All good things must come to an end -back to reality

Lia came over and brought us all Lattes and french pastries! OMG, they were delicious. The writing on the box said  "Opening this box will change your life forever"  She thought she had over bought but we proved her wrong! Thanks Lia - so sweet of you!

We ran around town picking up last minute things, like Purdys chocolates and a few necessities for Connie & Mary. Stopped in to say goodbye and deliver a few things to them. They have settled in and have a great support system there with Jane, Tom and their kids.

I think I can speak for the three of us when I say that we had a fabulous time and feel very fortunate that Jane and Tom opened up their cottage and house for us. not to mention lending us a car to take to the island.

Abbottsford Airport

No shopping!


I managed to catch a cold on the way home so am still in vacation mode and you're right Jane - unless you gain 5 to 10 it really wasn't a holiday!  Soon as I can breath the walking will start!! In hindsight we should have done teapot hill!

Somewhere in Canada

 We'll be back!!

Whistler - Blackcomb - Peak to Peak- Catching up

We did it!

Up and at em early! The weather looked iffy, if it is one thing we have experienced while here it is that the weather is forever changing! As we drove up the Sea to Sky Highway the sun was shining and it was warmish, then we drove through rain and as we got into the lower village the rain had turned to a drizzle and the sun was coming out again.

Our first order of business was to do the Peak to Peak ride. Took the gondola up to the top of Whistler then another gondola across to Backcomb.

I will let the pictures speak for themselves!

So much easier getting on and off without skis and boots!

Second gondola ride over to Blackcomb

Riding the clouds

Looking back at Whistler village

Looking through the glass bottom in the gondola

HaHaHa

Seriously cool

Not much colour other than green

Super view

Blackcomb

Marmot - a bunch of them

It was pretty damp and cold up at the top so we walked around then started the decent. Once at the bottom we walked and shopped through the village then went over to the Blackcomb Village.

We stopped for a drink at the Fairmont and then tried to walk to Lost Lake - not really sure if it exists as we never did find it. Tom found a "you are here" - we were a long way from it, so we scrapped that plan and headed down to Vancouver for dinner.

Stacy & Jane

Blackcomb

Ok, so it does in fact exist

Off in our own world, I think we did get close a one point.

We walked back to the car and headed down, a huge black cloud let loose and the torrential rain created pools on the highway, even had some lightning and thunder - the whole nine yards. Passed this truck - interesting!

We had arranged to meet Lynn and Pat Sackville for dinner in North Van ...we had a great time with them, catching up on the past few years.

Lynn and Pat

The four musketeers - missing Gurt!


Thank you Tom and Jane for a spectacular day!

WOW!!!

Vancouver - beautiful even with rain & drizzle

Bad news is that Heather had to leave today, good news is that her flight was delayed so she got to go to Mission and Chilliwack with Tom.
Jane, Stacy and I took off for Vancouver. First order of the day was to drop me off at my Aunt and Uncles in North Van. I had a really nice visit with all of them, cousin Lisa, her daughter Angelina  and cousin Kim.
We went to a great Italian place in West Van for lunch then walked around Stanley Park - wow wee - even in the drizzle it is stunning!

North Van

Downtown Van

Olympic Torch

Pan Pacific

Parking lot for seaplanes

Stanley Park Totem poles

Sulfur piles

WoW

Lions Gate Bridge

Gastown Steam Clock

We then drove downtown and went to see Fly Over Canada, it was wonderful.  Amazing views of this wonderful country while you fly from Newfoundland to BC. Because we really had not eaten enough, NOT,  we walked to the Fairmont for a sugar bun - could have feed a family of 12 for a week, PDG - pretty darn good! We proceed to walk through Gastown, browsing and window shopping.

A great day! Unfortunately I totally forgot to get a picture of the Williams clan - need to go back!!

Nanimo to Abbotsford

Just to be on the safe side we prebooked our return trip on the ferry for the 12:45 sailing. After breakfast, we drove over to my cousin Jan's house. We had a great visit, great coffee and delicious homemade muffins. Jan and Brian have a gorgeous home over looking Departure Bay. It was great to see her after so many years.
We made the ferry no problem, this time the weather was quite chilly so we sat inside and soaked up the gorgeous views from Duke Point to Tsawwassen. The drive back to Abbotsford was supposed to take an hour but there was an accident and it was a Friday night. We got off the Trans Canada and took the Fraser Highway all the way - arrived an hour and a half late!!
After dinner we went to visit Janes Mom and sister, Connie and Mary. They have settled in nicely to their new place.

Jan and I on her deck

Smaller ferry going back

Ferrys' coming and going

Traffic backed up as far as the eye could see

Connie and Jane

Moving on up the highway.

We started our day with a tour of the Empress. Such a beautiful, iconic hotel.

They have their own beehives on the front lawn

View of the harbour from the hotel

A hot spot for tourists all year long

We packed up the car and headed up island, stopping at a viewpoint along the way to soak in the sights.

 We stopped in Duncan, Stacy and Heather saw Petes  bench.

View down to the river

We drove on to Chemainus, got out and walked through the whole town. It is well known for its historical murals,some great antique stores and more ice cream shops than we cared to count. We discovered the general store - wow - a guy came out the door carrying a kitchen sink. We went in but didn't buy anything as we couldn't find best before dates on most of the stuff!
We went to the hotel to check in and discovered to our surprise that we did not have a reservation at that hotel - humm - Heather went in and they checked the computer, low and behold we had reserved a room in Nanimo!!
So, we took the river road up to Ladysmith - beautiful scenery! Stopped at an antique store then carried on to Nanimo.
After we checked in we drove over to Janis's house for dinner. I had not seen her in 20 years but we have been in touch of course. We reminisced about our university days and got all caught up. Hopefully it will not be another 20 years until we see each other again.

Janis made her famous Pavlova for us all to enjoy!