roadtrip – A Pursuit of Life – Barefoot& High Heeled

Golden adventures, around Golden BC!

Golden, BC. I love Golden! It is a small town, set in beautiful pristine settings, with a green river(yes green) flowing threw it, and a lush mountainous landscape surrounding it.

The people are as golden as the name itself, and it just has one of those energies to it, the kind that pulls you in and engulfs you. Like a nice warm blanket that you never want to leave. Not to mention, there are endless adventure activities for the outdoor enthusiast(i.e. ME).

I decided to stay in a hostel this time around. The Dreamcatcher Hostel. It was massive, beautiful and didn’t feel like a hostel. The service and helpfulness of the owners was impeccable. I made a new friend, whom had a very interesting story. His name is Robert and he was walking across Canada. It’s always fantastic to meet people on their individual journeys, and I so appreciate when people are doing things out of the ordinary. With some good company and conversation, night 1 was spent just enjoying what the town has to offer. We checked out the local watering holes, and enjoyed some Vino(of course), and then finished the night off enjoying an impromptu wine a cheese dinner back at the hostel – playing music on the jute box. My kinda night!

Day 2, and I was super stoked for a jam packed day full of adventure! First off, I headed to Kicking Horse Mountain. I took the chair lift up to see Boo the bear at the Grizzly Bear Refuge.

Boo was a rescued bear, and his refuge was fit for a king. Apparently he is also an escape artist.

Not only was it massive, he has everything he would have in the wild and more. They even built a little log house for him to hibernate in during the winters. Not a bad life if you ask me. I am such an animal lover, and that also goes for bears. I am not one to watch animals in cages on display, however in this cirsumstance, since Boo was a rescue-ee, this situation was for his own wellness, he has an epic set up, and you can see he is one happy bear – I was excited to be so up close and personal with him.

Back down the chair lift and onto the Gondola back up the mountain.

I was so looking forward to some hiking! Now I don’t suggest you go off hiking in the Mountains alone, as this is bear country, and hiking alone is not the best idea. Even though that has to be said and beared in mind; It wasn’t stopping me – and in order to take some safety precautions, I didn’t go too remote, and I stuck to trails that I could see other people hiking in the not too far off distance.

The hiking trails around the kicking horse mountain range are what seem endless, and I could easily spend a week or two just hiking and camping, and being awesome in nature.

The following photo is my ‘I feel super successful, as I just hiked the heck outta these mountains like a solo rockstar selfie‘. It had to be done. Celebrate your successes! It only serves to create more success in your life. Even when your just celebrating solo.

For a week or two of hiking and being one with nature I would leave the heels at home, and also take a companion.There are so many endlessly awesome cycling trails, and I happen to LOVE cycling, it was so temping to just go rent a bike and head off. Alas, not this time around.

That was hard. Hard to watch and not have a bike with me!! Watching the other cyclists only made me think, ‘I must go back and do some cycling! There is no other way‘ and that I will indeed. Golden is a place I intend on spending loads more time at.

After working up a good sweat hiking my little heart out, I was more than ready to find some hot springs to have some RnR and some soul soothing rejuvenation. There are absolutely loads of hot springs around BC. The only unfortunate thing is that most of them have been made into swimming pools. Swimming pools with spring water in them. That wasn’t the picture I had in my imagination. I was thinking something more natural , rural, and in nature. I asked back at the hostel, and they knew exactly what I had in mind, and kindly pointed me in the right direction. 2.5 hours later of cruising and cranking my tunes(oh and a wee bit of singing, come on now, you know you do it too). There they were. Lussier River Hot Springs.

Fine, fine. No vino(since it is prohibited), and I will wear my swim suit(since nudity is also prohibited). So, chilling in your birthday suit with a bottle of wine is a definite no.

It seems as though it is off the beaten track, but it definitely is not unknown.

There were constantly people coming and going. It wasn’t crowded by any means, just surprisingly busier than I expected. Amazing though! None the freaken less. It was just what I was looking for. 3 different temperature pools, on the banks of a river, surrounded by pure lush nature. Oh heck yes!!

My heart was singing with joy. Seriously, if you would have been there, and put your ear to my chest, you would have heard a sweet sweet song. Something far sweeter then my vocal cords could produce.

Immediately upon entering my silver jewelry turned copper. A clear indication of the minerals flowing in the water. My body, mind and soul, were soaking it all up. I was loving life – as per always.

I spent a couple hours loving life there, before making the journey back to Golden, where I slept like a baby after that beauty of a day.

Having been on the road for 2 weeks days at this point, I was really torn between saying ‘screw it, I am moving to Golden right now!’, or hitting the road and finding a different place to stay another night or two, or to just spend the day venturing around and then head to Calgary for a late evening arrival. I decided to just take the day as it comes. Which ended up being sightseeing, and a late Calgary arrival. Not to worry Golden, our story isn’t over. Being in Yoho National Park, there were a couple things I had to check off my long time bucket list. First stop, get your park pass! I didn’t realize I needed one and had to turn around and go find the office to get one. Woops.
Then! It was onto the extremely majestic Takakkaw Falls.

I could visit every waterfalls in the world, and never have them lose their luster. They always feel so powerful, and full of energy. Being around them just brings an inner peace like none other. There were loads of tourists there!. That didn’t change the experience though, not in the slightest. I hiked around, and stood in the mist, and took some selfies rocking my new hat that I had made in Golden.

As you do on solo adventures. I think considering I travel alone alot, a selfie stick wouldn’t be a bad investment.

I hit the highway, and was ready for the next big check off my bucket list.

To bask in the beauty of Emerald Lake. Woah!!!! Is all I have to say. I was blown away.

Pictures don’t do it justice. The color of the water is insanely blue. The mountains hanging in the backdrop are like the cherry on top. My eyes were oozing with delight. I did the walk around the lake, wich took a couple of hours, and just enjoyed my surroundings. It was incredible. There is a restaurant and lodge there, but this time around I didn’t go into either.

Rest assured though, I will also be going back there to spend a weekend – and I will write the heck out of it.

Wow. That was the road trip of a life time. It was unplanned, unexpected, and one of the most invigorating experiences of my life. I love road trips, I love my own company, I love spontaneous adventures, and I love British Columbia. To sum it all up, I had the best time ever, and I would do it all again in a heartbeat. Even thinking back to it brings a massive smile of happiness and gratitude to my face. Next time I know exactly where I want to go back to, or the places I missed that I want to go to. Take your self on a road trip! It’s nothing less than incredibly epic and amazing! Just you, and the open road of adventure. Happy road tripping days!

Road Tripping BC like a Solo Rockstar.

One of the best parts of a completely unplanned and unexpected solo road trip, is that it is literally just about you, and the open road of adventure. Seeing as how I was in Northern British Columbia anyway’s, and was on route to Calgary from there, I just decided – ‘Why the heck not make an adventure out of it?!’ I had no time frame, and I love BC, so I seized the freaken moment. There is something liberating about just cruising, and ending up wherever you end up. Sheer freedom.

After having an epic time around Quesnel, I hit the highway, cranked my tunes, and enjoyed my own awesome company. Finding myself in the Cariboo area, not to long down the road. Of course as soon as I seen a fruit stand, especially one that appealed to my eyes instantaneously – I had to stop to check it out, and stock up on some fresh road tripping goodies.

I was digging the decor, very bright and inviting. It did make me slam on my breaks after all! I absolutely love how you can get all the fresh food your little heart could desire when in BC(among many other things that I love about BC).

I was digging the decor, very bright and inviting. It did make me slam on my breaks after all! I ended up having a very nice chat with the super lovely owner, who was eager to tell me places I need to check out on my journey’s. I so appreciate when you can feel that someone loves what they do, and it in turn show’s in what they produce. Life is that much more amazing when you strive to do things you love.

Purchase made! A basket of cherry’s and a basket of rasberries, she even gave me an apple for the road. Happy days! I love apples(true story) – and parting gifts. It’s just a sweet gesture. The scenic beauty of BC grows and grows the deeper you get into it. As I was time frame free, I would stop at any place I found that had a little feast for the eyes on offer – bask in it for a few moments, snap some shots, and then on to the next. It’s amazing watching the landscape change as you get closer and closer to the mountains. British Columbia definitely does not lack in the beauty department.

After quite a few pit stops I wound up in radiant Kamloops, where I decided it would be a good idea to spend the night. It was already 8 pm, and I like to relax and enjoy my evenings, no need to push the peddle to the medal too late. It was chill time. After pulling over and googling Bed & Breakfasts in the area, I decided on one that looked pretty pristine. It was called Riverside Bed & Breakfast.

It is set on the banks of a beauty of a little river, and the owner Cynthia, was very welcoming and accommodating. Especially considering how last minute I booked in. I was amazed at the stunning property. They have it set up so beautifully, with a fire pit, and hot tub. Very chic, clean comfortable rooms. Exactly what the doctor ordered after a long day of adventuring like a solo rock star. I made sure to chill by the fire with a bit of vino before I retired to the comfort of my room. Which also comes stocked with Vino. You know what that made me….. And yes I mean happy! Not tipsy. I like to keep it classy.

Upon awaking from my sleeping beauty induced coma in the morning from that ridiculously comfortable bed, I opened the curtains, so I could just lie in my bed and take in the view. Good morning world!Now that’s the view a lady likes to wake up to. My kinda morning. Breakfast was served up at 8:30 bells, and it did not disappoint. Freshly prepared and exquisitely presented Egg’s Benedict, with orange juice, coffee and fruit, accompanied with a view to match. That B&B was a total gem, and I will be going back there for sure.

Heck yes to that experience. I was rested, fueled and ready to rock again. Not long down the road I came across Kamploops BC Wildlife Park. Hmmmm, check out some local Canadian wildlife?! Why the heck not. Keeping my experiences local no matter where in the world I find myself.

It was pretty interesting, nothing too crazy, the animals were as chill as I am. I think my favorite part of the experience was taking a goat selfie.

Me and my cheap thrills. But seriously, who doesn’t want a goat selfie? Goats are awesome, and he was a total poser, and loved it just as much as I did.

So far this road trippin’ like a solo rock star was shaping up to be pretty freaken awesome – and it was about to get better. I suddenly found myself in wine country! Let’s not forget, next to water, and green juice, I am a total wine lover. This was about to get real! Real freaken next level epic that is! Let’s go get our wine on.

Beautiful Quesnel, and my Barkerville top 10.

After road tripping for 13 hours like a solo rock star from the spectacular Northwest Territories to beautiful British Columbia, I first spent the weekend in Prince George with family, and then we ventured on to their home turf, being Quesnel, BC. This was all leading up to my epic day at Barkerville. Having never have really thought to visit Quesnel, I was pleasantly surprised at all this little gem has to offer. It is a little city that is built in pristine natural settings, and boast’s a very well preserved cultural heritage. There is more then 30 heritage sight’s in the area, and you can enjoy loads of hiking trails, as well as camping, or you can even just knock back a few cold ones at the Barkerville Brewery.

It also just so happens to have the longest wooden truss walking bridge in the whole world! ‘The Old Fraser River Bridge’ proudly stretching 831 feet in length. Obviously with that kind of history and status, you can’t not pay a visit to it while in the area. So we were off to do just that. Not before making a pit stop for some coffee. I needed to get the good morning swift kick in the ass kinda jolt, so I was ready to take on the day and all its awesome activities.

My sister and brother in law, being the best tour guides ever, knew just where to take me for only the most fab experiences. We popped over to super funky Granville Coffee shop to fill up our cups with the good stuff.

They had some epic little ambiance going on. Accompanied with humorous cups(coffee and a knee-slapper, happy days!), and the coffee itself was quite tasty too. After we got some liquid energy we ventured off to check out the bridge. No wait, first I had to stop and admire the fire hydrant. Quesnel has very artistic fire hydrants all over the city. Then it was off to the bridge. Yup, it was wooden, walk able, and with a very scenic river view. Very well kept, and mighty fine looking for what it is.When we were finished basking in the view, and grabbing a selfie(it has to be done when you are there with your awesome sister).

It was en route to Barkerville!! Ok, yes, you could say I was a little bit excited. Like a kid a in a candy shop. I knew I was gonna have fun! And that WE all definitely did.

Barkerville is the largest living-history museum in western North America. Its a completely preserved gold mining town built around ‘Williams Creek’, where Billy Barker(whom Barkerville is named in honor of) and his crew ‘struck the lead’ in 1862. So in other words, he and his crewnailed it, and found a ridiculous amount of gold. Activities such as this, are right up my alley! And this just happened to be on the grandest historical scale I have experienced to date. It did not disappoint, they really go above and beyond to bring the town alive and bring you back on a little time travel to the gold rush days.

So here are the top 10 things I did in Barkerville.

1. Take part in the festive spirit of Barkerville and get dressed up for the day. Oh, and I was all over that! You had me at get dressed up. I am always down for a good dress up party. They have loads of awesome outfits to choose from, and such fab people working there to help get you all geared up.

Just checking the ol’ pocket watch. Well yes, a pocket watch disguised as an iphone. And seeing as how you are in your finest apparel, stop by the L.A.Blanc Photography Studio and have one of the very talented ladies will capture your lovely essence.

2. Take in a show at the ‘Theater Royal’. A theater rich in history, the Cariboo Amateur Dramatic Assosication began putting on shows in Barkerville in 1865, and in this particular building in 1868. It’s a great live little show, with Barkerville’s finest actors and singers, putting on a very entertaining and fun little show.

3. Have a pint and play the piano at ‘The House Hotel Coffee Saloon’. What would a visit to the local brewery be without pumping the tunes and getting the whole room up and dancing?! Well if your capable of that. I’m not though, my piano skills are a bit rusty. I did a better job of getting photo’s sitting at it.

And if after that pint you need to stop at the ladies room, it’s not hard to recognize.

4. Grind some coffee at ‘C.Strouss Drygoods and Provisions’. I mean why the heck not?! That is what it is there for, and its cleary fun. Look at the sheer enjoyment exuding from her face. My sister partook in the Barkerville’s amazing race last year, and this was one of the things she had to do. So she had pro written all over her.

5. Have a coffee, and do some socializing while your at ‘C.Strouss’. I mean your dressed for the occasion, you just ground all that coffee – I think you earned it! Not to mention it gives you a chance to meet some new locals, catch up on the town chat, and drink some exceptionally good coffee.

Don’t forget your etiquette.

6. Flash your pantaloons. Don’t blame me! Trust me, you put on a pair of Pantaloons and try to keep those bad boys under wraps. Not everyday your wearing an undergarment the size of pants. Ahhhh, its the small things in life that produce the most thrills.

7. Pan for gold at ‘Eldorado Gold Panning and Gift Shop’. It is a gold mining town, so why not try your skills at finding the shiny stuff. We were privileged enough to get lessons from Scott, a 7 time world champion gold panner. And boy was he a gold panning machine. He knew his stuff. I like to think I was pretty good at it too…. Possibly just because I had a world champion instructor – but I got my gold!

8. Pay a visit to ‘China town’. Who would have thought that even back in the mid 1800’s that they had China town’s in their cities. I wouldn’t have, that’s for darn sure. Pretty cool fact though. I didn’t get to see as much of it as I would have liked, as the day was flying by! But apparently there is also a great little Chinese restaurant called ‘Lung Duck Tong’ to eat at. Just another reason to go back.

9. Go shopping and grab a treat from the bakery ‘Goldfield Bakery’. Honestly when a lady is out on the town, obviously she is gonna do some shopping. Isn’t that a given? Especially when there are loads of cool things to buy. I made sure to pop into ‘Mason and Daly General Store’ where I was kindly assisted in trying on hats. And you can’t not stop in at the bakery when it was once upon a time owned by my brother in law’s great grandmother. Go on, treat yourself.

10. Check out ‘The Waterwheel Show’. This is where you get to learn about deep shaft placer mining, through a lively demonstration of this 1870’s technology, using nothing less than an authentic wooden cornish waterwheel. The two guys are very comical and provide some good chuckles while involving the audience. Even in the rain, the show went on. Not to be missed!

One other thing I didn’t have time for this particular visit was to go on a stage coach ride. Although it seemed as though it would be more then fitting, seeing as how I was dressed for the occasion.

Well I would say I had a pretty kick ass day at Barkerville, and would like to extend a huge thank you to all the lovely people there who made my day so memorable. Every person I encountered were so friendly and they are totally in it for you to have the best possible experience. I would visit again any day! It is one of those places, that there is so much to do, you can’t really get it all in, in one day.

Before I bid adieu to Quesnel and all its greatness to continue on my road trippin’ like a solo rockstar adventures, I once again needed a coffee. What can I say?? Coffee and morning go so well together. So I made another one of those pit stops, at Edgewood Farm. My lovely sister told me it was a must stop destination. She is always full of such great advice, I knew should wouldn’t steer me wrong now.

It was a beautiful farm just on the outskirts of town, where they sold lots of things I wanted – yet didn’t need, fresh local produce, and delicious Phil & Sebastian coffee.

Very stunning little place to stop. Once I came to the decision that I should just buy a coffee and run(before I gave into all the lovely things), I did just that. I cranked my tunes, and hit the open road of adventure and was off to see what BC had for me next.

Road Tripping in the USA!:)

The spontaneity of a random road trip across a few States in the US when I arrived thinking I would be in Houston for a week, was right up my alley!! Oh heck yes, I love road trips and I always thought it would be awesome to do a road trip across the States, so this was just the little toe dip for me to get a taste for it. This particular cruise was taking me from Houston, Texas all the way to Phoenix, Arizona. I was totally gung ho for it! And got my road trip game face on. I am always excited when a little adventure pops up in those unexpected places. This was also going to give me loads of quality catch up time with my aunt Karrina, as she was making the big move to Phoenix and I was her Chauffeur. So the day after I got there at good ol’ 6am, we packed up and hit the freeway, tunes cranked, Starbucks in hand, and laughter ensuing. Let the good times roll.

One of the first facts that I learned this time around – Everyone really does say Y’all, all the freaken time(and its awesomely typical, loved it). Second fact – Texas was much larger than I expected. I remember being told for years, that everything is bigger in Texas(I have no idea how I kept hearing that particular line throughout my existence), and long behold, even the State itself was big.

Karrina wanting to make sure I got the full feel for Texas, figured we best make a pit stop at this ‘have all, and almost the kitchen sink’ store called “Buc-ee’s”. It had Texas written all over it. Literally. Even I couldn’t stop myself from having Texas written all over me. I love entertaining myself… What else can I say?? It’s pretty self explanatory.

I was amazed at how neat and organized the store was, everything was just perfectly in place. You could get everything from souvenirs, coffee, any meat you can imagine, and endless hot sauces. You name it. Buc-ee’s souvenir anyone? Or perhaps a hide?

Did I get a feeling as though I experienced a rough taste of Texas culture shock when I was bucked right into that escapade? You better believe it!

The Texas adventure’s didn’t stop there though. A couple of hours down the road we pulled over in a tiny town in the middle of nowhere, only to find a lost Chihuahua in a parking lot howling ‘Yo Quiero Taco Bell'(trust me,I was as shocked as you are). Well with no Taco Bell in sight, and no owners, Karrina was right on the case trying to catch the little fella so we could help him find his little way. He ran away like the little wind and had her on a wild goose chase(or wild Chihuahua case), and as soon as I got out of the vehicle he came right to me and sat all pretty in my arms while he gazed up at me. Darn it, his cuteness got me, and I knew we couldn’t just leave him. So while we decided what we should do with him, it was only fitting to have a photo shoot. As this began, the rightful owners of little Casper(as they informed us of his name), pulled up and were overjoyed at the sight of finding him, and we too were equally overjoyed that he was reunited with his little family! Although the thought of buying sombrero’s, adopting a Chihuahua and heading to Mexico did cross our mind… and high five to team work on completing a good deed. Ok Karma, go right ahead and shower all over us.

Next stop on our road of adventure. ‘El Paso’!! Where I couldn’t help but think…Is this where ‘Old El Paso Salsa’ originated from? Can this be THAT place? Well I never did get my answer to that impending question, but driving through the area was pretty cool none the less.

I was quite taken by the colorful and artistic overpasses.

Good Bye for now Texas, Y’all were real great! Hello New Mexico!

Well with the sign promising enchantment, my expectations did rise. Oh and it enchanted me all right. Just when I took a turn towards a national park, New Mexico slapped me right in the face with a winery.

How did you know New Mexico?? How did you know I love Vino & Vineyards so much? What a welcome you extended us! So obviously our course changed, and we decided it was a must to ‘Wine and Dine’. Well sadly because I was driving, it really was just samples. Typically I would try every wine I could get my hands on, but there are those moments you must keep your wits about you. Do I rent a hotel for the night? Or keep it classy? But just testing the fabulous flavors on my palette was still a treat!!

After hitting the New Mexico highway full of happiness from our winery experience, it came time to grab gas, and a ladies room. What a relief to find a ‘clean’ one!

Not going to lie, I did like the old western ambiance they were giving off. It all felt so very American.

Another very neatly organized store full of random things. Poncho anyone?

Well New Mexico, you lived up to your enchanting promise. Especially considering my time with you was short.

My gut was telling me since the minute we left Houston that I was going to LOVE Arizona… Strange considering I had never been there, and only heard very little about it, but I know for a fact that I love Cactus’s, and I knew Arizona would have plenty of those on offer. As soon as I seen the sign, I felt the love inside me. A nice reminder to always listen to your gut, it knows best.

The landscape rocked my world, absolutely stunning. Be sure to watch your step though.

We ended up cruising all the way to a little mountain town called Sedona. AMAZING scenery, and a place with loads of activities, and near to the Grand Canyon.

After an epic and random little road trip with spectacular company, I know I will be back to the USA to do some more of that for darn sure!

Upon flying back to my home Canadian turf, my drive back to my little Northern hometown provided some very different scenery then I was basking in, in the US. Awesome scenery, and awesome wildlife. How privileged was I though to be able to appreciate the best of two totally different worlds. Happy road tripping days!

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