent to have our car and personal credentials checked? Would our wait be even longer? As it happens our fears were totally unfounded and after a few questions we were on our way…

Hunger pangs were on the rise and we sought out a Timmy’s (Tim Horton’s) for a soup and chilli but no it didn’t seem as though Timmy had crossed the border so I guess we’ll have to wait until we get to the Soo (Sault Ste Marie ON) in 3 weeks. We did find a seemingly ever present Subway and our fast food desires were quenched!!

Driving east toward the mountains we were surprised by the constant traffic, however it was Sunday and it had been a summer weekend. As we rose higher and higher the curves got steeper and the views more and more breathtaking. We were further astounded when we reached Bavarian style Leavenworth. I guess it was working for the town’s economy!

Extensive road works along with an hour lost due to time zones helped to give us a late arrival The well appointed West Wenatchee Travelodge, a nearby grocery store and another tasty hotel room dinner satisfied our hunger and our relaxation was assured when we collapsed into bed and were asleep by midnight!!

Our positive thoughts about the West Wenatchee Travelodge were confirmed following a great sleep, the next morning when we availed ourselves of a very pleasant breakfast followed by a swim in a pristine pool and I even got to do some "walking" this is a very good motel!!!

Waffles in the making

Biscuits and Gravy - an American tradition.

The Educator needed to get some photocopying done so we started our day at the Office Depot. Tempting our taste buds was far more interesting and the stop at B & B Fruit Stand where we tasted and bought Ginger Globe, Golden Crop, Summer Sunrise apples satisfied those urges. All scrumptious! After all we did buy them from the “Apple Capital of the World”!!!

Amazing flower pots are a feature of the summer.

"Goin' to the Cottage and They're Gonna Get Married"

Weddings are part of the reason for this journey and with one marriage achieved on Maui it was off to another island paradise for nuptials number two! This time the wedding was to take place at Shawnigan Lake on Vancouver Island, British Columbia, Canada.

Got onto the road after our pleasant breakfast/ brunch and we were surprised at the short distance the Educator had to drive. Only 45 minutes including 10 minutes of getting lost time but Mrs G got us there in the end. It was great to return to Shawnigan

Preparations were in full swing on our arrival and we both enjoyed feeling very much a part of the wedding. Cathy & Ken are two of the nicest, most welcoming people we know and it was so good to see them and be able to assist in the preparation for their big day. Much of the rest of the afternoon was spent in preparation for the wedding and we were even included as the crowd at the wedding rehearsal.

Although people are travelling from many places I think we took the prize for the greatest distance although there was one other Aussie (a former Exchange Teacher from Brisbane). But the other long distance travellers were Ken’s cousin John & his wife Gretoona from Norway.

Hunger brought a close to proceedings and we feasted on a variety of salads and a BBQ. You don’t need too much intelligence to figure out who we were meeting when we were introduced to Ken’s brother John who is just as interesting and entertaining as his brother.

Following the departure of the blushing bride for the evening we were further entertained when Ken produced his guitar and a singalong took place. We slept on the same veranda we’d enjoyed seven years ago overlooking the water through the pine trees. What a great night!

Woke early but refreshed after a very sound sleep and enjoyed a simple but tasty breakfast. All of the girls (except The Educator) left for a bridal breakfast and when Ken went to get fresh ice for the drinks we were left holding the fort. I should say we were the lucky ones enjoying a few hours to fully appreciate just how fortunate we are to have friends like Cathy & Ken! Shawnigan Lake is a special place!

Following the return of the “workforce” all hands were on deck, tables were straightened, chairs positioned, lights hung, decorations placed and the whole area generally preened! All was in readiness for the ceremony and celebrations to follow!

3pm saw the Educator leave to have a drink with the blushing bride and her retinue. The group (minus the bride) returned in an hour, in time to help with the passing out of appetisers to the early guests as they arrived and prepared for the nuptials.

Cathy arrived on a yacht in time for the lovely 5pm ceremony. A potluck dinner, music and fun followed and a great time was had by all! 

It was interesting to note that among the last to retire for the evening were those guests who had travelled the furthest. Obviously Norwegians and Australians like to party!!! Gretoona and John are fun people!

Breakfast of omelette, hashbrowns and sausages washed down by coffee greeted those lucky enough to stay the night. Some of the guests were a little worse for wear but all agreed it had been a great night. Following breakfast the cleanup started which we took part in until we headed off in time for the 1pm BC Ferry back to Tsawwassen!

Like any time we’re with Ken & Cathy we had lots of fun!

From the "Hole" to the Friendly Ghost

Not a lot of writing but a lot to see. Another great day as the scenery continues to astound!!!

Amazing building for the National Museum of Wildlife Art

This river was used to float logs in the 19th Century

Tetons today but glad to have seen them in the sunshine last week.

More Painted Hills of Wyoming

We followed this car for a few miles this morning.And wanted it more and more for each of them!!! 

Some towns just seem to struggle.

Weather closing in?

Yes it is!

The biggest cowboy outfitters in Wyoming.

Parked beside us at the motel in Casper - could we swap please?