Al and Ray's Excellent Adventure: The Highlights Reel #1

Highlight Reel 1:

Al & Ray’s Excellent Adventure: 

We kicked things off on June 19th, starting our Excellent Adventure like any great buddy movie—with snacks, stories, and some truly questionable navigation.

First stop: Ringgold, Georgia, where we met up with our good friends Phillip and Kim. We hung out at their place, caught up, and then hit up a seafood restaurant that made us question why we don’t live next to an ocean full-time.

Then it was off to Nashville—home of country music, cowboy boots, and parks with very specific names.

We visited the Bicentennial Capitol Mall State Park (try fitting that on a T-shirt), where we learned Tennessee history, admired a massive 200-foot granite map of the state, and chatted with a lovely local woman for almost an hour. Who knew a park bench could turn into a TED Talk?

Next, we explored Marathon Village—equal parts antique oil machinery, hipster shops, and a phone booth that may or may not double as a time machine. It was weird, random, and awesome.

Then we headed to Ole Red, Blake Shelton’s bar, where we spent hours listening to live music and soaking up the Nashville vibe. Ray asked me to be his wingman and introduce him to a group of ladies at a table with two open seats. I did my job, and Ray was soon talking to one of the prettiest women there. The music was loud, but I swear I heard someone mention putting a sock on the door. 

Next stop: St. Louis, where I reunited with my longtime friend Loretta—first time in 40+ years! We reminisced, caught up on four decades of life, and then visited the Gateway Arch and the St. Louis Cathedral.

I’ve been to Notre-Dame in Paris, Sacre Coeur in Monmarte, and St. Patrick’s Cathedral in New York—but this place? Absolutely breathtaking. I genuinely had a spiritual spiritual, which is rare unless desert is involved.

We rolled into Kansas City next and checked out the Truman Library and the National WWI Museum. History? Check. Giant poppies and presidential artifacts? Double check.

After that, we drove to Salina, Kansas to see the Eisenhower Library, but it turns out they had sneakily changed their open hours—so we settled for an amazing meal at the Barolo Grill instead. Shout out to amazing meal, the kind that makes you want to write a thank you note to the chef.

Next stop was Estes Park, Colorado, where the views from our lodge made us feel like we were inside a Bob Ross painting.

Al and Ray's Excellent Adventure: The Highlights Reel #2

Highlight Reel 2: Mountains, Moose, Glaciers, and Huckleberry Dreams

Estes Park & Rocky Mountain Highs

We rolled into Estes Park, Colorado, surrounded by jaw-dropping mountain views. The next day, we explored Rocky Mountain National Park: Bear Lake, Emerald Lake, Logan Pass at 12,000 feet, and finally Grand Lake, where we lunched in style. We spotted elk, a moose, wild turkeys, and deer—a full Colorado safari!

Utah: Dino-Mite!

In Vernal, Utah, we visited the Dinosaur National Monument. The “Wall of Bones” was absolutely incredible—fossils from multiple species embedded right into the cliff. Way more impressive than I expected.

Jackson Hole & Grand Teton National Park

We enjoyed a relaxing dinner in Jackson Hole, surrounded by postcard-worthy peaks. The Grand Tetons the next day were magnificent—jagged mountains, Teton Glacier, Jenny Lake, Snake River overlook, and Oxbow Bend. Nature was showing off.

Yellowstone: Geysers and Glory

Old Faithful didn’t disappoint. The crowd “oohed” and “aahed” like it was the Fourth of July. I trekked (okay, limped) the nearly two-mile hike to the Morning Glory Pool, which was totally worth it. That surreal burst of color didn’t look real. On the way back, I caught a couple of smaller geysers erupting and got to watch Old Faithful go off again. We also saw the Grand Prismatic Spring, Gibbon Falls, and more. Yellowstone is Mother Nature at her most dramatic.

Pie in the Sky

One thing we both fell in love with? Huckleberry pie and huckleberry ice cream. I think Ray has a built-in radar for ice cream shops, he spotted them from miles away.

Seattle: Space Needles and Sea Breezes

We visited the Space Needle, Snoqualmie Falls, the Seattle waterfront, Smith Tower, and Alki Point Lighthouse. We sat by the water watching dogs, boats, and people go by on a beautiful evening.

Vancouver, BC: Lost and Found

Vancouver was stunning. Granville Island, Hope, Shannon Falls, Bridal Veil Falls (a steep hike, but worth it), Stanley Park, Lions Gate Bridge, and Prospect Point. At one point, I dropped Ray off to find a restroom… then accidentally drove out of the park and ended up back in city traffic. I called my buddy Jason to say, “I lost Ray!” He laughed so hard, he couldn’t talk for 10 minutes. I eventually made it back. Ray, of course, was calmly eating ice cream and chatting with some pretty women. The only disappointment for Ray, no Huckleberry ice cream.

We also explored the Coquihalla Canyon and its tunnels, I then took a 35-minute gondola ride up Whistler Mountain—7,000 feet up and surrounded by snow-covered peaks. Breathtaking.

A Spiritual Finish

Our final stop together was a spiritual convention in Vancouver. I saw my friend Mike from Tampa, I got to hang out withTrey and Tiffany most of Friday, and Ray and I got to hang with Kevin and Rebecca most of Saturday. It was a heartwarming way to wrap up this epic journey, held at Canada Place and BC Place Stadium. An unforgettable few days.

Al and Ray's Excellent Adventure: The Highlights Reel #3

Highlight Reel 3: Vancouver to Calgary – Bears, Lakes, and Lung-Busting Hikes

Ray stayed behind in Vancouver for a couple of days, hanging out with his son and daughter-in-law before heading off to Reno to spend time with family and friends. 

Meanwhile, I ventured onward to Sun Peaks, Canada, elevation 4,000 feet and views for days. 

Next stop: Wells Gray Provincial Park, aka the Canadian Niagara Falls. I saw so many waterfalls—Moul Falls, Dawson Falls, Helmcken Falls, and Spahats Falls. Helmcken was absolutely powerful and give, definitely the star of the show.

Then it was on to Jasper National Park, where I visited, the hot springs at Miete, and then promptly upon leaving, I SAW A FREAKING BEAR. I don’t know if I mentioned this already (once or a hundred times), but I SAW A FREAKING BEAR! Not in a zoo. Not through binoculars. Not a blurry blob in the distance. No. This majestic beast that was right next to my car, casually strolling past me like I was just a tourist snack it didn’t feel like dealing with.

Maligne Lake was gorgeous, although the Canyon and Mount Edith Cavell were closed due to 2024 wildfire damage. Still, Athabasca and Sunwapta Falls made up for it with sheer roaring power. The Columbia Icefields Skywalk was wild, walking on a glass floor nearly 1,000 feet up. 

Then came Peyto Lake. Beautiful? Absolutely. But first, a vertical hike that felt like climbing a ladder made of pain. I basically summited Mount Doom, but the view? Totally worth it. I earned that lake.

I stayed at Bow Lake Lodge, where the food was fantastic and the lake was perfect for a walking meditation.

After that, it was time to conquer Yoho and Banff National Parks. I hit up Crowfoot Glacier, Herbert Lake, Emerald Lake (my absolute favorite—10/10, would frame it), Wapta Falls, Natural Bridge, Spiral Tunnels, and the mighty Takakkaw Falls (which sounds like a sneeze but looks like a postcard).

Finally, I rolled into Calgary, where I hopped on a guided tour. We’re cruising down the highway when someone yells, “Bear!” and everyone presses their faces to the bus windows like it’s recess at Bear Elementary. People were freaking out. “I saw one!” “I saw two!” Me? I was like, eh.

Because, again, SAW A FRIGGIN’ BEAR TWO DAYS AGO. Up close. While it munched on berries and sauntered past me like I wasn’t even worth a sniff. That’s a real bear encounter. The bus bear? Tourist bear-lite.

The tour was necessary because Lake Louise and Moraine Lake shuttles were sold out. Both lakes were beautiful, though Moraine gave my knee a workout climbing up to the "Rockpile" for the views. Honestly, that rockpile should come with an elevator.

We also hit Vermilion Lakes, which were nice, but trying to compete with Lake Louise is like bringing a kazoo to a symphony. Emerald Lake still reigns supreme in my book.

We stopped in the town of Banff, where I stumbled into an art gallery featuring Jeff Walker, a photo-artist whose work was so stunning I nearly bought a second suitcase just to bring it all home.

And let’s not forget: there was fresh snow on the mountaintops. In July. It felt illegal. W went to the Two-Jack Lake which was nice. People were literally swimming in Lake Minnewanka Lake—while snow chilled in the background. Canadians are clearly built different.

And with that, I wrapped up the lake/waterfall/wildlife portion of the trip. From bears to blizzards to breathtaking views—it’s been one heck of a scenic ride.