World Wanderers: Life is an adventure. It’s not the destination that’s rewarding, it’s the journey.

Tuesday, August 28, 2012

Family Weekend in Vancouver!

English Bay packed for the fireworks!

While Care and family were over from Ireland, we all took the ferry over to Vancouver to the firework competitions to celebrate David's birthday. Mom, Graham, Juliet, Benjamin, Carelia, Simon, David, Uncle Kurt, Des and I sat on the beach at English Bay and watched the incredible show while covering Juliet and Benji’s ears as they were a bit startled from it all! We had a wonderful weekend staying right down in the heart of Vancouver near English Bay. We explored Granville Island, ate some delicious seafood, went to the Vancouver aquarium and walked Stanley Park where we had a picnic while taking in some cricket! A fantastic weekend!

Jules and Benj at our apartment in Victoria

On the ferry!

Dressed up in the India gear we brought back for her!

Thumbs up dude!

The boys

The girls

Vancouver at night

Dessie bringing Benji to check out his favourite animal--HORSIE!

Strolling around Stanley Park

Uncle Dessie plays circus

Momma and me at Stanley Park

Benji a little unsure of the fireworks

Covering her ears at the fireworks

Improvisation-- a rain hat for Juliet out of plastic shopping bag

While Carelia was over we went wedding dress shopping. We had an amazing time checking out all the shops and having lunch at the Empress Hotel (The famous Indian curry!) Here were a few of the front-runners!

The one Carelia and Mom both started bawling at...

It's back

The one Mom and I found on our trip to Vancouver for dress-shopping

It's back

Mom and David both really liked this one!

Tuesday, August 23, 2011

The West Coast Trail

The summer was brilliant. We made many trips around Vancouver Island—up to Mom and Graham’s and to the Sooke Pot Holes. Des and I did the WEST COAST TRAIL with David, Carelia (who was 3 months pregnant with Maia at the time—trooper!), Simon and Uncle Kurt. We camped along the way and made our way up giant ladders and through thick mud and bush.We were surrounded by tropical rain forest and we saw grey whales by the hundreds, almost to a point where we took them for granted they were so common! Also everywhere was sea lions (very smelly) and giant colourful star fish! There was even a bear near our campsite which was on the beach. Each night we had to put all our food into bear lockers or raise it high into the trees to keep it away from bears. We ate dehydrated food each night and slept away to the sound of the waves, amazing! We took an open gondola-type thing across the river which was really cool that led us to a gorgeous waterfall—sweet reward! We did the portion of the west coast trail in 3 days (So 1.5 days there and the same back). It is truly one of the most beautiful places in Canada, I would highly recommend it to anyone! We hope to go back someday and do the whole thing!