Monday, September 29, 2008
Alaska Highway
Alaska Highway begins in Dawson Creek, British Columbia. The Highway was built in 1942 (completed within 8 months) for the purpose of linking Alaska to lower 48 states as a military necessity during World War II. From here, the 1422 miles highway travels northwesterly to Yukon Territory then crosses border into Alaska. It officially ends in Delta Junction, Alaska. The Highway opened to public in 1948 and was named an International Historical Engineering Landmark in 1996.
Wednesday, September 17, 2008
Day 44 (08/21) - Chilliwack BC to WA State home
Came back to Washington State home 3:30 this afternoon. I did not take more pictures today.
Washington State is as beautiful, sunny and green as the day I left 6 weeks ago.
Will my Washington stay the same after Alaska?
I know I must write down this experience I once thought no human words can properly describe. I do not know how but I know I will try.
Day 43 (08/20) - Kelowna, Hope, Chilliwack BC
Coming Home
I took upon this rare opportunity life had offered to explore Alaska. I told myself from beginning, not to expect anything specific from this trip other than coming home safely and I believed when the moments of serendipity presented themselves I would recognize. And I was right. The sensory encounter with the nature becomes metaphorical to the non-sensory resonance of the heart within. Looking deeper into myself or examining relationships with others were much easier and more revealing in the wilderness. The joy of discovery was immense.
However, it is also clear to me, what is my joy may be someone else’s misery since not all experiences were pleasant and people do not experience same event the same way. In Banff, a man refused to let me ride the cable car with his family demanding that I rode alone. In a national park, a plushy RV occupied the campsite I had just reserved while I was out looking for water. Eventually, I leant to handle situation nicely but with integrity and dignity. Traveling along, I could still ask for respect, not handout.
I made mistakes, wrong decisions or wrong turns, quite often but learnt quickly that ignoring my wrongdoing would not be an option if I wanted to come home safely. I was responsible for everything I did or did not do; I need to fix them and no one else to blame.
The journey is coming to an end soon but the impact will remain profound. I know I will not see this world and myself the same. I feel gratitude to people I met on the road who made this journey possible and friends and family back home whose e-mails reminded me I was not alone. They will be forever in my heart.
I took upon this rare opportunity life had offered to explore Alaska. I told myself from beginning, not to expect anything specific from this trip other than coming home safely and I believed when the moments of serendipity presented themselves I would recognize. And I was right. The sensory encounter with the nature becomes metaphorical to the non-sensory resonance of the heart within. Looking deeper into myself or examining relationships with others were much easier and more revealing in the wilderness. The joy of discovery was immense.
However, it is also clear to me, what is my joy may be someone else’s misery since not all experiences were pleasant and people do not experience same event the same way. In Banff, a man refused to let me ride the cable car with his family demanding that I rode alone. In a national park, a plushy RV occupied the campsite I had just reserved while I was out looking for water. Eventually, I leant to handle situation nicely but with integrity and dignity. Traveling along, I could still ask for respect, not handout.
I made mistakes, wrong decisions or wrong turns, quite often but learnt quickly that ignoring my wrongdoing would not be an option if I wanted to come home safely. I was responsible for everything I did or did not do; I need to fix them and no one else to blame.
The journey is coming to an end soon but the impact will remain profound. I know I will not see this world and myself the same. I feel gratitude to people I met on the road who made this journey possible and friends and family back home whose e-mails reminded me I was not alone. They will be forever in my heart.
It is nice to wake up with children's laughter from nearby playground. It is a wonderful day!!
From campground, beautiful mountain view in the front...
and city view on the right. It is time heading back home.
Scenic Highways lead to Merritt, then to Hope.
Coquihalla Canyon Provincial Park north of Hope is where the Othello-Quintette tunnels resides.
An interesting warning sign in Park's parking lot.
O-Q tunnels are abandoned Kettle Valley Railway tunnels. The railway was originally built in 1913-1916 when the silver and other precious metals were discovered in the area.
The trail leads to tunnels.
Getting through Coquihalla Gorge was the greatest challenge of the project then.
Here is the entrance to the first and the longest of a set of 4 tunnels.
In the middle of this tunnel, it is completely dark except lights from two ends of the tunnel. At this point going back or moving forward to either end is almost the same distance.
Coming out of first tunnel and looking into the second one.
Raging water under the bridges that connect tunnels.
Gorge of solid granite.
At the end of the last tunnel there is a trail leads further into the mountain.
Looking back to the last tunnel
City of Hope is a few miles south of the tunnels. I stop by here briefly for a break.
Day 42 (08/19) - Glacier NP, Revelstoke, Kelowna
A Counselor’s Dilemma
There were a few times during the trip people invited me to join them for campfire gathering. We shared our stories, jokes around the fire. This is a joke I remember well …
A young pastor and his wife have been married for a few years but there was no sign of pregnancy. The elder pastor of the family asked them to see physicians for checkup. And they did. However, doctors could not find anything wrong physically with either of them. So, they suggested the young couple to see a marriage counselor together. And they did.
After a few sessions of counseling, the counselor knew these two young people were solid and faithful. Therefore, he asked them about their prayer life.
They young pastor said “We pray together everyday. It is important to us”.
The young lady also said obediently “Yes. Every night before bed I ask God to bless us, guide us and watch over us always….”
The young pastor “….”
The counselor “…..”
Last time, I heard this story in a more holy setting. I laughed out loud admiring story creator’s genius and courage of poking fun at themselves. This time, looking across the campfire at this grey-haired and well-suited storyteller, I saw pain on his face and mercy in his eyes. I was speechless wondering how to record this experience with delicacy and sensitivity; or whether to record it at all.
There were a few times during the trip people invited me to join them for campfire gathering. We shared our stories, jokes around the fire. This is a joke I remember well …
A young pastor and his wife have been married for a few years but there was no sign of pregnancy. The elder pastor of the family asked them to see physicians for checkup. And they did. However, doctors could not find anything wrong physically with either of them. So, they suggested the young couple to see a marriage counselor together. And they did.
After a few sessions of counseling, the counselor knew these two young people were solid and faithful. Therefore, he asked them about their prayer life.
They young pastor said “We pray together everyday. It is important to us”.
The young lady also said obediently “Yes. Every night before bed I ask God to bless us, guide us and watch over us always….”
The young pastor “….”
The counselor “…..”
Last time, I heard this story in a more holy setting. I laughed out loud admiring story creator’s genius and courage of poking fun at themselves. This time, looking across the campfire at this grey-haired and well-suited storyteller, I saw pain on his face and mercy in his eyes. I was speechless wondering how to record this experience with delicacy and sensitivity; or whether to record it at all.
Stayed at Illecillewaet Campground in Glacier National Park last night.
Beautiful mountain view from campground.
I have a nice creek front site. 
Take time to cook breakfast before leaving camp ...
An unexpected visitor, little squirrel, comes to visit while I have my breakfast.
He sits at the other end of the picnic table busy cracking his breakfast nut.
An unexpected visitor, little squirrel, comes to visit while I have my breakfast.
He sits at the other end of the picnic table busy cracking his breakfast nut. 
It is an interesting scene. I grab my camera and go to neighboring campsite to take a closer shot.
Suddenly, he runs across the table steps into my plate of food and disappear into the woods.
Well, the evidence of the visitor ...
It rained on and off all morning while I was driving on Highway 1 south leaving Glacier National Park. Rain stopped when I entered Revelstoke.
Ravelstoke is a beautiful railroad town.
Very neat Town Center. I have a big lunch here at a Chinese restaurant and good chat with the owner/chef.
This Sicamous dairy farm was recommended by a visitor center staff. Here, they have delicious homemade ice cream of many flavors.
Passed by city of Salmon Arm but did not stay long.
I stop by at this fruit/veggie center for my dinner supply.
Kelowna is a busy city. Many shopping centers and business buildings along Highway 97.
The campground near Kelowna where I planned to stay did not have space available. I come to this campground a few miles outside of the city.
It has a nice mountain view during the day and ...
city view at night.Day 41 (08/18) - Banff, Moraine Lake, Glacier National Park
The Second Chance Moraine Lake
I finally had the chance to visit Moraine Lake this morning when I realized that I needed to travel back to Lake Louise/Moraine Lake area to leave Banff National Park. I am glad I gave it a second try. It was a beautiful day and the view was absolutely stunning. I climbed up to the lakeside rock hill overlooking the emerald-color water and the surrounding glaciated mountains. Most visitors did not come this far and I was able to find a quiet corner near the top for myself. I sat there mediate as serenity and gentle breeze embraced me.
Leaving Moraine Lake and Banff National Park, I continued on westbound Highway 1. There will be no major stop after this and I plan to be home in couple of the days.
I finally had the chance to visit Moraine Lake this morning when I realized that I needed to travel back to Lake Louise/Moraine Lake area to leave Banff National Park. I am glad I gave it a second try. It was a beautiful day and the view was absolutely stunning. I climbed up to the lakeside rock hill overlooking the emerald-color water and the surrounding glaciated mountains. Most visitors did not come this far and I was able to find a quiet corner near the top for myself. I sat there mediate as serenity and gentle breeze embraced me.
Leaving Moraine Lake and Banff National Park, I continued on westbound Highway 1. There will be no major stop after this and I plan to be home in couple of the days.
I came to Moraine Lake last Saturday but could not get in because parking lot was all full and overflow mile out on roadside. I decide to try it again today on my way out of Banff National Park to Highway 1.
This is a big pile of rocks across the Moraine Lake Lodge and parking lot. Visitors go up there for better views.
How did this rock pile get here? Scientists have different opinions.
How do visitors go up there? We have different opinions too. Some decide not to go uphill at all but hike the lake shore trail.
Some decide to take an ordinary route - hike trail up the hill and ..
... walk the steps...
Some want to take extra-ordinary route, climb rocks straight up.
Stunning Moraine Lake from the top of the rocks
Lucky ones also get to row boat on the turquoise color Lake
Bears can read sign too ?? Hardly see bears in a group.
Take a side trip to Natural Bridge in Yoho National Park 
Visit nearby Emerald Lake too
Beautiful Emerald Lake.
Stop by at Golden's modern visitor center for a break before continue into Glacier National Park
Golden, BC's visitor center
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