Rocky Mountaineer

The first stop we make on any trip isn't too far from home....

Saturday morning we headed to the train station to board the train to Whistler, the Rocky Mountaineer.  We're ready to roll!

It was a great way to see some of our Pacific coast, as well as learn a bit of history.

Britannia Mine - now a historic museum, it was once the largest copper mine in the British Empire.

Heading across one of three bridges.

After riding the rails for three and a half hours we arrived in Whistler.

  Shirley and I found another mode of transportation a short time later.

Strolling in the Village

 

 

 

Sunday morning we awoke to rain falling but after a late breakfast we decided to walk to the Upper Village to the Farmer's Market, then soon it was time to get back to the train station for the ride home.  It was a very relaxing weekend, I'd definitely recommend it!

 

 

 

Lion's Gate Bridge - almost back home.



Fait Accompli Jim-Bob

Congratulations!

Jim has just retired and was being honoured for his forty-five years of service - he holds the record of being the company's longest serving employee. 

Amazing job Jim.

 

 

After a delicious buffet dinner it was the award presentation time of the evening,  we were honoured to be there to watch Jim receive his award. 

At the end of the evening we left the Ramada and went back to Jim and Lorraine's to continue the celebration.  Here's Lorraine and Jim, Ted and Sheila, and myself and Ted - these guys have a combined service of 119 years with the company.  Now that's commitment and perseverence through thick and thin.



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Toast to you Jim - "Here's to Overwaitea - in the rearview mirror!"

Memory Lane

We're always a bit curious and somewhat sentimental about our 'old days' so we had to take a drive by our old stomping grounds and see what things looked like.  We got up this morning and took a drive around to see what changes have taken place.



Our first house



Park across the street from our house (Don't go in the gully!)







Site of major street hockey games!



Then we retraced our route that was driven many mornings for six years - from our house to Cedars Christian School.  We saw a much different school from what it was twenty five years ago, much larger, the old playing field is now a parking lot.  I took a few pictures but they don't really do justice to all the changes that have taken place.



New entrance to the school

North Nechako Road side of the school

It was good to reminisce our family's past.  Now tonight we'll be attending a dinner party in Jim's honour as we celebrate his retirement from 45 years of hard work!

Arrival - Day 1

One of the first things you see when you get to the main Junction of the highways into Prince George is:




Mr. P.G.

Once we got into town we headed straight over to Jim and Lorraine's to 'check in' to our accommodations and wish Jim a Happy Retirement.  Here's Jim, Theo and Tedward doing their manly thing at the barbeque!






A Champagne toast!

Food, family and friends - wonderful dinner guys, thank you.  Years go by but there's just something special about keeping in touch and sharing stories from  times past, and planning future 'retirement' adventures.

PRINCE GEORGE BOUND!

We're headed 500 miles north from home, back to where our journey together began over 38 years ago!  It's been many years since we've been back there and we're excited to go.  The reason for our return is to celebrate the retirement of a very dear friend Jim, after many years with the Overwaitea Food Group.

 

 

Charms are given to the spouse upon milestone years of service, I received two over the past few years prior to Ted's retirement.  I figure if I ever wear them now will be the occasion!

 

 

Overnighter!

Smores 'n more

Tonight the grandkids are here for an overnighter, so it's summer and there's a few things that can only be done when it's dark out so they were up late tonight - too bad mom and dad, hahaha!

Masterpiece smores were made and eaten...

 

 

...we won't tell how many!

 

 



 

 

And of course 9 o'clock at night is perfect for rockin' to the tunes out on the sundeck to wear off some of that sugar buzz.

 

 

 

Surprisingly this little guy was asleep within minutes of hitting the pillow.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Ted downloaded an App today that you use for finding constellations and all sorts of interesting things up in the night sky. It's pretty neat actually, and it means you get to stay up late and check out the stars with your Grandpa. :)

 

This post doesn't really fit the criteria for our 'travel blog' but it felt like a little bit of a camp-out even though we're at home so I've included it.  Years from now when I look back at this it'll be one of our best summer memories I'm sure.

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Birch Bay

After our weekend in Victoria Ted and I drove straight down to Birch Bay where Jen, Rick and the kids had been vacationing for the past four days.  The weather was still sunny and yet there was enough wind to fly kites.

The kids had been flying them on the beach when the tide was out earlier that day when we arrived, which was a much better spot.  It was still fun to watch the 'launch and run' team though, it takes cooperation and teamwork for sure!

Ruby informed me that the yellow store called the 'C' Shop is the best place to go in Birch Bay because it has snow cones and candy, what more can you want on a holiday?  And yes I think she's right, it is definitely a highlight and a great place to walk to along the beach.

So after the kids left Ted and I were lazing around in this sleepy little town, I don't know if it was the sea air or what but we weren't very energetic.  We walked the beach, sat around the pool (well Ted did go to the fitness room several times), read books and took it easy.

This heron was interesting to watch, he'd stand and listen while peering into the water and then he'd quickly poke his head down and eat something. 

He didn't like us getting too close though so before long he took off to a safer distance to fish for his dinner.

Watching the sun go down from our balcony while live jazz music was playing from a nearby beach bar was a serendipity.  After three days it was time to head homeward so now we're back in our normal routine until we head to a wedding in Whistler the end of August.

Thane

 ~ Sailing Day ~

Two years ago I wouldn't have considered getting on a boat smaller than a ferry, and even then it had better be a calm day. The 'Thane' is a ketch with an overall length of 57 feet, but it sounded just right for a three hour sail. 

 

Ted helps pull up the sails once we get out of the harbour.

 

 

 

Although it was sunny and hot on land it was breezy and cool on the water for the first half hour or so, then thankfully it warmed up. 

 

 

 

Out on the front of the bow doing 'rock watch' - Lynn did well. :)

I think Wayne's looking for a whale instead of rocks!

 

Derrick proved he can sleep just about anywhere.

We brought a picnic on board, everything tastes better on the water doesn't it Sue?

What a great day, ahoy matey - until next time!

 

Symphony Splash!

Victoria's Inner Harbour

At 8:00 a.m. Sunday morning while  the rest of us were having a leisurely coffee and enjoying the beauty of a new sunny day, Wayne was setting up a whole bunch of lawn chairs at the Inner Harbour for us and some other friends and family.  This is an annual tradition around here, and in order to secure a great spot to view and listen you need to be (or have) an early bird!  We did get down there by early afternoon though.

Thanks Wayne!

 

The Victoria Symphony is all set up on the barge in the harbour right across from the Empress Hotel, there's people and boats everywhere.  This was our vantage point where we spent the day people-watching, snacking, Scrabble playing, and dancing during the pre-event festivities.

The Empress Hotel - opened January 20, 1908

 

 

 

As the evening drew to a close the symphony orchestra played 1812 Overture by Tchaikovsky; ending with fireworks and Amazing Grace.  Then it was a quick camera exchange with some fellow Splash go-ers so we could all get a photo in front of the Parliament buildings - and home to rest for our sail tomorrow.  :)