Warning signs from Ken Roberts on Vimeo.
Ken discovers a sign warning of bear presence at an overnight stop along the Skeena river between Prince Rupert and Terrace in Canadian British Columbia. But it’s not a deterrent, it’s encouragement. Still to see one of the cuddly critters in the wild… Outside of his tent of course..
Funny thing technology. Back in the mid-eighties I’d convinced myself I’d missed the information technology revolution. Sir Clive Sinclair had moved on to his C5 electric car, sold out to Sir Alan and Amstrad. Adept though I’d found myself with writing software, decided best to pursue a more conventional engineering path. Seemed to make sense at the time.
A very good school friend was rather less convinced, heading off to read computer science at Imperial. Forming, I thought, a small software house. Bought out by Microsoft, ending up living in the US. Seattle these days. Where I planned to catch up with him.
Despite my mistaken reading of the runes, I’d never lost my love of technology, especially the ability to communicate. Now a tool, an enabler, rather than an end in itself pursued with childhood passion. Fascinated at how I could so easily share photos, videos, the merest of thoughts from almost anywhere on the planet. Often in a matter of minutes if I so chose.
Sometimes a brief phone call to my parents. By satellite. Lat and long of my remote wild camp site. Chance for them to locate it using Google Earth. Reassuring for them. Fun for me.
Amongst giants from Ken Roberts on Vimeo.
First, Keith and Michaela. Their final day on the road crossing North America. First long-haul riders I’d seen riding a tandem. Explained I’d tried one once. Fine on the front, hated it on the back. Unashamedly a control thing I added. Click here to visit their blog.
Then Nicholas. Swiss rider, exploring Canada and Alaska. German efficiency with a very American love of weapons. Fallout bunkers in their homes. Why nobody ever invades.
A little later, Kierstyn and Peter. Heading for Prince Rupert and a ferry to Seattle. Moving home. Not quite all their belongings in their small trailer, but, I thought, bit of panache and style nevertheless. Beats U-Haul.
Breathtaking British Columbia from Ken Roberts on Vimeo.
As his first day back on the road in British Columbia draws to a close, Ken reflects on what lies ahead
Taste of British Columbia from Ken Roberts on Vimeo.
Ken reflects on what British Columbia has to offer
Dark, murky pools and small lakes. Commonplace in British Columbia. So far at least.. East of Prince Rupert
Rail bridge east of Prince Rupert, in Canada’s British Columbia Province.
Murky waters from Ken Roberts on Vimeo.
Ken is intrigued by the many murky pools and small lakes, filled with old tree stumps. Tolkeinesque. Bit like Kafkaesque but for scenery.
Beyond Prince Rupert from Ken Roberts on Vimeo.
Ken starts the next leg of his North American journey
Final fling in Cowpuccino’s coffee bar, a short distance from the hostel. And an eggy breaky bagel for the road. I’d ordered a baa-g-ell but they seemed to understand. Quiet, The Germans, I thought, out on manoeuvres.
It was Hawaii Day. Paper pineapples, resembling cheap Christmas decorations, on the tables. The staff had plastic flowers in the their hair. A chalk board announced ’Aloha’.
A man wandered in, sporting a bright blue shirt with a bold flower pattern. About to congratulate him for entering into the spirit of the occasion, whatever it was, I found myself stopping short. Suddenly unsure as to whether he’d donned it especially for the day, or whether it was just his normal attire. Time to return to the road.
