On the road again.... Camping in Banff and BC the last 4 days was great. I got a chance to put some real miles on the bike and test myself a little as well. Day one didn't start so great, as it was threatening rain and a little chilly. You forget how much wind-chill becomes a factor when you are on a bike. People riding in cars have no idea how 15 c can be cold when the wind is whipping at you at about 100km an hour. We went up a nice twisty road through the foothills from Lethbridge into Bragg Creek then west into Banff. I was stupid enough to lose my new ring, (the cool criss-cross one) at a gas station, it must have come off when I took my motorcycle gloves off. We found a really nice campground in Tunnel Mountain and set up the tent and had camp dinner. Toured some of the tourist spots, saw the hot springs, the old Indian trading post etc.I crashed pretty early, I was a little tired and fresh air and exercise are still new to me. There was the most amazing thunderstorm that night! The tent was snug and secure but the lightning was so bright and the rain so fierce I had a few moments concern. Have you ever seen lightning so bright that it leaves everything imprinted in negative on your retinas? and thunder so loud that it knocks the wind out of you? Very cool. Up and breaking camp early the next day, then into BC and WhiteSwan National Park where we went to the hot springs for awhile before camping at Wasa Lake. Yay! mountain lake swimming, love that glacier fed coolness. A really nice ride through the mountains on the Crowsnest Pass. Stopping at historic sites like Frank Slide (where the mountain came down like a tidal wave on a mining town,) Fort Steele (too expensive) and enjoying the scenery all the way. We could have made it back that evening, but we took a night at another camp in Fort McLeod. Just swimming and relaxing and enjoying being out. I am starting to miss China a little... weird eh? I miss my friends there, but I also miss having my own life. ( know that sounds odd, but somehow here on vacation I feel kind of like I'm living on other peoples whims, I see them when they can, arrange myself to others schedules. I know thats the way it has to be but I don't feel as in control as I did in Changchun.) I leave for the States in a few days. I'll be going through Spokane specifically to see Jake (if possible). It will be awesome to see him again, and wish him well before he goes to New York. I also hope to see Fernando at Reggae on the River in Garberville around the 8th, hang with my brother and his kids for awhile before heading back up. I don't know how often I'll be able to post, but I'll try. I have some concerns about the bike, but I think the only thing I can do is say to hell with it and just do it. If it breaks down, it breaks down, and I'll just have to deal as it happens. (I have some concerns about me as well, but if I break down, I break down and I'll just have to deal as it happens.) hopefully more soon Tam