Day 139: Seattle: Border Crossing

Today was quite a stressful day, as I had to cross the border into America.

I made it much harder for myself by getting confused of my dates while talking to the man at the gate, and having to go inside for an interview. 

I don't do very well under pressure, so naturally, I cried when he questioned me for half an hour on why I was doing multiple trips, and had me help search my car.

I was ultimately let into the country with a 90 day visa, unlike the European guys who had their grinder thing test positive for drugs, despite them "only using it for smoothies".

Once I got to Seattle, it was already dark, and the campsite I had planned on staying at had no one at the counter, so I had to find a backup.

Driving in a packed city after the sprawling roads of Canada was a challenge!! I'm glad to be in bed now!!

Tomorrow, some nature to de-stress xx

Day 138: Prince George: Yet More Driving

Today I woke up to the same incredible view from yesterday, and hit the road.

I stopped a few times to stretch my legs, but my favourite by far was a "fishing site" that was actually a whirlpool of terror and crazy water, that had dug a canyon through the rocks.

As always, early mornings are always the best for still water.

Tomorrow, making it to the States xx

Day 137: Morchuea Lake: Tons of Driving

Today I just drove. There was no where on the road to even stop and grab some internet, but it was beautiful none-the-less.

I stopped at a waterfall called "Rancheria" which was better than I expected, then found this amazing free campsite by a lake where I was the only person, and the view from my site was spectacular over a rarely-used lake.

Tomorrow, more driving, south xx

Day 136: Whitehorse: Dusk All Night

Today I slept in until just before lunch after stating up to try and see the northern lights. Unfortunately, it still looked like dusk at 3am, and there was no chance if  anything. 

Instead, today I have been planning my next part of my trip, and getting organised for the US.  

It was slightly disappointing coming all  way to not see the lights, but it really is an amazing part of the world, and I'm glad I came this far north.  

Tomorrow, headed towards the States xx

Day 135: Whitehorse: Rocks and Bears

Today I have finally arrived in the Northern Territories, specifically, the city of Whitehorse.

The trip was relatively short today, so I stopped off a few times to see the sights. I saw quite a few small bears which is slightly terrifying, but the small shop I stopped at to grab a coke also happened to be a museum which had stuffed bears, and the ones I saw were definitely just babies compared to the ones they had on display.

My favourite display was one where two animals had gotten their antlers stuck together and had died from exhaustion in a failed fight.

One of my favourite things was just on the side of the road. People had collected stones and written things in the slopes. I was happy to just watch them as I passed until I saw one the had "KENT 07" and I couldn't help but add a "16" to show I was there too.

I'm here hoping so see the Aurora Borealis. Both tonight and tomorrow night have a chance of seeing them, despite it being so late in the season. I am super hopeful, but not really expecting much.

Tomorrow, hopefully sleeping in after a long night of northern lights xx

 

Day 134: Watson Lake: Sign Forest and an Airport

Today I drove for a really long time, and saw lots of amazing animals. 

After my tour with the bison the other day, it was strange to drive along and every 50km to see groups of these huge creatures on the side of the road. 

I also saw porcupines, eagles, and even a few bears!!

After seeing all these animals, I found the most "metro" campground I could on my way to the northern lights which ended up being a town called Watson Lake.  

Most known for its signpost forest which had over 82,000 signposts (pictures really couldn't do it justice!!) I also watched their Northern Lights presentation in a huge dome, and went to their small airport, which had some really interesting photos of the town's involvement in WW2.  

This blog is late because there is no wifi in the airport campground I have found myself in.  

Tomorrow, Whitehorse xx

Day 133: Fort St John: A Giant Beaver

Today I started my journey along the Alaska Highway. The road was much less interesting than the Rocky Mountains, but I did see a huge sign, and a giant beaver. 

I really just spent today editing some photos and videos. All my past days are now up to date, and some time lapse footage should be up later this week! 

Tomorrow, just more driving xx

Day 132: Banff: Lake Louise and the Icefield Parkway

Today was yet another incredible day. I got up with the sun and headed back to Lake Louise. 

I am so glad that I'm a morning person these days, because the reflection in the still lake was honestly something I will never forget.  

Once again, there are no good photos me there, because people are terrible photographers, but that isn't their fault.  

From there, I headed to the Icefields Parkway. I pulled out at every signposted viewpoint making the 100km take over 6 hours to drive, but it was incredible.  

Personal highlight was probably the waterfall, which just had so much power behind it, again with brilliant blue glacial waters.  

Along the way, I also saw some amazing wildlife including tons of deer, some longhorns, and even a bear!!! (I was. Safely in my car the whole time, but maaaan it was cool!!!)

I have stopped in Hinton for the night, which had a nice walk called "Beaver Boardwalk". I thought it was just a cute name, but after doing the 3km trek, noticed a splash in the middle of the lake... Beaver!!

Tomorrow, headed north xx

Day 131: Banff: The Rocky Mountains

Today was spectacular. I got up early and was at the National Park by 7am. 

There are really no words for the majesty of these mountains.  

I started off with a loop that went to Lake Minnewanka. I was so blown away that I went back later that afternoon.  

I had a quick soak in the Hot Spring pool overlooking the ranges, but found the 40degrees a bit too warm after a while, so headed to the "Cave and Basin" site.

The whole place smelt of sulphur, but there was a decent hike, and some interesting information about the history. 

After my second stop to the loop, I drive to Lake Louise. It literally took my breath away. Will definitely be stopping by again in the morning!! 

Sadly the other lake was closed, but I didn't finish my day until after 5, so its probably lucky my day wasn't longer! 

Tomorrow, the Icefield Parkway xx

Day 130: Calgary: Dinosaurs and Canyons

Today was a great day. The drive was fantastic, and I even took a detour to see more things.

I left from Swift Current and headed to Drumheller, a location known for it's dinosaur discoveries and amazing canyon. The place did not disappoint!

They had a giant T-rex constructed near the visitor centre, which you could pay to climb the stairs of and get a picture inside it's giant mouth! I opted not to do this, and instead took a hike down the river, and across the Badlands to Horseshoe Canyon.

Carved by an ice age 12,000 years ago, the multi-coloured mounds were beautiful amongst the completely flat grasslands surrounding them.

Along the way, I stopped a few times for some of the nature I saw. No idea what half of the animals I saw were, but I liked it! I think one was a wolf, and the others looked like small prairie dogs? I really don't know.

After Drumheller, I headed to Calgary, and went to the top of the Tower. almost 200 meters up, I could see the whole town, and could almost see the Rocky Mountains (unfortunately there is a fair bit of smoke in the air from the fires up north)

I had a good look around town too. It has a very historic feel, with a lot of cool looking bars and restaurants. 

Tomorrow, Banff xx