The last few weeks of BC

We wanted to fill our last few weeks with friends and touring around.

Visiting Nelson BC was a must, for obvious reasons, so off we went down south from Revelstoke, across a ferry, alongside the many beautiful lakes. On the rocky shores of one such lake, Slocan Lake, we found one of the best freedom camping spots we have ever had the pleasure of spending a night at. Nestled amongst tall cedars with an amazing setting sun as a backdrop we set our tent, and after enjoying a bath in the extremely cold water, we enjoyed a delicious meal on the rocks. Paradise. 

We continued on our way after a very rooty sleep, and not the kind we like, with the warm wind and hot sun beaming down on McGregor as we drove.

A quick stop to get something cold resulted in Levi coming out with two massive ice creams in cones. Which rapidly began to melt. Franticly we licked and licked until we felt sick and the ice cream was small enough to manage the drips.

Our arrival into Nelson didn’t disappoint. We spent a 33 degree afternoon perched under a tree by the lake front with our feet dipped in the water, before meeting a friend of our previous host Tina, who took us in for a couple of nights while we explored the town. We woke one morning, jumped on our bikes and headed off towards the hills and did a nice hike with a view over looking the town. Unfortunately our run of great weather ended, and we biked home getting pelted by needle like rain drops, and by the time we made it home we couldn’t decide the winner of our wet tee competition.

After a quick stop off to shed some gear at Kamloops, we decided to head to the Sunshine Coast for a cycle trip. Not sure if that was our best decision, as the region didn’t live up to it’s name. After rigging up some nice storage compartments on our bikes, we jumped on the ferry and set out across the Howe Sound to Langdale and began what we intended on being a four day ride. An hour later we were once again being pelted with heavy raindrops, and but for a kind Postie we would’ve turned back. We were encouraged to head another mile up the road and take shelter in a nice café, have a coffee and wait out the storm. 

We decided that cycle touring wasn’t for us, and after two days we took our sore bums back to the mainland. Squamish was our next stop, and what a place it is, with some of the best mountain biking, rock climbing and hiking to be found. We spent two days exploring the area, and slept in our car in a car park filled with vans and climbers from all over the world. It was a cool environment to hang out in. 

Our last week or two in Canada was spent back in Kamloops with the great company of Breck and Naomi. We spent some great days shuttling up Harper Mountain, and then flying down on our bikes. We bumped into a couple of fellow Nelsonians, and along with B and N went for an evening climb over looking Kamloops Lake. The area around Kamloops holds many gems for outdoor enthusiasts. 

Our last 3days in Canada were spent happily in Vancouver. We walked around Stanley Park, which took way longer then first thought. After finally making it around we headed out of the city to a Pool party hosted by a recent friend, Taralyn.
Kirsty had met Taralyn at Sunpeaks ‘Bottoms pub’ three months earlier, after hurting herself and no longer being able to snowboard, she headed to drink her pain away, met Taralyn, quickly became friends, making the whole experience that much better.
It was surprisingly incredibly lovely to catch up with someone we hardly knew, but yet we seemed to have so much in common! Weird how life pulls people to you. We were blessed to spend the next day with Taralyn and her husband David. They showed us a few more sights and we spent the arvo in a quite park with a few drinks before they cooked up a storm and we feasted on salmon and salad, both things we will get little or nil of in Cambodia.

We left Canada with a thirst for more and feelings of accomplishment. It has been four months of invigorating experiences. We could not have asked for a more diverse cultural experience of North America. We are sure there is much more for us to see in the country. If we do return it will consist of spending more time around the influential people we meet the last months, and some more snow time. Such a short time, for so much happiness. We are enriched indeed. We will be back. We wonder when…sooner than later hopefully! 

(quick tip: click on first photo and you can scroll across seeing all photos bigger and better)

oxo 

F&J