I had recently read a blog by Mike Treks (miketreks.com) on how you catch the travel bug, which I had tweeted. It had me thinking about how I got interested in travelling. On his list, I was the #2, “You have an experience that makes you realize you have it”. Born in Toronto, Ontario, I came from a family that did not go on vacations. My extent of travelling growing up was to swimming competitions around the Ontario region. I was lucky to be a talented swimmer and I was able to compete in other provinces and represent Ontario, competing in several competitions in the United States.
I started my university career at the University of Toronto in Mineral Resources Engineering. I did not come from a mining family but was interesting in mining engineering. I had pictured my career, working at a consulting engineering firm in Toronto or on Bay Street at a securities firm. I had worked summers internships at both places. My plan was to stay in Toronto like the rest of my friends and build a life there. Little did I know that in 2003, the summer in the Juneau Icefield, Alaska would change my mindset about exploring life outside of the Greater Toronto Area (GTA).
That trip had many firsts. First-time travelling alone. First-time time travelling for several months and living out of a backpack. First-time on cross-country skiis. First-time on an expedition. I had enjoyed planning the trip and was working on tying in a few other trips as well. The research program started in Juneau Alaska and I had to get there. Instead of flying directly to Juneau, Alaska, I decided start my journey a week ahead of time with several detours along the way.
As I was on a budget, I did my research, trying to make things work out. My route from start to finish was the following:
–Flight from Toronto, ON to Edmonton, AB (staying and meeting up with friends and visiting the west Edmonton Mall)
–Flight from Edmonton, AB to Whitehorse, YT (stayed in Whitehorse for a few days)
–Train (White pass) from Whitehorse YT to Skagway, AK (stayed in Skagway)
–Small Plane flight from Skagway, AK to Juneau, AK.
–Skied and hiked Juneau Icefield with the Juneau Icefield Research Program finishing in Atlin, BC
–Greyhound bus ride from Atlin, BC to Edmonton, AB (Stayed in Edmonton and visited downtown)- this was a tough 24 hr bus ride!
–Flight from Edmonton, AB to Toronto, ON
After the trip, I had realized that there was much more for me see and do. I seized the opportunity to complete my studies and mine internships in Sudbury, Canada. I was given the opportunity to complete a masters internship in Sweden and travelling to many places and adventures while in grad school, which included Egypt, Australia, and New Zealand. Moved to Campbell River, BC for a new job and met the love of my life.
Today I live in Elko, Nevada with my wife and 2-week old son, Timothy, planning our next travel adventure. I thank God for the many blessings.
Dave's Travel Blog 