The Expedition West - Chapter One

It's a beautiful Monday morning and it's time to break camp. Niki and I left Edmonton on the 17th of July, when the sun was at its peak. It was a hazardous trip west. The weather was clear, but there were many obstacles for our noble steed to avoid. Lesser pack animals were clogging the trail, but none could hinder us for long. We arrived in the mighty city of Vancouver around eleven bells, and was warmly greeted by our friends Matt, Yarrow, Dean and Kate.

Once arriving here we promptly set out to see some live music. It was a great way to kick things off.

Saturday we busied ourselves with breakfast via the local bakery. We checked out a local market to provision ourselves for a picnic. The main day activity was a wine tour in Langley. The last winery we set up in the shade and had the perfect picnic.

Feeling the need to cool off, we went in search of fresh water. Seeing via Dean's Blackberry that Aldergrove had a lake, we headed in that direction. It was not a lake. It was a giant man made puddle. Still refreshing, but not a lake.

For dinner we hit up Matt and Yarrow's favourite sushi place. I can't wait to go back, because we will again this trip. It was soo good. My mouth is watering just thinking of it. To end the day we walked to the local gelato place. If you are in Vancouver, you must go to this gelato place. It's in the old Italian distract, and needs to be experienced. Hundred of flavours. The owner does not close until the last customer is gone, and makes everything himself. It's amazing.

Sunday started with a nice breakfast at Seb's. We were joined by Eric and Larissa, who have a very cute baby girl. From there we did a little shopping. I found some new shorts, apparently having only one pair is not acceptable. Once done that, the remainder of the afternoon was spent in Stanley Park relaxing, playing catch and generally having a good time. We had a very late dinner in the Fox condo.

That brings the trip up the Monday morning. It's time to break camp and head back east to Hope. Once meeting some other travelers for lunch, we are off to Hope. We will be enjoying the hospitality of the Larson family.

Cheers,

Scott

Turning 60

My dad turned 60 on July 8. It's a weird milestone. I seem to remember my grandparents being a lot older when I was young. Their actual age was not much greater than his is now. I think I am going to inform my father he is no longer allowed to age.

We celebrated his birthday by going to a local baseball game. It was rained out, which was OK. We get to go to another game for no cost. The actual party was on Sunday. It was fairly low key, but loads of fun. As per usual, we shot up pretty much everything in sight. Along with the clay pigeon shooting, we hit some golf balls, played five hundred up baseball style, and generally laughed a lot. One of my elder brothers and family came out from Sask.:) Pretty sure my dad had a good day, great parties are always welcome.

Summer is not even half over and Niki and I are already feeling worn out. We're trying to get as much work done this week as we can, this Friday we start our two week road trip.


I got my birthday present early, a new camera. The pictures I upload should have a little better quality from now on.



I hope everyone else took advantage of July 11, and got their free Slurpee.
Cheers,
Scott

The Wedding Trip

I think we're going to be away for more of July than we're actually going to be home. Last Tuesday Niki and I flew off to Victoria. It was a great trip.

Canada Day was spent in Victoria. I had a good visit time with Hovan and Christine. Took in a little relaxation at Langford Lake. Niki's parents, Niki, myself, Lindsay and Chris capped the day off with the Fireworks in the inner Harbour.

Thursday morning I had breakfast and a good visit with my friend Julia. We use to meet at the Blue Fox for breakfast, so we try and keep the tradition going when I am in town. After that Niki and I headed up Island. Stopped in at Brentwood College to see Ciara and to a lesser extent her parents. It was great to arrive in Campbell River. We stayed with Ben and Kirsten for the majority of the trip. Finally saw their new addition and I got to hang out with my godson. He's awesome. I highly recommend staying with any Lanyon family, they are the best hosts.

The wedding on Saturday was beautiful and the weather was hot, luckily we had some fresh water near by to keep cool. Hovan and I created a little game. The only real rules are; don't move too fast, and stay in the shade.



Niki and I did not embarrass ourselves during the reception, we were the masters of ceremony, and finished the night off dancing. I even got to swing dance with my old friend Andrea. It was a great time, thank you Dean & Kate!
Dean and Kate are also awesome.

I am tempted to write a list of the awesomeness and the people it is contained it, let me just say it was in abundance this weekend.
It's good to be back in our own beds, and we are heading back to the coast again in a fortnight. We're hoping to see everyone we can.
Cheers,
Scott
Post Script - Niki and I had our two year wedding anniversary on June 30th