SisterMadly

I just got back from Vancouver and had a great time! I especially liked Granville Island, Gastown, and Robson Street. Also, Broadway has the greatest concentration of outdoors stores that I’ve ever seen so it’s a definite must if that’s your thing (and it is mine). Easy city to get around on foot. It rained, of course, but it was still okay to walk around most of the time. I can’t wait to go back!

I spent about two weeks canoeing in the BWCA in 2002, and it was incredible! We had a couple encounters with bears in our campsite. They are very brave so it is essential to hang your food at night! We were mostly into some of the smaller, interior lakes that weren’t very busy. We still saw other people on a regular basis, but it didn’t feel as crowded as the lakes on the periphery, which were quite hectic especially on the portages.

One of the nicest things about camping in the BWCA is that there are toilets at the campsites! Well, not flushing toilets, it’s more of an open air throne (an outhouse without walls.) It may not sound wonderful, but considering on other backcountry camping trips I’ve actually had to dig myself a toilet, this is such a luxury!

When I visited Mt. St. Helens a few years ago the trails nearest to the volcano were closed (it is an active volcano). My friends and I decided to hike around a lake, and the path was extremely overgrown which made me regret that I had worn shorts. I looked like someone had beaten me with branches! And the hike was about 10 miles long. Anyway the scenery was pretty amazing and it was literally off the beaten path! We felt like we were the only ones around for miles, which was probably true.

I was in Banff last summer and camped at Lake Louise. The campground is surrounded by an electric fence to keep the bears out! There are trails around the campground, which were great for a morning run. It is unreal how beautiful it is! The water is bright blue with mountains all around. Sorry U.S., but the Canadian rockies are much better.

Wall Drug is worth visiting (and you will likely feel compelled to stop there after the endless stream of billboards advertising it) if only to see what a overwhelming attack of consumerism/kitsch it is. Strange place.

I very briefly lived and worked close to the battlefield site. It’s well worth a stop! I’ve been there twice and always recommend it to those travelling I-90 through Montana. It’s amazing to think that this peaceful expanse was the site of a bloody battle.