its a long way

my time in Vancouver and then Alberta for the first too weeks of stay in Canada were pretty good, although the temperature and general weather conditions sure made me feel I was a long way from northern New Zealand

My following 10 days on Vancouver Island with my dear Qigong sister Lee was, well, a long way from what life in a modern society usually feels like....it has to be said it was a very welcome long way, and something quite special....and although it's a long way from home a return visit there is certain, and of greater duration hopefully

Flying to Calgary from Vancouver Island felt a bit of a cheat when looking at the journey ahead, but having already done that part of the route by bus it was a realistic compromise to not leave the Island so soon after arriving there. I left it as late as possible and no sooner than I landed in Calgary I was picked up and we got on the road.

The following 5 days was the longest drive I have ever shared, which ended slightly earlier than my desired destination of Toronto, but go me close. Over 3500km, some less inspiring landscape at times, some skys that went on forever, a bath in the worlds largest fresh water, and at this time of year cold water lake; Superior, meant we were now across our third time zone change, and well and truly in Ontario. Ontario is a very long way from end to end, but is thankfully mostly beautiful with more trees and lakes than you can imagine...

Thanks for the free ride Vitek, hope you liked my driving, which, judging by the amount you were happy for me to do it must been ok...apart from when I nearly fell asleep I guess!!

Safely in Toronto now, even after another Greyhound ride for the last few hours...which is good 'cause all those missing person posters in the terminals do make you wonder...a few weeks to chill and explore some places in the East...then will be back home in one month