Across Countries

Obviously, I'm not coming home. But homesickness is part of the trip. I knew it would come it was just a matter of when. What I think I miss the most is sleeping in my own bed, not having to set up my space, sleeping in air conditioning and just being able to see my friends when I want to. There's still so much I have to do on this trip and I look forward to doing them. I just need to learn and adapt and tell myself I can rest. I can just pull up to a place and read for a bit. I don't need to constantly be hiking like I was in Ontario.

As mentioned, AllTrails has provided me with 3 codes for free annual passes to give away. In order to be entered into the raffle to win, leave a review on Apple Podcasts and screenshot the review and send it to me on Instagram @lukeblessed! The contest is open from July 31 - August 7th. Winners will be announced August 10th.

If you come to Alberta, you have to come to the Badlands in Dinosaur Park. Beautiful landscapes and scenic views. And basically a jungle gym since you can climb them! Also, the dinosaur museum in Drumheller is pretty cool too.

As mentioned, AllTrails has provided me with 3 codes for free annual passes to give away. In order to be entered into the raffle to win, leave a review on Apple Podcasts and screenshot the review and send it to me on Instagram @lukeblessed! The contest is open from July 31 - August 7th. Winners will be announced August 10th.

This is the episode you've all been waiting for... where I explain why I think I'm more introverted than people think. My closest friends think I'm a huge extrovert and just lying to myself but I think I'm pretty introverted and continue to become more and more so. Let me know what you think on Instagram @Lukeblessed. Lots of my friends messaged me that I'm introverted and their reasoning why.

I spent 24 hours in Saskatchewan and so far that's been enough... not much to see here folks! However, here are my takeaways from the day:

The different road signs that provinces have are funny

Having no mask mandate is a really really weird feeling after 18 months of wearing a mask

I took a shower which was nice

Why are there "major intersection" warnings here? There aren't even lights!

Crosswalks in Regina are super weird and not noticeable as a driver

I went to the Corner Gas town which was cool! Got a drink at the Dog River bar

The drives in the prairies are so boring I had to create a game for myself

That's it for today folks!

There is nothing to do in Manitoba. Absolutely nothing. The hikes are less interesting, the driving is less scenic, and the smoke from the forest fires is more prevalent. July 28th was definitely the hardest day yet. Here's to hoping that Regina offers something more interesting!

I finally treated myself to a couple of meals out in Winnipeg and it was pretty expensive! Not as expensive as Toronto but 100% worth it. I happened to run into Liza and Gaby again as well as met up with Alson, a friend from University.

Other things that happened:

Passing 3,000 kilometres on the trip

Went to the Canadian Human Rights Museum

Went to the Forks

Saw the "Welcome to Manitoba sign"

Was in the direct middle of Canada!

Started a debate about whether I'm introverted or extroverted

That's all for now.

Thunder Bay had a lot more beauty to it then I thought. I wonderful little city with nice viewpoints, beautiful waterfalls and nice streams of water to swim in. In today's episode I talk about

Meeting up with my cousin

Playing ministicks with her husband (and winning)

The drive from Thunder Bay to Dryden

Why Walmarts are the best for overnight parking

Seeing a wolf on the side of the highway!

Crossing the time zone line

Meeting Emily and Daniel

The Kakabeka falls and cascades

The things I need to do on my way back (Amethyst mine, Mission Island and Ouimet Canyon)

That's it for now folks! Until the next episode. Make sure to follow me on IG @lukeblessed.

Recapping my day in Marathon and my road trip to just outside the Sleeping Giant Provincial Park, Luke talks about his preparation for the hike, the bad weather and the smoke that was overlaying Thunder Bay and Northern Ontario.

Holy crap... I am so sore. From discussing the overall trek to the people I met along the way, the Sleeping Giant Hike was amazing and there's a reason people call it the best day hike in Ontario. It is exhausting. And those last 6 kilometres are excruciating after the ascent and descent. But it is one of the most exhilarating and satisfying views I have ever seen. I also recap my motivation for hiking and why I need to get to the top of each hike I do.

I was looking for free Wi-Fi in Marathon when I came across Gavin trying to do the same thing. We started chatting and spoke for about 30 minutes before I asked if I could interview him. Gavin is a 20 year old young man driving by himself across Canada for the first time! He's much more of an off-roading adventurer than me and has the gear to make it happen. After the interview ended he said something along the lines of "no matter what happens on this trip or what you decide to do or not do, you shouldn't have any regrets". And that was really smart.