To prepare for the journey to Calgary, I had to procure a vehicle as I’m a foot dwelling creature most of the time. I rented a fine, new SUV from National rent-a-car for a one way drop off to Calgary. I wanted a sturdy steed for the trip, as travelling through 
the rocky mountains in the winter time, is well, not the smartest or safest way to get around!
Pooh said his tearful good byes to his auntie Audrey ( my roommate ), who has taken great care of him, and tolerated his less than stunning attitude at times :). We packed the SUV and hit the road. Pooh loves to drive and was panting away wildly.
We had a 12 hour day ahead of us, and were lucky to have great roads for the first 5 hours. We clipped along, but finally ran into some deteriorating conditions. I stopped in Revelstoke for a rest, and was startled to hear that the highway to Golden, the only route, was shut down due to a multi-vehicle accident. Yikes… It was now 3:30pm and the estimated opening was midnight.
Pooh and I jetted across the street to try to land a hotel for the night. We did manage to scoop up one of the last rooms for the low price of $250!!!!!! Bastards… Pooh, frolicked with joy though as he loves hotels, and also eating the newly fallen snow. Pretty much best day ever by his standards. I hunkered down for the night, and must’ve needed some sleep as I was out cold for most of the day.
Morning came, and we jumped back on the newly opened highway. It was a beautiful ride, with incredible winter views of the mountains. Quite other worldly. A mere 5 hours later, we rolled into cow-town, and found our way to my sister’s lovely home. Pooh was excited to see her, as was I.
After some beers that night, we had a great day of catching up, and chilling out Sunday. Pooh discovered that -25 is cold on the paws, so Mag picked him up some boots to get him through those cold winter nights! So cute. My stay was brief however. That night I was to fly back to Vancouver, and say bye to my Sis, and my faithful companion, The Pooh.
A challenging good-bye, and a couple hours of delay later, I was flying back to where the temperature is sane. Audrey was great, and picked me up from the airport.
I now have but 4 days to get it all together, pack my bag for 5.5 months, and hit the road. Next stop with be Hong Kong, where I will acclimatize to the other side of the globe with my old friends Chirs and Hollie.
Until then