So I’ve arrived back in my homeland of Victoria BC, Canada. I rode from Calgary to Chilliwack, just outside the city of Vancouver. It was pretty cold again up in the mountains through the pass. I was surprised in the lack of signage in Canada overall. Every town in the US had a sign with the towns name, then the elevation. I rode through Lake Louise, and past Banff without a clue as to how high I was above sea level. Not to mention that those locations are world renowned for skiing. Even as I crossed the border from Alberta to British Columbia, there was no sign that said “Welcome to BC”. There was nothing. The roads were in great shape all throughout, but as a province, we should work on the signage.
I stayed a few days in Vancouver with my brother for a “light painting” Photo shoot with by bike. I’ll post up the pics as soon as he’s done going through the results, and getting some good photos together. I also had the pleasure of catching up with a few friends in the area. Vancouver really is a beautiful city. If you could stand the rain for most of the year, and afford 900 square feet of pad for $800k. I would suggest you live there. I’ve had my taste of big cities for now, and will enjoy my hometown for the next few months.
Yes, this is an anecdote…
I really have to tip my hat to the USA. The country is huge, and full of incredible people. The history is fascinating. I don’t think many Americans are fans, but I enjoyed going to a place where you don’t have to wear your motorcycle helmet, if you don’t want to. And a place where you can carry guns around for no reason at all. I like that there are places you can visit that operate that way. Would I want to live there? I’m not sure yet, I’d have to do it to really know.
Like a few other countries in the world. After the Americans told the English to “FO”, they set up new rules and a new way of life. A life where freelancing is the name of the game. Sure the Americans have their painful bureaucracy like anywhere else. But I don’t see a “title loan” shop on every second corner here in Canada. Nor do I see 110km/h posted on a sign in the rural back roads. That indicates a bit more freedom in my eyes. Even in saying that, crossing most state lines is like a warp into a different country anyways.
The Northwest; WA, OR, and California were like the places that I’m used to. Very safety oriented, that I could observe from the signs everywhere. Interstate emergency “Call Boxes” which was awesome to see every 6-10 miles or so. Lots of signage everywhere about rules and regulations on what is allowed, and what is not allowed.
As I crossed the border from CA into AZ, I didn’t realize I was in for a shock. I found NV, AZ, NM, and Texas were like the wild west. Way higher fines for littering on the highway though. Way less signage and apparent “rules” for the highways. I have to say that Arizona was my favourite state. It has the high alps to the north, and the low desert to the south. The day from Flagstaff to Tucson was one of my favourite. I blew through Phoenix, but had the opportunity to check out Mesa and Scottsdale. I will visiting there again soon.
Well for now I’ve been enjoy my last few weeks off and am more than ready to get back to work. I’m a carpenter by trade and building has it’s therapeutic values to me.
Thanks for following along, I look forward to posting more.
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