So, I began my thoughts and writing preparation in a linear/ chronological manner, but that's not really me. Aside from exploring the things that I saw today, the chronology doesn't mean a lot. It's important for trip planning, but maybe that's why I don’t enjoy planning. Reflecting on that, it's perhaps incongruous with my communication style? I find a fragmented thought process frustratingly difficult to follow.
My first post was going to be something of a question to you- How do you plan for a long roadtrip or vacation? Welp, now I feel the need to summarize some of the experiences of the first week on the road.
Last Monday, 9/1, we got up early, had some breakfast and coffee and hit the road, by lunch time we made it thru Seattle traffic- hahaha I won't do that to you :), and it would take a week to describe a week!
Monday we had some trepidation of our Harvest Host stay in northern Washington. We've only stayed at one Harvest Host thus far and it's still a bit unknown. How long will it take to get there- will the infamous Seattle traffic mess us up? Will we be able to find it? Will they have a shop? How will we decide how much to spend? Will it be worth it? ohmygoodness, so much worrying, but that's how we deal with new experiences I guess.
Just a side note about Harvest host. Our preference is camping. I love wild camping, where there is no-one around. It's not always super close to a trailhead, or lake, or river, but that's ok with me. Susan has introduced me to the joys and benefits of campgrounds where you actually know where you are going to spend the night ahead of time, likely near a lake, river, trail or great feature. Planning for this trip it was difficult to find places to camp that were available, so we looked into the site "Harvest Host" (and Boondockers Welcome) where we can request a campstay at a winery, brewery, or other business in exchange for buying something from the business. So free, but not free. There are quite a few along the way that we are trying out, and we have just great experiences so far.
So the first week out, everything went awesome! Except almost losing Ginger down a cliff to glacial waters below, and that minor explosion in the kitchen. It's a wonder Susan and Ginger still travel with me:). Two lessons learned, and many great hikes in the Revelstoke/ Lake Louise/ Banff/ Jasper/ Yoho National Parks. It's super awesome that the Parks Canada allow dogs on the trails, though we've seen just a few. It's a bit more problematic when there's a shuttle bus involved.
Canoes for rent on Moraine Lake
Ginger showing off in the red chairs
Ginger apparently likes the red chairs of Parks Canada!
This is the casualty of my propane flash- I’ve since fixed the venting of the space for the propane bottle.
Somehow this was inserted out of order- Lesson #2 learned- ensure the propane is properly vented!
Not where Ginger nearly went over, but a good example of the awesome terrain!
So, when Ginger and I approached the railing to overlook the river canyon, all she could see was the concrete railing. (genius) thinking that she may want to look over the edge, i encouraged her to put her front paws on the railing. All trusting, she jumped up with all fours onto the non-existant ledge, so I had to pull her back to safety. Ok, not the best move, lesson # 1 learned!
There were some great mushrooms on the trails!
this fungus looked like cauliflower
Cool mushrooms and fungus, this one looked like a brain- or cauliflower!
Moraine Lake near Lake Louise
Mountains/ glacier views.
How can two dimensions feel so inadequate!? The Columbia icefield.
Like the weather, there's not a lot to do with smoky skies- at least photographically. The mountains and Glaciers are beyond words impressive, and this week beyond photos too. I try to adjust my images to something up close and without the sky, but as impressive as fungus are, it's not a substitute for the grand vistas of mountains and hanging glaciers.
Ginger in the creek
Sometimes the best part of the hike is cooling your paws in the stream!