Points North

Glacier was one of the primary objectives of this trip, Banff and the surrounding territory was the other. It truly is a strikingly beautiful area and I took many, many pictures. So many, in fact that I've decided to split my time there into two posts. This post will cover the drive through Calgary, my first evening in Banff, and the next morning at Lake Louise. The succeeding post will cover my trip to the Columbia Icefields and the rest of my time in Canada.

Glacier, No Snow

Glacier National Park was one of the destinations that drove the planning of this trip, so I was particularly excited as I headed east from Spokane. In spite of a rather long and convoluted route, I arrived early enough that evening to take in some sights, and then spent the entire next day driving around the park. So I'll combine those two days into this one post. I'll also mention a couple of my most memorable RV parks on the trip.

Rock On

Crater Lake is a hard act to follow, and to be honest, I wasn't sure my next scheduled stop would be worth the effort. I'd have to backtrack nearly 60 miles, and then return along the same road - it was't on the way to anywhere. Plus, it would be a long day even without the sightseeing - I had to cover a lot of miles. In the end, though, I decided this trip has to be more about seeing the natural wonders, even when you're taking a chance on them, than about getting on down the road. So, I took the detour, and was I ever glad I did.

Crater Lake

I first saw Crater Lake at the end of the summer before my Junior year in college. A friend and I took off on a driving tour that looped around the entire western half of the United States, starting in my hometown of Omaha and ending two weeks later in our college town, Houston. As soon as I saw it, Crater Lake became one of my all time favorite places, and that has continued through several decades, though until now I had only been back there once again. I wondered before I visited this time whether I'd be jaded; maybe it wouldn't be that big a thrill. Well, it was still just a breathtaking, or, somehow, even more so. I've taken plenty of pictures, so get ready.

Truckin' Down the Highway

At the end of my first day on the road, I stayed someplace truly fascinating. In the following days, I encountered some breathtaking natural beauty, but nothing that really rises to the level of warranting a post of its own. So here, I'll catch up on days 2 through 5, and get back close to posting about things shortly after they happen.

Day 1

I'm on the road! Finally! My first destination was Red Rock Canyon State Park, north of Victorville, California. I originally picked it because it was a convenient four hour drive north of San Diego, but I got very lucky - the place is fantastic. In this post I share some impressions and photos of this hidden treasure. I know everyone is interested in the van, too. I'm still gathering my thoughts for a comprehensive post in the future, but I'll share some first impressions here.

At Long Last

The motorhome has arrived! I picked it up in Fresno on September 25th, advised the Sportsmobile (SMB) crew on a few last minute additions and adjustments, and drove back to San Diego that evening. The last few days have been a whirlwind of activity, saying au revoir to good friends and making preparations to travel. Pressed for time, this post will be the first of several to bring you up to date.