Golden

Really feel like we're in the Rockies now - check out Rogers Pass, the road we took to get here this morning:

We arrived at our campsite - the best yet with stunning views of the mountains! After a catch up with a few back home we hit the hiking trails in style with a forest walk overlooking a enormous canyon. Bright blue sky and hot sunshine.... Can't complain!

Mt Revelstoke - Mountain Biking

Now we're in the Rockies (well at least the foothills). Stunning scenery once again and the chance to hit some gentle bike trails.... except they weren't that gentle so we didn't get too far. Still we had fun and got a mini sweat on.

Cheers to Okanagan wine!

Is 10.30 am too early for a glass of wine? Apparently not in Kelowna! We've had a great day and managed to avoid a afternoon hangover (somehow)...

Four vineyards later and we'd lost count of the varieties of wine we had tried.... They were so good they all blended into one.... We do remember that Mel liked the white one and Dave preferred the red, other than that who knows?

Altogether a corking day!

Our new home

Picked up the RV today... It's a monster!!! It was a little sketchy navigating out of Vancouver and took some getting used to driving a 30ft vehicle but once we were on the main highway it was a smooth journey - we even saw another wolf! we're now in the beautiful wine regions of Okanagan valley at our campsite - no driving tomorrow as we are off to taste some of the local produce.

This thing has the turning circle of.... well.... something very big!

Preparing our first (somewhat basic) camp meal:

Last night with Nic :-(

We've got to the end of our first phase of the trip, we had a awesome night out with Nic in Vancouver and are just about to say our farewells before picking up the RV and heading for the Rockies!!!

Whistler

After a long day travelling we reached our destination for the night: a 'yurt' in Whistler...

... We woke up refreshed ready for a day hiking in the Whistler mountain back country.

Stunning views and we managed to avoid the rain! Here are some pics:

 

We had a hard walk but felt fairly inadequate as the Canadian IronMan had been held in Whistler this weekend (2.4 mile swim - 112 mile bike ride & a full marathon over very tough terrain). We had to settle for jumping in front of the Olympic Rings!!!

The Bear Necessities!

Wow what a day, we got a boat over to BC mainland to a little cove where the salmon return each year to spawn - but it wasn't the salmon we were here to see: first a lone Wolf showed up and prowled the shore, then the main event a mother Grizzly Bear and her two Cubs. They played in front of us for over a hour fishing, rolling in the grass and play fighting. It was amazing!

Sea Kayaking & Wilderness Camping

We're back from an amazing four days sea kayaking and wilderness camping. Stunning scenery everywhere and some unbelievably close encounters with wildlife. The photo's are worth a thousand words:

Can you believe that this is the sea?

Orca Whale hunting salmon!

A curious seal keeps his eye on us!

A bald eagle swoops past.

A massive humpback whale lunges right past our kayak to swallow a bate ball (ball of fish) before diving down and showing us his fluke (tail fin)..... He was so close our hearts were racing, awesome sight!

An incredible few days!!!!

Trip up North

Day of travelling today-a scenic drive covering nearly the length of Vancouver Island. 

Arrived in Port McNeill to find our beautiful beachside B&B with fantastic views in a stunning location. Looking forward to the next 4 days sea kayaking with whales and wilderness camping. Will update you on our return! 

Victoria - Vancouver Island

Today we got the ferry over to Victoria on Vancouver Island, it's sunny and warm if not a little windy!

We have kitted ourselves out with bikes and are going to take on the 45km 'galloping goose trail' tomorrow! First time on a bike since the broken back (don't worry mum this is a gentle bike path this time).

2 year wedding anniversary!

Mel and I celebrated our two year wedding anniversary this week so we couldn't resist this photo opportunity! You got to love cheesy photo's?

Stanley Park Vancouver

First day in Vancouver and we have been over to Stanley Park with Nic (once she meet us at the airport with a Team Yates sign). Been  walking around all day - good to stretch the legs after a long flight. Beautiful city with a real feel of wilderness in the park. Totem Poles pretty awesome!

Off to food markets on Granville Island tonight - Yum!!

We're off!!!

All the waiting and planning is done, we're at the airport and waiting for the off!! Team Yates adventure begins! Catch up soon