July 29 2013
WHISTLER IS EXACTLY as I remember from seven years ago minus the part where I have no company and am hurting like a little bitch from just barrelling down Whistler Mountain for two straight days on a single speed-slick-tired hardtail with shitty brakes. The people here are young, predominately fit, and ready to get crazy after a day on the mountain.
It still seems as though parking lot 3 will call my name tonight. From the southern part of BC to where we are now much has happened, and we're super in need of sleep.
WE CROSSED THE BORDER into BC quite easily with minimal questions asked; not bad for a female border guard. Cranbrook would become our home for the night and morning as we hit up a local brewpub with a flight of beer and some sweet potato fries. Sleeping on the road is someting you get used to after years like I have, but Rachel seemed afraid that the man in the truck down the road was going to kill us. "BC is known for its serial killers" I said confidently.
I politely cuddled her.
Feeling un-relaxed is quite a thing on the road, and this was one of those days that we both just needed to chill. After playing some guitar and hanging out for lunch we drove awhile and slept at Columbia Lake rest center, which was epic, given the history and range of the river that stems from it. We would cross this river later in our trip, known by me, but most informed by a man Rachel had a creepy vibe from we met in the morning at Columbia Lake.
From there we went to the lovely Lake Louise, which has always served me well. We found a camping spot there and took advantage of our $26 a night site with no fire-pit by drinking for the first time on the trip.
PLAIN OF SIX GLACIERS is an incredible experience. The hike from Lake Louise is about 14km round trip and is more than worth it. Take the extra 1.4km hike when you get to the tea house!
While I was having a grand time camping with my great friends Paul Westerholm and Nate Nettleton, Rachel got to party it up with her friend Jes in Banff. Paul was getting married on the weekend, and he thought it would be sweet to have steaks and a campout; to which we all much obliged. I hadnt had some good steak since I left home, and once I got that meaty goodness in my mouth it was almost as if those little bitches called mosquitos had disappeared. Almost.
HIKING THE CENTENNIAL TRAIL in Kananaskis to the top of Mount Allan was nothing short of epic. Twenty-four kilometers of trecherous terrain became us as we hiked the hardest mountain I've ever been up. Even Nathan who has come to the bottom of the Grand Canyon with me would prefer that to this physical abuse. I thought that was the hardest thing I've ever put my body through until this moment.
Welcome to Canada's 100th anniversary Centennial Trail, epic rewards certainly await!
The next day would see Rachel and I summiting Fairview mountain in Lake Louise, a 9,000ft summit, with a super stellar view. I was in love, with the view and with my best friend and travel companion.
It was great to see my good friend Paul W finally married off and finally having sex. His dance moves are ridiculous, but I can understand why he looked so excited. Christian weddings are usually in the "I'd rather shoot myself in the face and fuck a fat chick" category, but this was well done. I'm glad there was wine.
- Previs
