Country by Camper

It isn’t easy to see everything in Canada without a vehicle.  I would advise you to have a vehicle if you want a proper look around.  Greyhound buses are fine, but every time I forkout $80 to get to the next big town I cringe.  I want to be driving where I want, staying where I want and not limited to big, or popular, cities and towns.

Purchase of Jerry the Wondervan!

That’s why I decided to purchase a van from some friends at the end of the ski season.  I was so excited.  Cruising down the Trans Canada Highway, the wind blew in my hair as I thought my thoughts of converting the back of the van into a living/sleeping area… then I heard a knocking noise, smelt a strong smell of oil, and there was a loss of power…

I suppose that is the chance you take when you do a quick deal with a friend to grab a cheap van and wing your way to Calgary.   Luckily I was only half an hour from my sisters, and luckily she lives out here and was kind enough to pick me up.   Her husband shook his head when he saw the van – not worth fixing.  All my dream clouds popped one by one as I concentrated hard on fighting back tears, and getting my stuff into my sisters truck, in the dark, on the edge of the highway.

We phoned for towing, and were quoted around $400.  So I left it, so I could figure out with a straight mind what to do with it.  Next morning it was still there.  I had looked up that the Albertian authorities would collect an abandoned vehicle, track the owner down and charge them for the towing fee anyway.  So I was all ready to pay the fee to get it towed – when HURRAY – one of brother-in-laws friends decided he wanted it for scrap and saved my bank account.  I had already lost out on the car.  A silver lining on a dark cloud.

It was not my friends fault, and I hold no grudge.  Brother in law says it could of happened at any time and you would never know it was about to happen.  Putting it down to bad luck.  I had to suck it up and think of a new plan.

Sister, B-o-L and I looked at a few more vehicles online, but it was a rush job – I had to get to Vancouver in two days to meet my friend.  So I booked the trusty Greyhound for a 12 hour night trip – arriving in Vancouver the morning of the day my friend flew in.  Cutting it close, but hey, that’s me!

Breakdown Number 2 …

Hopped on the Greyhound in Calgary – with waves and hugs.   1 hour into the trip and I was stood on the side of the highway again in the dusk.  Yes, the Greyhound had an electrical fault and was pumping smoke into the passenger area from the back end.   Oh how I stood and giggled to myself at my luck in one week; bag stolen (phone and purse), newly purchase van blew up and the one Greyhound I get on starts to smoulder.  Well, they say bad luck comes in threes so I am glad I have had my fair share now.  Have I?

Greyhound were pretty good.  They got a new bus to us in around an hour and we made it to Vancouver on time, in case anyone had any transfers etc.  The bus driver kept nice and calm and made sure we were all warm and happy.  What a dude.

Samesun Backpackers from Greyhound depot via Sky Train, Vancouver

One thing I do like about Canada is when you are IN a city it is easy to get around, and clear.  I looked on the internet before I left, to make sure I knew where I was.  But you basically exit the Greyhound depot, go across Thornton Park and you will see the Sky Train.  The EXPO line towards the Waterfront takes you into Downtown.  The website Translink will help you to to plan your journey.

I am staying in SAMESUN Backpackers Hostel, which is Downtown – so not the cheapest but it is really nice.  It is two stops away (Granville Station) from the Greyhound depot on the Sky Train – Granville Street, 1018.  You literally come out of the Sky Train station, head South (away from the mountains) and it is on the left hand side of the road.   It is an easy walk (just 4 blocks), even with a heavy backpack.  But I am a strong girl.

So… my friend arrives in a few hours and I can’t wait to get to know this side of the country.  I may of had bad luck , but I am a positive person and I will struggle on… Good times…

Sorry I haven’t written for a while.  I have just been getting used to my new, travelling, Canadian life.   I am currently on my second journey on a Greyhound bus, back to Fernie from Calgary.  Why return to Calgary?  To see an NHL game – Calgary Flames vs Detroit Red Wings with my sister.  It was worth the travelling, I recommend a live NHL game if you get the chance.  I was lucky enough to get a free ticket via my sisters work, and then got to spend the week with her of course.  Happy days.

Life in Fernie

So I’ve spent three weeks in Fernie, previous to this little holiday and to be honest Fernie is home for now, and I just can’t wait to get back.  Even after just three weeks I feel I want to see those familiar faces in the house I am living in, get back on the slopes and get back to “my” room.  I feel like I have made a home there.   This is my first part of my journey, and although I am totally aware I have to leave every place I go, and probably leave every friend I make I feel like I am just finding my ground.

Even at 31 I get really nervous about talking to new people and if I am going to fit in, especially when groups are formed already, and being that little bit older.  I get on with most people (err I think), and I chat to everyone, but whether or not you “fit in” is different.  What I have learned really quickly with other travellers is that you are accepted, and they want to learn about you.  Obviously if you don’t click, you don’t click.  No hardship. This is half of what I came travelling to do.  Learn about myself.

It takes just a little time and effort to put yourself out there, and make the connections you need. I don’t feel lonely in this big wide world now.  At the moment I am just excited about my journey.  However,  I am so sure there will be more lonely moments in this adventure.

Hitching in Fernie

I have been boarding almost every day, unless I need to work.   One thing I was so nervous of at the beginning was hitching.  Hitching is legal in BC, and it is just part of everyday life.  It is actually quite nice to meet some interesting people and have a 20 minute conversation.  I’ve also been one that picks the hitcher up.  My advice?  Chat, be nice, and SAY THANK YOU.  Or your bad attitude will ruin it for other hitchers.

Here’s some key facts on Hitching in Fernie, BC.

My boarding has come on leaps and bounds (double diamond black runs), and I will start posting about the things I learn.  I will be better promise.

Things to Do in Fernie, BC

I have joined FERNIE OLD SCHOOL BOXING CLUB.  AH, I love it!  $5 for a walk-in session and you are defiantly feeling it afterwards.  It feels GOOOOOOD.   Having had some experience myself I was able to spar in the ring last week.   You do not have to spar, you can carry on with technique and fitness.  It is worth going even if you are not interested in the boxing. Promise!

Fernie Old School Boxing Club
Location:  661B 2nd Ave, Fernie, BC    Phone number:  (250) 423-0272

I go climbing once a week at The Fernie Campus.  This is $7 for an hour and a half.  $10 if you need to hire anything.  Vickie takes this session; you are really left to your own devices, but she will always offer help and assistance where needed.  I am learning climbing techniques from YouTube (yes I am a geek) or from people I go with.  And I am getting there slowly.  The wall is small, but I am enjoying bouldering at my own pace and building muscle to get better.

I go to the free public ice skating sessions at Fernie Memorial Arena whenever I can on a Tuesday or Thursday morning at 10.30.  This is 45 minutes of bliss.  I go along on my own and I just go round and round and round, practising my skating.  I’m getting the hang of it.  I’m teaching myself how to turn and how to stop, again, from YouTube.

Friday nights there is usually a hockey game where the local Fernie team (The Ghostriders) will play.  You can get half price tickets if eating at The Pub.

I’ve been swimming at the Fernie Aquatic Centre – a good tip is that if you go in the last 45 minutes of the day you get in half price.  And there is a nice hot pool there to relax in after a hard day on the slopes.

And these are very good reasons to stay at the Grand Central.  The Fernie Campus is behind, the Aquatic Centre in front and the Boxing Club just up the road.  The Fernie Memorial Arena (Ghostriders skate rink) is a 5 minute walk.  No trouble.

Greyhound Calgary to Fernie

My second Greyhound journey?  Easy.  So relaxed.  It’s so different when you know what you are doing.  I always book online before I get to the depot, as you get a cheaper price.  Check in is not as strict as it sounds, even when security ask to check your bags.  They are quite relaxed.  For example I have a backpack and a small handbag on board, and no one worries about it.  On your ticket you will read about 1 bag at top, and it has to be this size and that size.  At time of writing Calgary terminal are quite relaxed, so don’t stress.

The Greyhound stops at a garage called THE SUPER 8 when arriving in Fernie.  It is well away from Down town, so if you are arriving at 4am like I am today, or even if you are arriving on a Saturday afternoon I would advise booking  a taxi.  One big Fernie firm is Kootenay Taxis on 250-423-4413 or email taximanager@kootenaytaxi.com.

I did try to sleep on the bus, curled myself up into a little ball across two seats.  And promptly got chucked off onto the floor by overzealous use of breaks by the bus driver.  Highly embarrassing, but hey ho.  I made it back to Fernie.

I went to stay in Calgary for one night so that I could catch the 8.00 am Greyhound bus to Fernie on the Saturday morning.   I booked in at “The Wicked Hostel“, which was a really friendly, clean hostel.  It is manned all the time, run by backpackers and the staff were just so helpful.  I almost wished I was there longer.  I took a dorm bed; everyone was really quiet when they came in at night so I returned the favour by sneaking out quietly in the next morning.  The hostel has free computer facilities, wi-fi and a printer, so I was able to book and print my Greyhound ticket.

That evening I spent on 17th Avenue (THE place to go out in Calgary) with a friend, who I am lucky enough to know over here.

We ate out at Bier Haus. This is where Neil introduced me to POUTINE.  Oh my gosh.  I can’t believe I have been in the country 5 weeks and not sampled poutine before!   What is poutine?  It is basically french fries topped with cheese and gravy.  I was in heaven!  If only it was not so unhealthy I could have that every night …

We nipped across to Moxies afterwards, where I was introduced to Neils friends, but left early for an early start the next day.  The walk back to The Wicked Hostel along 17th Ave didn’t feel so bad for a girl on her own.  It was well lit and there were plenty of people around at 9pm.  I would be careful anywhere on my own at night.

The Wicked Hostel is on the corner where 17th Avenue and The Macleod Trail meet, just across from the C-Train stop.  My thoughts were that I would get the C-train to 10 Street Southwest platform and then the Greyhound Shuttle to Greyhound Walk.  No one I asked even knew that the Greyhound Shuttle existed, and because I did not want to miss my bus, I decided I would take a taxi straight there.  What a relief when you are lugging a snowboard around as well as your back pack and a laptop!  Be aware though I was charged extra for asking for a bus/van because of the board.  When I booked, the lady said I would not be charged extra for the vehicle.  Hmmmm.  It was $16 altogether.   The C-train would of been about $3 -but a lot more stress!

7.45am and I arrived safely at the Greyhound bus depot, ready for departure to Fernie.  I had to ask as to which gate I boarded at, as it was not on the print at home ticket. It wasn’t clear that I had to pay for my extra bag at the counter either, so I merrily turned up at the gate with no labels for my luggage and not having paid for the board bag.  I was promptly given labels and somewhere along the line someone forgot to charge me, so I kept quiet.

The journey was fine.  I slept.  I ate my breakfast.  We had plenty of toilet stops, although there is one on the bus.  There was also a food stop about 4-5 hours in where you can pick something up from Tim Hortons (a popular and cheap fast food place).

Being the first leg of my trip on my own, arriving in Fernie was daunting.  Grab a taxi number before you arrive as you are dropped quite far from town (if you arrive in the week you it will be 2.30am, meaning no bus).

When I first arrived at the Grand Central there was no one home.  It felt a little unwelcoming (not that I expected a brass band), but I was happy with my room, the landlord was really nice and I was feeling excited to be in Fernie.  So I unpacked, and wondered off around town in search of food and a pint, feeling a little lonely.   An hour later I was chatting away to two lads, here on holiday and spent the evening playing pool and drinking with them.  They’ve turned out to be life long friends, I’m sure.  Good times …

So I am forth day into Fernie life now, there are about 25 of us all sharing the house I live in.  I’ve been really welcomed in, although everyone has their routines already and friendship groups, which is expected.  I have entered half way through a season.  But I feel at home when I get in, and for someone that never experienced uni life, I am loving the communal cooking and the fact there is always something going on.  I am in a room on my own here – I made that decision as I am here for 3 months plus I can work in my room, designing websites and because sometimes you need chill time.

I would recommend ear plugs though, the Grand Central is above a “night club” and you will need them.  But ear plugs work well, so nothing is a bother.  It’s a great place to be and I am near to the BOXING CLUB and the FERNIE CAMPUS where there is a climbing wall.   But they are posts all on their own!

So I’ve booked up for 5 months in Canada, to stay in the country as a holiday and travelling to who knows where after that.  I will be doing websites and running my English business as I go with a good client base already.   I’ve not applied for a visa in Canada as it is unnecessary for me to work here.

Holiday or not, beware –  immigration will not be nice about letting you in.

The flight with Air Canada was really good, everything went smoothly.   We flew from Heathrow: my mum, my dad, two friends and I, for my sisters wedding.  The latter are here for three weeks: mum and dad for a month.   Flying over the East of Canada (Newfoundland and Labrador I presume) we looked down on the mountains.  My heart squeezes as I just can’t take the sight in;  it is so beautiful it looks false.  I can’t believe there is so much untouched in this world.

In the fading light, as we are looking out on a expanse of frozen islands, mountains and what I think is inhabitable land, Sam spots what appears to be a settlement.  Dull lights shine out through the frosty sky and I agree, you can see a small area in which people must be: amongst thousand and thousands of miles of nothing.   It is amazing.   The temperature down there must be so far below freezing.  My mind wonders off into thinking about the way in which they live.

Canadian Immigration

I’m in high spirits on landing, looking forward to seeing my sister, and to meet my new brother-in-law and see the way they live.   I am relaxed and happy.   Too blasé.

Coming through customs I got pulled aside and sent to immigration, obviously because I had declared I was staying in Canada for 150 days.  As I had booked my flight ages ago, and read somewhere that anything under 6 months is considered a holiday, I had totally forgotten about ‘immigration’.

They won’t forget about you.

Man, that woman was mean.   There was no sign a smile had ever crossed her lips as she asked me why I was in the country.   I felt like a 30 year old small child.  My mum had my return documents, and a bubble of nervous laughter rose inside me as I asked the officer “Can I go and get my documents from my mum?“, and thought about my friends ripping it out of me for this one.   I was almost shaking, as I wished I had printed out my bank statement to prove I had enough money to fund my trip.   She recorded all of my sisters details.  Lesson? Just make sure you have the details of who you are staying with, and a statement and you won’t feel like an utter idiot like myself.  Immigration want to know that you will be leaving, and you can look after yourself whilst you are here.

But after a bit of a ribbing and some serious questions with her judging my every facial expression (I wonder if they get trained to make you nervous), she seemed happy and stamped my passport.  My first stamp in my new passport.   And my second lesson on immigration.    (Did I tell you the one about not declaring an orange in my backpack when entering New Zealand?   Got fined $200.  Lesson: don’t forget about your lunch in your bag when filling out the declaration form).

As soon as I was out of that room everyone was smiley and happy again.  I was lucky really – they didn’t unpack my bags.  I just wish I had been prepared with a bank statement and my return documents.  Ah well you live and learn.   Take immigration seriously and it will all run smoothly.

Langdon Village, Alberta

My sister lives in Langdon, South East of Calgary. It’s about a 50 minute drive from the airport.   I love rumbling along a new country looking out the window and just taking in the the tip of what you are about to experience.

The buildings are so far apart here compared to England.  There is so much LAND.  In Britain you hardly see land for buildings.  And there are so few cars on the huge wide roads.

Langdon is small, but there is stuff to do if you look for it.  I went to a hardcore boxercise class at the Karate club, a which is on a Wednesday.  I don’t have the details with me but I will try to remember to put it up when I can.   You can also ice skate on the rink in the park, but it is not that well maintained.  And I have seen a dance school.  There are no buses from Langdon though, you really need a vehicle to get anywhere.

Even though I am not planning every step of my trip, and I’m planning to just ‘go with it’, there is a lot to do before leaving.   My first big step was to sell my car.  I was advised to try in good time, because it can take months to make the sale.  I, however, got a phone call the day after I put it on AutoTrader.  Lucky I have got the camper as transport.

When he rang, I was a bit confused as to who the potential buyer might be, as I totally forgot I even put my car up for sale (scatter brain Drewett) – I hadn’t even posted a photo.    So I arranged for the guy to come and look at the car, explaining every flaw before he made the trip.    Then I phoned my mechanic friend and asked his advice.   He was brilliant.

Important steps to selling your car

First thing my mate said was to create a SOLD AS SEEN paper.  On it put the date, a space for the agreed price and a space for the signature of the buyer.  Print it twice so you can both have a copy.   I also took a pen.

Secondly, know the market.  I had studied AutoTrader for cars like mine before I put it on.  Then stick to your price.  My buyer consistently pushed for a lower price but I stuck to the price I wanted.  And got it; less some for it needing a service very soon.  But that saved me hassle, so I was happy.   He obviously wanted my car, it might not be as easy for everyone.

Be aware that thieves pose as buyers.  I was really worried about this.  Luckily my mate sat in the car with me whilst the guy drove it.  It is a difficult one because you want to let them drive it to make sure it is alright, but I didn’t want any damage to it.  I also made sure he was insured before he drove the car.  If they are not insured, what will you do if they damage it?

Also, take the cars registration certificate with you (V5C), and the service history.  This buyer wanted the car straight away.  I made sure I got cash and counted it on the spot.  Then watched him sign the papers.  You could also ask for ID to check their signature.

I was really nervous, but I posted the part of the V5C I needed to and got confirmation back from the DVLA that all had gone through.  Dandy!

I think I had a good experience.  What was yours like?