Time Flies When You're Having Fun!

Rain, Rain, Rain.

It's been raining here since, well, probably the last time I blogged. But don't let a little water get you down. It's nature's way of saying... go ahead, go on vacation- don't bother asking anyone to water your garden.. I've got it!

So- that's what I did. Took 2 weeks off, packed the silverado and headed out on a road trip with myself. And let me say this- No Regrets!

I headed west to Hailey, ID the first night to visit Cortney's lovely family- woke up the next morning, headed out in the snow and continued the drive west. Through a mix of rain, snow and sunshine I found myself in west-central Oregon and my little brother for a night of camping... mostly in the rain. Back to back, two subaru hatchbacks do pretty well with a tarp draped between! In the morning I took some time to visit Fraga Goat Farm and see and sample what kind of cheese they have going on there. YUM! Onward north to Portland.

I stayed with Nate and Carm in the city of rain, eating good food and sampling good microbrews. The next morning Nate toured me through Nike: World Headquarters and I got a taste of what his daily life is like: community garden, test lab and all. Pretty great place they have going on there- but I couldn't be detained... northward I continued.

That evening I found myself in Port Townsend, WA- on the NE corner of the Olympic Peninsula. I stayed with my friend Livi and her 2 cutest ever kids- Ethan and Estelle. The rain didn't stop us from enjoying some parks, beach time, trail hiking and toddler aerobics. Ok, but it did allow us some nice chill tea time to be sure.

From there I was ferry bound across the waters to the shores of Seattle. What happy feelings swell inside of me making my way through the NW. I might have been the only one on the outside deck of the ferry on that rainy day, but I was all smiles- riding with a happy heart. I met my friends Carrie, Keller and Premo for some nights of debauchery, wine tasting, old estates and good eats. Nothing like a visit with good friends.

After a few days and through rapidly swishing windshields I, yes again, continued the journey north. This time with my sights on a border crossing. With the words of a friend "Why don't you just head south to the desert?" echoing in my head I was wondering if I was headed into a rainy, cold, week with my only comfort being a soggy, wet tent. Those thoughts quickly disappeared after crossing the border. Within 15 minutes a black bear ran across the highway, shortly thereafter a bald eagle came swooping above my car. Later I saw a moose happily munching the roadside shrubbery, and further along 2 beautiful rainbows welcomed me farther north. From then on the theme of the my trip became.. no regrets! From here on out- no matter what becomes... NO REGRETS!

The first night I made it to Clearwater Park- close to Wells Gray Provincial Park- found myself campsite #37 and settled in to set up camp and make some dinner. Though there were few people along the way, and most were curious as to what I was doing so far from home by myself I didn't feel the least bit out of place or ill at ease.
The journey continued northward to Jasper Park. I did a small hike through the rain to some amazing falls carving out a deep ravine and on my way back was met with blue skies and sunshine. What amazing views to behold once the sky clears, the white peaked mountains show through and against the blue of the sky and the green of the land... really no words can describe.
I camped outside of Jasper at Pocahontas camp ground which is only a short (and amazingly beautiful) drive to some hot springs. I soaked until I couldn't soak any more and made my way back to my nearly vacant campsite and let my body dissolve into my sleeping bag and pad. It didn't matter that there was still daylight to be had.
Sunshine the next morning, but quickly turning into rain as I drove south toward Banff. I saw velvety elk, another black bear, huge glaciers, AMAZING mountains, blue lakes and lots of rain. Due to the rain, I found myself that night in at hostel at Lake Louise. Though there were truly no regrets staying at the hostel, that is one place that can make a person feel old. After my dinner and sauna I turned in early with a book- and my young Swiss roommates didn't know what to do with such a roommate. :)
I was up early and decided to see what all the hype and fuss was about Lake Louise. Beautiful Lake Louise. Surely didn't disappoint. Though the weather didn't allow for a hike to the tea house, I hiked up a steep trail to not only see the most beautifully blue lake, but to also be greeted by a snowshoe hair (in the midst of changing colors) hop right up to me, only to be surprised that I was there (as not many people had yet been up that snowy trail).
SOUTHWARD!
I decided to nip into Banff Town to catch a glimpse, but mostly for gas, coffee and GF treats. I ended up following the road through Kootenay Park instead of east to Calgary. Again, no regrets. Some of the most amazing scenery yet. Through Fernie, through Waterton Park and south to the border and Glacier. I was so jazzed and in awe of the scenery it's amazing the little car stayed on the road. Probably the most beautiful border crossing I've experience.
Admittedly, my experience, though still grand, did head a bit "south" as I reentered the US. We just don't do it as well as the Canadians do. Regrettably (for Glacier's sake) I saw the Canadian Rockies, before hitting this majestic park. The roads, the pit stops, the trash bins (note: no recycle bins) just weren't quite up to par. Sorry homeland: maybe we can spend a few "war" pennies on preserving what we have... just a thought.
That be said, it was still pure beauty as I drove along the south border of the park the following day toward Missoula.
YEA! Cashman time in MT. I met up with my friend Aaron, his brother and dad. Happy times there. And as I left later than scheduled the next day trying to squeeze in everything (sleeping in, farmer's market, breakfast, hikes, acupuncture treatments) I was reminded as I drove south to Livingston, how beautiful even THOSE mountains are. I kept getting my mind blown each and every day. I squeaked into one of my favorite campsites near Chico and awoke the next day to quite the rain. No worries about soggy tent now- I was home bound! But not before a quick soak in Chico Hot Springs and a visit with some great family friends, the Andersons. Driving through Yellowstone was familiar yet beautiful. No matter that the rain kept coming, it was a grand finale to the Tour du Parc. I drove into Jackson and had about an hour to unpack the car and deal with myself before heading to my friend Emily's house for dinner with her parents who were in town. What a perfect ending to a perfect trip.
True rest and relaxation- and for that, truly amazing.
I will forever recommend such a local, chill and lengthy excursion to anyone who has the luxury to partake.