#49 Sep 2014 Fall Fun!

September 6th Lindsay turned 19, the legal age in British Columbia. She is grown up and lives in a grown up world. She went to a pub with friends and guess what – she didn’t want her grandparents along. Imagine that!

She had a good time and we celebrated her day the following weekend. “Birthday Parties” are low key now and we had her choice of meal at our place. Grampa’s BBQ tuna is a hit with everyone.

We tried to schedule a camping weekend with Kari and Lindsay but no luck. September 17th we setup in Fort Langley at Brae Island Regional Park Campground. They have fire pits, which was a requirement for this trip. We picked Kari up from work and headed out for supper and a fire. We experimented with two brands of Fire FX. We had lots of fun with the results and trying to capture the effect with cameras.

It was raining the next day so we went to the Surrey Museum. It is very well presented and gave us a much better historical understanding of where we live.

After supper at the campground we noticed a commotion in the RV next door. There were three young men lunging and tripping over each other. We could not guess what was going on – until we went inside for the night and saw a mouse run into our bedroom. Oh No!! We hunted and banged around but never saw it again. Ralph went outside and lifted the water lines off the ground and we finally settled down. The next day Ralph bought two “Mice be Gone”. They emit an electronic sound that is irritating to mice and rats and that has been the end of that adventure.

On Friday we stopped at “Smits and Co Farm Cheese” and sampled some delicious local cheeses and admired the cow to cooler display.

In Chilliwack we explored the “Great Blue Heron Nature Reserve”. What a peaceful, serene escape from the city. We took the short “30” minute path and spent 2 hours soaking up nature.

This is a reflection of the leaves above the pond.

Which way is up in this photo?

Friday afternoon we traded Kari for Lindsay and went to Truxpo in Abbotsford. Ralph, Lindsay and I have attended the show for a few years and enjoy the variety of commercial trucks, trailers and displays. Lindsay works as a shop helper at Cullen Detroit Diesel and is saving to attend BCIT as an aircraft technician. She is fascinated with all things mechanical.

The truck light show was impressive.

The highlight was one of the two original trucks used in the “Transformer” movies.

We returned Saturday morning to let Lindsay fully explore the show. After that we returned to the Blue Heron Reserve. The path down to the river is nice but not as “natural” as the short path. However, there was a beautiful view beside the river.

Sunday we explored the former Albion Ferry dock. It is still a beautiful spot but very empty. Before the Golden Ears Bridge was operating we spent many hours waiting for the ferry. The bridge is fast but the ferry had more character.

In Chilliwack we stopped at the Fraser Valley Food Truck festival to sample the great variety of yummy food. It was challenging to choose our lunches.

Lindsay has been with us many times as we have driven past Bridal Falls east of Chilliwack. This was her first walk up to the falls.

The surrounding forest is very dense and an eerie green with all the moss and ferns.

Knotty tree trunks abound.

On the way home we stopped at the Food Truck Festival for dessert. Wow!

A great family trip around our neighbourhood.

#48 Aug 2014 Summer around Vancouver

In our RV we have travelled over 15,000 km since December 2013. In the Suzuki we have driven another 14,000 km as we toured from our RV park bases. It is now time to stay still and catch up with ourselves for a few months.

We are in Peace Arch RV Park in South Surrey. It is a quiet park in a convenient location for our family and activities. There is a lovely garden area and a tall lighthouse welcomes guests.

When we downsized from our townhouse we stored a few pieces of special furniture and many boxes of photos. We were ready to give up “stuff”; however, giving up my garden was difficult. That was my quiet place that evolved as I learned how easily plants grow here in the green west coast.

Kari has always been my gardening partner. We soon found a day to go plant shopping and personalized our outdoor space.

In August we dealt with a few RV issues and made a trip to Camping World in Burlington, WA. They have so many temptations and new ideas for improving/changing RVs, inside and out. Before we started RVing we heard so much about the store and now we know why. There are many ideas that have been modified to suit the RV equipment and lifestyle.

Ralph and I have been part of a Supper Club for nearly 15 years. Seven of us, Paul and Marg, Bob and Sue, Cathy and ourselves meet every month or two and share friendship and supper. The host couple prepare the main course, one couple the appetizer, another the salad and another the dessert. There is no pressure to be fancy or extravagant – M&M/Costco frozen food works as well as homemade.

We were the last participants to retire. Now it is challenging to find everyone home at the same time. Thursday, August 7th we finally gathered at our RV and enjoyed the fabulous summer weather and caught up with everyone’s activities. The friendship is very special and enduring.

When Ralph worked at Pacific Coach Lines we became friends with Al and Gail who also worked there. They started their full time RV lifestyle a few weeks before us last year. We have shared our new experiences – good and bad – via email and Skype. July 1st they setup in Peace Arch RV Park based on our recommendation. When we arrived August 1st we quickly found their site and shared a beer/wine. It was a pleasure to have friends so close and easy to visit.

Al and Gail hosted a potluck and invited many former co-workers. We had a great time catching up. One guest, Jay, brought Ralph a new friend, Stanley. He joins Inuksuk, (Nooky for short) the polar bear from a PCL Christmas party and my Rainbow Bright dragon from Dave and Kari on Mother’s Day.

Ralph and I have always enjoyed the PNE and usually attend on the free admission day. We don’t go on rides but we enjoy the exhibits, shopping and food. People watching provides endless entertainment. The “Superdogs” are an annual favorite. The new host is not nearly as entertaining as Herb was for many years but the dogs and owners bring out smiles and cheers from everyone.

“Thunder Drums of China” were amazing. The sound and feel of the huge drums sent shivers down my spine. It could be felt everywhere in the Coliseum.

I have always collected seashells and had them in storage. Al used my shells and his considerable creative talents and voila we have the soothing sound of trickling water complete with mist.

At night we enjoy the glow of the shells.

In the early 20th century Steveston was a small fishing village. The small refers to the size of the community not the volume of fish caught. It was a major fishing port with many canneries. Now it is part of Richmond and a major dock for modern fishing boats.

Granville Island Pier is also a dock for commercial fishermen. We have dealt with Steve Johansen for many years and really enjoy his catch. This tuna on the BBQ is our all time favorite fish.

The boardwalk around Granville Island Market has a great mountain and city view.

Water sports are very popular on a sunny, summer day.

I always need to walk through the florist’s bounty and sniff deeply.

On the way home a clear view of Mount Baker makes a special day.

Sunsets from the park are beautiful.

#47 Aug 2014 Home is Where We Park!

Last winter we saw a license plate holder that said, "Home is Where we Park". That describes our life. In 1969 Ralph and I met at the Columbia Icefields, between Banff and Jasper Alberta. Since then we have lived in Jasper, Canmore, Papua New Guinea, Edmonton, Calgary and now Surrey. We have parked in many places and each has been home at the time.

We have always enjoyed traveling but home has called us back. Work has provided us with many opportunities. This photo from the 2013 Rose Bowl Parade says exactly where our home and work have led us.

For Ralph and I, home is where we find our loved ones.

Ralph finds me and I find Ralph in our motorhome. This is home.

Our daughter Kari and her daughter Lindsay (19) live in Surrey and that is where our roots are at this time. We love the summer weather and like the winter with little or no snow and ice.

Kari’s son Joey (17) and his father moved from Regina to Calgary in August. That will make it much easier to see him.

Our son Dave and his daughter Danica (8) live in Calgary. Calgary was our home for 12 years and we still have strong ties there with family and friends.

Our hearts are with each other and all our family members but now it is Ralph and Linda’s time to be a couple again. In the last year, as we have settled into retirement, we have learned patience and better listening skills with each other. We understand that we want the same outcome but have different ways of achieving our goals. That’s OK. We are together and appreciate each other.

We plan to be in Surrey until early January and want to participate in the activities offered here. We promptly started with the “White Rock Sea Festival” August 3rd.

Festivals always have lots of family entertainment. Look in the upper right side of this photo. The clown created a HUGE bubble floating away out of sight. All ages were fascinated.

There was lots of people and traffic congestion but who cares on a beautiful sunny day at the beach.

Much of the traffic on Marine Drive consists of old cars that didn’t look like this the first time around.

Climbing the White Rock, strolling the Promenade and checking out the vendors provides something for everyone.

Pirate ships sail from nearby Blaine, Washington and fight a battle at sea, complete with cannons.

Sand castles are a highlight.

When the tide is out the beach goes on forever and so do the people enjoying it.

Of course, there is R and R time as well.

#46 Jul 2014 Heading Home

All week Danica was Grampa’s co-pilot with the best seat in the house. I rode with Dave in his car, which is more comfortable than our Suzuki for sightseeing with 4 people. We had walkie-talkies between the vehicles and Danica was very diligent with “over and out”. The traveling times were good 1 on 1 connecting opportunities. Our sightseeing times were opportunities to create family memories.

Sunday, July 20th we headed back to Calgary. Danica had a birthday party in the afternoon so they headed home and we returned to BowRivers Edge in Cochrane. We stayed a week to re-visit family and catch up on some “housekeeping” errands.

When we bought this RV in June 2013 it was in great shape. As time progressed we noticed a few issues, which is to be expected. The upholstery was cracking on the driver and passenger seats and the couch cushions. We had ordered new covers from the manufacturer and received them in May this year. They sat in a box until this week when Ralph and Dave tackled the project. It was a good chance for father and son to work together. Kari and I often do things together but there are very few opportunities for Ralph and Dave.

Danica had a bicycle camp every afternoon and I was privileged to take her one day. She is so enthusiastic about new skills and she loves talking about her experiences.

Ralph’s nephew Terry, Tammy and Taylor live just outside Calgary and invited us for supper on Friday. Ralph’s sister Marion (Terry's mother) and her husband Donald from Toronto were there as well as Tammy’s parents. We had a great meal and visiting. We have been so fortunate to enjoy the company of so many family and friends during these last few months.

The week was quiet and restful. I didn’t even take any photos – that was very strange.

Sunday we headed west again and enjoyed the summer mountains. This view is one of my favorites as we crest Scott Lake Hill. I have known these mountains for most of my life and the approach is still thrilling.

This mountain of limestone at Exshaw is dramatically smaller than the first time I saw it as a teenager. A mountain of cement has gone into homes, businesses and construction.

The island in the middle of the lake has usually had a picnic table and now comfy chairs and a flag.

Cascade Mountain is a beacon as we approach Banff.

The waterfall always has water whether running in the summer or frozen in the winter.

Castle Mountain is aptly named. Several years ago politicians decided to re-name it Mount Eisenhower to honour the General. Public outcry convinced the powers-that-be to revert to the name that honours the mountain.

The Park Bridge across the Kicking Horse River removed one of the dangerous stretches on the Trans Canada Highway.

Over a few years we watched the bridge develop, as the engineering feat became reality.

We have driven past Revelstoke many times and said “another time we’ll visit the Revelstoke Dam”. This was the time.

This sign gives a bird’s eye view of the dam (since I can’t be a bird or hold my camera high enough).

This dam is one of many on the mighty Columbia River, which flows into the Pacific Ocean at Portland, Oregon. There is a great deal of discussion between Canada and the United States regarding water rights and usage. I will just say that time and politics move onward. We have visited many dams and appreciate the power they provide.

This is the view as we approach but there is no way to convey how overwhelmingly huge the dam appears. It is 574 feet at it’s highest.

This sign puts the Revelstoke Dam into perspective.

From the top of the dam, this view to the south provides an idea of the remoteness and beauty of the area.

This view of the Revelstoke Reservoir is towards Mica Dam 81 miles away.

The Revelstoke Railway Museum brings to life the struggles and dangers of establishing a national railway in 1885.

Engine 5468 sits in the centre of the museum and beckons visitors to explore a working steam engine.

This engineer drove #5468 and others until the 1950’s when diesel engines took over.

The dining car was the ultimate, luxurious way to experience the magnificence of the Canadian Pacific Rockies.

Our next stop was Shuswap Lake Provincial Park to visit my cousins Mike and Gayle with a bonus of Vicki and Murray’s son Colin with his wife Robin and son Cohen. A lovely visit in a beautiful location.

Viewers of “Highway Thru Hell” will recognize the name Great Bear Snowshed on the Coquihalla Highway.

This view shows the base where cannons are placed in the winter to trigger controlled avalanches.

In Chilliwack we spent two nights beside the Vedder River. Fire bans due to a very hot summer had prevented us from using our stock of firewood. Over a roaring fire we visited with neighbours in the park and tried to use up our firewood but left with more wood than when we arrived.

August 1st we returned to Peace Arch RV Park in Surrey and setup to stay for a few months.