So we're up here chilling with some Canucks in Vancouver, eh.It's a pretty cool city nestled in the mountains and surrounded by water - first time we've come across the ocean on this trip.We've still got another night and day here so we haven't seen it all just yet.It already puts Calgary to shame as every park here is not littered with bums as they were in Calgary.

The week prior was spent in the gorgeous Canadian Rockies specifically in Banff and Jasper National Parks.We ventured into our second backcountry camping experience at Egypt Lake in southeastern Banff.It was business class compared to our first backcountry with designated camping and food storage areas - although we did struggle a bit with the climb with both of us still limping with blistered feet and strained muscles.I'd have to believe that we were the fittest of the bunch that camped up there though seeing as we made it up there hours before anyone else.Travelling north from Grand Teton, we gained the company of grizzly bears, not just black bears, and once again we were warned there was a grizzly and two cubs on the trail we were hiking, but we announced our presence to them for the entire hike, with some pretty bad duo singing! I'd have to think it was the coldest night of our lives as the overnight lows dipped close to freezing (mid 30°s F and about 0°C) - fun sleeping with our 10°C sleeping bags.Upon our return we soaked our sore bodies in the blazing hot springs overlooking the snow capped peaks.Other than the backcountry, we did lots of relaxing and strolling around some of the most beautiful lakes including Two Jack, Lake Louise and Moraine Lake - although the latter two were hounded by tourists - it doesn't seem like a national park when women are walking around the lakes in high heels.

We've been splurging a bit with our accommodation (a night or two at the Econolodge and other "high class" motels - a good break from camping) and grubbage having had a big fat 16 oz. AAA Alberta beef ribeye and hickory smoked baby back ribs and a bottle of Viognier wine to boot at Earl's in Banff Village.Trust me, we needed it the night before did our hike, as that meal consisted of soggy cheesey puffs disguised as freeze dried mac and cheese! Our fellow hikers had wine, beer and tasty sausages!Quite Jealous.We also pulled out all the stops in Whistler staying in a suite (pull-out couch) at the swanky Westin Inn courtesy of Bob (thanks Bob!), a friend from Albany (good timing for a work trip).

Next we'll be heading south to Cali where hopefully we'll be able to soak up some rays and relax on the beaches.