Peru Divided

Today is our last day in Peru. We were so fortunate to secure a 6 week stretch of time away and planned to do two things, the Huayhuash trek and bike the Peru Divide. 

We completed the trek and were on a high. It was absolutely one of the best hikes we have ever done. It took us 9 days and included a high altitude pass each day. We returned to Huaraz to eat some food and re-set for the bike. 

This is when the trip changes course. Unfortunately, the first night of the bike, I got sick. We took the next day off to get better and were ready to set off again. Over the next few days, we ran into some technical problems with my bike, a lot of frustration and then more illness. It is unclear where the mismatch was between what we were expecting and where we were at. We just knew we weren't having fun and needed a change. We made the decision to head back to Lima and change course. 

The next day we booked a rainforest tour in the Amazon. We jumped on a flight to Cusco and headed into the Manu Rainforest for 6 days. Honestly, what an amazing adventure. We had the best group including Daniel and Nicole who we connected through long talks and carried over into dinners when we were back in Cusco. 

Once the tour was over we had 10 days left on the trip. We spent many hours researching and deliberating and opted to travel back to the Cordillera Blanca and bike the Huscaran Circuit. We were so happy to be back in the mountains and it did not disappoint. It was beautiful but a large section of the circuit was closed for construction and although, possible to circumnavigate, our days were running out and we headed back to Lima. 

When I type out the trip like this it seems like a dream, lots of variety and a chance to be away for so long. The thing is, this isn't the trip we planned and for some reason the emotions and feelings challenged the entire time. What's next? It's really hard to say. We are excited to be back home and enjoy summer. The next trip? We will be hanging up the bikes for a bit. 

Vermont - Growler Style

 This past October we completed the Green Growler Backpacking loop. We went in the fall and were so lucky to have the colours all around us. We didn't expect the following highlights:

- great breweries - so many and such unique beers! Favourites included a very Maple forward beer but watch out it was 8%!

- the popularity of the area in "foliage", try to get into a restaurant in Stowe, no way! Great to hit the backroads and avoid the crowds

- how every where we went was quintessential Vermont. Think rolling hills and red barns.

Crete to Athens

The final leg of the our Crete bike tour took us to Elafonisi. We prepped for a large uphill climb and  smooth descent to the beach. It was both of those things. The road was challenging but much more manageable than other roads we had this far done in Crete. 

Next up, the journey to Chania. We opted for a bus due to being limited to a major road that was known to be busy. Great choice! 

Once in Chania, we discovered a charming and lovely port town. We met up with Dean and headed out of town to do an Olive Oil tour. It was a huge highlight! A great afternoon spent learning about the process from the owner of the company. 

An overnight ferry took us to Athens where we hit the highlights, strolled the city streets and caught up with Dean. 

Crete by Bike - Part 2

Sitting in a cafe in Paleohora reflecting on Crete so far. We have spent a lot of time diving into the ocean and checking out seaside villages while spending more time off the bikes than we thought. The heat is extreme and the many beaches made the decision to stop easy. 

Yesterday, we hiked the Samaria Gorge and I must say, I loved being back on a hiking trail. The gorge far exceeded our expectations. It was massive and seemingly endless. Access from Sougia and ferry rides connecting the journey had us checking out the island from a seaside perspective. We even left our bikes at the port in Sougia for the day while we hiked the gorge. Hard to believe it felt okay to leave all our belongings out in the open for almost 12 hours but there really is no worry of theft here, a comfortable way to travel for sure. 

Tomorrow we will set out for Elafonisi beach, the last leg of the bike tour prior to making out way to Hania. 

Crete by Bike - More Pictures - Part 1

 

Crete by Bike

Landing in Haraklion and setting out on our bikes we had a rapid reality check, Crete is hard to cycle. We headed south and over the next few days have found ourselves somewhere in the middle of where we wanted to be a few days ago. Along the way, we have hauled our bikes through impassable tracks but also discovered the most incredible coastal road we have cycled yet. This evening we are checked in a mini apartment style accomodation to reconsider maps and take a break from the unexpectedly record high temperatures. Another adventure that has challenged us physically and mentally but we have communicated and adjusted, with more to come for sure! 

The Lost Years

 The lost years cover from 2020 until current day. I feel like we did really well during the pandemic to keep up our travels. I stopped posting as it seemed weird during a worldwide pandemic. I have decided to list a few highlights to get the "blog going again"

2019- step back in time for a quick sec and we did Newfoundland with our good friend Dean. The main part of the trip was completing the "Long Range" in Gros Morne. Dean's first backcountry hike and a real "Canadian" experience for our British friend seeing bear and moose in the wild. 

2020 - as per previous post we did Killarney Cloche Silhouette - amazing 

2021 - Headed up to Sault Ste Marie as a launpad for hiking the coastal trail in Lake Superior Provincial Park. Incredible rugged coastline and trails to ourselves. A special part of this trip was taking a trip back to Healey Lake where I grew up at my grandparents cottage outside of my dad's hometown of Mactier, Ontario (first picture)

2022 - Bonus of staying in Canada. We "finally" biked the Cabot Trail. Such an amazing part of the country. Finished off with waterfront fun in Halifax and catching up with friends at an Oceanside cottage on our way home. 

2022 - First territory, the Yukon. Goal: hike the Grizzly Lake trail in Tombstone Territorial Park. Achieved, including northern lights and a day trip to Alaska to see the grizzlies fishing for salmon. Finished off with another epic multi-day in Kluane National Park and Reserve. 

2023 - "We biked the Alps". For 18 days from Munich to Salzburg via the Italian dolomites. Return to international travel doesn't get much better. Of course, Dean had to make a guest appearance. 

2023 - Keeping it Canadian - great times with friends, new and old, in Vancouver, Whistler and squamish. 

2024 - planning has begun. Cannot wait.