Geo: 51.1752, -115.573This morning, we had to be up incredibly early so that we could beat the crowds at one of the most famous and popular spots in the Rocky Mountains - Lake Louise. During high season, there are so many visitors to the beauty spot that they close the road to it at around 11am. We were fortunate to have a guide who knew this and who would enable us to view the lake in as deserted and natural a state as possible. As we drove in the semi-gloom, the mist was hanging so low that we couldn't see the mountains around us. Every now and again, it lifted, but not enough for us to make our first stop at Lake Moraine; we would be unable to see any of the beautiful scenery that surrounded ... read more

Geo: 52.8736, -118.083Snorers! So apparently not all of the snorers made it into the cabins...... One rogue buffalo made it into the tent area and thus a fitful night ensued. However, on the upside, we had another beautiful drive ahead of us in our way to Jasper National Park. As we drove the black road, which cut through the landscape like a giant liquorice rope, we passed by brilliant turquoise lakes, set deep within curtains of pine trees, the few deciduous trees scattered amongst them having begun to change colour to beautiful shades of burnt orange, golden brown and deep yellow. We sailed past the Rocky Mountaineer, carrying its luxury passengers through the stunning scenery, their view as impressive as ours. On and on we drove through mountain passes - the jagged tops of multicoloured rock ... read more

Geo: 51.6509, -120.035Dawn broke on our third wedding anniversary and the rain had eased away, leaving blue skies and puffy clouds. After a hearty breakfast and a surprisingly ok sleep in our insect-infested cabin, we met our guide for the overnight canoe trip - Kevin, a self-confessed Redneck - and left the camp behind, heading out through the shade of pine forests, their dropped needles spread over the floor like a carpet, for the Clearwater River and eventually the lake of the same name. Our first stop was Dawson Falls, a short walk away from the road, through shady pathways. We heard the falls before we saw them, a great thundering roar which echoed in the silence. As we approached, we saw the beauty of the cascade of water as it tumbled down a wide horseshoe ... read more

Geo: -0.223151, -78.5127Reading in the gardenWalk to townMarketBusy streetsLa CompaniaLunchChildren begging at the fablesHotelTaxi to airportWarWorlds worst flight... read more

Geo: -0.223151, -78.5127A blissful, long lie-in awaited us this morning, having agreed to meet our friends at the presidential palace at eleven o clock for one final day exploring the city for them. Tickets for tours of the palace are free and tourists merely have to show their passports to gain admission to the complex. We settled on an entry time and decided to head along to La Ronda, one of the most famous streets in Quito. We wandered through the bustling streets towards the pretty avenue, where artisans plied their trade and ornate wrought balconies hung over the cobbled street. Flowers graced the terraces while couples strolled along its shaded floor. After stopping at a chocolatier, where the more adventurous among us sampled some interesting blends of chocolate and chamomile, while the savvy stuck with ... read more