Canada at Last!

What a long road it has been, but so easy when you have friends along the way! After a fly-through of Yellowstone (Old Faithful = Done), and a stopover in an unexpected paradise of a boondock spot near Chico Hot Springs (where??), we were wondering around Missoula and the first person we met (another John) offered us his driveway for us to stay the night! This was no ordinary driveway, it was a beautiful spot right next to a river, steps from a farm that had an evening concert, and a short pedal to some of Missoula's best mountain biking in Rattlesnake park! We finally caught up with our friend Bill that John had met in Baja months before in a coffee shop right as we were leaving town!

From Missoula we moseyed our way up to Columbia Falls to drop in on our friends Dave and Carol. We weren't really sure if they knew we were coming, but in true Baja style they were so hospitable when we arrived at sunset! We all wish we could have spent more time exploring with Dave on bikes (he pulls a bob trailer at all times...just in case he doesn't want to come back) and visiting the local pizza and beer dives with Carol!

But it was a quick fly through again of Glacier National park and a late night arrival in Calgary. Once again there was an open door, a parking spot and a couch at Nick, Neige and Soleil's house. They met John while traveling in their van in Baja so of course we took off the next morning for a great campsite just outside of Calgary! It was more than just a campsite..it was a real 4x4 boondock site with a great river crossing! We had a great time including a great game of glow-in-the-dark ring toss and Indian food buffet!

This is a video of "the ladies" driving Tonto through a deep river with AC/DC all the way!

Travels Near and Far

It has been a whirlwind of trips for Julie, John, Lobo and Tonto! While John and I returned to the east coast for a short trip, Tonto and Lobo were busy entertaining John's mom and stepfather, Julie and Dennis. We were really fortunate that they decided to boondock up in the Unitas Mountains outside of Park City when we flew back to meet them and we spent a few (rainy) days camped together high in the mountains. After we relocated back into Tonto we decided to head for the Wind River Range in Wyoming for some backcountry adventure. We got some great advice from "Fred" at the Outdoor Store in Pinedale, Wy and headed into the Bridge-Teton National Forest. We left Tonto behind at the Big Sandy parking lot and began a beautiful four-day trip through three passes in a huge loop passing glaciers, lakes, and lots of high alpine views. Stunning scenery, good weather, moose, and friendly hikers keep us and Lobo very entertained. It was Lobo's second big hiking trip, but this time he had to carry his own weight and he got LOTS of compliments on his very stylish bag and sleeping pad! He enjoyed every minute of it!
After a great trip we headed over to Jackson and have been spending the past four days with Myles (BIG sailor boy), Pruett (drugstore coyboy) and his friend Jennifer. They have been wonderful hosts feeding us Elk burger, Elk steak, and Elk pasta dishes as we have been busy cleaning Tonto..bumpers, wheels, floors, carpets look so good. If Cinderella only had a wet-vac she would have been SO much happier...I am!! It was great to finally get to Jackson and get a great mtn bike ride in with Myles, just like old days. Talking about coming back when the ground is white...
Working our way north through Yellowstone, Glacier, Columbia Falls (got to check on the kayack at Dave's house) and then Calgary.