I Made it Across Canada, and I Didn’t Die!

Well, we did it. Exactly one week ago, Cailin and I wrapped up our Cross-Canada adventure. I swapped cliffs for French culture, Ontario backcountry, flat prairie lands and the Rocky Mountains. Over 7500 kilometers of variation between wide-open spaces and crammed cities. I’ve had lots of time to think about how we end up in these places, and I’m a better Canadian for it. Being from a province with a strong separatist movement, this is important.

Posing with the Bad Boy.

I haven’t had time to keep you updated on my tales because my hands have been filled with tours, beers, and meet ups with inspirational people. But mostly lots of beers. All the beer in beer-land.

We showed up in Vancouver at Leigh McAdam’s beautiful home, where I was welcomed by her and her husband with open arms and fantastic hospitality. We chatted about our journey and when Leigh casually remarked, “Oh look, there’s a bald eagle perched right outside!” Cailin and I nearly fell off our chairs. Such are the disparities of Canada: apparently on the west coast, bald eagles perching on your property ain’t no big thang.

I met a large number of Matador Network folks during TBEX that fired me up even more about where our amazing publication is headed. We partied in the streets of the city when the Canucks won their last game, took tequila shots at 5 p.m. and stayed out until daylight. I had the pleasure of networking with dozens of other dedicated, talented travel bloggers and writers doing their own thing. Cailin and I were worried our announcement about completing our trip would be met with “Psh, that’s no big deal. I bicycled across the country. With my children. Blindfolded.” But everyone offered us congratulations and were eager to hear our stories.

Matador Network editors

We were a little sad about dropping off our Daytona Beach Bad Boy. He was our home for two weeks. We laughed, cried, and fought in that car. Actually, we just laughed. Cailin and I are better friends than ever, even after being cramped in that bright yellow sweatbox. I’m currently going through separation anxiety and have been crying into my pillow every evening.

Unfortunately, my workload has suffered a bit. I’ve been beyond exhausted, dragging myself through the day and not fully appreciating the company of my Moose Network tour group on the Hoodapus. Corbin’s been keeping me on my toes, at least. But after a full night’s sleep in a quiet cabin in the middle of Jasper, I’m back on my feet and ready to party. Or get work done, whatever.

Rockin’ the Moose Network.

Over the next few weeks I’ll be documenting my trip in better detail, but until now, I have work to do and mouths to feed! Mostly just my mouth. But still. I’m hungry.

I might even skydive, but don’t tell my mom.

  • June 16 2011

    Ah! I’ll be totally jealous if you go skydiving! Are you staying at the HI Hostel in Jasper? I loooove that palce :]

    Sounds like you had an amazing time! I bet you’ll miss all the craziness when you get home :D

    • June 20 2011

      Yep! The one in the middle of nowhere, hahaha. So awesome. Best sleep ever.

  • June 16 2011

    I’m very happy to hear you had a safe trip, Candice!
    I thoroughly enjoyed following along vicariously through the marvel of the ‘interwebs’.
    From my nice air-conditioned apartment. With some nice beverages. Although I’m starting to get a bit hungry now, too. I really should get out and do some shopping. Maybe tomorrow. Or not. I think I can hold out until those beverages start to run low. :)

    • June 20 2011

      Ain’t the Interwebs awesome? I’m glad you followed along, thank you!

  • June 16 2011
    Cailin

    I miss you too!!!!!
    Even though I am in New York, people are still asking me where you are!

  • June 17 2011

    Congrats on completing your trip! I can’t wait to hear all the stories.

  • June 17 2011

    Glad you guys had such an amazing time! Sounds like lots of fun :)

    • June 20 2011

      We missed you at TBEX though. :)

  • June 17 2011

    Loved meeting you Candice – you were exactly and all that I expected. May you get some sleep so you can really enjoy the rest of your Rockies trip.

    • June 20 2011

      Hahaha, I’m SO glad! I always wonder how my personality translates online. It was awesome meeting you.

  • June 17 2011

    The title of this post sucked me in:) I’ve enjoyed reading all the takes on TBEX, and look forward to hopefully attending for the first time next year. Enjoyed reading about your Trans-Canadian adventure!

    • June 20 2011

      Awesome Deej, thank you! I hope you make it next year! It’s great fun.

  • June 17 2011

    I feel like I’m hardly going to know you once you come back D: SKYDIVING?! FOR SERIOUS?!

    i’m so so glad you made it alive!
    I can’t even wrap my head around how incredible this whole journey must have been for you. I’m trying very hard to just be happy for you and not be just a bit jealous up in here…. ;) but I am a little afraid you’ll never be satisfied with our quiet island life again :( :( :( we’ll have to do a lil’ NL road trip ASAP to remind you how much you love home as well ;)

    • June 20 2011

      Hahaha, don’t worry, I’ve been in and out of homesickness since I’ve been away. I feel like both sides of the country are incomparable. They’re just too different. I think I’ll always return to the island, but for now, I’m content to explore.

  • June 17 2011

    Driving across Canada is one of those bucket list items I have. It sounds like had an awesome trip. I can’t wait to read more about it.

    • June 20 2011

      It’s been a life changing experience for sure!

  • June 17 2011

    That sounds like such a fabulous trip. I can’t believe you’re home already! It seems like you left just a couple days ago. I’m really glad you got to see so much of your country, since it seems like you love it more than anything else :)

    • June 20 2011

      It’s been quite an eye opener! Whadda journey.

  • June 18 2011

    Sounds like you had a lot of fun. I cannot wait to read the detailed stories and go skydiving it’s such a great experience!!!

    • June 20 2011

      Didn’t get to do the skydiving, sadly. :( Next time!

  • June 18 2011

    Tandem skydive I hope or I will tell your mother.

  • July 01 2011

    Congratulations Candice, nothing like a good road trip!

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