News from Canada

We have been listening to CBC radio, equivalent to ABC, (hard to believe kids, but true) as we have been driving and it's amazing how similar the news stories and issues discussed on talk back radio are to those in Australia, thousands of miles away across the Pacific Ocean. Cost of living, inflation, rising interest rates, very high costs of purchasing and renting homes, scarcity of affordable housing. There was even a story on soccer referees being assaulted.  Why is it always soccer?  Canadians are currently debating whether or not to hold the equivalent of a Royal Commission into Chinese interference in Canadian politics and economy. Rural issues aired include looming drought, bushfire and the fragmentation of fertile agricultural land. 

And the weather. In Smithers where we stopped and I marvelled at several outdoor shops selling hunting, fishing, skiing and camping stuff, the forecast was to be fine, some cloud in the afternoon with temps 6-19, although our van's thermometer never got above 13. Not even the locals are wearing shorts and Tshirts here Tony.

Smithers was the most attractive town we have seen so far and had a nice little Cafe with outdoor seating right in the middle of town. A bit chilly but very cool.

PS Blundstone boots are a fashion item in British Colombia.