TravelStream™ news feed for member eoinandrosie on TravelPod's free travel blogs service http://www.travelpod.com/syndication/rss/eoinandrosie en-us Copyright ©2009 TravelPod.com Tue, 05 Aug 2008 11:42:24 -0400 http://www.travelpod.com http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/eoinandrosie/1/1217950140/tpod.html http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/eoinandrosie/1/1217950140/tpod.html#comments Travel Blogs http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/eoinandrosie/1/1217950140/tpod.html Tue, 05 Aug 2008 11:42:24 -0400 Cycling North America.

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Kirkwall, Scotland, United Kingdom

Hi Folks! We're home again. No problems with travel on the way, just the jet lag to get over now. Kristina and Dean are cooking dinner tonight and that's great. So, our trip has come to an end and we must get back to work on thursday. What a thought! Thanks for sharing the trip with us. Bye!
]]> http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/eoinandrosie/1/1217704620/tpod.html http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/eoinandrosie/1/1217704620/tpod.html#comments Travel Blogs http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/eoinandrosie/1/1217704620/tpod.html Sat, 02 Aug 2008 17:49:44 -0400 Cycling North America.

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Calgary, Alberta, Canada

Hi Folks! This is it.....our last entry from Canada.....on this trip. We've survived city life, and enjoyed it too! Done a bit of sightseeing, shopping and just chilling.Last night we were invited to dinner by a couple ( Rob and Siew-Wan ) that we met at 'Rampart Creek' wilderness hostel. We had a lovely evening with them and their gorgeous peedie boy ( Zak, 15 months old ). So,Eoin's got the bikes packed, we're ready for the trip home and getting back to 'normal' life. It might take a bit of time to adjust again. What an amazing experience though, we've lived in each other's pockets for 15 weeks... and survived. See you all soon.

PS There's lots more photos, we just don't know how to put them into the blog! Hope to get help with that when we get home.
]]> http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/eoinandrosie/1/1217340960/tpod.html http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/eoinandrosie/1/1217340960/tpod.html#comments Travel Blogs http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/eoinandrosie/1/1217340960/tpod.html Tue, 29 Jul 2008 13:23:08 -0400 Cycling North America.

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Calgary, Alberta, Canada

Hi Folks! Time is rolling on and we've cut our mileage down so that we don't have twitchy legs on the days coming home. We took a tour bus from Jasper to Banff on the 22nd to see the Icefields Parkway from a tourist's eye. After being on the bikes for so long we found that we couldn't quite get the views from the bus that we were used to, but it was good because we had a tour guide giving us a running commentary as we went. They stopped at Peyto Lake, where we hadn't been, and it was gorgeous. The hostel at Castle Mountain (where we wanted to be dropped off) was full so we carried on to Banff, but the hostel there was full too. We cycled around looking for a bed, and 6 miles later we found Heidi's B&B. We were treated really well - muffins and tea on arrival and then a big continental breakfast in our room in the morning. We were going to go up Sulphur Mountain, for a good view over Banff, but it was too cloudy. Heidi gave us tickets for the Hot Springs so we soaked in the warmth of the pool (39c). Then the rain came but we managed to hide from the worst of it. Next day we did the scenic route around Banff, Minnewanka Lake and Two Jacks Lake before we headed to Canmore. Stayed in the 'Alpine Club Of Canada' hostel for the next 2 nights. Feeling fit Eoin decided that we should go a hike up Grotto Mountain at the back of the hostel. It was sooo steep! 3 hours later we were sitting on a ridge taking in a completely different 360 view of the Rockies. We weren't at the top, but we felt we'd gone far enough in our sandals. Coming back down was a killer on the knees, quads and hips. It certainly tired us out. Before leaving the next day, we cycled downtown and wandered along the main street stopping at the bike shop. Coming out we bumped into an Irishman (Kevin, and his family) that we met in Banff 3 days earlier. He's a cyclist too and in training for a 6 day event in August. (He's madder than us!) We had a good blether and a cuppa with them. Heading to Cochrane was further than we thought (60 miles), with thighs screaming from the climb. It was really strange leaving the Rockies behind and riding along open, rolling hills. Arriving in Cochrane we found that all the Motels were full-up but we were given a phone number for a B&B. It was called Rocky Mountain View and it lived up to it's name. We had gorgeous views from our bedroom window. Our landlady 'Tina' was fantastic too. Very kind, giving us cups of tea, washing our clothes and cream for Rosie's bites. Shared the breakfast table with Roman and Mary who we got on with really well. Mary even helped Rosie find a nice outfit for a family wedding in August. 4,000 miles on, we're now in Calgary taking things easy until we go home. We've got very mixed emotions now that we're in the final stages of our adventure. Where has the time gone to? Looking forward to seeing you all soon.

PS Thank you Mary, Eoin loves the dress.

PPS Happy Birthday James, hope you have a good one.
]]> http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/eoinandrosie/1/1216680960/tpod.html http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/eoinandrosie/1/1216680960/tpod.html#comments Travel Blogs http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/eoinandrosie/1/1216680960/tpod.html Mon, 21 Jul 2008 19:17:58 -0400 Cycling North America.

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Jasper, Alberta, Canada

Hi Folks! We cycled the steep (300m gain in 3 miles) to Lake Louise where we did the worthwhile hike to Agnes Lake & Teahut (another 365m elevation gain). Had to take shelter from a thunderstorm before cycling back to the hostel. Left in brilliant sunshine the next day to cycle the Icefields Parkway (known as one of the top 10 drives in the world). It was a long climb to the top at Bow Pass (2067m) then mainly downhill to the wilderness hostel of Rampart Creek (very rustic!). On arrival we were gobsmacked to discover that we had a 15 mile round trip to get food ( we'd already done 58 miles). Next day we headed for Jasper. It took us 10 hours to do the 90 miles as we had Sunwapta Pass to climb (2030m) and lots of photos to take. It's an absolutely stunning cycle. So many glaciers, mountains, lakes, rivers and waterfalls. In the last 16 miles before Jasper we also saw 2 bears up close. Cool eh! We're still meeting lots of interesting people, so the tongues are getting as much exercise as the legs. Having a day off in Jasper today to recharge the batteries again.

PS Hope you had a good birthday Fred!

PPS Enjoy Ireland Karina & Co.
]]> http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/eoinandrosie/1/1216335300/tpod.html http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/eoinandrosie/1/1216335300/tpod.html#comments Travel Blogs http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/eoinandrosie/1/1216335300/tpod.html Thu, 17 Jul 2008 21:32:20 -0400 Cycling North America.

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Lake Louise, Alberta, Canada

Hi Folks! We had a picturesque cycle from Cranbrook through Kimberley to Wasa, where we swam in the lovely warm lake. It was so tranquil. Next day we had a 70 mile cycle up the Columbia Valley, from Canal Flats through Fairmont and Windermere to Radium Hot Springs. Fantastic scenery and no big climbs. There are 16 golf courses in the area as well as a few hot springs. Stayed at Misty River Lodge/Hostel run by Gaby and Geoff, a wonderful couple with a real interest in people and so informative. We felt so at home it was a struggle to leave. We found time for a soak in the hot springs before we left. Tues morning we left at 8am and about a mile up the hill we saw our 1st bear. Hearts pounding when we saw it was a black cub, we put in a spurt to get further up the hill as we didn't know where mum was. Looking back we saw the mum and another 2 cubs crossing the road. We did get a photo but from a safe distance. It was so exciting, but nerve-wracking. We cycled on up and over Sinclair Pass (4875ft) and cruised to Kootenay Park Lodge where we spent the night in a real old log cabin. Next day we went over Vermilion Pass (5376ft) and the Continental Divide, for the 2nd time. Had lunch in Banff then back to Castle Mountain and checked into the hostel there. The warden, Tony, is a real character. Very cheery and can understand any language, even Orcadian. We've taken loads of photos over the past few days as the scenery is so stunning. Did the short cycle to Lake Louise today and hope to explore a bit the morn.

PS The 'Sinclair Pass Loaf' was delicious Gaby. Thank you. It was just what we needed to keep us going after the climb.

Love to All xx
]]> http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/eoinandrosie/1/1215715620/tpod.html http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/eoinandrosie/1/1215715620/tpod.html#comments Travel Blogs http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/eoinandrosie/1/1215715620/tpod.html Thu, 10 Jul 2008 17:31:28 -0400 Cycling North America.

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Cranbrook, British Columbia, Canada

Hi, we're back! We had a lovely cycle from Nelson to Balfour where we caught the ferry across Kootenay Lake. It was warm and sunny as we headed south to Creston (almost on the US border again). The scenery reminded us of the Inverness - Fort William road. From Creston we headed north-east to Cranbrook stopping for lunch in a peedie place called Yahk. As soon as we spoke, the girl serving us said that we must be from Orkney. She used to live in Aberdeen and holidayed in Orkney (small world). Her name is Linda Kerr and her dad is a friend of Alistair and Dorothy Clark. They were in Orkney for Jennifer's wedding. On arriving in Cranbrook, just 400m from the Hostel, Eoin's bike got a broken spoke. Like a good Scout, Eoin was prepared with a spare and got it fixed. We've been to the bike shop today to get a couple more, just incase. The road surface here in town are the worst we've been on. The hostel is up to a very high standard though. We feel like we're only a stone's throw away from Calgary (where we fly home from), but we're not going there yet! We hope to see Banff and Lake Louise and Yoho National Park before then.

PS Thank you for the offer of a home-cooked dinner Kristina, we'll look forward to it. xx

PPS Hope the gardening's going well Rachel and James. Claire will be delighted to help to. xxx
]]> http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/eoinandrosie/1/1215454620/tpod.html http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/eoinandrosie/1/1215454620/tpod.html#comments Travel Blogs http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/eoinandrosie/1/1215454620/tpod.html Mon, 07 Jul 2008 17:54:38 -0400 Cycling North America.

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Nelson, British Columbia, Canada

Hi Folks! We're not fried yet even tho the temp's been up to 40c. Our 2nd day in Osoyoos was great. Very relaxing, sitting on the sidewalk, eating ice-cream and watching the world go by. Then we swam in the lake to cool off. Leaving Osoyoos the next day, we had a big climb (1477m), over 11 1/2 miles, awesome views, and we seem to be getting used to the heat. Stopped in Midway, where we had brilliant banter with 3 other couples at the same motel (Mile Zero, as it's close to the USA border). Out of the 8 of us 3 were Swiss, 1 Yorkshire, 2 Canadian and us. We were sitting outside with beer and wine, having a great time, when the heavens opened and we had to run for cover. What fun! Next day we'd cycled to Grand Forks by lunchtime when we stopped for more food. We were sitting outside the bike shop where the atmosphere was very social. Off again to Christina Lake where we had our 1st night camping. The bloody mosquitos were awful (you should see Rosie's bumps, very painful!), but the live music in the campsite was fantastic. From Christina Lake we had a 15 mile climb to Paulson Summit (1535m). The Canadian Rockies are steeper than the USA mountains. Our descent into Nelson was a nice reward. We're staying at The Dancing Bear Inn (hostel) for 2 nights and it's lovely. Nelson seems to be full of nice Arty and Hippie type people, and it's in a nice setting too beside the lake and surrounded by mountains.

PS Enjoy France Adrian!
]]> http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/eoinandrosie/1/1214957640/tpod.html http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/eoinandrosie/1/1214957640/tpod.html#comments Travel Blogs http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/eoinandrosie/1/1214957640/tpod.html Wed, 02 Jul 2008 00:06:42 -0400 Cycling North America.

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Osoyoos, British Columbia, Canada

Hi Folks! After a rest day in Hope (60m above sea level) we set off on our biggest day of climbing yet. After a long slog up to Allison Pass (1342m), then down into Manning Park, it was uphill again to Sunday Pass (1282m). It was hot...VERY HOT!!! Not a cloud in the sky, 33c in the shade and no wind. We drank 5 litres of water each. We'd covered 85 miles and were exhausted, when we arrived in Princeton. It was nice to know we had a bed, as we'd booked ahead. Luckily there was a good restaurant next door. Another rest day was needed before we set off again. We left Princeton early (6.30am), before the heat of the day, and cycled an easy 43 miles to Keremeos. We were about to set off this morning when Rosie noticed her front tyre was flat (her 2nd puncture). Eoin soon got it fixed and we got going to Osoyoos with a back wind and a few climbs. This took us into Canada's only desert area, so our scenery's changed again. We've clocked up over 3,000 miles now and had to visit the local bike shop for new chains. They're holding a 1/2 Ironman Triathlon here this sunday (6th), but we've decided not to stay for it. (We haven't had time to improve on our swimming!!!!) xxxx

PS It's been another scorcher here today, 38c, too hot for us!
]]> http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/eoinandrosie/1/1214609040/tpod.html http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/eoinandrosie/1/1214609040/tpod.html#comments Travel Blogs http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/eoinandrosie/1/1214609040/tpod.html Fri, 27 Jun 2008 22:49:46 -0400 Cycling North America.

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Hope, British Columbia, Canada

Hi All! Whilst in Vancouver we had an enjoyable visit to Eoin's Auntie Rena (who at 88 years young is very sprightly). She made us feel very welcome, and her home cooking was delicious. Rosie even got some recipes. Then we did some sightseeing. The weather was hot, but ideal, as we cycled through the streets Downtown and through the parks, including Stanley Park. We had a whale of a time soaking in the atmosphere. After 3 nights in Vancouver we headed east. It took us about 3 hours to get clear of the city traffic. The road followed the famous Fraser River with it's logging traditions still alive. Had 1 night in Mission, then on to Hope (where one of the theories of it's name is associated to St Margaret's Hope in Orkney). Small world eh! We're right in amongst the mountains here, and it's gorgeous. Had a rest day today before our big climb over Allison Pass tomorrow. It's
been a scorcher of a day here today. This is the life! xx

PS It would've been too hot to be working today!!!
]]> http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/eoinandrosie/1/1214227560/tpod.html http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/eoinandrosie/1/1214227560/tpod.html#comments Travel Blogs http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/eoinandrosie/1/1214227560/tpod.html Mon, 23 Jun 2008 12:58:10 -0400 Cycling North America.

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Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada

Hi! It was almost downhill all the way to the sea. What a lovely sight! We had 1/2 hr crossing from Edmonds to Kingston, then a taxing 70 miles along the north coast of the Olympic Penninsula to Port Angeles. Our last night in the USA. Caught the ferry to Victoria on Vancouver Island, where we were warmly welcomed by Eoin's cousin Norman, and his wife Anne. Spent 3 nights with them in Sooke and had a super time (except for 1 day when Rosie had a bout of sickness). Norman and Anne took us to see some of the sights inc. Butchart Gardens. We picked up Susan, their daughter, and went up the island as far as Ladysmith going through Duncan + Chemainus, seeing nice scenery as we went. Saw a huge logger's barge tipping it's logs into the water at Mill Bay. That was different! We finished off with a lovely meal at Nautical Nellies on the waterfront in Victoria. Yesterday morning we left Norman and Anne's and cycled the Galloping Goose Trail to Swartz Bay, (44 miles) where we caught the ferry to Tsawwssen. Another 27 miles took us to Vancouver with a little help from a fellow cyclist called Yoni. It was a perfect day to be on the bikes again. We're trying hostel accomodation for a change where the foof's good but we're in different dorms.
PS Thanks again Norman and Anne for putting us up and putting up with us. It was very much appreciated.
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