Summits, sunshine & spectacular scenery that make you feel so small and in awe of the natural world. Over the last two weeks I have been hiking and camping in the Rockies and have been fortunate to have blue skies (for the most part,) which seem to look even bluer against the snow-topped peaks.
It's hard to choose just a few highlights as everyday has been pretty special, but I'll try. Riding the gondolas & chairlifts on Whistler & Blackcomb mountains and hiking on tracks where you're surrounded by snow was photo heaven! Whistler itself is also a great town and somewhere I would definitely love to return to in winter. Likewise Banff and Jasper are places that are hard not to warm to with the backdrop of the Rockies.
As well as mountains, I have seen a lifetime's worth of beautiful, turquoise blue lakes, some with the reflections of the impressive peaks above mirrored in them. The wildlife has also been on a grand scale - black bears, elk, coyotes and today on a whale watching trip sea otters, playful dolphins and majestic grey whales. I feel truly spoilt!
However, perhaps a really personal highlight was conquering my fear of being on the water when I took a canoe trip in Wells Gray National Park. After a fairly disastrous kayaking adventure in New Zealand ten years ago, I have not ventured into such a small vessel on the water since. I won't lie, landing on Caribou Beach and having my feet back on dry land was the best feeling after gripping the paddle so hard. But I did it and knowing I did it was a pretty great feeling.
Photos to follow when wifi connection is a little better than in my tent!
Oh, and just to add, mosquitos have been encountered as much as the mountains, so much so you could probably do dot-to-dot on my arms and face! Has it been worth it? Of course : )
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