Sister Act Day Seven and Eight and a Quarter

Arrivaderci Campbell River and Mike and Sue.  On the road by about 8am after coffee and toast and headed south again towards Nanaimo and the ferry across to the mainland.  The weather was awful, water puddling on the highway and driving challenging.  None the less after just one fuel stop and relatively traffic free highways we arrived in Nanaimo with plenty of time to spare to catch the 1030 ferry.  The Queen of Coquitlam sounds like a drag artist but is, I can assure you a large hulk of a ferry.  BC Ferries are dab hands at boarding and we were all enjoying coffee in the coast cafe by the time the Klaxon sounded and we were on our way.

We sat in the comfy chairs facing aft and attempted the Globe and Mail Crossword.  Three clues escaped us but with the aid of internet two were solved later in the day.  Sitting in these comfy chairs and whiling away a couple of hours is a good time to reflect on some of the stuff put to one side with the week almost done.  Champ now has two very firm friends and the no sitting on the sofa rule has been disposed of.

Both ends of the sofa in the loft were now open season and the cats also muscled in on this flexibility in the animal control regulations.  But then as cats they would anyway.  Our property is open house for neighbouring dogs and it is not unusual for four dogs to be hairing round the yard together.  Ryker is a black boxer from next door left and Morgan and Gus are respectively a Mastiff and some kind of snuffle hound from neighbours right.  (I realise there is no such thing as a snuffle hound but there should be in my book).

So our ferry arrived at Horseshoe Bay at 1210 and we were on the road back to Mission.  Cherie chirped up that she was feeling a little peckish and suggested we should look for lunch.  It was a perfect opportunity to experience the classic Canadian Burger joint, so we pulled into A&W in Maple Ridge.  The burgers are delicious, the onion rings amazing and the root beer according to Manda, toothpaste!!  A very welcome stomach filler in any event and then to the last 20 minutes ride to home.  We called in at the Canadian Superstore to pick up a few bits and pieces and then up the hill home.

Of all the things to do on our list some had to fall by the wayside.  We just did not have the time.  The hot tub lid remained on; the firepit unlit, the ride on mower in the shed.  The air rifles owned by Reece and Marcus but left behind when they returned home last year for obvious reasons came into play and both Manda and Cherie took pot shots.  Very much a tradition drawn from the Burnt House Farm days as is so much of our life at home here.  If I were honest, of the things we missed the firepit and that smell of woodsmoke would have topped my list.  Had the weather been slightly warmer we might have cooked dogs over the fire and shmoors.  Hot dogs I hasten to add.  Next time perhaps.

Last night for the girls and obviously thoughts are to packing and adding goodies and gifts collected through the week.  We had gotten into the habit of giving in the week and the list of exchanges; the two way traffic was fun.  The girls are now both equipped with 52 survival strategy playing cards, Cherie has the Beer Can Chicken Kit and we will return to the store to get another one for the next visitor.  Two magnetic salt and pepper pigs have been exported to Wallington and Manda.  bed presents were squeezed into stretched cases.  Spike Milligan is on a new journey despite being dead for some years.  I told you he was ill!  Its his book I refer to. 

Being able to give the girls their own rooms and drawer space for the week was useful, being able to turn in when you want to rather than when the house dictates is a plus and when it comes to packing its easier.  Most folk would argue that 7 days is too short a time to stay when the flights each way are about 10 hours; the lag might prove that to be the case but in terms of getting plenty in we achieved so much.

The material stuff was all great fun but underpinning all of that was the family reconnection.  I'm sure we all took so much out of our time together and recharged.  Certainly we quelled some of the storms that had blown through our family in the past couple of years.

The evening was a farewell treat from Kim and I and dinner at the Mission Springs Brewery Restaurant.  We had an excellent meal; a number of beers and a very special visitor........Who's name will remain a secret at this point in time. 

A UK based press release is expected soon so watch this space.  We cabbed home; watched a couple of episodes of the hilarious Mrs Brown and then retired for the night.  The next day agenda very much about safely returning Manda and Cherie to Vancouver Airport for the flight home.

In the morning Bob Boast called in to bid a farewell and we then headed to Vancouver via the Laity Pumpkin Patch which was absolutely teaming with visitors.  I find the rise in popularity of this annual event a little disconcerting and perhaps a measure of how material our world has become.

The girls were delivered to YVR and hugs all round were the order of the day and to sustain us until the next time....and there will so be a next time, we have so much more to do and say..........Manda had the last word leaving a card and a book in our top drawer.  Serious Senior Moments...I happened to comment on the book earlier in the week and lo and behold here it was.  Guess I better read it before I have my own.....

Sister Act Day Six

Before we get into day six of the girls visit, it's important for me to relate an event from earlier in the week.  Sheridan the shrew; long time resident of the basement and gutsy rodent in general, passed away.  Manda and Kim discovered his body; arms and legs stretched out in rigour.  His BMI exceeded normal shrew health limits and we know , because he was caught in the act, that he climbed into the cats kibble bowl to feast.  The gutsy is a reference to his exraordinary courage and the size of his stomach.  When disturbed he ran for the pantry but could not squeeze under the door.  I had to open the door to let him waddle onward.  Why he chose to expire in our underwear bag is not known.  Perhaps death like life for Sheridan was just pants!  RIP Sheridan.

Our day six started reasonably early with coffee, toast and muffins.  We had a planned walk on the seafront at Salmon Point and needed to be on the road by 9 to ensure we got back in time to change and head out to a restaurant for lunch.  Manda opted to spend some time with Mike catching up on family histories and the rest of us 'intrepid explorers all' drove down the coastroad to Salmon Point to go Yomping (military term for hiking).  I caught Rafa smiling at the prospect.

The walk from Salmon Point out to the Oyster River and then back along the beach is lovely and each season is so different.  Cherie had a chance to chat one to one with Sue and Kim and I moved ahead with Rafa flipping in and out of the undergrowth left and right.

The walkers that regularly use this trail are a community.  Most of them are dog owners; pleasant greetings are exchanged as people pass by.  The most interesting story related to the walk is the small tree next to the trail that is decorated each Christmas.  Additional decoration is provided by berries impaled on the barbed wire strands on the fence.  The picture shows the effect better than my description can.

The walk is a noose....i.e. long trail leading to a circular walk which takes in the beach before rejoining the trail back.  The fresh sea air and the wildlife feed the spirit. 

After the bald eagle no show earlier in the week we finally got to see this magnificant bird of prey.  He flew over us and into a nearby tree. 

Immediately before that a giant heron doing some Karate Kid stuff on a wooden post.  Both there for the Salmon.  Campbell River, just as an aside, is the Salmon Capital of the world.  Famous regular visitors included John Wayne, Goldie Hawn and Kurt Russel.  Interestingly Harrison Hot Springs boasted Clark Gable as a regular.

We completed our walk headed back to Willow Point, Campbell River and picked up Mike and Manda before going back to the Salmon Point Restaurant for lunch.  Manda and Cherie's treat, a lovely meal and again on the seafront.  There is something in my being that feels complete when I am by the sea; I know Kim has similar feelings.  Cherie also stated the same.  Where Kim and I are concerned its interesting just how much the sea features in our pasts.  Both of our natural fathers were seamen and both did time on trawlers.  The traditional holiday for British kids is the seaside and we had years on very happy holidays in Bracklesham Bay and in East Wittering Sussex as well as holidays in Cornwall.

Our evening was a carefully preplanned surprise birthday party for Mike K.  The dress code was pyjamas to commemorate Kim and Cherie turning up at Mike and Sue's home in Maple Ridge in PJ's 25 year previously after a night on the tiles.  Kim had bought party hats and blowers as well as a mirror ball and this picture is Mike showing his approval.

A Pork Loin dinner preceded hours of chatter and hysterics.  Relaying tales from our childhoods and hilarious family stories put us away for the day and we were in bed pretty early that night.  Probably just as well given that we would be up early next day to head back to Nanaimo and the return ferry to the mainland.

Sister Act Day Five

Day five was more like day four and three quarters.  It occurred very early and it required a significant jolt for me to get moving.  This was our holiday within Manda and Cherie's holiday and a trip to visit Mike and Sue Kirkland on Vancouver Island.  The significance of the visit manifested on a number of fronts.  First, Cherie has long standing connections with both; second Manda is actually the god-daughter of Mike Kirkland and is seeking backpay of pocket money and compensation for the lack of any divine interventions.  Finally, Mike Kirkland and Mike Franklin senior (Our father who art in Ipswich) were best buddies back in the 1950's.  This trip would join many circles.

5.45 and we were on the road.  Horseshoe Bay in West Vancouver our first port of call and where the Ferry disembarks for Departure Bay Nanaimo on Vancouver Island.  Our drive to the ferry would take an hour and a half and the weather was overcast but dry.  Breakfast was a mobile affair with home made Banana, Walnut Muffins to follow the coffee quaffed before leaving.  The weather changed as we arrived at the ferry terminal and the clouds opened.  Not to be undone I post a view on a clearer day....In other words I cheat!

The rain was to share our company for the duration of the 1hour 40 minute crossing but that did not detract from our enjoying being a captive audience.  We saw no Orca and no Dolphins and yet that also really didn't matter.

The trip across the the Island is fantastic as we leave the mainland and the sunshine coast (rainfall coast) and weave through the smaller islands and towards the San Andreas earthquake fault line.  Word has it when the San Andreas plates really collide the Island could disappear.  No sense worrying about things you cannot change I say.

Nanaimo and the weather brightened.  We started our two hour drive north to Campbell River and our planned stop off at the small town of Coombs.  Coombs is a curious place with shops with grass and the roof and better still goats eating the grass on the roof.  The stores are a mix of clothing, souvenirs, fudge factory, fruit store and a massive farm shop and bakery.  The farm shop is fantastic and both Manda and Cherie found numerous items for their 'recyclable goat on the roof bags'.

Next stop was lunch and we followed the coast road to Qualicum Beach the home of the sand dollar, or at least one of the homes of these extraordinary shellfish.  Every self respecting bathroom should be in part a sand dollar graveyard.  We found a beachfront restaurant and the food was very good and patently home cooked.  Manda opted for the burger, I ordered a steak and mushroom pie and Cherie and Kim had whatever and I am senile and can't remember.  In any event the food was very good and we would certainly call in here again, if I can ever remember the name of the place.  I can see it in my minds eye but a name....? No chance.

 On the road having had an ample sufficiency as my mother used to say.  Stuffed and content I say.  Another hour and we were chez Kirklands in Campbell River.  This is a place that quickly captivates you and I hanker for the sea and reasanably priced real estate.  This is it.  During our two day stay I'm sure Cherie had been similarly captivated.  If the Island is going to sink into the sea then so be it.  Grab a glass of your favourite tipple; grab your dearly beloved; two deck chairs; face the Tsunami and then do whatever takes your fancy, but quickly....if you don't mind.

Mike and Sue were perfect hosts.....We unpacked the car and made ourselves instantly at home as is the house rule here.   We were tired but determined.  A six hour journey will do that to you.  We walked over the 'Oh No not you Again' welcome mat and in.  Mike and Sue have a sea view; granted you need a telescope to see it but it is there as sure as eggs are eggs.  We spent the rest of the day reconnecting and in a state of constant chatter.  We congregated round the kitchen table and once placed returned to these seats for the duration of our stay.  Rafa the house dog and American Spaniel was exceptionally well behaved and he maintained that standard for the two days. My guess is he was briefed to demonstrate good behaviour ready for his stay chez Mike and Kim next February and March while Mike and Sue enjoy Barbados. 

Bed presents were given to Manda and Cherie and UK gifts given back.  Mike's face lit up when he received a book on Isembard Kingdom Brunel.  His nose was in at an instant and extrication was a demanding task.  We talked and talked; laughed and cried and just had a good time.  An afternoon snack was followed by a dam good chicken and vegetable curry; more Merlot came into play as did a selection of Granville Island Brewery beers.  Could have brought them direct from the brewery as we were there a couple of days before.  Chewing the fat in good company and with many decades of catching up to do we had a riot.  Then we slept like the dead.....

One thing that all four of us noticed having crossed the Strait of Georgia was how much colder vancouver Island was.  Many degrees and bloody chilly let me tell you.  Our next day we emerged in stages to good coffee and set for a good walk at Salmon Point but I am now getting ahead of myself; that is tomorrows story.........

Sister Act Day Four

The format for day four was out of our direct control initially and the backing up toilet from the day before took charge.  Logic suggested that the ceptic tank had filled and would need pumping so Kim called the ceptic dude and he managed to commit to an appointment to call early that afternoon.  Kim, who is the love of my life immediately handed in her day pass to Harrison Lake and volunteered to stay behind.  She is an angel.

Manda , Cherie and I headed east this time through the Fraser Valley and the farmlands gently protected by the surrounding mountains.  The day was bright and reasonably warm.  The drive to Harrison Lake of 51 kilometres is actually shorter than the length of this massive lake which at 40 miles long is something to behold.  Construction traffic held us up at Hatzic Bench for about half an hour and a sleepy berk in the pick up behind nudged my back bumper as he dozed at the wheel.  I plumped up and expanded before climbing out of the car to check fo any damage.  None but had words with the guy who spewed numerous apologies.

We drove out through Hatzic, Deroche, Nicomen Slough, leQuamel First Nations Reserve and eventually arrived in Harrison by about 1130.  The sun still bright gave the girls great views of the resort and beaches.

Harrison is a very popular resort during the summer and sits in the centre of Saskquatch Territory; Yes, this is where Harry or Harry and the Hendersons actually hails from.  Manda, Cherie and Kim all have Sasquatch buddies named Mike Henderson, Simon and Harrison respectively.

We toured the resort and souvenir shops.  Harrison has a quality about it and no kiss me quick at all.  It is a real gem and so close to home for any visitors.  I remember all the kids being here with Kim and I back in 2005.  38 degrees; and the sand almost too hot to walk on.  The glacier fed cold lake to swim in prompted Samantha at that time to buy a swimsuit and take a dip.  Before that she didn't swim.  We visited a small shop that Kim and I always call in on when here and tasted wood smoked and candied salmon and tasted numerous flavours of locally grown hazelnuts.  Local Honey tasting was also on the agenda.

We grabbed a coffee in the Resort Hotel and visited the Alice Well Hot Springs which is where the resort got its name.  The 147 degree natural hot water is pumped into the hotel pools where visitors can poach themselves at their leisure.  The hotel is another favourite haunt and does midweek packages including dinner dance in the stylish Copper Room to the Jones Boys.

We left Harrison and stopped next at Weaver Creek which is a man made Salmon Hatchery with meandering channels and terraced jumps which the Salmon have to leap to get to the spawning grounds.  We arrived late in the season and the Salmon were by this time either too knackered to make the leap or content to expire further downstream.

Next stop was the Church of the Blues or the Old Dewdney Pub so named because it was once a church and second because Sunday is live blues and jazz.  We had cold beers and a large plate of Nachos for lunch.  A real treat.  Late lunch but well worth the wait.  This a real rural local farm boys pub and a jewel.  Food always very good.

The ceptic man meanwhile had been announcing to Kim that the ceptic was not in fact full.  This caused immediate concern because it meant the problem was elsewhere and home movements would have to remain on hold.  The ceptic man, however, through years of experience, felt sure the issue was a block in the waste pipe from the house,  He duly dug a large hole sweating and swearing profusely and located the pipe and cleared it.  The loos flushed in joyous harmony and ceptic man gave the extra service on the house.  He told Kim she had a warm heart.  I naturally hastened home to protect her chastity.  Don't really want poo cleaners ogling the wife do I?  Kim's update advised all in hand so we then headed to our last port of call, Westminster Abbey.

The Abbey is a Monastery and Seminary in the back of Mission and is a place of real peace.  You don't have to have any religeous inclination to feel confortable here.  The Abbey windows can only be seen in their glory from the inside.  Each area has different colours and I have selected the blue to purple for the shot.

A short walk through the grounds of the Abbey takes you to a lookout point that takes your breath away.  On this day and in the late afternoon sun the view was as good as I think I have ever seen here.

In the foregound Mission East then the Fraser River; next the farmland from Matsqui to Abbotsford; then Sumas Mountain and in the background Mount Baker is Washington State USA.  We all paused to soak up the view.  A couple of weeks earlier when Jamie Franklin was with us we did the same thing, only on that ocassion a hooded priest sat on the supplied bench puffing away on his pipe.  He had unusual eyes the kind that move independently so he gave us a sideways glance and still looked out ahead at the same time.  I'm sure his tobacco brand was Three Nuns.  His glance also insinuated that we were all destined for the fires of hell.  Amenable chap not methinks!

The evening saw us return to Merlot, Cider and Beer for a change and a meal shared with Bob Boast.  Marinated Ribs, Butternut Squash and Rosemary grilled chips. 

A different Canadian dining experience each night.  The day faded; the loo flushed and bushed we retired early.  Our next day would be starting very early.  5am as I recall......

Sister Act Day Three

So to Monday morning and preparations for our drive into Vancouver.  In my haste to post these blogs I for got one key event from yesterdays happenings.  We lost our water supply.  Suddenly and without so much as a by your leave, the water stopped and the pump mechanism began clunking and grinding with terminal volume.  Manuals were checked and the water softener was regenerated but to no avail.

So what do you do if you have a crisis of this type?  Call Bob....and if you are very fortunate you'll get two Bobs at the same time.  One of whom is a qualified electrician.  I turned off the mains and the grinding stopped and that was before we headed out to Hayward Lake etc.

The Bobs stared at the mechanism and I turned the power back on.  The sound of water flushing through the system was a huge relief.  We were back on the supply.  I maintain that the mecanism faced with two Bobs simply staring at it simply conceded and went back to work.

So back to Vancouver or almost......Another sudden crisis.  The basement toilet decided to back up and wash the floor.  An hour later and after substantial baling we opted to face that crisis after our day out and left.

First port of call in Vancouver and at Cherie's request was Granville Island.  This complex is a mix of public markets and retail outlets on the inlet and quite remarkable.  Cherie had a specific task to find a soft toy for a small mouthed dog on Granville Island.  The toy, unusually, was designed to lay soft toy eggs when gripped by a dogs mouth.  We found the store with no effort at all; it simply appeared in front of us.  The picture captures the egg pooping soft toy moment of discovery.

Next up we toured a childrens toys emporium.  A real throwback to the old style toy shops I remember in the UK before IT games and videos took over.  It was nostaligic.

The public market is something to behold.  A sea of colour and products not often found around these parts.  A Cornish Pasty with a flavour reminiscent of home for the first time since being here.  Sausages that actually looked as though they might deliver.  We had a light snack and coffee's and then headed out to the water front and the bright sunshine. 

The scenery is amazing. We took a few pictures and posed a couple of shots for the family album. An older man called Jim who was loitering with intent volunteered to take a picture of the four of us. "Hi, I'm Jim and you are?" Cherie replied, "Manda, Cherie, Michael and Kim", he repeated "Manda, Cherie, Michael and Chimp". Poor Kim had that name tag for the rest of the week. Jim has no idea how much amusement he caused.  We wet ourselves continuously.

From an initially cool Granville Island we headed across Vancouver and to Stanley Park.  We drove through Robson Street (Vancouver's own Oxford Street) and the downtown and into one of the nicest parks I've ever seen.  The Totem Poles were a highlight as was the view of the most familiar features on the Vancouver Skyline.

Lunch proper was a coolbox of chicken and cheese rolls and after a bit of fresh air even the earlier snack on Granville Island couldn't prevent strong appetites.  Our next stop was the Pan Pacific and the cruise liner moorings.  We parked on Level P2 for some strange reason and had a bit of a walk to get to the street.  The sails are something to behold.

Gastown and the old heart of Vancouver. Dozens of souvenir shops and curios. Manda and Cherie shopped; we stood by the Steam Clock a legacy of Gassy Jack and listened as the tubes played the same tune that emanates from Big Ben in London.  We then wrapped our our day with dinner at the Spaghetti Factory before returning exhausted to the car and then home.

Sister Act Part Two

So to Sunday morning and the girls both having slept and probably better rested.  Its always hard having a 32 hour day when you first arrive in British Columbia and just making it through to about 9pm BC time can be challenging.  So all abluted and outback suited we took on fresh coffee, croissants and cereal and headed out for a tour of the yard.

Manda and Cherie both took advantage of Wellingtons from the deck chest and this was to prove significant later in the day on more than one ocassion.  The weather had brightened and although dewey we enjoyed a trip around the place; leaves, trails, gnomes, workshop; greenhouse, firepit, hot tub, big momma...

..the Bougar (supposed to be a carving of a cougar but is definately more bear), and the woodshed where we spent a while reflecting on a remembering our brother Mark.  While in Tralee for his funeral I spotted a registration plate with his name on it and bought it not knowing at the time what I would do with it.  It is now attached to the woodshed which is in a peaceful but busy part of the garden and coming and going from that place I often pause to chat.

Our day going forward included the local area around Mission.  We are surrounded by beautiful mountains, forests and lakes so no shortage of scenery to take in.  We headed out past the Golf Club and climbed up to Hayward Lake.  Climbed as in the car climbed while we sat in it!  About 5 miles later we crossed the Hayward Dam and parked at the Lake.  This is where Chas swam most days during the Summer and me with him...A lovely lake with a 17 kilometre circular trail.  We visited the dog beach and paused on the way back for Cherie to pose as a cover girl for Littlewoods.  Little woods because I noticed a little wood and things catapulted from there.

The day continued to be bright despite the forecast for rain the previous week; this trend continued for most of the week to come and in October in BC that is close to miraculous (Moriarty intererence methinks!).  We then drove down to the lower dam at Ruskin and another favourite walk.  Allouette, Stave, Hayward and Ruskin River are lake steps each seperated by dams down to the Fraser River.  Our hope was that we would see dozens of bald Eagles in the trees and feeding off the Coho Salmon in the Ruskin River as they headed back to their spawning grounds.  What we saw were hundreds of Salmon but no Eagles.  By all accounts the salmon feeding in Northern BC and Alaska was still good and kept the birds in those areas.  One unforgettable experience though is the smell of dead Salmon.  hard to describe so I won't try.  Ask Manda or Cherie.  A bald eagle was to appear later in the week.

Wellington boot catastophes one and two came together while Manda and Cherie were wading through a short water crossing.  Holes sucking in lots of lovely water.  Cherie demonstrates the gravity of this event.

On the way back from Ruskin and on the back road we meandered through to a natural spring and hauled our water containers out of the trunk (boot).  Our well water at home is fine to drink but natural mountain spring water is something else.  Better even than Peckham Spring water Del Boy!

Home again and getting the wellies off Manda required surgery and sacrifice.  Scissors and side splits required for removal.

After that we were preparing dinner and awaiting the arrival of Paula and Dave, Kim's sister and her husband.  Home made Merlot greased the chuckle muscles along with Molson Canadian Lager and Little Rock Cider.  The barbecue was again called into action this time for Fresh Sockeye Salmon cooked in a special Soy sauce and on water soaked cedar boards.  The taste of wood smoked and cooked Salmon is awesome.  Tarragon Chicken was the second main and the meal was accompanied by a dish similar to cous cous but the name escapes me, plain rice and roasted peppers and vegetables completed the table.  We had proscuitto bake appetisers and a berry pie desert kindly provided by Paula.  It was a fantastic evening; an evening of reconnecting and new connections all strengthening the family ties from both sides of the pond.  We generally find as do most in our family that we migrate to the kitchen to chat and chunter.  Our Island hosts many such gatherings.

So another day done and minds starting to think ahead to our trip into Vancouver tomorrow.  Would the weather hold? Vancouver when the sun is shining and the skies are clear is a spectacular city.  We'll see.......

Sister Act Part One

Its quite a moment waiting at an airport to meet two sisters who you haven't seen for over 20 months.  A long overdue get together and entirely generated by the girls a few months previously.  The usual 50 minutes or so wait from landing to greeting occurred and it was very 'Love Actually' as the girls emerged from the arrivals doors.  It really is rare to see other than joy at the arrivals area in an airport.

Vancouver was a little overcast on that Saturday afternoon but bouyed by being together we headed for home some 50 miles East or 2 and a half hours away.  (The run from Vancouver Airport is mostly on urban roads and quite slow.)  For Manda this was her first trip to Canada and for Cherie I think her third.  Chins wagged continuously and jaws must have ached.  We laughed and set a trend for the whole week to follow.  We drove back via the Laity Pumpkin Patch just to show the girsl how big halloween celebrations were in Canada.  Nuts really.  Word has it that Haloween has become more important than Christmas in North America.  That say something about the times we live in.

Had I cleared the leaves that morning I would have been wasting my time as a fresh layer had deposited at home while we were on the road.  Kim opened up the house; lit the stove and lights and we unloaded the girls into their own rooms.  Cherie into the Spirit of the Whale room and Manda into the Cedar Four Poster.  For the duration of the stay Kim and I had decided we should move into the basement suite.  The added bonus for the girls was their own bathroom.  For us we decided this was like going on our own holiday; change of scenery and all that.

It took just minutes for all to settle and with Champ being beside himself with excitement and one of the cat's calling in to say hello introductions were completed quickly.  It is a tradition for Kim's family and now mine of course, to leave bed presents for visitors so this was duly done.  Gifts given in return were spectacular and we felt blessed. 

It would be remiss of us not to have some liquid refreshment so we toasted ourselves with the final bottle of home made Rhubarb Wine saved specially for the ocassion. We then checked our stock and assessed supply and demand.

Father Moriarty was already moving props behind the scenes so while Manda helped Kim prepare the beer can Chicken, Cherie and I headed to the Mission Springs Brewery to fill Growlers with beer.  This was not because we hadn't filled them in preparation for the arrival, it was because Mr Dirty Shirt had already celebrated the impending arrival the previous day.  Growlers hold 1.89 litres and at $7 on a Thursday are good value.  Anyway, I digress.  The pub hollered and Moriarty screamed which meant Cherie and I had a pint on the premises for good measure.  This fact was not entirely surprising and with the passing of time, Manda and Kim drew the appropriate conclusion.

Back at the house the Beer Can Chicken was ready to go into the barbecue and the local Peaches and Cream Corn was also prepped.  Baked potatoes were already in the oven and waiting for spring onions and sour cream.

Kim had another surprise waiting for the girls and I headed to the basement fridge to collect a Cake Pop specially designed as a welcome by Kim's workmate Yvonne.  Each part of the decoration is edible and extremely tasty.  The theme was a cross between thanksgiving and the arrival of the pilgrim fathers and harvest.  The owls were included to reflect our home owl population.

Jet lag can be quite debilitating so with dinner done we planned to allow the sister act to feel free to retreat to their sleeping quarters and in anticipation of the next day.  Kim and I were less than 15 minutes behind them!  Next day update tomorrow.

The Flayling Arms is Bursting at the Seams

Another summer has been and gone and actually before I launch into this blog update I have a gripe.  Since when does summer begin in August and end late September? Must do better next year I fear or my SAD syndrome may get the better of me.

So the rain is falling and the leaves are already laying their carpet across our acres and sending me a middle finger signal!  The leaves can insult me all they like because this year I have a leaf blower / mulcher that is powerful enough to eat small children.  Hurrah.

Jamie Franklin has just departed our shores having arrived in Vancouver on September 19th en route to Alaska September 22nd returning Vancouver for an overnight chez us, October 3rd.  We had an excellent visit and if it is a sign of things to come when Manda and Cherie arrive on 22nd October then we are truly blessed.

He miraculously brought sunshine with him and our trips up Grouse Mountain and to Whistler were awesome.  We love visitors and especially family because now being established rednecks and me with an Australian accent we can entertain in true local style.  Apparently mixing English English with Canadian English results in Australian English.  I must confess I sometimes hear myself being antipodean and I quite like the inflection.

Our barbecue has been in daily operation and our local hunting/fishing connections have been amazing.  We had some beautiful fresh Sockeye Salmon which we cooked on soaked cedar boards using one of Kims amazing recipes.  We had beer can chicken which is a terrific way to cook chicken, also on the barbecue but keeping the meat extremely moist.  We finished Jamie's stay with fresh T-Bone Moose Steaks, all meals accompanied by garden produce and ably supported by ale, wine and cider as required.  More of the same awaits Manda and Cherie.

Our children continue to stride through life and we couldn't be happier that they do so happy in heart.  Samantha has now successfully completed her second year nursing exams in University and is already into her last year.  Alexa is now at school and heading towards her 5th birthday next year.  David is self employed and is the doting father to Mason who is now two.  Heather is still in University at Prince George here in British Columbia and with grade scores averaging 4 she is being educated entirely by scholarships.  She is thinking of a year out then studying law.  Reece is now happily working hard and also very much connected with the lovely Emma in the relationships department.  Marcus is throughly independent; a Chef, rugby player, canoeist and all round great person.  At 19 and the youngest of the crop he carries the last flag of childhood into adult life where Kim and I are concerned.  They all make us proud and contented.  We would love them to be here more often but that is just not possible all the time.  Once my working gets moving maybe that can change.

We are so loooking forward to getting home next year for a planned month to see everyone.

I spent some time in the Flayling Arms this morning (our winery come brewery in our basement cellar).  Kim's Blackberry Wine is coming along very nicely and my new Ale is starting its fermentation in readiness for tasting once beloved sisters arrive.  The Poacher (our hot tub) and our Fire pit are primed ready for action and we pray for clear days particularly when we take the Ferry to Vancouver Island.  Venison is arriving shortly and there is the possibility of Elk sometime soon.  Elk is apparently an amazing meat to eat.  We'll see soon enough.

So as I watch another leaf fall past the window I sign off until another day.  Bloody leaves!!!

37 Years between Slopes

In 1974 and as a sixteen year old schoolboy who knew absolutely everything he needed to know about the world I travelled to Bulgaria.  I did so with about 30 schoolmates and under the management of three schoolmasters from John Fisher Grammar School.  Wearing loaned ski regalia I was obviously Val D'Isere himself; never mind ther fact that my ski pants were actually ladies ski pants if I recall correctly.

Having landed in Sofia and boarded our grey bus; to travel through a grey landscape in a grey and very communist country, we remarked on the absence of snow.  Our guide informed us that at least 24 inches of the white fluffy stuff would arrive overnight so fret ye not.....

We were greeted at the hotel reception in Borovets with hot fresh baked bread and a hot non alchoholic toddy of some description.  That was to be the last non alcoholic toddy like thing for the next week as I and my classmates discovered Mastika Brandy and that pretty unclad girls on playing cards fetched a rare price on the Bulgarian black market.  Good job I had some with me.  We skied each afternoon and took lessons each morning and gradually climbed higher on the slopes as we became more competent.  I recall failing to detach myself from the chair lift at the intermediate disembarkation point and arrived at the top of the mountain and a route down that could only be described as bloody scary.  Got down eventually but only after deliberately falling over as few times to avoid plummeting down over the steep cliff like moutain edges.

I remember having a fantastic time and recall very clearly the Russian Army Officers who stood guard on numerous gates in and around the resort.  Very cold war and very KGB.  I was glad to be there to experience it.

The reason for blogging this long ago event is to report my second visit to a ski resort just 37 years later than the first trip.  Mildly more mature but no less susceptible to an alcoholic toddy I again boarded a bus, this time in Mission British Columbia.  No classmates within a continent but colleagues from the local Chamber of Commerce.  The event was a business after business get together for networking and socialising.  $10 per head covered the bus trip, fresh pizza and hot chocolate; lift passes, equipment hire and a hot food buffet after a bit of slope action.

Hemlock Ski Resort is about 45 minutes from home in Mission and the switchback climb up the mountain is quite hairy particularly in a bus and on compacted snow.  The temperature up the mountain was reported to be -30.  That on the face of it sounded rather chilly but in reality and without any wind it did'nt feel as cold as the Mission we had left behind.  In fact for the first time since I arrived here in July 2009, the Fraser River had frozen over.  No mean undertaking when you consider it is every bit as wide, if not wider, than the River Thames in London.

Not quite a lithe as I was in 1974 I passed on the ski-ing and snowboarding and opted for tubing and tube races.  Great fun; fast paced and with a tube lift to get back up the course not too strenuous. 

All in all it was a great experience and a reminder of 37 years before.  On this ocassion, though, the chances of a rapid return are great.  Having a resort like this pretty much on the doorstep is huge.  Being gifted a free tubing pass for family also makes it likely I'll take Kim with me sometime soon; don't think I'll be around in another 37 years time for visit three......

John Wayne woz 'ere

Seven months out of work and living in a splendidly isolated rural location can and does make one stir crazy.  So, it was in the nick of time that Kim and I whisked ourselves off to Vancouver Island for a five day break and to visit Mike and Sue in Campbell River.  The original trip had been planned to give Kim some respite from her busy work schedule and to enjoy an early birthday dinner out with her parents.  I was programmed to mind the homestead and the furry occupants therein.  Plans changed.  I rattled my cage; we found a house sitter and headed west. 

We pre-packed and I collected Kim from the Hospital at 8am Friday after her night shift.  McDonald’s egg and bacon McMuffin’s and hash browns in hand, plus coffee we started our journey in bright sunshine towards Horseshoe Bay and BC Ferries.  (Sometimes only a McDonalds will do it) From Mission to Campbell River is no small undertaking and our estimated arrival time at destination was 2pm.  Added to our food for thought was a phone call from Sue warning that Campbell River had seen a dump of 8 inches of snow overnight. 

Highly amusing was the fact that when we left Campbell River five days later we did so in bright sunshine only to arrive to snow in Mission.

We met the snow at Fanny Bay....one moment no snow at all then suddenly it was there.  The sign at the side of the road has always amused me because Deep Cove (an adjoining resort) and Fanny Bay are posted one above the other.  Read vertically rather than horizontally the text takes on an altogether different meaning.  I mean, Cove Bay for goodness sake!  The road conditions were treacherous and the driver who slid into the grass on the median and held his head in his hands was clearly expanding his vocabulary.  Campbell River was under 8’ of snow and that snow stayed for as long as we did and is probably still there now.

Nothing quite relaxes a person like a change of scenery and a change of pace.  In this instance the scenery provided food for the soul.  The change of pace provided by brisk walks for a couple of hours each morning of our stay; twice at Salmon Point and once at Miracle Beach.  We chuckled because Miracle beach slightly overstated the quality of the location.  We felt that perhaps sleight of hand beach might have been a more appropriate moniker....That said it was still beautiful.

Vancouver Island is a remarkable place; the pace of life is slower and the people friendlier than their counterparts on the mainland.  That is not to say that Canadians are not friendly, just that on the Island they are more so.  We dined out on every day and a different meal each time.   Dinner at the Anglers Dining Room at the Dolphins Resort on the Saturday was fantastic.  Very few choices with four starters; entrees and desserts, but the quality was on a par with our favourite menu at the Wharf in Bugbrooke, Northamptonshire.  Everything on the plate was special and the mmmmmm’s round the table were quite audible.

Sunday we breakfasted at the Willows a sports bar with an excellent breakfast at a great price and on the Monday for lunch we repaid Mike and Sue’s hospitality from the Anglers Dining Room with a visit to the Salmon Point a restaurant with a beautiful ocean view, good beer and fine food.

Our other meals were home cooked fare and invariably followed with some enjoyable verbal sometimes even intellectual jousting at the table.  World affairs, world leaders and multiculturalism formed the ad hoc agenda.  It is always fun to wash down the distraction of a focused debate with an ale of two. 

I spent some of the time watching movies with Mike....Older wartime movies are not generally my cup of tea but I have to confess I thoroughly enjoyed the Devils Brigade with Montgomery Clift and William Holden and then the Desert Rats with James Mason and Richard Burton.  Mike was less enamoured with The Birdcage which we watched with Kim and Sue.  I’m pretty sure that the last straw was seeing Gene Hackman in a dress.  On a personal note I cannot recall seeing a less attractive drag queen in my entire existence.  Even Terrence Stamp in Priscilla Queen of the Desert was a better fit.

Campbell River is a haven for the rich and famous.  Painters Lodge in the town has been host to John Wayne, Bob Hope, Bing Crosby and Julie Andrews.  Goldie Hawn is also regular visitor which presumably means Kurt Russell is also in town.  The fishing is obviously the main attractor as Campbell River is the Salmon Capital of the world, but the prospect of seeing whales, seals, bears and other fauna in the vicinity adds to its appeal.

We set out to get rest and we achieved that.  Like any trip from home; there comes a point where home and your own place beckons.  We left recharged and headed south towards Nanaimo and Departure Bay.  We passed Willow Point, Oyster Bay, Qualicum Bay and the aforementioned Fanny Bay.  (Fanny Bay Oysters are apparently widely renowned).  The passing vista was amazing almost scenic saturation.

We had originally planned to take the 1230pm ferry back to the mainland but set out earlier to try and make the 1030am boat.  We arrived in Nanaimo ten minutes before sailing and drove straight onto the ferry.  The crossing was quite choppy with 2 metre swells.  I have sea legs and my darling wife does not so breakfast for me presented no challenge where for Kim it could have been a problem.  The sea settled before any problems ensued and we arrived home by 1.30pm a lot quicker on the return journey than outgoing.

For visitors to Canada we strongly recommend adding Vancouver Island to the itinerary. The glacier on Mount Washington is also a must visit and I have yet to enjoy that pleasure.   We plan to return to the Island in early summer.  We will head across to Tofino on the Pacific Coast and take a Whale watching boat trip to watch the Grey Whales on their migration north to the Arctic Circle to feed on the abundant Herring.  (I hasten to add we will not be joining them for the whole of their journey).  We are also quite likely to see pods of Killer Whales who shadow the grey whales looking for calves for food.  So come on over to our place........

No raindancers required

One of the most depressing things that confronts residents of the Lower Mainland in BC is the rain.  It is not the ocassional shower; the odd drizzle or the torrential downpour, those are easy to deal with.  It is the persistent precipitation that lasts for days at a time.  From November through to March and because of the closeness of the mountains, it pisses down more often than not.  Respite comes in the form of snow and just once in a blue moon the sun does put his hat on.  Vitamin D is part of the daily intake just to stave off Seasonal Affective Disorder.

Our house is about 500' above the City of Mission and the Fraser River so it is not unusual for rain down there to fall as snow up here.  The snow particularly when enough of it falls and settles, draws out the inner child. Unfortunately the agility and muscle condition of an 'inner middle aged person' is less flexible than that of an 'inner child' so there is a price to pay for sledding recklessly down the slope in the back yard.  Champ, our gargoyle-worthy boxer, seems to enjoy our 'inner childishness' and plays his part.

As pleasurable as snow can be in the short term, it takes very little time for it to become a serious aggravation.  Getting the cars out of the drive is a two hour physical challenge and after twice getting caught out we have now taken to keeping an eye on the forcast and parking roadside when snow threatens.

So enough of the weather already!  2011 is well underway and the year of the pig 2010 is mercifully fading into the past.  What I actually mean is a pig of a year.  2010 was actually the year of the tiger.  So forward with positivity is my resolution.  Ride out the recession; focus on the good things that life presents and ignore the bad.  The world is not a bad place if you look at it through the right glasses.

Mark One Year On...I Close my Eyes...

I close my eyes and I’m in the Lugger Inn, Fowey Cornwall.  It’s 1984 and having just disembarked the ferry my brother Mark and I are supping pints of Hicks Special Draft and eating locally made Cornish Pasties.  I can taste both now and there’s no-one I would rather have been with back then.  We had three weeks of raising eyebrows.  Happy times.... 

I close my eyes and I’m on a beach near Slea Head November 2005 hunting the ‘Dinguin’ with my brother Mark; and our wives Kim and Ann and nephew James.  The wind is wicked; I blame the lunch.  Tears of laughter as well as those forced by the heavy breeze lift our wonderful day.  Those that have seen the picture and certainly those of us there that day, remember Mark holding his own dingle peninsula to great all round amusement.  Even Gallarus orated that day.....

I close my eyes and I’m sitting at a table in a flat above Coughlan’s in Coulsdon, Surrey.   143a, Brighton Road and it might be 1981.   As Wing Commander ‘Molestrangler’, I am joined by my brother Mark and my sisters as we self entertain with a cassette recorder and a microphone for what must have been hours.  Fuelled by supplies from Unwins’ and benefitting from the family discount; our behaviour at times bordered on psychotic.  The spontaneous high quality humour made us a single entity and not just six separate siblings.  That piece of audio history still exists somewhere in the sibling circle.  That makes me happy.

I close my eyes and I’m marching in full No1 Uniform bayonet fixed on the parade square at Royal Air Force Swinderby, Lincolnshire...It’s 1976 and my RAF career of 15 years is launched and my brother Mark is watching me with family....I’m glad....

I close my eyes and I’m jumping to head the ball out of defence for Fields Aircraft Services.  I connect and watch the ball move back up the pitch and land neatly at the feet of my brother Mark.  Not given to wearing the same outfit often, this was one notable exception.  We played and enjoyed football many times together.  An even more memorable occasion was when we played together in 90 degree heat in Nerja in 1982.  English Holidaying Guys against Spanish Locals in the local stadium on the day of the world cup final in Madrid Spain.  The game was followed by both teams literally arm in arm repairing to the locals bar and watching the TV match together, rooting for the eventual winners Italy.  Sometime after that it was the next day........Happy Days.....

I close my eyes and I see you pouring over the Sunday Express general knowledge crossword, I see you preparing a roast dinner and watching Pirates of the Caribbean with James.  I see the compassionate caring family man at home in his castle...I will always remember those spectacular meals you took such pride in preparing.  I can still taste your mushroom with wilted spinach and white stilton.  I take your drive and seek to aspire to your standards in my kitchen.  Jack Sparra’ indeed aaaar!

I close my eyes and I see coloured lights flashing and hear music playing.....I see a 21^st birthday party and realise I’m somewhere close to the Purley Way.  I quickly mix another CD, probably new romantic in origin, having spotted that I’m the DJ and the guest of honour my future sister in law Ann.  I see my brother strutting his stuff with the love of his life...It must be 1989, and I’m happy....

I close my eyes and I see St Aidan’s Church Hall and a ‘Gorilla-gram’ is peeling clothes off to embarrass my sister Cherie on her 18^th Birthday......Its 1983 and brother Mark (and he’s not a monk) has incurred the wrath of some youths in the cloakroom.   Slightly stronger in the upper body in those days I am pleased to lift one of the offending individuals onto one of the hooks in the cloakroom and watch the remainder back off.  That after all is what big brothers are for........

I close my eyes and I can smell the Wimpy Bar in Coulsdon.  I am sitting with closest family and we’re all dressed in black for Mum’s funeral.  There’s Samantha, Reece and Marcus; Ann, Mark and James, Kim and I, and we’re eating Wimpy and Chips.....It was awesome.  It may be not be everyone’s idea, of what might be appropriate, but since when did that stop our family that 2008 day....It was a lightening prelude to a tough day, filled stomachs, so that made us all happier...

I close my eyes and I see Ann and James....I see them dealing with their loss with such strength, courage and character.  I see them emerging from 2010 with Great Spirit; I enjoy being in contact with them through Facebook.  I pat the backs of Bligh’s the length and breadth of that Emerald Isle and my siblings in England; providing kinship and support through tough times.  I’m so glad to have a sister in law and nephew to make me so proud.  You would be too brother...Rest peacefully, sure in the knowledge that they will be fine. 

I close my eyes and I see you through the glass; I’m walking behind you down the middle of the road and with family, at the most amazing farewell of a funeral, I will likely ever see.  For my life I will proudly carry you with me and not a day goes by when you are not in my mind.  Still winded I can’t believe it’s almost a year. 

Sleep tight... Michael x