(Continued) Naively Going North

6th day: Onward to Canada, the ultimate goal. Travel time from Glacier to Banff was less than 5 hours (a breeze at this point), and we were cruising along merrily. We made sure to search for signs of the upcoming border. Admittedly, we were traveling with certain “paraphernalia” and planned to ditch those supplies before leaving America. Zenned out as we were, the line to Canada seemingly came out of nowhere. Paranoid and panicked, I turned around just past the Duty Free shop and made the most ugly U-turn imaginable. We then spotted an open field next to the shop and hurriedly flung the contraband, praying that another person would find these treasures and enjoy them as much as we did. That was that.

Our excitement swelled as we inched up to the window to show our passports. We waited, and waited, and waited to get the OK to move through... Instead, we were directed to the parking area and asked to wait inside. I was terribly confused. My heart was pounding ever so rapidly. Did they somehow spot our U-Turn? Did someone report us for disposing of our illegal supplies? These questions and more sprinted through my mind as I—just I—was called into a private room. My husband, wide-eyed and anxious, was left waiting alone.

[Backtrack: I researched the difficulty of getting into Canada while planning. I knew that anyone with a felonious background, or a DUI, would not be allowed to cross the border. Neither of these situations applied to my husband or I, so I thought I was in the clear. I was wrong.] It was just me and a border services officer in the room. He asked if I knew why I was being stopped. I had no idea. He asked if I had a criminal background. I said no. He disappointingly looked down at the files in his hand and read an offense that I had not thought about in YEARS. Turns out, I was being questioned for a shoplifting charge that was dismissed when I was 17.

The officer asked an array of questions regarding the details of my crime, many of which I could not recall. He presented himself as overtly disapproving of me the entire time. "I can't believe they let you teach with this on your record," he interjected at one point.

The officer gazed down at my records for a few moments, silently shuffling the papers. He reluctantly agreed to let me in. “No one just gets to visit Canada,” he said sternly. “It is a privilege.” Apparently, I would have had much better luck passing through if it were 10 years after the incident. (It was nearly 8 at the time.)

I walked out of the office with a new breath of life. Relief was an understatement. I gave my husband a cheesy smile and a thumbs up. We were actually going to make it.

Driving through Kootenay National Park was unreal. I literally felt like I was floating across the road. The mountains and canyons ascended higher than I ever anticipated, and adrenaline from the border scare was still coursing through me. I can honestly say the drive through this area to Banff was the best stretch of the entire trip. Just like the officer emphasized, we were truly privileged to view such spectacles of nature. We checked into Johnston Canyon Campground, which was the only campsite I reserved beforehand. It was spacious, green, and equipped with amenities galore. After setting up camp, we sought to explore the town of Banff.

One of my favorite life moments to date

Though we wished for a restaurant meal and a hot springs soak, we were hit with the reality of our funds. Instead, we settled for browsing the town and restocking our grocery/liquor supply. It was lovely all the same.

What better way to keep warm than vodka chugs?

On our way back to the campground, we spotted a female black bear lounging and munching out right next to the road! This was the most up-close sighting of any animal on our road trip (besides chipmunks, of course). We made sure to keep our food in the car as we prepared to relax at the campground for the evening. The weather was much colder than we expected. We were used to camping in Colorado, so we came prepared, but the humidity in the air made for a serious bite. I layered up in a hobo-like manner, and we drank and listened to music until the rain began. It was a matter of 10 minutes from sprinkles, to showers, to downpour, so we were forced to hang out in our tent. We passed out with a nice buzz and a sense of accomplishment, thinking nothing of the rain.

7th Day: The downpour was relentless. We awoke to discover there was a nice little pool at the top of our caved in tent, and it was leaking on my husband’s side of the bed. He was drenched, and the floor was a swamp. I somehow managed to stay dry and slept for a couple more solid hours in the car. The weather put a damper on things (pun totally intended), as there was no way to dry out our large 4-person tent. Several other campers crowded their smaller tents to hang in the heated bathroom.

Stoked on life, cause we made it through the storm...and in fucking BANFF of all places!

Eventually, the rain ceased enough for us to pack up our sopping belongings. Sprinkles, clouds, and chill prevailed. Low energy as we were, it was time to explore. We decided to visit Johnston Canyon and Lake Louise. I'm proud of our choices. These locations contain some of the most beautiful water I have ever laid eyes upon.

As blue as one can be As green as one can feel Bluer than these waters Greener than these falls and trees It is impossible to perpetuate Such a state of mind When encircled by this womb A mother canyon Brimming with flow And life And ease

Johnston Canyon: Trail. Copyright: Brittney Cunningham, 2015

Johnston Canyon: Lower Falls. Copyright: Brittney Cunningham, 2015

Johnston Canyon: Upper Falls. Copyright: Brittney Cunningham, 2015

Seen on a screen Compared to a scene In front of your body Gracing your skin Hearing the thunder Of crashing ice A reminder Of our Earth’s sickness A reminder to smother Urges of idleness

Lake Louise: Flowers and Kayak House. Copyright: Brittney Cunningham, 2015

He's the coolest.

Lake Louise: Hello Mountains. Copyright: Brittney Cunningham, 2015

No more north for us. We began the 2-day trek home. The rest of our money was used for cheap hotel rooms in Calgary, CAN and Billings, MT, since our tent was out of commission.

This trip was a milestone in our lives and our relationship for reasons a plenty. Here are my life lesson takeaways:

1. Simple moments are pure luxury. The tiniest occurrences pull at your heartstrings when reminiscing. You don’t need a ton of money to travel or have an inspiring experience.

2. Have an emergency fund and a full-on car inspection before traveling. We got SO lucky on this trip; it was ridiculous.

3. The reality of achieving a goal is a natural high. The journey gives your achievement substance, depth, and meaning.

4. Events that seem like daggers in your plan often make the best stories.

5. Live the life you envision for yourself. Embrace doubt and discomfort. Do something, however small, to make that life a reality everyday, even on the toughest days.

6. Experiencing any amount of the lands and cultures this world has to offer is 100% a privilege. We are owed nothing.

Highway 1. Copyright: Brittney Cunningham, 2015.

What was your first big vacation as an adult like? Share with us below!

Peace out for now, friends. Thank you for reading this little piece of my existence. -Brittney Cee