Review Part II: Been around British Columbia

After leaving most of our stuff at our new found place we headed for a round-B.C. trip. We later on found out, that during those 6 weeks we have seen more than most of the Canadians ever had (yeah, 10 days of vacation each year, what shall I say...). We first went to Vancouver Island, had some great days in Victoria and wonderful experiences during our improvised 3-day-trip along the Juan de Fuca-Trail. Hiking with tent and tarp, not enough food but a lot of fun, we felt the "real canadian nature". We camped right at the ocean, saw whales and seals, were suddenly stopped by high tides and managed to make a fire each night :)) Compared to the famous West Coast Trail it's a physically exhausting but not so dangerous hike, it's for free and it offers wild forest, waterfalls, ocean and thousands of spectacular views. Go for it!

We then went to Tofino, known for its wonderfuls beaches and hippi culture. Next stop was Port Hardy,still on Vancouver Island, where we did the Inside Passage, a 18-hours-boattrip along the coast of B.C. to Prince Rupert. Although we didn't have the most sunny day we were fascinated by the hundrets of dolphins and at least 10 whales we past on our way to the north. Prince Rupert is one of the most rainiest towns in B.C. - so we took the ferry to the Queen Charlotte Islands, another 8 hours ride and we were pretty close to Alaska (46 miles left). Wonderful islands, pretty chilly (had to buy a woolen hat in August!!), remote beaches with funny little beach cabins for rent. If you are thinking about writing your memoires and don't want to be distracted - come to the QCIs.

Back on the mainland we took the train to Jasper in the heart of the famous Rocky Mountains. Actually the trains are so slowly that you could pick up flowers if you wanted, but it's a great chance to see a lot of fascinating nature and to get a better understanding of the unbelievable size of this country. Tickets are cheap if you book in advance, there are just two second class and one first class waggon - and walking from one to the other is NOT allowed :)

And then the Rockies! Impressive, monumental and FULL OF tourists. Germany must have been empty in September - they were all in Canada!! Famous Lake Louis, Maligne Lake, the Rockies Icefield, glaciers - there's a reason why this region is to popular. Rabea and me stayed once in a pretty rustic hostel, no running water, no electricity, but right between the mountains, stars so bright you've never seen before. You don't need to speak English when travelling around there. Swabian was obviously the most commonly used language :)))

All together we explored the most western part of Canada for almost 2 months. We figured out the following about Canada / the Canadians in general :

- they are really, really friendly, helpful and positive

- they DO wear these lumberjack shirts (flanell!) at almost every opportunity

- everybody drives a huuuuuge pick-up truck (the housewives in town, too)

- these trucks are always jam-packed with outdoor stuff (so unfortunately these huge cars are pretty often too crammed to take along hitch-hikers (like us!)

- the country is great!

Who's interested in more pictures of our "been around B.C.-Trek": http://picasaweb.google.de/anjasailer/KanadaReiseDurchEinRiesenland