Seattle, Washington

Discoloured paperbacks, fresh produce, the most vibrant autumn and overdue reunions.
Our few days in Seattle were spent with the best of company with our Seattleite friends. 

We climbed up Rattlesnake Mountain and found we were above the clouds, tasted a variety of ciders at Schilling (flavours included pine, watermelon and apple pie), I proved my skills at pool are non-existent and fulfilled my dream of seeing the salmon run upstream. One of the more peculiar things that we saw here was the Gum wall, where millions of chewing chaps have left their remnants on the brick wall of an alleyway cinema. Quite the scene. 

It was the best to have our friends as tour guides and to see their hometown.
Wish they lived closer so we could have as much fun as we did in this great city.

Vancouver, Canada

After 15 hours on an overnight bus from Calgary to Vancouver the priority was to find two things that were necessary for alimentation and frame of mind. These were avocado on toast and coffee (Thanks to Nelson & the Seagull). After a week living off pasta, the cravings for something other than grew and the knowledge of Vancouver being a foodie capital became dangerous. 

Arriving at the bus stop, we became aware of the differing scenery from the clean, refreshing, safe ole Banff from where we had just ventured from. Straight away we were confronted with a homeless village, some blatantly shooting up right there and then on the street. I gripped onto my bags with a quickened heartbeat as we dodged a few people yelling at us and made our way to our accommodation. We tried to avoid this area from then on. :) 

Our next 2 days were spent in a classic Carla/kayla fashion. Eating.

We had the best fish & chips on Granville Island, a mecca for food & unique shops. We also went to Liberty Distillery (twice) for their happy hour for $4 gin and tonics. Had some legit tacos with chocolate mole and drank some pretty good coffee in various locations.

Gastown district offered us the smoking Gas lamp and historical architecture which I loved, it also provided lots of weirdos and the scent of a specific drug. Also, may I just say, THE COLOURS OF THE TREES. Literally a dream to be able to look out and below my feet to see the most vibrant palette of the seasons. Overall, Vancouver was lots of fun and our wallets are kind of happy we aren't there anymore. 

Banff National Park, Canada

Wild and temperamental like a dark and brooding storm, we met Canada for the first time and what a wonder she was. We spent five days gasping, completely awestruck and dumfounded at the scenery that was before us. Highlights included getting to know our hostel caretaker who spent 40 years managing hostels around the world and now was retiring and going to get his Santa license, walking/slipping and sliding up and down a mountain to see one of the most magical views I've ever witnessed (The chateau by Lake Louise with a side of snow covered pines), being stared at by deer & elk and hearing the sound of raging waterfalls become closer as we hiked up mountains. 

Here are some photos that don't quite do it justice but hopefully encapsulate some of the beauty this place holds,

Carla