Oh Canada!

Well, we are gearing up for another fantastic trip (albeit whirlwind) to the great snowy north...yes, Canada! Although, I hear there ain't so much snow...more like cold and rainy, but we'll take it!

A huge thank you and BlogHug to Dad. He dreamt up the wonderful idea of flying Juliane, Sydney and I up for a long weekend. The three of us are thrilled. Thank you! Thank you! Paul hit the stores to buy me some winter boots today. I am very thankful. Most people would think that I would already own winter/snow boots, but alas, I do not. Haven't since I was 15! I am looking forward to toasty warm feet on this trip thanks to my new Columbia Omni~Heat stompers. Don't ask me what "Omni~Heat" is...all I care about is they promise to keep my feet warm down to -25F!

 

You might be wondering why I had not blogged in so long. I have been wondering that myself, but things have been so crazy around here, more than usual I suppose. We had an amazing trip home from BC. Mom and Dad travelled with us through Washington, Idaho, Montana, where we spent the night in Bozeman. Then we meandered across the gorgeous, green rolling Montana countryside (stopping at bubbling rivers to watch the fly fishermen along the way...imagine 'A River Runs Through It')  through the West Entrance to Yellowstone National Park and into Wyoming. There were the obligatory herds of Elk and Bison and now the park was much greener than it had been in May. This time we hit all the amazing thermal spots such as The Painted Pots and The Boiling River.

We all checked Old Faithful off our Bucket Lists and continued down through the Tetons (where we saw Grizzlies!!) to Jackson Hole, WY. It is hard to describe in words how astonishingly beautiful the Grand Teton Mountain Range is. There was complete silence in our car once they came into our sights. While in Jackson, we stayed at the Painted Buffalo Inn. It was a small, cute  two-story motel, but for the price was not cute enough. At one point we all got locked in my parents room and had to wait for a maintenance man to come let us out! The town is adorable and has lots of lovely shops. I wish we had more time to browse. We rode the Gondola to the top of Rendezvous Mountain and took in the breathtaking views. Breathtaking in more than one way...the air was super thin and we were all left a little breathless after walking around and playing in the snow. 

We parted ways with Mom and Dad in Jackson and continued to make our way south. We love the wide open spaces and views in Wyoming so the drive to Denver would have been one of the best of our trip had it not been for a flat in the middle of nowhere. I had read in a guide book before taking our long trip that this stretch of Wyoming interstate was the worst for getting a flat tire. The towns are few and far between, that is IF the town even has a service station! Paul and I have had our fair share of flats in the past and consider ourselves our own pit crew. So, out we hop from the car, unload the girls and unload the back of the Pilot. A little adrenaline pumpin'...a little adventure in our adventure, right? The girls explored the tall grass at the side of the road while Paul and I tried to locate our spare tire. Ahh...so wonderfully located under the car. Cool, good. Now, how do we get it out? It's in its own cage under there. No worries! I am prepared for everything. Let me get the manual. Nope, that didn't help.

No worries! How about the Internet? So while I try to get a signal on my phone, Paul figures out that you can use the tire iron on this little hole in the back and voila! it lowers like magic. Ahh...we still got it. So with the tire changed and the girls safely back in the car (I am still thanking God there were no snakes in that tall grass) we head to the next town to see if we can get the tire either fixed or purchase a new one. The GPS said there was a Firestone in this little town up ahead. Good...accept it is lunchtime and businesses in this little town close at lunchtime. No worries, right? This little town happens to have a McDonald's! So, we hit Micky D's to kill time and eat. Paul heads out to the Firestone (which looked more like a tire junkyard) and they tell him, oh sorry we don't fix tires or sell them! OK...no worries...There is another Mom and Pop place up the road. HOORAY FOR MOM & POP SHOPS! Tire gets repaired while the girls and I play in the playground. They must have done a good job as we have been driving on that same plug ever since!

We pulled into Denver, Colorado at dinnertime and stayed in the posh Curtis Hotel downtown. We rolled in there all sweaty, and dirty with our day packs on and car-crabby kids in tow. They were SO happy to send us right up to our room and out of the swanky lobby. I loved this hotel...only wished it had a pool! Because of this it was probably the worst hotel for the girls. The hotel pool was our dangling carrot in the car. Be good little children and we will go to the pool.

The last day on the road we drove through some interesting parts of New Mexico and Texas. Parts I had never seen and am happy to have. Did you know New Mexico has a volcano? We were just driving along when I spotted a weird small mountain up ahead. Is that a volcano? It was! Capulin Volcano is located in northeastern New Mexico. If you are ever there, you should check it out. We just saw it from the road. By the time we were approaching it we were all SO ready to get to Amarillo so we skipped the tour and the delay of arriving at our hotel (and some good Texas BBQ). Next time we will have to check it out. I have heard that it is extremely interesting to walk through the crater. Another sight on our way to Amarillo that I had NO idea was located in Texas was the Route 66 Cadillac Ranch! How cool is that? Yet another spot we will have to explore on our next trip across the nation. They still encourage vandalism of the cars...kind of like an ever changing piece of art. Between Amarillo and Houston we just drove. Like barn sour horses we were so excited to get home, sleep in our own beds, play in our backyard and go to our neighborhood pool. The adventure of travel is a wonderful experience, but after awhile it is nice to come home.

So, back to the reason I think that blogging took a backseat. I believe it started when I broke my phone. I stupidly dropped it and cracked the glass thus distorting the screen image so badly that I could hardly type. Those iPhones are kinda fragile and as self punishment for being careless I didn't get another phone until........NOW! Ah Ha! Just in time for blogging our next trip! I know it wont be the last. We have big plans this year, so keep checking up and I will keep the posts coming.



Half Way

So, it's only taken me 2 weeks to finally get a moment to sit down and post to the blog. Sorry to all the peeps who emailed me. It's been an adventurous first half of my time here in BC and I simply have not had a moment to sit down and write. The entire first week we were here I had a terrible cold. What away to start my time here, right? I felt like my brain was just swimming in my head, and am so glad I am myself again!

The girls and I have been having a great time visiting family and friends, checking out the sights and enjoying the cooler weather. We have seen sun 3 whole days...but the rain hasn't stopped us from exploring, hiking and getting out and about. My Mom, sisters, niece and nephew have joined us on most of our outings. I think we might actually be wearing them out, but we are an active family as you all know.

During the first week we hit the Greater Vancouver Zoo. It's completely different than our zoo in Houston. Situated on rolling hills that cover 120 acres, the animals (including giraffes, elephants, hippos, wild pigs, cappaburas, lovely roaming peacocks, bears, herds of elk, bison, and deer) enjoy huge enclosures and the feeling of the great outdoors. The girls all rode their scooters and Cooper watched from his very cool stroller. We picnicked in a grassy area that was trimmed with weeping willows, fir trees, and a small lagoon. Juliane said she had dreamed about being in a beautiful place like that. And it was like out of a dream for sure.

We hiked several times to Bridal Veil Falls. It's a really short hike uphill to the falls and its been wonderful every time. I forgot how GREEN it is here. Like you are walking around in an emerald city. I can't stop smiling it is so beautiful. (Twilight fans, can't you just imagine Edward running through this?). The girls like crossing the little bridges along the way. The creek that comes from the falls is quite small in comparison to the falls itself. I imagine in the summertime that families who enjoy picnics there cant resist dipping their feet in the crystal waters.

I am also in awe at the height of the trees. The forest is so huge here. Look at the towering trees in the picture below. The kids look so small and it doesn't even show the treetops!

We have also been spending time visiting family. Next week we will be heading over to Vancouver Island (The Island, to locals) to spend Father's Day weekend with my Nana and Grandpa. We have been over to see my grandparents, Bob and Sheila and my Aunt Barb, Uncle Bob and Ariel on their horse farm, Rabbitswood. They have the most beautiful horses and dogs. I grew up on the same property and it brings back so many memories! It's very fun to take the girls there and walk them through the back of the property where we used to play in the forest. It seemed to me at the time to be acres and acres of land, but when we walked back there it was so quick to come to the end. Funny how things look when you are 7 years old. All the same wild flowers still grow all over. The tall bell-like flowers in white, purple and pinks, purple and white clovers (that I showed the kids how to eat), and fields of buttercups. One of the horses, Taliesin, was roaming around the yard while we were there one day. The girls were thrilled to pet him and he was happy to oblige. Grandad taught me to play Cribbage. I had always wanted to learn and got lucky and nearly skunked him on my first try! As a child my neighbor and oldest friend, Diana, had lots of adventures there. I took the girls over to her new place and got to snuggle her newest little edition, Brooklyn. Juliane and Sydney played with Hunter in the yard for a few hours. It was so great to catch up with her. We also took some time to meet up with another one of my favorite people, Jaida, for lunch in Fort Langley. We ate at the Lamplighter and then set off for a little stroll along the Fraser River. I am very thankful she made time for me before setting off on a new life adventure. With both Jaida and Diana it feels like our time apart was weeks and not months or years. So many more folks to meet up with and see again.

We couldn't come to BC without making a stop to Fort Langley, the birthplace of British Columbia. It took us forever to get out of the house that day, so we didn't get to Fort Langley until lunchtime. We enjoyed our lunch snuggled up by a fire in this adorable little cottage bistro. I wish I could remember the name. I had Siemens Honey Brown to go with my fresh green salad topped with candied pecans and goat cheese. After lunch and a stop at a quaint little toy shoppe we drove over to the Fort. The stars were aligned for us as we arrived an hour before the Fort closed and it was raining. This made for a personalized tour of the Fort. What an experience! We will probably never get to recreate our time there. We were in for a real treat when we met the Lady of the Big House. She took us in all the back rooms of the house. You know past those barriers that allow you to only peek into rooms. She showed the girls where the children of the home slept, and some of their toys. We were shown a delightful array of old dolls that represented the people who lived and worked in the fort. The Lady was so animated and told the girls delightful tales involving the different jobs that the people had. She finished off by asking us to sit in the kitchen (another restricted area) while she played a delightful tune on the piano from the old days at the fort. We all sang along. It was a wonderful treat. 

On the 3 sunny days we have enjoyed amazing views of Mount Baker and the Twin Peaks. I have been fascinated with Agritourism and have been taking the girls to different farms. They have divided the Fraser Valley into different districts with a map to the farms that offer tours and have shops to sell their wares. We've been to the largest Honey Farm in BC,and  a lovely Dairy Farm that is only minutes from my parents house and has the best ice cream. We've frequented the gorgeous park on Eagle Mountain. On a sunny day you can see the whole Fraser Valley from up there.

Last Sunday, my Mom, 2 Aunts, 2 Cousins, 1 Sister, 1 Niece, 2 Kids and I participated in the BC Children's Hospital Foundation Child Run. I ran the 5K with Virginia, Aunt Barb, Ariel and Naomi, while my mom and Aunt Barb (I have 2 Aunt Barb's!) walked the 1K with the kids. The 5K took us over many hills through Queens Park in Vancouver. It was very fun and a memorable morning. I am used to the fast flat races in Houston that I had completely forgotten about hills! These hills would be mountains in TX!

On Monday I arranged for all the ladies to go hiking with the kids at Lynn Valley Regional Park and Suspension Bridge. This forest is a chest full of treasures. This temperate rainforest has suffered a forest fire many 100's of moons ago. There we found huge hollowed out redwoods and the second growth beauty of Western Red cedar, Douglas Fir and Western Hemlock.The Lynn Valley Suspension Bridge began our hike down to the 30 foot pool. The map we got at the Eco Center stated that it would be a 10 minute walk to the pool, but it took us more like 30. That might have been because of all our stops to examine trees and rocks or to take pictures along the way. It could have been because we were hiking with 3 kids under 5 and my nephew strapped to Tara. Perhaps though, the Creator of the map forgot to take in to account the terrain. It was rocky at times, full of roots and hills, stairs and plenty of mud. None of which made the trip any less fun, interesting and invigorating. I think all in all everyone was thrilled with the experience. The Suspension Bridge was not as large as the more famous Capilano. Still, it offered breathtaking vistas of Lynn Valley, the Lynn Valley River and several waterfalls. From there we walked down via stairs and downhill slopes to the banks of the river. We followed the path until we reached the 30 Foot Pool. It was only about 65 degrees that day, but the pool still looked incredibly inviting. Had it been warm out, I would have been forced by nature to take a dip.

Well, that pretty much brings everyone up to date. Juliane, Sydney and I have really been enjoying ourselves, but we also have been a tad homesick for Texas. Sydney tells me every day that she wishes to go home to see her Daddy, whom she likes very much. And Juliane, although has been having loads of fun and isn't ready to go home just yet, has been wondering if the pool will still be open when we get home. For me, home is where your heart is...and my heart is with Paul in Houston. I am really looking forward to seeing him in a couple weeks and kind of kicking myself that I didn't arrange things better. I cant imagine anyone likes being away from their beloved on their anniversary and our 10th is this Friday. We have come so far from the days of long distance dating! Thankfully we have many, many more years to make up for 1 anniversary apart.

Canada at last!

We made it!

This 2700+ mile trip was not for the faint at heart. We made it with smiles on our faces and a new found appreciation for the distance between our families.

Texas, Oklahoma, Kansas, Colorado, Wyoming, Montana, Idaho and Washington were each diverse and magnificent in it's own unique way. The people we met along the route were friendly, helpful and hospitable. All traits to which we are thankful.

We actually are looking forward to the trip home. This time it will be a trip with exprience. Since we know what to expect and what we (and the kids) can handle it will be a bit more relaxed.

I have always wanted to drive across America, and now that I have I want to see more!

Seattle!

Well, we made it to the Pacific Ocean! Washington State is so diverse. I didn't realize how much of it is consumed by farmland. Much of it reminded us of Kansas and Wyoming.

As we crossed the Cascade Range We encountered the typical drizzly rain that is so common in this area of the Pacific Northwest. Some people might find that depressing, but after living in the tropics and semi tropics I welcome it. It feels cozy and makes everything so lush and green.

Today we lucked out because it is sunny in Seattle! We've stopped at Pikes Place Market for dinner and what a treat!! We watched the fishermen sling fresh King Salmon and tasted some smoked salmon. It's a really cool place to check out if you are ever here (you may have seen it on Food Network). Seattle is a cool city. We are gobbling up our dinner at a place in the market that overlooks Puget Sound. On the way in we went through loads of tunnels...some with houses on top! At the market you can buy luscious bouquets of flowers for only $10! I wish I could bring some to my
Mom but they won't let us Take them across the border.

Now we are off to BC!!

Missoula to Coeur D'Alene

Today is our last day on the road! We woke up this morning with a desperate need for coffee. After breakfast we grabbed a fresh cup of Komodo Dragon at Starbucks before hitting the road.

We sailed over the Bitterroot Mountain range unto gorgeous Idaho. I never had a good reason to come here, but it is beautiful. It's amazing how much the forests change from the Piney Woods in Texas to the northern forests of my youth. Twilight fans, be jealous!!! I get to live a Forks fantasy for the next month!

Juli and Syd had a great time feeding out of their hand some ground squirrels at a rest stop on the Montana-Idaho border. They were really cute, friendly and gentle...although I kept thinking in the back of my mind that they might bite and have rabies!

Lots if old mines line I90 here. Perhaps another time we will have to take a tour. I am sure the kids would find that very interesting.

Off to picnic by Lake Coeur D'Alene before pushing through to Seattle.

Yellowstone and Beyond

Today we hit the highlight of our vacation. Yellowstone. After we enjoyed a great breakfast at the hotel we set off down the Buffalo Bill Scenic Highway. It is just as Theodore Rosevelt proclaimed, "the most scenic 52 miles in America." The roads and tunnels follow the Buffalo Bill Reservoir and Shoshone River through deep gorges and mountain passes. The Shoshone National Forest lines the route.

Two miles before we reached the East Entrance to Yellowstone NP we arrived Pahaska Teepee, which is not a teepee at all, but instead the name of Bill Cody's original lodge. Now, it is a gift shop, restaurant, hotel and gas station. So we gassed up and bought some souvenirs.

It was cold. Not too surprising since we had checked the forecast. It was 27F degrees when we crossed into the park. The girls were delighted to see that snow (sometimes over a foot deep) still blanketed the ground. The one item at the last minute that I decided to leave in Texas was their snowsuits. Still we were able to improvise and they did have long johns on. They made snow angels and giggled in delight when they fell into a deep part.

Because it is still so cold, Yellowstone Lake was still frozen over. Just mind boggling since it is already late May. The Ranger told us that it was the perfect time to see Grizzlies, but we were not so fortunate. However in Hayden Valley we got to watch a coyote hunting some small mammal while the buffalos grazed and lounged nearby. They still look so thin from the harsh Yellowstone winters.

Inside Yellowstone you start to absorb the energy from the land. It was invigorating and is probably why we are all exhausted now. We saw gurgling and bubbling thermal springs, Roaring Mountain, Canyon if the Yellowstone, Upper and Lower Falls (the lower being twice the height of Niagra!!). There were Elk, Mule Deer, Chipmunks and Squirrels. And a special and rare treat...wolves!! The sulphur springs that create interesting formations in Mammoth were also a sight to see!

I am so thankful we are returning there our way home. We hardly made a dent in all there is to see and do in Yellowstone. I mean, come on, we didn't even see Old Faithful!

15 or so miles from the North Entrance we crossed over into Montana, our sixth state. Montana is another gorgeous place. Valleys and high mountains with lots of beautiful rivers. It seems like every few miles there was a public river access for fishing. We were reminded that A River Runs Through It takes place here. We crossed where the Missouri River Headwaters meet in Three Forks, which was also the birthplace of Sacajawea, Juliane's favorite historical figure. The Lewis and Clark Expedition came through this area with her guidance.

In Butte, we crossed The Continental Divide. Sydney could have cared less and Juliane was napping so that was more of a cool landmark for mom and dad.

So, tomorrow we make the last leg of our journey north. It has gone by so fast, it's hard to believe we are almost there!!

We wish you sweet dreams from Missoula, Montana.

Cody

Wyoming is everything you think it is. Gorgeous mesas, endless grasslands, deep gorges, sky high mountains and abundant wildlife. All that and we haven't even entered Yellowstone yet.

Wyoming is incredibly unpopulated. I had learned it was the least populated state in the union during my trip research, but that did little to prepare me for how desolate it is on the plains. I can't imgine how isolated the folks are that live between Casper and Cody the winter. One can drive for an hour without seeing a house. Some of the "towns" only consist of a few houses in the middle of nowhere.

Yet I can also appreciate why people settled such a beautiful place. Wyoming has already become one of my favorite places which I know we will visit again and again.

Our final destination today was the Yellowstone "gateway city" of Cody. Founded by Buffalo Bill Cody himself this quaint western town has so much character. Shops sell western and Bill Cody items and restaurants feature 'Cowboy Cuisine'.

There us so much to do here that we could spend a whole vacation here,o but since we are just passing through this time we planned only one special stop. The Old Trail Town (unbeknownst to us, was right across from our hotel). The authentic cabins circa 1820-1890 that line the original town street were collected from historic sites all over the State. They boasted such famous dwellers as Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid. More wagons than we could count filled the street and boarded the town. It was worth the stop and I can't wait to share the photos when I get to BC.

Juliane and Sydney couldn't wait to get to the hotel and go swimming, so we skipped eating out so we could enjoy the hotel. They just LOVE hotels. I don't blame them. This hotel is really nice!

I am so thankful that I plan for every situation. It is COLD! Bone chilling. The wind chill had us running for our gloves and toques. Tomorrow the lows for Yellowstone are near 20 degrees so I am relieved that I packed the winter stuff. The forecast is just as exciting as the trip itself. Snow tonight here in Cody and snow today and tomorrow in Yellowstone just add to the adventure.

I bid you all a great night from Cody!