Astride light hearted, we take to the open road. Healthy, free, the world before us (apologies to Walt Whitman).
Canada Day - what better day to begin our journey across North America and back again, traveling from our home in Nanaimo on Vancouver Island to St. John’s Newfoundland! As islanders we begin all road trips with the BC Ferries. One of the huge perks of motorcycling is that many ferry systems board and disembark motorcycles first, as well as almost guaranteeing passage without waiting. The weather is perfect, breezy and about 20C near the water. The Georgia Strait between Departure Bay and Horseshoe Bay Is beautiful as always. As frequent ferry riders we take for granted the incredible beauty of the Coast mountains as they plunge into the Pacific and it’s only when we overhear the exclamations about the scenery in a variety of languages that we are reminded that travelers come from all over the world to experience the awesome Pacific Northwest. It is a very clear day and as we near Vancouver we can see majestic Mount Baker as backdrop to the skyscrapers of the city. Although Mount Baker is in Washington state across the border many British Columbians claim it as our own as our views of it are arguably unsurpassed.
Today Blister, our 2006 Harley Davidson Ultra Classic Electra Glide FLHTCUI, is a sparkling black beauty and packed tight - the tour-pak and saddlebags full to bursting. Like all travelers we know we’ll jettison a few non-essential items and Blister will sulk under layers of dust and no doubt some mud in the days ahead. We are experienced long road trippers and as prepared as we think we can be. Traveling on motorcycle begins as an exercise in traveling light than becomes a joy.
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