Canada

Word is that November is one of the wettest months here in the Vancouver area, but together with Paul and Jan and lots of raingear we are happy to take on the challenge and decide to cycle the backroads of Vancouver Island.

Here we are, 20 kilometers away from Whistler in British Colombia, Canada and my odometer jumps from 29.999 to 30.000 kilometers! It took us a while and we (I for that matter) are certainly not the fastest cyclists, but we definitaly enjoyed every meter of it. My heart jumps up too; full of pride and then instantly a more dark feeling emerges; the end of THIS journey is getting closer and closer…

We find ourselves in the wilderness of Bowron Lake Provincial Park to paddle the famous 116 kilometer Canoe Circuit. Encompassing ten lakes, numerous waterways and nine portages it sounds like a perfect adventure for us. No services for the next seven days, just nature, primitive campsites and a few shelters. Let the fun begin!

When leaving Jasper the rain follows us into the valley for our (for now) last continental divide crossing. Back in 2010 we’ve cycled this route too, but instead of cycling South towards Valemount we head further North to Prince George. Crossing the Fraser River we spot a couple of large Chinook Salmons, they have come a long way (almost 1400 kilometers) to reach this place, as did we (almost 29.000km!).

So, what’s it like to cycle on one of the world’s most beautiful roads? The Icefield Parkway, 230 kilometer of pure pleasure or just hard work? Parallelling the Continental Divide, highway 93 goes straight through the Rockies with views of glaciers, turquois mountain lakes, white topped peaks and fast flowing rivers… that is… when the weather isn’t working against you!

With no more than one day left on our United States visa, we leave the States behind us and continue our ride into the last country we’ll visit here in the Americas: Canada! The smoke doesn’t care about borders though and follows us right into Canada as we cycle into Waterton National Park. I dare not ask for rain, since in 2010 I wished for it and it never stopped raining!

It’s raining cats and dogs and the sound on our tent is kind of soothing, but I’ll probably think otherwise when we have to start cycling again tomorrow. It’s grey, misty and wet and it has been like this for days now. Too bad, well, I guess we have to come back one day!

We are cycling the Icefield Parkway and follow rivers, pass waterfalls and enjoy sunsets at amazing lakes. During the day we have a lot of rain, snow and even hail, but every now and then the clouds open up and we can enjoy the beautiful Canadian landscape.

We are way on time at the checkin desk at Schiphol, Amsterdam. A friendly stewardess tries to help us, but without luck. She urges us to go to desk number 16…