#134 Oct-Dec 2016 A New Schedule

We had planned to be in Calgary for Thanksgiving and Danica’s 10^th birthday. Fortunately everyone was able to switch venues and we celebrated her birthday at Shuswap Lake. Dave and Danica, Melissa, Ava and Rowyn stayed at nearby Quaaout Lodge.

When Danica learned about my ankle she made me a “Build a Bear” to cheer me up. She knows that Grama loves stuffies and the colour purple.

She didn’t know that my cast was purple and pink because Danica loves the same colours.

Roderick Haig-Brown Provincial Park is the site of the world renowned Adams River Sockeye Spawning Run. 2016 was a low year in the 4 year cycle but everyone was able to see a few salmon and particularly a dead one on shore.

As we arrived at Boston Pizza to celebrate Danica’s birthday she received her biggest surprise. Lindsay had driven from Surrey for her cousin’s party.

After Danica’s party Lindsay spent a few days on a road trip through Jasper and Edmonton. She arrived in time for Danica’s Calgary party.

Ralph and I had really been looking forward to spending time with all three grandchildren in Calgary at Thanksgiving.

Lindsay ensured that we had photos of our grandkids when they went to the Calgary Zoo.

 

The cabin was just what I needed to recover from surgery and stay off my ankle. I didn’t have much energy and there was nothing I could do except allow myself time to heal.

We enjoyed the fall colours creeping down the mountains and along Highway 97 as we drove to and from Penticton for appointments.

I was not able to walk around with my camera but still managed to catch rainbows and the super moon. Ralph is very patient when I want to capture a particular photo even when he has to maneuver the car repeatedly to get me in the right spot.

Near Armstrong, The Fruit Log Barn has great Mennonite double smoked sausage, imported cheeses and baking.

Since 1912 the Log Barn has featured local history as well as prehistoric and fantasy creatures.

Animal figures and silhouettes abound.

 

 

The goats on the goat trail are alive!

For Ralph and I, travel opens up the world around us. We want to understand the people, places, environment and planet around us.

Along the east coast of North America we began to understand how this old earth has changed and evolved over millions of years. In the west we have been awed by the power of nature on a more recent scale.

in 1903 the Frank Slide reshaped the mountain and valley below it.

In 1965 the Hope Slide reshaped another mountain and valley.

In October 2016 we viewed a closeup, personal sample of nature's force.

Salmon Arm was our nearest shopping area. Each time we drove into town we became more aware of the views from the highway. One day we both did a double take as we noticed the information sign near town. The Trans Canada Highway is on the left of this photo. Blocked by the orange pylons, the access road to the info sign is just to the right of the highway.

Overnight huge slabs of rock came down and reshaped this mountainside. Even in today’s world we witness the power of nature and how our earth changes.

At Quaaout Lodge we enjoyed "People of the Water" dinner theatre. With excitement and humour Shuswap storytellers enacted legends from their long history.

Kari joined us for a quick visit and a drive along Shuswap Lake. She marvelled at her Dad's patience getting the car into position so we could both capture the sunset over the lake and mountains.

After seven weeks of inactivity the surgeon declared that I could start getting back to normal life. That was sooner than expected!

The day we were packing to return to Surrey we received a call that Margo, Ralph’s sister-in-law, had passed away. For eight long months Margo endured unrelenting pain as she battled cancer. It was a blessing for Margo but a somber time for our family.

Ralph and I returned to our motorhome in Surrey and I started physio. I graduated from the wheelchair to a walker, a cane and then Ralph’s arm when necessary.

In early December Ralph and I flew to Saskatchewan for Margo’s memorial. Marion and Donald, Ralph’s sister and her husband, led us in a very personal, comforting service. Visiting after the service was a good opportunity to catch up with family and friends.

We have not experienced a prairie winter for many years. The roads were clear and so was the sky at -25* C. Fortunately there was very little wind as evidenced by this exhaust.

The day after we returned home to Surrey we received more snow than we had seen in Saskatchewan.

Christmas was very quiet with Lindsay, Kari and Dan joining us for turkey and a view of the lights in the park.

After Christmas, as the snow melted, I felt safe walking without any extra support. My ankle was  healing well and now I needed to regain my flexibility and balance.

We started to get out into areas where there was good walking surfaces. In Steveston, the Gulf of Georgia Cannery is a National Historic Site.

In It is also a vibrant shopping and dining community with a large fishing fleet.

In 2017 we are looking forward to celebrating Canada’s 150^th birthday as we explore more National Parks and Historic Sites with a free Parks Pass.