Day 12 of Travel 8/26

Melissa was able to enjoy her first day in California. We explored the Northern Redwoods and surrounding parks. We stumbled across Fern Canyon in Gold Bluffs State Park. On the way there we had to pass through 3 streams with my lil' Toyota. Melissa was a little terrified on the first one. Didn't know if the little Smurfette could make it. We walked the short trail to Fern Canyon, which was gorgeous. We later learned that part of Jurassic Park was filmed there. We both said we'd have to go back to watch the movie to find out what scenes. On the way back to the car, Shawn almost stepped on a snake and then we saw a herd of elk. We're glad we took the time for it. We also visited the Lady Bird Johnson Grove where we saw some amazing Redwood trees. They were so huge. Unfortunately, the pictures do not do it any justice. We ended the day with another gorgeous sunset over the Pacific Ocean.

Day 11 of Travel 8/25

We woke up to sunshine! Yeah!! We drove down the rest of the Oregon coast, where we climbed down to the ocean. We saw our first surfer of the trip. Once we arrived at our campsite in Patrick's Point State Park - near Red Woods National & State Parks. Our campsite is overlooking the Pacific Ocean, which is very relaxing to hear the waves as we sleep. We were able to view the sunset overlooking a bluff to the ocean. What a difference a day makes! Overall, we've had awesome camping weather!

Day 10 of Travel 8/24

Well, we had our first horrible day of travel!!! The morning started off great as Melissa was up at 6am and we packed up the campsite and were gone by 7:30am. A first for us to be on the road by. The ferry ride back towards the main land was very rough. We were able to see the water, the mountains and then the sky with each wave. The captain at one point told the motorcyclists to go hang out by their bikes for safe keeping. Once we were on the road it began to rain and rain and rain. We drove down the Oregon Coast Highway with few opportunities to see the Pacific Ocean because of the fog & rain. Through one of the State Parks, we believe a branch fell onto the windshield causing the driver's side windshield wiper to break off. Keep in mind we're on a cliff side road, traffic behind us, it's raining & we have no way to pull over to the side of the road. For the next 5 miles Shawn leaned to the passenger's side to see out the windshield as he was driving. We were finally able to pull over and put the passenger's wiper onto the driver's side - while still in the rain. After another hour we found an auto supplies store that was open at 5pm on a Sunday. He sold us the new wiper blade; however, we found that it was the wrong size--but it worked. Kinda. Thankfully, we had decided prior to leaving Washington to stay in a hotel that night. Upon our arrival, it was still raining. Here is a picture from the ferry.

Day 9 of Travel 8/23

We started off today with a 40 minute ferry ride to Olympic National Park. We drove around the park a bit and found a few shops on the way back, including a favorite of Melissa's...a winery. We ferried on back to the campsite. Note for those travelling to Whidbey Island, WA, reservations are required for the Port Townsend/Keystone ferry. Unknowingly to us, we arrived at the ferry station without them. It was suggested that we obtain one for the ride back only to find out they were booked until 10:15pm that night. Thank goodness for stand by!

Day 8 of Travel 8/22

We began our day at the Pike's Public Market in downtown Seattle, which is definitely one of Melissa's favorites. There are tons of fresh flowers, produce, flying fish markets and arts & crafts. It is always very entertaining. We had a short drive and ferry ride to our next camping site at South Whidbey State Park. After we set up camp, we played a little cards and explored the park. Shawn grilled himself a nice piece of salmon...yummy, one of his favorites.

(1 & 2) Produce & flowers from the Pikes Public Market; (3) A view of the Space Needle; (4) Shawn & Melissa on the ferry en route to Whidbey Island, WA.

Day 7 of travel 8/21

This morning we went to a quaint french bistro. (Bistro? What's a bistro???) Shawn had the most delicious Salmon Eggs Benedict with guacamole. He has ranked it as the best breakfast ever!!! After we strolled around Whistler, BC some more, we headed back for the States. The drive was gorgeous and very nerve wrecking for Melissa. There were a few moments that a pillow covered her face as there were very steep cliffs with very few guardrails. No worries... Shawn was driving. I guess this is why they call it the Sky to Sea Highway and ranked as one of the most scenic drives in North America. After a quick stop at the Duty Free shop, we were checked by a Robin Yount look-a-like Border Patrol Officer to get back into the States. We stayed in Everett, WA where we ate dinner at Shawn O'Donnell's Irish Pub & Grill. Shawn had the best Blue Cheese Burger ever. All around....Good Eats.

(1) The view from our room; (2) A view of the "Stroll" in town; (3) Whistler Mountain; and (4)Whistler Mountain converted into the Mountain Bike track.

Views of Shannon Falls Provinical Park, British Columbia

Day 6 of Travel 8/20

We are heading out of Banff National Park today. As we head to Whistler, BC we drove through YoHo & Glacier National Parks and the Canadian Cascades. We arrived at the Crystal Lodge where a room during the peak (winter) season goes for over $500/night but we only spent $130 Canadian Dollars. The reasoning for the high prices is because it is the #1 destination for downhill skiing in the world. In fact, portions of the 2010 Winter Olympics will be held here and we couldn't walk into a store without seeing merchandise for it. It was a charming town as there is a "stroll" through the center with all the shops and restaurants. No motorized vehicles are allowed here. During the summer, Whistler turns one of the downhill runs into a mountain bike track with many jumps. We don't know how far it went up as the ski/bike lift was needed and went into the clouds. Here are a few shots from the day in the Canadian Cascades.

Day 5 of Travel 8/19

Melissa & Shawn at Bow Glacier

Today we drove through Banff & Jasper National Parks. It was pretty rainy & chilly most of the day but when we wanted to stop, it cleared up a bit. Here are a few shots from the day. Per usual, it rained when we were at the campsite after dinner and decided to head into the tent for an early night. Just a side note, we had noticed many foreign speaking people all throughout the park, especially those speaking French. We could hear it everywhere we went. However, the only place both Mel and I noticed where we never heard any French being spoken...........the showers. Yet another example of how many things in life are funny because they are true.

Crow's foot Glacier (1); Columbia Icefield (2); Road in Jasper National Park (3)

Melissa on hike (1); Shawn & the Moose (2); Testing out the electric bear fence (3)

Day 4 of Travel 8/18

On Tuesday, we started off at Lake Louise where we decided it would be great to hike up to the tea house on top of the mountain. We were also able to discover Mirror Lake and Lake Agnes - where the tea house is located. The elevation of the tea house is 7,003 feet! Can you believe we hiked that much! Oh yeah...the elevation at our starting point, Lake Louise was 5,860 feet. Still, it kicked Melissa's butt while Shawn breezed up with little difficulty!

Lake Louise at starting point and from halfway up to the tea house.

Shawn relaxing at the tea house and Melissa resting during the hike!

After our picnic lunch, Shawn & Melissa decided to canoe at Moraine Lake. We were very thankful we did as we found many more waterfalls around the lake that cannot be seen from the paved walkways. We slipped our sandals off to feel the glacial water at our feet!

On our way back to the campsite we saw our first grizzly bear...

Can you see it? It is above the rocks in the bushes. Click on picture to enlarge!

Day 3 of Travel 8/17

Today we left Medicine Hat, Alberta & arrived at Banff National Park. On the way, Melissa's Toyota made it to 100,000 miles! Yikes!! After we set up camp in Lake Louise camping grounds, we checked out Lakes Louise & Moraine. It stormed that night while we were sleeping. Does that really surprise any of the Anderson's? Here are a few shots from the day.


In this picture there are 2 rivers meeting - the bluish green is from farther downstream while the white is from the flour silt from the glacier run offs.


Here is a shot of Moraine Lake on Monday night.

Day 2 of Travel 8/16

Today, Shawn drove most of the way through North Dakota and Saskatchewan. Melissa drove the last 2 hours hours to our hotel in Medicine Hat, Alberta. Along the way we saw many, many fields of sunflowers - of course Melissa needed a picture or two for the scrapbook. Tomorrow we will be arriving in Banff and setting up camp. More postings in a few days when we have internet access again!

Sunflower fields in North Dakota



Shawn waiting at the Fortuna, ND/Canada border.

Day 1 of Travel 8/15

After a quick stop at the Pankonin's, we were off for the Pacific Ocean via Banff, Alberta. The first night we got to Fargo, ND, where we bunked a 1-1/2 star Rodeway Inn. Having a great time in Fargo, don't ya know?!

Finally, August 15th is here!

After many hours of planning, organizing & packing we are finally ready to leave Wisconsin. After dropping off the pups at with family and a few hours of work, we were set! We'll see how organized the car comes back in a few weeks after living out of it for so long!



Melissa's little Toyota Rav 4 will reach over 100,000 miles on this journey!


Thanks again to all the dog watchers, Jeff, Cheryl, Matt & Nick Romuald; Mom & Dad Bansemar; and Bridget & Kevin Pankonin! We greatly appreciate it!

Packing & Preparing

Shawn & Melissa spent an evening packing and organizing our camping gear. Here are a few shots of us in the basement analyzing what we still needed for a successful trip!







Some of the tent equipment, camping stove and other camping equipment. As long as everything stays in it's proper bins, we'll have plenty of room in the Toyota! Let's see if this will stay true by Labor Day!