December the 21st on the Northern hemisphere is the shortest day of the year – the darkest. This is the day that stands for the turning point of the seasons. When there is more dark than light. More cold than heat and – some of you might be surprised to know – in my part of Canada, it means more wet/storms than other times of the year. Fall on an island off the coast of Canada is a stormy time with winds and rain hitting all time highs. The strange thing about storms on our coast is, when most people should be ‘hunkered’ down and preparing for the worst – we head to the beaches (especially the Tofino and Ucluelet area) to watch the wild show. This is the time of year when the enthusiasm for wind and waves brings out the hardy surfers.
Winter on ‘my’ island in Canada means that we will be getting massive wind and rain for the ‘monsoon’ season (until at least Feb) and then the warmer weather starts. We very seldom get snow, and when we do it doesn’t stick around for long. I’m sorry if I’ve destroyed your ideas that Canada is a snow bound, cold locked country during the winter months. Not on ‘my’ island. In fact, ‘my’ island is a coastal rainforest – meaning we have a moderate climate during the winter and are more likely to throw on a raincoat and rubber boots than a parka and mittens.
Anyyyyyyyyyyyyywaaaaaaaaaaayyyyyyyyyy ….. I digress. This is also the time of year when some Canadian riders start their planning for the year. I’ve been busy planning a short 6 day trip to Southern Alberta and back – specifically Head Smashed In Buffalo Jump. I actually worked there for a short time in 1986 and was part of the inaugural crew helping prepare for the arrival of Lady Diana and Prince Charles. I haven’t been back since and HB has been curious due to my blathering about the place.
As you might have guessed – when the weather goes for crap, my mind says “plan a trip”. And thus the point behind this whole blog post.
If money/time/health concerns were no object, where would you love to plan a motorcycle trip? Please comment below. I’d love to hear from you!
Ride well. Travel safe.
Today’s musical selection: Gypsy Sons – Whiskey and the Devil
Two Wheeled Life 
Someday after I retire, I’d like to ride up to Anchorage, Alaska. Another ride I’d like to do is over to Florida and all the way down to Key West.
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Those would be interesting trips! There is a ferry you can take to Anchorage, then ride south from there. I talked to a guy 2 years ago at a bike show who did the trip and said “bring extra gas – and do the trip before black fly season!” The Florida trip sounds interesting as well! Thanks for the comment!
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