I originally left Vancouver back in October because I wanted to get away from the Olympics. The construction, the chaos, the political disputes and protests (although I agree with many of their points). I had planned to stay away until after the games were done and gone…but here I am.
My friends had taunted me, saying that the vibe and energy was great. The people were here and the experiences were something you may only have the opportunity to have once. With that said I came home early and I’m glad I did.
The energy is amazing. The patriotic feeling across the city as we watch Canada’s athletes compete and cheer them on while hosting the rest of the world is amazing. This IS truly a once in a lifetime experience and how fitting that it came right after finishing another that I will never forget.
I’m glad to be home! Go Canada Go!
Canada Scores on Germany! Goal Six.
So the short familiar drive from Chilliwack into Vancouver in the sun with the window down was a nice way to end this awesome trip I’ve been on. I feel a little weird, like it was all a dream. I woke up in my grandparent’s house today and it was like I never even left. I’m sure it will all sink in over time but all in all I think the alone time on the road, in the fields, in the abandoned houses and the nights alone in my quiet isolation have brought a new lease on life. I have a lot to say and will be working on making my mark in the world through the next few years. While doing it with a better and more positive attitude.
Something else I learned while on this trip is that although it was mostly me out there, I would not have been able to do it without the support of my friends, family and the random strangers that stepped up and offered words of encouragement, gas money donations and moral support. This truly was a trip for everyone as they were along there with me.
So until I take on a new adventure (which I will) this blog will obviously slow down but I will not close it. Even if I only venture out on a weekend trip I will post my travels here.
Until then, I think everyone should get out there and see something they haven’t seen before. I did.
I left Osooyoos this morning, sunny and clear out. I stopped in Keromeos where I’ve taken shots of some old cars before. Got a few more shots there, then drove the Princeton Highway through Hope and into Chilliwack where my other grandparents live. I’m there now, in a familiar house with family. It feels almost like I haven’t even left. Like the last 4 months just a blur of a dream.
It’s like I’ve woken from a really good dream feeling refreshed and enlightened. The weather here is so good that it makes feel like I should turn around and go again as it’s giving me that spring itch for movement and adventure. Yet the intellectual side on my brain wants a rest, a chance to move forward with the new things we’ve learned. So be it. I have some work to do but you can rest assured there will plans for another adventure in the works.
Until tomorrow,
W
Waking outside of Creston, BC and finding it cloudy and grey I drove over the pass and inward. Not a whole lot to report as I was day dreaming, reminiscing and thinking a lot about the future.
About 1pm my position and the cloud cover had given way to almost clear skies. I visited with an old friend, a house I have photographed before, but this time I went inside. I then rolled into Osooyoos and after a little delay in meeting up I was soon visiting my grandparents and my aunt on my dad’s side. It was a great night of catching up over dinner and some Olympics on television.
Again my day started off grey, cloudy with some snow and rain but as I got further Southwest the cloud started to break up. I stopped at Historic Fort Steele and spent a few hours amongst the old buildings, old wagon wheels and the horses, burros, sheep and donkeys.
I pretty much stayed on the number 3 highway as there’s still a lot of space between me and home and I’ve decided that I’d like to get into town for Saturday. The more I hear about the Olympics the more I’d like to be there. I should have know myself a little better when I left, that I would in fact want to be part of such a big event, regardless of my views of the organizing committee and the city officials. It’s about the athletes and the energy, lately I love myself a good energy!
So with a night in Chilliwack to catch up with my grandparents I’m hoping to be home soon. I’ll tell you one thing though, the sun on your face feels different at home. Here’s to another great day.
I’m in Creston at the library (where apparently no one was taught it’s supposed to be a quiet place, not even the old ladies).
I will get a good sleep tonight and then the last stretch. Wow.
I was late getting out of Calgary as I was working on some edits because I hadn’t done many in a while. In addition it was grey and gloomy in the city. Once I hit the road I traveled South down the 22. It felt good to be back on the road, especially knowing that I’m closing in on home. I love this form of travel, I could do a lot more of this. Right now though I’m getting excited to get home and reconnect with my friends and family and experience some of the Olympic energy in the city I call home. I’m sure by summer I’ll be jones-ing for another trip though.
As I drove today I was watching the sun fall behind the Rockies with just a hint of open space between the clouds and the mountains. I saw a few old cars but they all seemed to be on private land on working homesteads at the end of long driveways so I simply moved forward. No matter what happens at this point my creative well is full. More shots would be awesome but if the weather simply isn’t there or the opportunities don’t present themselves I’ll just keep heading West.
There’s a lot in BC that I still want to see, but since I live here, some weekend trips will definitely be taken later on this year.
In Sparwood BC tonight. It’s trying to rain. Funny, I can’t remember the last time it rained on me, kind of missed it.
No Continental Breakfast For You
Category: Cross Canadian Road Trip 2009-2010
Tags: Alberta, British Columbia, Calgary, Canada, energy, Olympics, Photography, photos, rain, Rockies, Sparwood, travel Leave a Comment
I’ve spent a few days here in Calgary catching up with some friends as I once lived here. For seven years “Cowtown” was home while I played music and experienced a different city.
I’m all set to get on my way tomorrow and am looking forward to my last leg of this awesome trip that has taken me completely across this country we live in. However, my friends back in Vancouver are demanding that I get back to town and experience some of the Olympic energy. Despite how I feel about the politics, commercialism and corporate involvement in the games I also feel like it’s a once in a lifetime experience as well. So as I leave here tomorrow I’m going to be watching the weather carefully and if I feel like I’d rather wait to take some shots I may find I may just keep driving through. It’s not like I’m far from home and smaller road trips to my home province are always fun.
So with that said, I do feel a bit sad that the trip is coming to a close. That however, doesn’t meant that I will stop posting here, as a matter of fact, once I’m home and as time allows the photo section of this become quite extensive as I have more time to edit some of the thousands of shots I’ve taken.
Anyway, I’m sure we’ll see each other again soon. Until tomorrow.
W
The Disappearance
Category: Highlights
Tags: Alberta, Calgary, energy, festivities, Friends, Olympics, Photography, photos, Vancouver, Vancouver 2010 Olympics, weather 2 Comments
This week has been awesome for shots. I’m currently transferring another 60+ gig worth of raw files from the last two days.
Freshly fueled and coffee in hand I left Stettler this morning but didn’t get very far before I was out of the truck, camera in tow. I wasn’t even half done my coffee when I spotted a large field full of junk, then the truck with a sign saying “Antique Junk for Sale”. Heaven. I pulled into Hennel Salvage and was greeted with another sign inviting me to browse safely at my own risk. As I was getting my stuff ready A couple fellows drove up that worked there. They were friendly and directed me to things I might be interested in. Two hours later I was down a camera battery and had no more room on my flash cards.
While sipping on my cold coffee and copying the cards to my field drive I continued on, thinking I needed some houses to balance all the vehicles I just shot. Well, houses is what I got… all day.
Needless to say my week was busy, full and wonderful. I’m rewarding myself with a few days off in Calgary, where I once lived for seven years. So I plan on meeting some old friends I haven’t seen in awhile and catching up. Then I’ll continue on. It’s looking that I may get home to Vancouver a little early. Just in time to experience a little of what the Vancouver 2010 Olympics have to offer before they finish. I think catching the last few days of the excitement will be just enough for me.
Go Canada Go!!
Mr. Red McCormick:Retired
