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After a 9-hour flight I touched down in Toronto at 1:30 in the afternoon. I've booked a hotel for two days that should give me enough time to pick up Winston, get him through customs and set myself up for the trip ahead.
Winston is due in the country at 9:30pm today.
Day 269 Thursday 28th May 2015
I checked the Air Canada cargo tracking site and Winston had arrived last night. It feels good knowing all has gone to plan. I caught the hotel shuttle to the airport which is free then got a taxi to the cargo terminal. The guys at Air Canada were really easy to deal with and they were a great help in directing me to customs which is a 5-minute walk around the corner.
When I arrived at customs all I had to do was give them my carnet. I had a good chat with the customs guys as they were bikers and they gave me some places to visit. They then stamped my carnet and I was back off to pick the bike up from Air Canada cargo. It had flown in on an airfreight skid secured to pallets.
We unscrewed the timber off the pallets, rolled Winston off the skid and all I had to do was connect the battery put my gear on and be on my way.
I spent the evening siliconing the split in one of my panniers and patching up a hole in my Wolfman roll bag.
My Spot tracker Ram mount snapped off today so that’s another thing broken.
Day 270 Friday 29th May 2015
I spent the day getting camping supplies food and then headed off to a Camping ground 5 km away and set up camp for the night.
Day 271 Saturday 30th May 2015
I packed up camp and headed in to Toronto to have a look around. Lots of glass apartments and modern buildings in the city centre. I rode up to the CN tower and had a look. I then headed towards Niagara Falls on good highways.
In Thailand I met a woman while at the Myanmar Embassy who was back packing around southeast Asia on her own. The remarkable thing is she is 65 and has more energy than people half her age. The Embassy turned out to be closed due to a national holiday. We spent the day together having a good chat about our travels. We randomly met again the next day at the Myanmar embassy, and later at the Burma border and later again on a Burmese road where the traffic had stopped because the road was being repaired. Helena runs a B and B in Niagara Falls and said that she would put me up free of charge when I arrive in Niagara. I don’t have a Canadian sim card so I couldn’t call Helena to let her know I was in town. So, on the off chance she would be in I made my way to her B and B called the Lions Head.
When I arrived, she was there and it was nice to see her in her home surroundings.
Helena’s B and B is a short walk to the falls so I spent the afternoon there. I got a boat to the falls and we were all given rain jackets for the trip. It’s just as well as it was like being in a shower when we approached the falls. It was refreshing as it was over 30 degrees Celsius.
Niagara Falls and the river are right on the border of Canada and the USA. There are boat trips to the falls from the US as well as Canada. All the passengers on the American boats wear blue rain jackets while the Canadian wear Red. Very patriotic.
Winston is due in the country at 9:30pm today.
Day 269 Thursday 28th May 2015
I checked the Air Canada cargo tracking site and Winston had arrived last night. It feels good knowing all has gone to plan. I caught the hotel shuttle to the airport which is free then got a taxi to the cargo terminal. The guys at Air Canada were really easy to deal with and they were a great help in directing me to customs which is a 5-minute walk around the corner.
When I arrived at customs all I had to do was give them my carnet. I had a good chat with the customs guys as they were bikers and they gave me some places to visit. They then stamped my carnet and I was back off to pick the bike up from Air Canada cargo. It had flown in on an airfreight skid secured to pallets.
We unscrewed the timber off the pallets, rolled Winston off the skid and all I had to do was connect the battery put my gear on and be on my way.
I spent the evening siliconing the split in one of my panniers and patching up a hole in my Wolfman roll bag.
My Spot tracker Ram mount snapped off today so that’s another thing broken.
Day 270 Friday 29th May 2015
I spent the day getting camping supplies food and then headed off to a Camping ground 5 km away and set up camp for the night.
Day 271 Saturday 30th May 2015
I packed up camp and headed in to Toronto to have a look around. Lots of glass apartments and modern buildings in the city centre. I rode up to the CN tower and had a look. I then headed towards Niagara Falls on good highways.
In Thailand I met a woman while at the Myanmar Embassy who was back packing around southeast Asia on her own. The remarkable thing is she is 65 and has more energy than people half her age. The Embassy turned out to be closed due to a national holiday. We spent the day together having a good chat about our travels. We randomly met again the next day at the Myanmar embassy, and later at the Burma border and later again on a Burmese road where the traffic had stopped because the road was being repaired. Helena runs a B and B in Niagara Falls and said that she would put me up free of charge when I arrive in Niagara. I don’t have a Canadian sim card so I couldn’t call Helena to let her know I was in town. So, on the off chance she would be in I made my way to her B and B called the Lions Head.
When I arrived, she was there and it was nice to see her in her home surroundings.
Helena’s B and B is a short walk to the falls so I spent the afternoon there. I got a boat to the falls and we were all given rain jackets for the trip. It’s just as well as it was like being in a shower when we approached the falls. It was refreshing as it was over 30 degrees Celsius.
Niagara Falls and the river are right on the border of Canada and the USA. There are boat trips to the falls from the US as well as Canada. All the passengers on the American boats wear blue rain jackets while the Canadian wear Red. Very patriotic.
Back camping and living in the outdoors again.
The CN Tower in downtown Toronto.
The Niagara Falls are known as The American Falls (left), Bridal Falls (to the right) and the Horseshoe Falls (far right.)
The bridge from Canada (left) to the USA.
American Falls (left) , Bridal Falls (right).
Horseshoe falls.
The American boat with the passengers sporting the blue raincoats.
A close up of the Horseshoe Falls.
The Lions Head Bed and Breakfast.
Day 273 Sunday 31st May 2015
It was a cloudy, cold and wet day so I spent the day planning my USA route with help from Helana. I finally updated my blog and am now up to date.
Day 274 Monday 1st June 2015
Helana was good enough to let me stay one more night. The bed was so comfortable I could have stayed in it all day.
It was time to get back on the road again. Looking out the window it was overcast, drizzly and cold. I felt like a cat being put out at night. I Thanked Helena for her great generosity. Helena made a couple of alterations to my ride the world sticker. It now says Steve rides the world.
It was a cloudy, cold and wet day so I spent the day planning my USA route with help from Helana. I finally updated my blog and am now up to date.
Day 274 Monday 1st June 2015
Helana was good enough to let me stay one more night. The bed was so comfortable I could have stayed in it all day.
It was time to get back on the road again. Looking out the window it was overcast, drizzly and cold. I felt like a cat being put out at night. I Thanked Helena for her great generosity. Helena made a couple of alterations to my ride the world sticker. It now says Steve rides the world.
Helana updating my ride the world sticker.
I headed off towards the good old USA. All I had to do was cross the bridge into the USA from Niagara; at least that’s what I thought. I rode across the bridge and I arrived at the USA border. I needed to get my carnet for the bike stamped out of Canada so I had to return via the USA with some paperwork to allow me back into Canada. The immigration woman at the Canadian border was helpful and told me to follow the river road about 10 miles and cross at the bridge there.
Before I left Canadian customs, I put my wet weather gear on. It was just as well, as the rain started falling heavily.
When I arrived at the next bridge I went to customs and got my carnet stamped. The guy had never done one before so I explained what he needed to do and one of his co-workers came over to help him out as well.
Before I left Canadian customs, I put my wet weather gear on. It was just as well, as the rain started falling heavily.
When I arrived at the next bridge I went to customs and got my carnet stamped. The guy had never done one before so I explained what he needed to do and one of his co-workers came over to help him out as well.
GO TO USA POST FOR PREVIOUS DAYS
From the park I headed towards Waterton National Park in Canada. There was a bit of a queue at customs. I had to show the customs guy how to fill in my carnet.
What is it with the customs and Immigration guys in the US and Canada, they all seem to have a lack of approachability and humour. The Indian guys just over the border from Burma were able to do it with a joke and a smile and they were in a warzone.
Waterton has a famous hotel called the Prince of Whales which has a great view of the lake and mountains. I decided to have a late lunch / dinner and admire the view from my table.
After I had fuelled myself, I fuelled Winston and we set off to make our way to Banff. We stopped the night at Pincher.
Day 313 Friday 10th July 2015.
It was C$8.50 to enter the Banff National Park. If yesterday's ride had some of the best views I’d seen on this trip, then today outshone that. The Canadian Rockies are spectacular in particular the Icefields Parkway. The Columbia Icefield is 200km2 and is one of the largest masses of glacial ice outside of the Arctic Circle.
When the glacial ice melts it runs down the rivers and into lakes. The colour of the glacial water is stunning. It looks like it’s been photo shopped.
The road was busy with tourists so I would imagine in the main holidays it would be chaos.
From the park I headed towards Waterton National Park in Canada. There was a bit of a queue at customs. I had to show the customs guy how to fill in my carnet.
What is it with the customs and Immigration guys in the US and Canada, they all seem to have a lack of approachability and humour. The Indian guys just over the border from Burma were able to do it with a joke and a smile and they were in a warzone.
Waterton has a famous hotel called the Prince of Whales which has a great view of the lake and mountains. I decided to have a late lunch / dinner and admire the view from my table.
After I had fuelled myself, I fuelled Winston and we set off to make our way to Banff. We stopped the night at Pincher.
Day 313 Friday 10th July 2015.
It was C$8.50 to enter the Banff National Park. If yesterday's ride had some of the best views I’d seen on this trip, then today outshone that. The Canadian Rockies are spectacular in particular the Icefields Parkway. The Columbia Icefield is 200km2 and is one of the largest masses of glacial ice outside of the Arctic Circle.
When the glacial ice melts it runs down the rivers and into lakes. The colour of the glacial water is stunning. It looks like it’s been photo shopped.
The road was busy with tourists so I would imagine in the main holidays it would be chaos.
The Waterton Planes just after you get into Canada.
The Prince of Whales Hotel.
Not a bad lunchtime view.
The view from the lakeside end of the Prince of Whales Hotel.
On the way to Banff I went through Sparwood which has the worlds largest truck.
Try breaking the bead on these tyres!
Icefield Parkway.
Day 314 Saturday 11th July 2015
I was on the road early making my way to Jasper. The traffic was light and the sun was low casting shadows across the road from the mountains. I thought, this is a great way to start the day.
I was on the road early making my way to Jasper. The traffic was light and the sun was low casting shadows across the road from the mountains. I thought, this is a great way to start the day.
I arrived in Jasper, the place was nice and catered for all the tourists needs. I met a guy on a KTM 690 and had a bit of a chat before I headed off to make my way further north.
I stopped in at the visitor centre in Grand Prairie. This visitor centre was the best I’ve been to. The service from the staff was second to none. I ended up doing a survey with a retired woman called Lois. We ended up chatting for an hour or more. It’s nice to have a good conversation now and then.
I headed for a campground just outside Grand Prairie.
I set up camp and decided I would light a fire in the pit provided. Just as I had lit the fire a guy called Glen came across from his site and gave me some pine branches. They were bone dry so when I put these on my meagre flames it went up like petrol.
Glen invited me over for a beer and I met his wife, Noreen. We chatted for a while and Noreen brought out the cheese and crackers.
They invited me for bacon and eggs tomorrow for breakfast.
I headed back to my camp as the storm rolled in with the lightening lighting up the night sky.
Day 315 Sunday 12th July2015
Glen cooked up a great breakfast of bacon and eggs and it was washed down with a cup of coffee.
I had packed up camp before heading over so after breakfast we said our goodbyes and I headed off towards the Alaskan highway. Dawson Creek is the start. This will take me all the way to Alaska. When I looked at my GPS it said the next turn was in 3000km.
The weather grew colder as the day went on and the rain came in. I had to pull over and put my wet weather gear on. The grey clouds were so low I felt I could almost touch them.
It’s been unseasonably hot in Canada and there are many forest fires. The road I was on today had been closed for this reason. I rode past the smouldering trunks of trees. The rain had done a good job of dousing the flames.
I arrived in Fort Nelson and as the rain had stopped, I found a campground and pitched the tent. It looked like going further would take me back into the bad weather.
Day 316 Monday 13th July 2015
At the camp this morning I met two bikers riding BMW GS800 Adventure bikes. They were a guy and his girlfriend and they are heading to Prudhoe Bay. We decided to ride with each other as far as Watson Lake. They will be getting tyres in Fairbanks so we may meet up later.
Today’s ride was far more scenic than yesterdays and there were lots and lots of corners.
We stopped by one of the lakes and took in the beauty as the mountains reflected in the crystal-clear blue lake.
I stopped in at the visitor centre in Grand Prairie. This visitor centre was the best I’ve been to. The service from the staff was second to none. I ended up doing a survey with a retired woman called Lois. We ended up chatting for an hour or more. It’s nice to have a good conversation now and then.
I headed for a campground just outside Grand Prairie.
I set up camp and decided I would light a fire in the pit provided. Just as I had lit the fire a guy called Glen came across from his site and gave me some pine branches. They were bone dry so when I put these on my meagre flames it went up like petrol.
Glen invited me over for a beer and I met his wife, Noreen. We chatted for a while and Noreen brought out the cheese and crackers.
They invited me for bacon and eggs tomorrow for breakfast.
I headed back to my camp as the storm rolled in with the lightening lighting up the night sky.
Day 315 Sunday 12th July2015
Glen cooked up a great breakfast of bacon and eggs and it was washed down with a cup of coffee.
I had packed up camp before heading over so after breakfast we said our goodbyes and I headed off towards the Alaskan highway. Dawson Creek is the start. This will take me all the way to Alaska. When I looked at my GPS it said the next turn was in 3000km.
The weather grew colder as the day went on and the rain came in. I had to pull over and put my wet weather gear on. The grey clouds were so low I felt I could almost touch them.
It’s been unseasonably hot in Canada and there are many forest fires. The road I was on today had been closed for this reason. I rode past the smouldering trunks of trees. The rain had done a good job of dousing the flames.
I arrived in Fort Nelson and as the rain had stopped, I found a campground and pitched the tent. It looked like going further would take me back into the bad weather.
Day 316 Monday 13th July 2015
At the camp this morning I met two bikers riding BMW GS800 Adventure bikes. They were a guy and his girlfriend and they are heading to Prudhoe Bay. We decided to ride with each other as far as Watson Lake. They will be getting tyres in Fairbanks so we may meet up later.
Today’s ride was far more scenic than yesterdays and there were lots and lots of corners.
We stopped by one of the lakes and took in the beauty as the mountains reflected in the crystal-clear blue lake.
We went across the border from British Columbia to Yukon. We had to get the picture of the sign. It seems every biker that goes to the Yukon gets this picture.
It was a good day today for spotting wild life. I saw my first Black Bear, first Buffalo and some of those guys were big, Caribou and a moose as well as mountain goats.
It was a good day today for spotting wild life. I saw my first Black Bear, first Buffalo and some of those guys were big, Caribou and a moose as well as mountain goats.
Day 317 Tuesday 14th July 2015
A early start as someone's car alarm went off at 3:30am and its light by 4:30 so I was on the road by 6:30am
It was an unspectacular days riding today. It was very cold this morning and no different scenery to speak of.
I clocked up 650 km and passed through Whitehorse which is the capital of Yukon. I finished the day at Carmack by the river. I watched the squirrels run around like mad things chirping out all sorts of commands to each other.
Day 318 Wednesday 15th July 2015
I headed towards Chicken via Dawson along the Top of the world Highway
Dawson is a quaint mining town with real character. To get across the river you take a free ferry boat and then head up through the hills on to the Top of the world highway. Large sections of the highway are gravel and it’s a nice twisting ride through to the Canadian / American border. The border immigration and customs are housed in a small building. No problem getting through except the USA customs wanted to have a look through my panniers. When I went to the Canadian customs to get my carnet stamped out, I was faced with a not too happy looking female Canadian customs officer. She had not seen a NZ carnet before and was asking her offsider some questions. I offered some advice and she went off on a high-pitched emotional rant. What is it with these people? Is it a mandatory requirement for the job to have had a personality by pass or is it that these people have a low self-esteem and need some type of authority to make them feel better about who they are? She in the end stamped the carnet where I had mentioned and I was off and on my way.
A early start as someone's car alarm went off at 3:30am and its light by 4:30 so I was on the road by 6:30am
It was an unspectacular days riding today. It was very cold this morning and no different scenery to speak of.
I clocked up 650 km and passed through Whitehorse which is the capital of Yukon. I finished the day at Carmack by the river. I watched the squirrels run around like mad things chirping out all sorts of commands to each other.
Day 318 Wednesday 15th July 2015
I headed towards Chicken via Dawson along the Top of the world Highway
Dawson is a quaint mining town with real character. To get across the river you take a free ferry boat and then head up through the hills on to the Top of the world highway. Large sections of the highway are gravel and it’s a nice twisting ride through to the Canadian / American border. The border immigration and customs are housed in a small building. No problem getting through except the USA customs wanted to have a look through my panniers. When I went to the Canadian customs to get my carnet stamped out, I was faced with a not too happy looking female Canadian customs officer. She had not seen a NZ carnet before and was asking her offsider some questions. I offered some advice and she went off on a high-pitched emotional rant. What is it with these people? Is it a mandatory requirement for the job to have had a personality by pass or is it that these people have a low self-esteem and need some type of authority to make them feel better about who they are? She in the end stamped the carnet where I had mentioned and I was off and on my way.
Lots of signs. Does anyone know which way to go?
The bridge to the village of Teslin.
The ferry from Dawson.
The start of the Top of the World Highway. There are so many wild flowers that fill the air with a perfumed scent.
GO TO USA - PART TWO POST, DAY 319
FROM USA-PART2, DAY 330
Day 330 Monday 27th July 2015
I arrived at the Canadian Immigration and Customs and to my surprise they were extremely polite, professional and friendly a stark contrast to the ones at the top of the world Highway. I pulled into a campground near Lake Kluane Lake. It was a government one and only $12. When I got inside there was a notice that said strictly no tent camping. There are lots of Berries on the plants here and the bears love them. It sounds like they also like tent campers so I moved on until I found another camp which was 7km further down the road. Apparently, there are no seeds here and so no bears.
I bumped into a guy and his wife who are travelling in an RV who I had met earlier in my trip. They are Terry and Linda and are from California. Terry introduced me to a Kiwi cyclist called Carl and we had a few beers in Terry’s RV.
Carl and I were invited to the RV for breakfast at 9am tomorrow.
FROM USA-PART2, DAY 330
Day 330 Monday 27th July 2015
I arrived at the Canadian Immigration and Customs and to my surprise they were extremely polite, professional and friendly a stark contrast to the ones at the top of the world Highway. I pulled into a campground near Lake Kluane Lake. It was a government one and only $12. When I got inside there was a notice that said strictly no tent camping. There are lots of Berries on the plants here and the bears love them. It sounds like they also like tent campers so I moved on until I found another camp which was 7km further down the road. Apparently, there are no seeds here and so no bears.
I bumped into a guy and his wife who are travelling in an RV who I had met earlier in my trip. They are Terry and Linda and are from California. Terry introduced me to a Kiwi cyclist called Carl and we had a few beers in Terry’s RV.
Carl and I were invited to the RV for breakfast at 9am tomorrow.
(Above and below) Just missing the rain as I enter the Yukon from Alaska.
Kluane Lake.
My tent hidden from the wind by the lake.
The Fire Weed which grows everywhere in Alaska and Canada. I'm no plant expert but it looks like a flower to me.
Day 331 Tuesday 28th July 2015
I strolled over to Terry’s for bacon, eggs and a coffee. When I got there, I wondered where Carl was. Terry asked me what the time was so I told him 9:03am. He laughed and said it was 10:03am you did adjust for Canadian time. Carl had already been and eaten so I ended up eating on my own and have a good old natter to mid-day.
I headed off to Whitehorse, got some food supplies and brought a sim card. Canada is the most expensive place I have been for phone and data. 1GB data and 100 minutes call time was C
$65 for a month. Compare that to the UK where I had unlimited data, 300 minutes talk time and 3000 texts for19.95 pounds.
Day 332 Wednesday 29th July 2015
I got away late today. There was a nip in the air and I was feeling a bit tired after being up late talking to my neighbours.
I Headed East through to Teslin and then on to the Cassier Highway which heads south.
I was lucky today; the roads skirted me around the hills where the rain was falling heavily. It looked like I was following the rain as the roads were soaked and there were lots of tell-tale puddles indicating it had rained heavily.
I pulled into a government campground near Boya Lake. It was a pretty place. I tried to get a spot by the lake, they were all taken. The next best place was next to the drinking water so I got that one.
I strolled over to Terry’s for bacon, eggs and a coffee. When I got there, I wondered where Carl was. Terry asked me what the time was so I told him 9:03am. He laughed and said it was 10:03am you did adjust for Canadian time. Carl had already been and eaten so I ended up eating on my own and have a good old natter to mid-day.
I headed off to Whitehorse, got some food supplies and brought a sim card. Canada is the most expensive place I have been for phone and data. 1GB data and 100 minutes call time was C
$65 for a month. Compare that to the UK where I had unlimited data, 300 minutes talk time and 3000 texts for19.95 pounds.
Day 332 Wednesday 29th July 2015
I got away late today. There was a nip in the air and I was feeling a bit tired after being up late talking to my neighbours.
I Headed East through to Teslin and then on to the Cassier Highway which heads south.
I was lucky today; the roads skirted me around the hills where the rain was falling heavily. It looked like I was following the rain as the roads were soaked and there were lots of tell-tale puddles indicating it had rained heavily.
I pulled into a government campground near Boya Lake. It was a pretty place. I tried to get a spot by the lake, they were all taken. The next best place was next to the drinking water so I got that one.
Looking skyward from my tent.
Day 333 Thursday30th July 2015
I left Boya Lake and headed towards Stewart in the south. The day was overcast and the signs of rain were ominous.
I met an American guy from Idaho that was on a two-week ride to Alaska and back. He was riding a BMW GS1200. We decided to ride together for some of the way.
As we approached the hills the rain started, making the roads slippery. The roads crack because of the snow and ice in the winter so they fill the cracks with what looks like tar. This gets slippery in the wet if you hit them at speed and an angle. I actually found this to be worse in the heat because the tar melts and it’s like hitting ice.
My riding buddy and I parted at intersection 37/37a and I rode to Stewart. By this time, it was raining heavily so I found a campground and pitched my tent in the rain. It continued to rain all night.
Day 334 Friday 31st July 2015
I waited for the rain to stop. The campground had large pools of water strewn across the ground, as the rain hit them, they created bubbles. This was the gauge for how heavy the rain was. I stared in to the puddles like a clairvoyant stare's into her crystal ball waiting to see the future. The puddles told me the rain was here for the day. I had no choice but to pack up in the pouring rain.
I headed towards Hyder where the Salmon Glacier resides.
At the petrol station I met a very chatty Canadian who had rented a Harley, he had previously been up to the Glacier and was going again. We decided to ride together. We had to leave Canada and then go into Alaska before going back into Canada.
The Glacier was really cool, pun intended. The Canadian guy told me it was the largest Glacier outside of the Arctic Circle. The road up was gravel and there were plenty of pot holes. I thought the guy on the Harley made a good job of it getting through on a cruiser particularly as the rain was coming down in buckets. On a nice day this would have been a spectacular view. It’s the best glacier I’ve seen.
I headed towards Kitwanga which is where I stayed the night. On the way I passed a mother black bear and her cub right on the side of the road. I must have been no more than 2 metres away from them. They were all wet and the cub looked so cute.
As I approached Kitwanga there were pockets of blue sky approaching. I found a campground and pitched my sopping wet tent then went over to the laundry to wash and dry out my sopping wet gear
I left Boya Lake and headed towards Stewart in the south. The day was overcast and the signs of rain were ominous.
I met an American guy from Idaho that was on a two-week ride to Alaska and back. He was riding a BMW GS1200. We decided to ride together for some of the way.
As we approached the hills the rain started, making the roads slippery. The roads crack because of the snow and ice in the winter so they fill the cracks with what looks like tar. This gets slippery in the wet if you hit them at speed and an angle. I actually found this to be worse in the heat because the tar melts and it’s like hitting ice.
My riding buddy and I parted at intersection 37/37a and I rode to Stewart. By this time, it was raining heavily so I found a campground and pitched my tent in the rain. It continued to rain all night.
Day 334 Friday 31st July 2015
I waited for the rain to stop. The campground had large pools of water strewn across the ground, as the rain hit them, they created bubbles. This was the gauge for how heavy the rain was. I stared in to the puddles like a clairvoyant stare's into her crystal ball waiting to see the future. The puddles told me the rain was here for the day. I had no choice but to pack up in the pouring rain.
I headed towards Hyder where the Salmon Glacier resides.
At the petrol station I met a very chatty Canadian who had rented a Harley, he had previously been up to the Glacier and was going again. We decided to ride together. We had to leave Canada and then go into Alaska before going back into Canada.
The Glacier was really cool, pun intended. The Canadian guy told me it was the largest Glacier outside of the Arctic Circle. The road up was gravel and there were plenty of pot holes. I thought the guy on the Harley made a good job of it getting through on a cruiser particularly as the rain was coming down in buckets. On a nice day this would have been a spectacular view. It’s the best glacier I’ve seen.
I headed towards Kitwanga which is where I stayed the night. On the way I passed a mother black bear and her cub right on the side of the road. I must have been no more than 2 metres away from them. They were all wet and the cub looked so cute.
As I approached Kitwanga there were pockets of blue sky approaching. I found a campground and pitched my sopping wet tent then went over to the laundry to wash and dry out my sopping wet gear
Just about to pack up.
Salmon Glacier. It would be stunning in fine weather with a blue sky backdrop.
A misty wet day.
Day 335 Saturday 1st August 2015
The sun was trying to break through the cloud and there were signs of blue sky. This looked promising.
It rained again last night so there was still water on the tent. I cooked breakfast and by the time I’d chomped that down and washed up the tent was dry and ready to be packed up.
After the last few days of rain and cold it was nice to ride in the brightness of the day and feel the warmer air passing over me as I rode along the highway.
I rode past two more black bears this morning wandering in the long grass by the side of the road.
I have seen more wild life in British Columbia (BC) than almost anywhere else. I think BC actually stands for Bear Country.
I felt in a bit of a laid-back mood today so decided to pull up in one of the rest stops by the side of the road.
There was no one there and it was right by the side of the lake. I thought to myself this is the perfect spot to sit at the picnic table, drink a flask of coffee and eat a protein bar while I watch the stillness and beauty of the lake, when I’m done ill visit the little out house and be set to carry on my merry way.
I had no longer sat down and poured my coffee when the tranquillity and silence started to fade. I could hear a train approaching. It got closer and closer until my view was gone. The train was metres away from my picnic table and it was the longest train I had ever seen. I counted 186 carriages each one of them had two fourty foot containers stocked on top of each other. So much for the relaxed break. I decided I would pack up and go to the little out house. When I turned around an tour bus had turned up and there were old age pensioners hobbling along, some with Zimmer frames all battling to get to the outhouse. All fourty plus of them were lined up for the use of this one toilet. Timing is everything and today my timing was off.
I ended the day at Vanderhoof which is the geographic capital of British Columbia.
Day 336 Sunday 2nd August 2015
I went to the ancient forest. It’s a special place because its way inland and most rainforests are near the coast. The rain forest is fed from the snow melt. There are 2000-year-old cedars and I’s an untouched and unspoilt example of what a Cedar rainforest would look like if man had left them alone.
The sun was trying to break through the cloud and there were signs of blue sky. This looked promising.
It rained again last night so there was still water on the tent. I cooked breakfast and by the time I’d chomped that down and washed up the tent was dry and ready to be packed up.
After the last few days of rain and cold it was nice to ride in the brightness of the day and feel the warmer air passing over me as I rode along the highway.
I rode past two more black bears this morning wandering in the long grass by the side of the road.
I have seen more wild life in British Columbia (BC) than almost anywhere else. I think BC actually stands for Bear Country.
I felt in a bit of a laid-back mood today so decided to pull up in one of the rest stops by the side of the road.
There was no one there and it was right by the side of the lake. I thought to myself this is the perfect spot to sit at the picnic table, drink a flask of coffee and eat a protein bar while I watch the stillness and beauty of the lake, when I’m done ill visit the little out house and be set to carry on my merry way.
I had no longer sat down and poured my coffee when the tranquillity and silence started to fade. I could hear a train approaching. It got closer and closer until my view was gone. The train was metres away from my picnic table and it was the longest train I had ever seen. I counted 186 carriages each one of them had two fourty foot containers stocked on top of each other. So much for the relaxed break. I decided I would pack up and go to the little out house. When I turned around an tour bus had turned up and there were old age pensioners hobbling along, some with Zimmer frames all battling to get to the outhouse. All fourty plus of them were lined up for the use of this one toilet. Timing is everything and today my timing was off.
I ended the day at Vanderhoof which is the geographic capital of British Columbia.
Day 336 Sunday 2nd August 2015
I went to the ancient forest. It’s a special place because its way inland and most rainforests are near the coast. The rain forest is fed from the snow melt. There are 2000-year-old cedars and I’s an untouched and unspoilt example of what a Cedar rainforest would look like if man had left them alone.
Some of the Cedar trees in this forest were over 2000 years old. The plants below the Cedars are covered in berry's at certain time of the year and are one of the bears favourite foods.
It must be a prickly business for the bears to remove the berries. I wonder if that's where the expression comes from "like a bear with a sore head"
I pulled into a camp ground near McBride, by a B&B run by an English couple from Surrey. Two couples who had been friends for many years but they now live in different cities were at the camp opposite me. They had met each other half way for a camping holiday. They invited me over for dinner and a few beers. They had Halibut on the BBQ. They showed me a picture of the 50ilb fish we were eating, it was a beauty but it also tasted pretty good.
Day 337 Monday 3rd August 2015
My neighbours invited me over for coffee and eggs on toast, it was very nice of them and it was a very nice breakfast
We chatted the morning away and by the time I had packed up it was almost mid-day. The sky was blue and the sun shone. Today was going to be a hot day.
Indeed, the day got hot and into the 30’s.
This morning I packed away my thermals, took my liner out of my jacket and opened all the vents in my jacket and trousers, aahh back to the good weather. I’m not sad to see the end of the cold and wet.
Day 337 Monday 3rd August 2015
My neighbours invited me over for coffee and eggs on toast, it was very nice of them and it was a very nice breakfast
We chatted the morning away and by the time I had packed up it was almost mid-day. The sky was blue and the sun shone. Today was going to be a hot day.
Indeed, the day got hot and into the 30’s.
This morning I packed away my thermals, took my liner out of my jacket and opened all the vents in my jacket and trousers, aahh back to the good weather. I’m not sad to see the end of the cold and wet.
Day 338 Tuesday 4th August
I left Clearwater and headed down Highway 24 which had many smooth sweeping corners and ran alongside a procession of lakes.
I stopped at the 100 Mile house which is a pub and restaurant. It was warm outside and I just fancied a cold crisp beer and a nice lunch.
When I pulled in I noticed a Harley Davidson in the car park which was packed with overnight gear.
I went into the pub and ordered a beer and lunch and went and sat down at a table by the window. Just across from me was the guy who owned the Harley. We got chatting and he invited himself over to my table. We had a good old chat about him and then about my trip. He asked me if I would like another beer and said it was on him. I said that is very kind and accepted. We ate dinner together and had a pleasant couple of hours before he headed off.
I left the table and went to the bar to pay for my lunch and beer. The lady behind the bar told me the bill had been taken care of by the guy who was sitting at my table. I rushed out the door and was able to catch the guy before he left. I thanked him for his kind gesture and said I would like to reimburse him the cost of the meal and beer. He said he was happy to pay and enjoyed our chat.
I am always humbled by the generosity of total strangers.
I hopped on Winston and headed south. I arrived in Clinton which is an old town full of antique and craft shops. The weather was looking a bit dodgy so I decided to stay at an RV campground. No sooner had I pulled into my allotted spot the neighbours Bert and Jan in an RV next to me invited me across for a couple of beers. I accepted and the first beer went down my dry parched throat like a cooling alexia.
After a few more beers I decided to go and pitch my tent while I still could. Once the tent was up i headed back where Bert and Jan had a few liqueurs waiting. It was an entertaining evening. Burt and Jan are retired and work now and then for a bit of spending money. Bert used to be a professional singer.
I headed back to my tent and had one of the best sleeps I’d had for a long time.
Day 339 Wednesday 5th August 2015
I awoke to rain so decided to stay another day. The rain was in for the day.
Alana is coming to meet me in Vancouver on the 8th August so I have time to kill before she arrives.
I booked my bike in for a service in Vancouver. Its eye wateringly expensive at over C$1000 but I need to make sure Winston’s ship shape for the trip down into the States and South America.
Day 340 Thursday 6th August 2015
It was a leisurely ride south down Highway 1, the gold trail towards Hope. There is really not much to see as far as historic buildings but the countryside goes from pine forests to dessert and back to forested mountains within a couple of hundred kilometres.
I arrived in Hope and pitched my tent next to a river. It was the best view I have had from my tent.
I left Clearwater and headed down Highway 24 which had many smooth sweeping corners and ran alongside a procession of lakes.
I stopped at the 100 Mile house which is a pub and restaurant. It was warm outside and I just fancied a cold crisp beer and a nice lunch.
When I pulled in I noticed a Harley Davidson in the car park which was packed with overnight gear.
I went into the pub and ordered a beer and lunch and went and sat down at a table by the window. Just across from me was the guy who owned the Harley. We got chatting and he invited himself over to my table. We had a good old chat about him and then about my trip. He asked me if I would like another beer and said it was on him. I said that is very kind and accepted. We ate dinner together and had a pleasant couple of hours before he headed off.
I left the table and went to the bar to pay for my lunch and beer. The lady behind the bar told me the bill had been taken care of by the guy who was sitting at my table. I rushed out the door and was able to catch the guy before he left. I thanked him for his kind gesture and said I would like to reimburse him the cost of the meal and beer. He said he was happy to pay and enjoyed our chat.
I am always humbled by the generosity of total strangers.
I hopped on Winston and headed south. I arrived in Clinton which is an old town full of antique and craft shops. The weather was looking a bit dodgy so I decided to stay at an RV campground. No sooner had I pulled into my allotted spot the neighbours Bert and Jan in an RV next to me invited me across for a couple of beers. I accepted and the first beer went down my dry parched throat like a cooling alexia.
After a few more beers I decided to go and pitch my tent while I still could. Once the tent was up i headed back where Bert and Jan had a few liqueurs waiting. It was an entertaining evening. Burt and Jan are retired and work now and then for a bit of spending money. Bert used to be a professional singer.
I headed back to my tent and had one of the best sleeps I’d had for a long time.
Day 339 Wednesday 5th August 2015
I awoke to rain so decided to stay another day. The rain was in for the day.
Alana is coming to meet me in Vancouver on the 8th August so I have time to kill before she arrives.
I booked my bike in for a service in Vancouver. Its eye wateringly expensive at over C$1000 but I need to make sure Winston’s ship shape for the trip down into the States and South America.
Day 340 Thursday 6th August 2015
It was a leisurely ride south down Highway 1, the gold trail towards Hope. There is really not much to see as far as historic buildings but the countryside goes from pine forests to dessert and back to forested mountains within a couple of hundred kilometres.
I arrived in Hope and pitched my tent next to a river. It was the best view I have had from my tent.
The changing scenery along the highway.
A great view from my tent at Hope.
Day 341 Friday 7th August 2015
I phone booked a campground in Surry Vancouver. I was lucky I was able to reserve the last tent site at the camp. The camp is as close as I could get to the B & B Alana and I will be staying at. It was expensive at C$38 a night. I would not usually pay that.
I rode down highway 7 through rural farming communities and arrived at the Hazelmere RV Park.
I pitched my tent and made use of the pool for a pleasant relaxing swim before heading back to my tent.
My neighbours who were teachers invited me over for dinner.
Day 342 Saturday 8th August 2015
Today was the day I finally meet Alana. It’s been a long 8 months since we last saw each other.
I’d agreed to meet Alana at the airport where I would pick up a rental car.
I packed up camp and rode to Rest Awhile B & B where I met Maureen the owner. She had kindly agreed to let me drop Winston off at the B & B early so I could catch a bus and two trains to the airport.
I got changed out of my riding gear and Maureen offered to drop me off at the train station. I caught the two sky trains and arrived at the airport two hours early.
I went to the Thrifty car rentals where I met the most miserable customer services person, I have had the displeasure of dealing with. Even she couldn’t put a damper on my day as today was the day I would meet my wife again.
It seemed like an eternity waiting for Alana’s plane to arrive. When it finally did there was an hour’s wait for her to get her bags and get through customs.
I waited excitedly as people poured into the arrival's hall. Finally, there she was. I walked up to her and we gave each other a big hug and smiled liked Cheshire cats. It was great to finally be reunited. After 5 minutes it was like we had never been apart.
Day 343 Sunday 9th August 2015
Maureen had suggested we take a trip to White Rock which is nearby. It’s a lovely seaside village with a pier (which I had to walk to the end of) and numerous eateries and shops along the front.
We had lunch and sat watching the world go by. How nice it was to share this with Alana. There are many times on my trip I had wished Alana had been by my side to experience all the wonderful things I have seen and done on this trip.
Day 344 Monday 10th August 2015
We drove to Hope and spent the day tootling around. On the way back we stopped at the historic pub in Dewsbury for dinner.
Day 345 Tuesday 11th August 2015
I dropped Winston off at Motorsports International who are a Triumph dealer. I’ve been corresponding with Clayton who is the service manager. When I was looking for a dealer to service my bike there are really only two to choose from in Vancouver, Pacific Motorsports and Motorsport International. I had contacted Pacific Motorsports via their web site twice and had no response so I called them only to be put on answer phone. I didn’t leave a message and decided I would call back later. I called back later and again went onto answer phone so this time I left a message and asked them what the cost was for a 60,000km on a 2012 Triumph Tiger 800XC service and when could it be done. I asked for them to let me know via e-mail. I finally received and email with a vague estimate in labour. I went back to them and stated I wanted an exact cost an itemised quote. I received an email back that didn’t have an itemised quote. I rang them up to discuss it and you guessed it straight onto an answer phone. I kept ringing back until I spoke to the service department. It seems it must be too much trouble to do a quote as I couldn’t supply the vin number of the bike. I thought if it’s this difficult to get a quote what’s it going to be like if they actually get to do the service? While I had been dealing with these guys, I had contacted Clayton, he had sent me a full quote same day, gave me options for when the bike could be serviced and asked me which time slot I would like. The cost of the service looked like it would be slightly cheaper than Pacific Motorsports. Pacific motorsports had the opportunity to have my business but lost it due to poor customer services.
Motorsport International and Clayton the service manager gained my business due to quick a response time, gave me what I wanted and dealt with me in a highly professional way.
I left my bike with Clayton and got the bus back to the B & B.
Alana and I drove to Port Moody and walked along the beach where we saw lots of crabs digging in the sand.
Day 346 Wednesday 12th August 2015
Today we drove to Whistler which is a ski town in the winter and an adventure place in the summer. It’s where the 2010 Winter Olympics were held. We got there via highway 99 which is a very scenic drive past the mountains. We went through Squamish which has a high street strewn with beautifully coloured flowers. Whistler was full of mountain bikers who were about to ride or who had already ridden some of the many biking trails. There were lots of young people enjoying the warm summers day. From Whistler we headed to Pemberton and then back to our B & B.
I phone booked a campground in Surry Vancouver. I was lucky I was able to reserve the last tent site at the camp. The camp is as close as I could get to the B & B Alana and I will be staying at. It was expensive at C$38 a night. I would not usually pay that.
I rode down highway 7 through rural farming communities and arrived at the Hazelmere RV Park.
I pitched my tent and made use of the pool for a pleasant relaxing swim before heading back to my tent.
My neighbours who were teachers invited me over for dinner.
Day 342 Saturday 8th August 2015
Today was the day I finally meet Alana. It’s been a long 8 months since we last saw each other.
I’d agreed to meet Alana at the airport where I would pick up a rental car.
I packed up camp and rode to Rest Awhile B & B where I met Maureen the owner. She had kindly agreed to let me drop Winston off at the B & B early so I could catch a bus and two trains to the airport.
I got changed out of my riding gear and Maureen offered to drop me off at the train station. I caught the two sky trains and arrived at the airport two hours early.
I went to the Thrifty car rentals where I met the most miserable customer services person, I have had the displeasure of dealing with. Even she couldn’t put a damper on my day as today was the day I would meet my wife again.
It seemed like an eternity waiting for Alana’s plane to arrive. When it finally did there was an hour’s wait for her to get her bags and get through customs.
I waited excitedly as people poured into the arrival's hall. Finally, there she was. I walked up to her and we gave each other a big hug and smiled liked Cheshire cats. It was great to finally be reunited. After 5 minutes it was like we had never been apart.
Day 343 Sunday 9th August 2015
Maureen had suggested we take a trip to White Rock which is nearby. It’s a lovely seaside village with a pier (which I had to walk to the end of) and numerous eateries and shops along the front.
We had lunch and sat watching the world go by. How nice it was to share this with Alana. There are many times on my trip I had wished Alana had been by my side to experience all the wonderful things I have seen and done on this trip.
Day 344 Monday 10th August 2015
We drove to Hope and spent the day tootling around. On the way back we stopped at the historic pub in Dewsbury for dinner.
Day 345 Tuesday 11th August 2015
I dropped Winston off at Motorsports International who are a Triumph dealer. I’ve been corresponding with Clayton who is the service manager. When I was looking for a dealer to service my bike there are really only two to choose from in Vancouver, Pacific Motorsports and Motorsport International. I had contacted Pacific Motorsports via their web site twice and had no response so I called them only to be put on answer phone. I didn’t leave a message and decided I would call back later. I called back later and again went onto answer phone so this time I left a message and asked them what the cost was for a 60,000km on a 2012 Triumph Tiger 800XC service and when could it be done. I asked for them to let me know via e-mail. I finally received and email with a vague estimate in labour. I went back to them and stated I wanted an exact cost an itemised quote. I received an email back that didn’t have an itemised quote. I rang them up to discuss it and you guessed it straight onto an answer phone. I kept ringing back until I spoke to the service department. It seems it must be too much trouble to do a quote as I couldn’t supply the vin number of the bike. I thought if it’s this difficult to get a quote what’s it going to be like if they actually get to do the service? While I had been dealing with these guys, I had contacted Clayton, he had sent me a full quote same day, gave me options for when the bike could be serviced and asked me which time slot I would like. The cost of the service looked like it would be slightly cheaper than Pacific Motorsports. Pacific motorsports had the opportunity to have my business but lost it due to poor customer services.
Motorsport International and Clayton the service manager gained my business due to quick a response time, gave me what I wanted and dealt with me in a highly professional way.
I left my bike with Clayton and got the bus back to the B & B.
Alana and I drove to Port Moody and walked along the beach where we saw lots of crabs digging in the sand.
Day 346 Wednesday 12th August 2015
Today we drove to Whistler which is a ski town in the winter and an adventure place in the summer. It’s where the 2010 Winter Olympics were held. We got there via highway 99 which is a very scenic drive past the mountains. We went through Squamish which has a high street strewn with beautifully coloured flowers. Whistler was full of mountain bikers who were about to ride or who had already ridden some of the many biking trails. There were lots of young people enjoying the warm summers day. From Whistler we headed to Pemberton and then back to our B & B.
The Marina at Squamish.
Day 347 Thursday 13th August 2015
We headed to Lynn Park and walked across the suspension bridge. It’s one of the highest walking suspension bridges in Canada. From the bridge you could see people jumping 15 metres into a swimming hole from the rocks. It looked like good fun.
Day 348 Friday 14th August 2015
We had a lazy day today around the pool and the Jacuzzi.
Day 349 Saturday 15th August 2015
We spent the day at Burnaby Historic Village. It was an interesting place. They had a working blacksmiths shop where you could watch them heat the iron bars and bend into shape on the anvil to make fire pokers. They had an old high street with shops and exhibits.
We headed to Lynn Park and walked across the suspension bridge. It’s one of the highest walking suspension bridges in Canada. From the bridge you could see people jumping 15 metres into a swimming hole from the rocks. It looked like good fun.
Day 348 Friday 14th August 2015
We had a lazy day today around the pool and the Jacuzzi.
Day 349 Saturday 15th August 2015
We spent the day at Burnaby Historic Village. It was an interesting place. They had a working blacksmiths shop where you could watch them heat the iron bars and bend into shape on the anvil to make fire pokers. They had an old high street with shops and exhibits.
Alana outside a log cabin.
Day 350 Sunday 16th August 2015
We headed off into Vancouver city to Granville Island. We walked down to the harbour to catch the little ferry. The ferry ride was no more than 100 metres and the cost was C$11 each. That was way too expensive so we headed back to the car and drove across the bridge and parked in the car park then walked onto the island. There were lots of shops, markets and places to eat. There was entertainment in the form of buskers. As it was a Sunday there were lots of people out and about.
Day 351 Monday 17th August 2015
We went to Lonsdale Quay for a walk sat and had lunch then headed back to the B & B and finished off the day with a Jacuzzi.
Day 352 Tuesday 18th August 2015
I caught the bus to Motorsports International to pick Winston up. He was ready and waiting and looked all clean. The guys had given the plastics and engine a spray down with silicon and Winston was looking mighty handsome. They say birds of a feather flock together hmm hmm!!.
Alana and I drove to New Westminster. We pulled into the pay and display car park. I went to the machine and put $4 in and was short 50 cents. There was a woman in line behind me waiting to use the machine so I said to her” I’m sorry I have to go back to the car to get some change ill be really quick”. When I got back the machine had reset and taken my $4. So, I left and went back to the car. At the car Alana and I scrounged enough change to go back and get a new ticket. Just as I was about to leave the car the woman who was in line behind me said I have your ticket and handed it to me. I said thanks. I thought the machine had printed my ticket finally after I had left. It wasn’t until I looked at the time on the ticket, I realised the woman must of paid for it I jumped out the car and asked if she had paid for the ticket, she said she had, I said that is very kind of you but please have the money. I stretched out my hand to give her the change but she said” no it’s my treat if you give out good you will receive good”. I thanked her again and wondered to myself why are people so generous to me?
Alana and I then walked the board walk alongside the river, we watched the paddle steamer go by and we stood next to the world’s largest tin soldier.
We had lunch and then headed home.
In the evening we went to movies to watch vacation. It had a few laugh out loud moments.
We headed off into Vancouver city to Granville Island. We walked down to the harbour to catch the little ferry. The ferry ride was no more than 100 metres and the cost was C$11 each. That was way too expensive so we headed back to the car and drove across the bridge and parked in the car park then walked onto the island. There were lots of shops, markets and places to eat. There was entertainment in the form of buskers. As it was a Sunday there were lots of people out and about.
Day 351 Monday 17th August 2015
We went to Lonsdale Quay for a walk sat and had lunch then headed back to the B & B and finished off the day with a Jacuzzi.
Day 352 Tuesday 18th August 2015
I caught the bus to Motorsports International to pick Winston up. He was ready and waiting and looked all clean. The guys had given the plastics and engine a spray down with silicon and Winston was looking mighty handsome. They say birds of a feather flock together hmm hmm!!.
Alana and I drove to New Westminster. We pulled into the pay and display car park. I went to the machine and put $4 in and was short 50 cents. There was a woman in line behind me waiting to use the machine so I said to her” I’m sorry I have to go back to the car to get some change ill be really quick”. When I got back the machine had reset and taken my $4. So, I left and went back to the car. At the car Alana and I scrounged enough change to go back and get a new ticket. Just as I was about to leave the car the woman who was in line behind me said I have your ticket and handed it to me. I said thanks. I thought the machine had printed my ticket finally after I had left. It wasn’t until I looked at the time on the ticket, I realised the woman must of paid for it I jumped out the car and asked if she had paid for the ticket, she said she had, I said that is very kind of you but please have the money. I stretched out my hand to give her the change but she said” no it’s my treat if you give out good you will receive good”. I thanked her again and wondered to myself why are people so generous to me?
Alana and I then walked the board walk alongside the river, we watched the paddle steamer go by and we stood next to the world’s largest tin soldier.
We had lunch and then headed home.
In the evening we went to movies to watch vacation. It had a few laugh out loud moments.
Alana and I enjoying being together again. If a picture of your self is a selfy, then Is a a picture with a friend an Friendsy?
The worlds largest tin soldier.
Day 353 Wednesday 19th August 2015
We dropped the rental car off and Guptar, Maureen’s husband from the B & B brought us back. Alana got a cab to the new B & B in Richmond and I rode my bike there.
We decided to catch the bus to Steveston which is a quaint old fishing village. We walked the sea front past the fishing boats and the famous fish cannery and then sat outside one of the restaurants in the sun and enjoyed dinner and a wine watching the sun go down. It was a great way to finish the day.
We headed back to the bus stop to catch the bus. The bus was at the stop without the driver. The driver arrived a few minutes later. When we got on the bus the driver said no need to pay and said merry Christmas. I thought I need to buy a lottery ticket. We have been so lucky with people’s generosity.
Day 354 Thursday 20th August 2015
Alana and I went down stairs to make our breakfast. This B & B is continental breakfast, help yourself kind of deal. While we were there, we met Lawrence and Betty an elderly couple. Lawrence had picked Betty up from the airport in Vancouver as Betty had returned from Alaska with a broken arm. They both live in Victoria, on Victoria Island which is the Capitol of British Columbia and were heading back today. We said we would be going there at some stage; Lawrence invited us to go along with them. We accepted and all jumped into Lawrence’s car and headed to the ferry terminal. When we arrived it was extremely busy so we had to wait for the next ferry crossing which was at 1pm.
As it was a one-and-a-half-hour trip to Victoria Lawrence asked if we would like to stay the night at his place so we could spend some time walking around Victoria and not have to rush back. We accepted. Once we arrived on Victoria Island Lawrence drove us around the coast and pointed out the landmarks. On the way we dropped Betty off at her flat and then Lawrence drove us into the heart of Victoria where we agreed to meet up at 8:30pm.
Victoria is very much like England it has numerous Victorian styled buildings there is an abundance of potted colour and the atmosphere is leisurely.
At 8:30 Lawrence picked us up and took us back to his place. He got the wine out and we had an enjoyable evening story telling.
Lawrence used to be a pilot and he flew in the Canadian Air force. He piloted Canada’s equivalent to America’s US Airforce 1 and ferried many dignitaries including the Queen, the Queen mother and Prince Charles.
The great thing about travelling is you get to meet so many interesting people.
We dropped the rental car off and Guptar, Maureen’s husband from the B & B brought us back. Alana got a cab to the new B & B in Richmond and I rode my bike there.
We decided to catch the bus to Steveston which is a quaint old fishing village. We walked the sea front past the fishing boats and the famous fish cannery and then sat outside one of the restaurants in the sun and enjoyed dinner and a wine watching the sun go down. It was a great way to finish the day.
We headed back to the bus stop to catch the bus. The bus was at the stop without the driver. The driver arrived a few minutes later. When we got on the bus the driver said no need to pay and said merry Christmas. I thought I need to buy a lottery ticket. We have been so lucky with people’s generosity.
Day 354 Thursday 20th August 2015
Alana and I went down stairs to make our breakfast. This B & B is continental breakfast, help yourself kind of deal. While we were there, we met Lawrence and Betty an elderly couple. Lawrence had picked Betty up from the airport in Vancouver as Betty had returned from Alaska with a broken arm. They both live in Victoria, on Victoria Island which is the Capitol of British Columbia and were heading back today. We said we would be going there at some stage; Lawrence invited us to go along with them. We accepted and all jumped into Lawrence’s car and headed to the ferry terminal. When we arrived it was extremely busy so we had to wait for the next ferry crossing which was at 1pm.
As it was a one-and-a-half-hour trip to Victoria Lawrence asked if we would like to stay the night at his place so we could spend some time walking around Victoria and not have to rush back. We accepted. Once we arrived on Victoria Island Lawrence drove us around the coast and pointed out the landmarks. On the way we dropped Betty off at her flat and then Lawrence drove us into the heart of Victoria where we agreed to meet up at 8:30pm.
Victoria is very much like England it has numerous Victorian styled buildings there is an abundance of potted colour and the atmosphere is leisurely.
At 8:30 Lawrence picked us up and took us back to his place. He got the wine out and we had an enjoyable evening story telling.
Lawrence used to be a pilot and he flew in the Canadian Air force. He piloted Canada’s equivalent to America’s US Airforce 1 and ferried many dignitaries including the Queen, the Queen mother and Prince Charles.
The great thing about travelling is you get to meet so many interesting people.
The Empress Hotel by the Harbour.
Victoria Harbour.
Alana enjoying the ambiance.
The statue of a young queen Victoria. The city was named after her.
An abundance of flowers and colour.
Day 355 Friday 21st August 2015
Alana and I got dropped into Victoria and then got a ferry and bus back to the B&B.
Day 356 Saturday 22nd August 2015
It was Alana’s last day in Vancouver today. We decided to stay near the B & B as Alana needed to head off to the airport at 5pm.
We walked up the road for breakfast to a placed called the Pantry. The menu looked good so we ordered. The service from the kitchen was terrible. The food arrived at separate times and mine was cold. The waitress was very apologetic and reckoned if the chef is like this all day, she will kill him. She had my breakfast redone and knocked 25% off the bill.
After breakfast we went for a long walk and then headed back to the B & B.
The time approached when Alana would leave; there was that uneasy silence in the air. It’s always tough saying good bye. Before we knew it the taxi had arrived to pick Alana up and off, she went.
It was so good to spend time together.
I’m two thirds through my trip and it’s only five and a bit months until I head home. It sounds a long time but in reality, it will soon be gone.
Day 357 Sunday 23rd August 2015.
I left the border and headed south for the USA border. I arrived at the Peace Arch border and was sent to the King George border crossing as the Canadian customs at Peace Arch Border couldn’t process my Carnet.
When I arrived the queue to the USA was massive. I managed to find a place to park and walked to Canadian customs to get my carnet stamped out. Everything went well so I walked back to Winston and spent the next hour queued to finally pass through the US border.
GO TO USA - PART TWO DAY 357 Sunday 23rd August.
Alana and I got dropped into Victoria and then got a ferry and bus back to the B&B.
Day 356 Saturday 22nd August 2015
It was Alana’s last day in Vancouver today. We decided to stay near the B & B as Alana needed to head off to the airport at 5pm.
We walked up the road for breakfast to a placed called the Pantry. The menu looked good so we ordered. The service from the kitchen was terrible. The food arrived at separate times and mine was cold. The waitress was very apologetic and reckoned if the chef is like this all day, she will kill him. She had my breakfast redone and knocked 25% off the bill.
After breakfast we went for a long walk and then headed back to the B & B.
The time approached when Alana would leave; there was that uneasy silence in the air. It’s always tough saying good bye. Before we knew it the taxi had arrived to pick Alana up and off, she went.
It was so good to spend time together.
I’m two thirds through my trip and it’s only five and a bit months until I head home. It sounds a long time but in reality, it will soon be gone.
Day 357 Sunday 23rd August 2015.
I left the border and headed south for the USA border. I arrived at the Peace Arch border and was sent to the King George border crossing as the Canadian customs at Peace Arch Border couldn’t process my Carnet.
When I arrived the queue to the USA was massive. I managed to find a place to park and walked to Canadian customs to get my carnet stamped out. Everything went well so I walked back to Winston and spent the next hour queued to finally pass through the US border.
GO TO USA - PART TWO DAY 357 Sunday 23rd August.
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