A nice long 12 hour drive is what everyone wants on the start of their vacations right? Of course, and that’s just what we did on Canada Day. Up at 4am, to finish off the last bit of packing up the car, and then we hit the road. Having driven this route last summer, I had been able to track down the best dog parks that were not too far off the highway. Our first stop for the dog was up in Banff, they have a great fenced in off-leash tree/wooded area that is great for a run, fetch and bathroom break. With good timing on our sides we were able to meet up with Anna & Eric, friends of ours that are sadly moving out of Lethbridge to Kenora, Ontario for the next year, and leaving before we return home. So getting in one last goodbye was a real treat.
Once back in the car, we continued to head west. Making a quick stop in Golden for gas and then continuing on to Revelstoke. We happen to be around town just in time for what I can only guess was their annual Canada Day city parade. There were plenty of uniforms, and local businesses out with cars and floats for the ride along main street. We decided to grab a quick lunch from a local bakery and get back on the road.
Our next stop for Avery was the dog park located up on the top of the hill in Kamloops. Its a beautiful fenced grass area, with a view for days. We sadly couldn’t stay for too long as it was mid afternoon and the sun was out to get us. The car was reading a pretty high temperature around 35 degrees. So we made sure that Avery got in a good run, but supplemented with lots of stops for water breaks. We decided to gas up one last time, and finish up the journey from Kamloops to my sister’s place in Pitt Meadows in one go. I was hoping to make it in time for a little Canada Day dinner with my niece, nephew, family and some friends. With great success we enjoyed an evening of BBQ burgers and playing with the little ones.
Our single day in Vancouver today was both function and fun. We had to leave Avery for a re-entry trial run at her old doggy daycare to make sure she still fit in with the other pups, and then we spent the time waiting for her heading to the mall – Rod and I both miss having regular access to a LuLuLemon – as well as grabbing food for the family BBQ we had set up for tonight.
I spent most of the rest of the day hanging out with my nephew Wyatt. He came into the world the day before my birthday this past January, and sadly, living so far away I do not get to see him as much as I would like. Once daycare was done for my niece Aubrey, we had some fun in the pool and then just hung out when the rest of the family arrived for dinner. We had Taylor Swift, Frozen and some Kelly Clarkson singalongs for the evening entertainment, and enjoyed the evening of food and catching up. A big THANKS to Melissa for coming out to see us, and chilling with my family and letting us meet Chance!
Rod and I have repacked the car more into road trip mode, and following one last breakfast tomorrow morning with the kiddies we are ready to get going on this “make decisions as we go” trip. We have a rough plan to make out way down to Bellingham to stock up on a few things, and then head towards Oak Harbor for the rest of the day and our first night. There is still a toss up as to if the first night will be tenting or stealthing it in the car?? The fun awaits!
Until Next Time!