Hiker Jules

Hello everyone. I am finding it quite difficult to get internet access on the trail where I can upload photos. I have decided that I am going to just update on Facebook to save me time. I have upload at least 80 pictures there so far plus I update my status whenver I can. I may even see how I can add notes so I can even do a sort of blog on there. If you would like to see the pictures and updates, please add me as a Friend on Facebook. Just add Julie Swiston or by my email jtibby2000@hotmail.com (Aunt Mavis ...that means you have to finally join ... just ask Lynne to help you!) :) Sorry for any inconvenience ... I would love to update this blog but it istoo hard without having ... read more

“This kind of certainty comes but once in a lifetime” Clint Eastwood in the movie “Bridges of Madison County” Well … I made it to Madison County on May 28th to the setting of one of my favourite movies (Bridges of Madison County). I stayed in Winterset, a small town which was actually the town it was set in. The thing this little town was famous for before the filming of the movie is that it is the birth place of John Wayne. The weekend I was here just happens to coincide with John Wayne’s birthday so there are celebrations happening. Because of this, the only hotel in town has only smoking rooms left. After my ordeal with the last time I slept in a smoking room, I thought sleeping in my car would be better. ... read more

“Go placidly amid the noise and haste, and remember what peace there may be in silence. As far as possible, without surrender, be on good terms with all persons. Speak your truth quietly and clearly; and listen to others, even the dull and ignorant; they too have their story. Avoid loud and aggressive persons; they are vexations to the spirit. If you compare yourself with others, you may become vain and bitter; for always there will be greater and lesser persons than yourself. Enjoy your achievements as well as your plans. Keep interested in your own career, however humble; it is a real possession in the changing fortunes of time. Exercise caution in your business affairs for the world is full of trickery. But let this not blind you to what virtue there is; many persons ... read more

“Though we travel the world over to find the beautiful, we must carry it with us or we will not find it.” Ralph Waldo Emerson The ferry to Vancouver Island was much larger than I imagined. The ferries I had taken in the US on the East coast were much smaller. This one had a coffee and gift shop onboard and 5 decks for cars. The ride was about an hour and half and I just sat and read my guidebooks and brochures for Vancouver Island. I decided that I would not go directly to Victoria but instead drive up the coast along the ocean first. I did just that. It was a nice drive and I made a few stops. I was hoping to see some wind surfers along the way as this is a ... read more

“Lessons always arrive when you are ready for them, and if you can read the signs, you will learn everything you need to know in order to take the next step.” The Zahir Paulo Coelho The drive from Point Reyes (just outside San Francisco) to Seattle was long. I took highway #1 while in California and I must say that although the scenery was beautiful, by the end I had enough of the winding roads. I was craving a straight simple road. Once I entered Oregon and took highway #5, I got my wish. I stopped twice on route to Seattle. I stopped in Eugene California and Salem Oregon. They were simple hotel stops; I did not do any sight seeing. I arrived in Seattle about 3pm on March 27th, got settled in the hostel and ... read more