Along with everyone else in the world (it seems), I decided it was time to travel again this summer. Plus, I had to get out of the Arizona heat. I searched the bucket list and settled on Western Canada. Unsure how much longer I will be able to travel solo, I planned a packed itinerary for a two-week trip. What an awesome experience.
I flew to Vancouver and spent three days exploring this cosmopolitan city on the water. I walked everywhere and experienced the best of the city including views, food, and otters! Yet the best was still ahead. I took the Rocky Mountaineer train to Banff. Two days on board a luxury ride through the Canadian Rockies. Once in Banff, I joined a Backroads hiking trip. We spent six days hiking through the famous region – up mountains, around lakes, over streams, avoiding snow. Every day was more beautiful than the one before. I have so many unbelievable pictures that it was difficult to select just on for this blog post.
Although the natural beauty was awesome, the interactions with people along the way was heartwarming. I met people on the train who had amazing travel tales. The 21 people on the hiking trip all got along. One couple from New Jersey ended up being best friends with someone I know in Phoenix. The wife said meeting me was the highlight of her week. She guessed I had Parkinson’s disease so I had someone to talk to about it. And one of the guides drove me to a location to meet a friend for the final leg of my trip. The guide broke the silence in the van to tell me that I had a good week of hiking, and I should be proud. I almost cried…
Upon reflection, I am proud of myself. Unlike others, I must always be mindful of my symptoms, taking medication, avoiding trip hazards (they were everywhere), and eating faster. Travelling with PD can be exhausting.
It can also be so rewarding.
I’d like to hear from you. Please leave comments below.
Your trip sounds awesome Sheryl!
What an experience. So glad for you that you did it!
So glad you took the plunge and saw some of the best of BC and Alberta!
That was a good decision that you made for your trip. Vancouver is a fabulous city and Banff is magnificent. It sounds as if you really pushed yourself, but the results were good. How did the woman from New Jersey “guess” that you had PD? You have practically no motor symptoms. One would really have to be astute or “tuned in” to someone with PD to “see” your symptoms!
Your trip was well-planned which I think is very important when travelling with PD. One must know their limits and not overplan. (Just because you could do something before you had PD does not mean that you can do it with PD).
Sounds like a superb trip. Any travel nightmares?