Yesterday, we arrived in Hope two days ahead of schedule after five wonderful days, introducing us to this beautiful lifestyle. Pushing off from Fraser River Park on Sunday, we were pleased to have the tide push us upstream with greater vigor than the current we were working against. After only three and a half hours of paddling, we covered 35 km our first day, setting camp in a forested island on the Fraser. Passing through the greater Vancouver area was strangely beautiful with its man made landscapes, although we were pleased to pass from urban to natural past Port Coquitlam.
On day two, we got a late start out of camp waiting for the tide, giving us time to organize camp and to let our bodies adjust to the work and weather. Paddling past Fort Langley we met some friendly dragon boaters and voyageur canoers, and kind campers shared their fire with us as we stopped for water near the Port of Haney.
Day three, we awoke to sleet covered tents, and were confronted with rain, hail and wind. We stopped for lunch in Abbostford, meeting Lynn from Clipper who helped us organize some last minute gear. Thanks to Lynn and Shanes parents for the help and the treats! In the afternoon, the sun came out, as did the seals! We saw at least ten curious little guys! We made it as far as Chilliwack before the shallow water became too much for our loaded down boats. The mountains provided a beautiful backdrop for our campsite, and as I watched the colourful packs treck up to our site under the evening sun, I couldn't help but think that this is what life is about... pushing yourself physically and mentally, then capturing the simplicity of these beautiful moments.
Day four and five we got to test out the bike carts! A big thanks to Steve at Quest Fabrication in Calgary. They work great! We took our first two bike days fairly easy, getting our legs ready for the big climbs ahead. Thanks Tiera and Derek for lending us your bikes! It feels good to be through our first leg to Hope! The next few days will be gruelling biking pulling the canoes up the mountains. We will also bid adieu to Derek Jenkins who has been filling in for abby since Vancouver! Thanks Derek! We are excited to meet Abby tomorrow. Over the last few days, we have met with a few other crews with similar intentions. Canoe Across Canada for Sick Kids started from Abbotsford about five days ahead of us and we ran into Pascal from Mountains to Montreal who are leaving from Rocky Mountain House next week.Hopefully we will see each other along the way!
I would like to say a HUGE thank you Karen and Gord Ringham for all thier help getting ready for this trip. Wish us luck as we attempt to cross Allison Pass! <Steph>
On day two, we got a late start out of camp waiting for the tide, giving us time to organize camp and to let our bodies adjust to the work and weather. Paddling past Fort Langley we met some friendly dragon boaters and voyageur canoers, and kind campers shared their fire with us as we stopped for water near the Port of Haney.
Day three, we awoke to sleet covered tents, and were confronted with rain, hail and wind. We stopped for lunch in Abbostford, meeting Lynn from Clipper who helped us organize some last minute gear. Thanks to Lynn and Shanes parents for the help and the treats! In the afternoon, the sun came out, as did the seals! We saw at least ten curious little guys! We made it as far as Chilliwack before the shallow water became too much for our loaded down boats. The mountains provided a beautiful backdrop for our campsite, and as I watched the colourful packs treck up to our site under the evening sun, I couldn't help but think that this is what life is about... pushing yourself physically and mentally, then capturing the simplicity of these beautiful moments.
Day four and five we got to test out the bike carts! A big thanks to Steve at Quest Fabrication in Calgary. They work great! We took our first two bike days fairly easy, getting our legs ready for the big climbs ahead. Thanks Tiera and Derek for lending us your bikes! It feels good to be through our first leg to Hope! The next few days will be gruelling biking pulling the canoes up the mountains. We will also bid adieu to Derek Jenkins who has been filling in for abby since Vancouver! Thanks Derek! We are excited to meet Abby tomorrow. Over the last few days, we have met with a few other crews with similar intentions. Canoe Across Canada for Sick Kids started from Abbotsford about five days ahead of us and we ran into Pascal from Mountains to Montreal who are leaving from Rocky Mountain House next week.Hopefully we will see each other along the way!
I would like to say a HUGE thank you Karen and Gord Ringham for all thier help getting ready for this trip. Wish us luck as we attempt to cross Allison Pass! <Steph>
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