rustxgold

The Canadian Rockies, in one word, are simply AMAZING.

The road between Jasper and Banff spans 290 km of some of the most spectacular sights we'd ever seen and experienced. Glaciers, mountains, lakes, rivers, trees, all arranged harmoniously relative to one another, not just in terms of location, but overall setting. A winter wonderland in September, the fourth best month to visit, we were told.

Hikes up the mountains, down the valleys, and across the flats raised our body temperatures to only agreeable levels. We braved the cold and pitched our tent in four different locations over six nights. Our fingers and toes were numb. Five layers of clothing hardly kept us warm. Damp firewood was impossible to burn. Sleep was hard to come by.

Endless, though, was the beauty.

Nine weeks into our trip and I'm just getting around to logging my first entry. Obviously, I have lots of catching up to do.

By family, friends, and strangers alike, it seems the most common question asked has been which place we've enjoyed the most so far. The answer could be so wide-ranging. We've been to and seen so many amazing places that are markedly special for different reasons. It's hard to name just one.

The Canadian Rockies for their glacier blue water and powder white snow. The deserts for their reddish sandstones and blazing orange rocks. The Northeast for their soft pink cotton candy clouds and crisp autumn leaves. The Atlantic, both ocean and sky, for their infinite shades of blue. The cities for their food and culture. The country for their charm and warmth.

I could go on and on, but, decidedly, there is no one answer. They are each striking in their own right.