Looking to Fall
Trip Start
Mar 27, 2007
1
17
19
Trip End
Mar 24, 2008
Banff,
Alberta,
Canada
Friday, August 17, 2007
But work is work and I don't really want to talk about it on my DAY OFF!! I've done absolutely nothing all day and it's glorious. Been into some shops that I haven't ventured in to in the 4 1/2 months I've been here so that's been fun. It's a nice sunny day, though too many tourists still, and the wind is blowing that wonderful construction dirt all the way down Banff Ave. into your eyes and hair so that's great too ;)
Not this past weekend, but the one before I got to catch up with another traveling friend which was awesome. One of the guys I worked with at the hostel in Edinburgh lives only a few hours from Banff and was in town with his rugby teammates for a tournament. Didn't catch any games, but did spend two nights out on the town with him and his friends and it might have been two of the funnest nights I've had in town, so no complaints there. It's just always good to see people you've met traveling. Remembering the good old days, and to get that pleasant reminder that no matter how hard I tried throughout my two years away to be ok with meeting so many people and convincing myself that it was alright that I would never see them again, it IS really good to see friends again after so long.
I really have done nothing since two weekends ago, but I've got today off, tomorrow except for 6 hours of work, work Saturday, and then Sunday, Monday, and Tuesday I am running away from Banff. Or rather driving. I finally just put my foot down and arranged three days off work to rent a car and see the Park. I am heading up to Jasper for Sunday night and likely Monday night too and then either Lake Louise the Tuesday night or back in to Banff that evening. Just going to hike until I hurt for three days. Lake Louise, Moraine Lake, Yoho National Park and Takakkaw Falls, Columbia Icefields, Peyto Lake, Jasper, Medecine Lake, Athabasca Falls, and every other hike I have time for along the way. I've been giddy and excited for the last week or so. I can't wait for that freedom of getting in a car, driving wherever I want with the windows open and the stereo blasting the tunes of my choice. And I'll be hostelling it again which will be a nice throw-back!! I don't care if it rains or storms (because I've checked the weather and it's not going to!), I just can't wait to get away from the routine for even a short time. With so little leeway, you've got to make you're own adventures any way you can right?
After that it's back to work for likely two weeks straight but whatever. I'll take lots of pictures and such so that everyone will actually know what all the places I just named are. Then the begining of Sept. the parents are out for a few days and I will get a few more days off. Check out a few sights, and the off to visit in Calgary for a few days. Can't wait. FYI mom and dad, if you don't mind, I'll do the driving throughout the duration of your time here. Thanks. I miss driving :(
Then after the parents visit, I've decided to go back to school and will start my studying again. Or not really go back to school, but the school will come to me. Because I am constantly bored and never have anything to do to fill the hours, I've decided to take some university courses through distance education. Economics and Political Science. Not sure if I am stupid or full-on nuts, but ya that's the plan anyway. I've just been yearning to do something a little more substantial than the minimum wage purgatory, and hoping I can manage it all. I hated uni when I first went, and the mere thought of it to this day scares the crap out of me, but I am just going purely on the fact that I know I have the ability to do these classes. Forget about the worries and the writing, reading, etc. and just suck it up. Get it done and move on. I'm genuinely interested in these subjects so I am just keeping the faith that that will get me through. I'll keep you posted.
As for future travel as I am sure a lot of people are just waiting to hear where I run off to next. University will keep me in the country until April when I finish my exams. So that's that. I will work and study, and save until then and decide later what my next move will be. Move meaning back to Europe or over to OZ. Who knows. This world is too BIG!
Got a few more people I met traveling I might get a chance to meet up with this month, hopefully get my butt out canoeing again, and a little bit of work thrown in just for a bit of balance ;) I will check soon about the skating rink in town too as I really really really want to get back on my skates again and see if I can still do some twirly's. Got to find something winter-related to do since I don't ski or board. Winter will be interesting to say the least. Anyways, I am out of here. Will post pic's of the roadtrip in a few days. Take care and enjoy the end of summer!!!
P.S Why if I want to fly from Calgary to say New York or Chigago for instance, do I have to go through Dallas or Houston. I must admit I am not too shabby in the geography department and I can't quite figure this triangular route out in my brain. Also did you know that say flying from Calgary to say Pheonix in say randomly like February, only costs about $330.00 return. Amazing!!
Cheers for now!
Comments
You seem like you know the trails!
I'm planning a photo safari starting th 5th. I'll be stopping in Lake Louise and then 10 days at Jasper and then ... who knows.
I'm a nature and wildlife photographer http://www.kotybear.com I prefer to work from the trails but only day hikes 6-8 hours per day. Any suggestions for photo ops with in three to four hours from the trailhead?
Thanks,
Kinsey
http://kotybear.blogspot.com/