vancouver - squamish - whistler - kamloops

After a 1:40hr ferry ride from Nanaimo to Horseshoe Bay, I start driving on the 'Sea to Sky' highway towards Squamish (a really friendly place known for climbing, wind & kitesurfing, and hiking of course). I also did two very beautiful and popular hikes.

After a few amazing days, the weather forecast for the next 4 days looked rather gloomy, so I decided to drive back south to Vancouver. The drive is beautiful, just a little long, and a friend of mine who lives on the island was in the city for a half marathon. In a big city like Vancouver, it's not easy to get around with a car, so I decided to change things up a bit and stayed at the Freedom camp - but I managed it ;) Hockey, sightseeing, festivals, yoga, and soccer are on the program. After 4 days, I can say Vancouver is a cool city and definitely has its charm, but I'm looking forward to being in nature and peace again.

The sun is shining again, so I start heading north. On the way, I do a truly amazing hike to Panorama Ridge/Garibaldi Lake, and then I continue on to Whistler. It's not far and finally, my biking friends can understand why I'm so excited about this place. It's an absolute mecca for all bikers and downhillers, but also for outdoor freaks in general. I couldn't resist renting a bike and it's just wonderful riding the single trails and even going to the skills park. Sadly, my shin started hurting more again (probably because I did too much in the past few days/weeks), and I definitely need a few days of rest. Luckily, the 'autumn weather' doesn't make it too difficult.

The Fipu and the Tschüli (friends from home) have left already, of course after a short meeting, so I continue on my way to the Rocky Mountains. The route through Pemberton, Lillooet, and Cache Creek to Kamloops is incredibly beautiful in the nice autumn weather. Sometimes I feel a bit like I'm in a Western movie, with all these gold rush towns, Indian canyons/meadows, and beautiful lakes. Maybe it's also because I watched a Western movie the day before;)

Now I'm spending 2-3 days in Kamloops, hoping the wet (almost snowy) weather will go away soon so that I can travel from Jasper to Banff with the others in the evening. We have a few chilly nights ahead of us..

In that sense, I wish everyone a lot of warmth and a good week:)