The Backpacking List

In the past year I have trekked to high, snowy peaks, and stomped on wet, sandy beaches. I have witnessed some of the most beautiful sunsets, fogs and most importantly: smiles. I have come closer to my true self while getting to know others and I have become more aware of what this earth has to offer us. Here are the past hikes I've endured:

The West Coast Trail - 73 km on sand, mountain and rocks.

An amazing adventure that took me through forests and along the beach, getting a glimpse of the beautiful Vancouver Island. Could not have asked for a better experience...

Okanagan High Rim Trail (Naramata): A three-day hike in a barren forest.

This hike was a water-sucking, hot hike. Even though we went in the spring there wasn't much shade, due to the recent forest fires. It was still beautiful views of the Okanagan Valley, where I grew up, so I could not complain. I loved this trail's little pit-stops.

Tetrahedron Provincial Park (Sunshine Coast): A three-day hike on a snowy mountain.

This was a first-time adventure with snowshoes included. I have never backpacked in the snow and this little project was the perfect way to spend half of my spring break. We stayed in cabins, made some luge runs, and really enjoyed the snow.

1/2 Juan de Fuca (Sooke): A two-day mini-adventure for beginners.

My first and most recent backpacking adventure on the coast. It's super pretty at night and I love the sounds of waves that put you to sleep...

Bike Buddies.

So Sari and I finally got to take another little girl adventure, this time, on the road! There was confusion where we were going, and where we were meeting, but in the end we really enjoyed each others company of giggles and squeaks. Sari had an idea to go biking during her math breaks, and we decided to hit a peaceful village and on our way back head down a cute, quiet road. It was nice catching up again.

 On our trek to the village, we stopped by a little vintage shop and also saw my favourite car parked out across the street for sale! That was exciting and I was upset to find out that it cost $6000, when I am completely broke. It was nice viewing though...

After we left the village we came upon a rustic old house for sale with white trim and a beautiful blue colour, hidden behind some old pine. It had a neat yard with a tiny circle of apple trees. My guess is that they had a wood stove, because of their chimney, but I guess I was only dreaming, to make it seem like the perfect little place. So adorable.

From here we headed to Sari's homestay, on the quaint, little road. We stopped to throw pebbles and rocks in a serene creek and it was a joyous time. Thanks for the adventure SW.

Mustache Musical

We made a music video, Tor, Otis and I. It was to a low-pitched version of Waiting Outside the Lines, by Greyson Chance. I'd say it was a very manly approach to this "teen-girl-heart-throb" of a song. It was hilarious, it was fun, it was hilarious and it was dumb. It was everything you'd expect to find in modern music vids. I was quite proud of how manly I actually looked, like WOW. I had a mustache the colour of my hair and it really, honestly looked real.

I'd say the three of us killed it.

(Hitler's peace)

Berry Blood

So just yesterday my sister Tor and I decided to go swimming at the local, water-filled quarry near our house. It was excruciatingly hot outside (and inside, for that matter) and we needed to soak up some mineral H2O... The water was fresh and refreshing, and I had a beautiful time swimming as the sun was about to set. I got pinched by a crayfish, by the way, and that feeling is not something I quite enjoy.

On our travel home, up hills and past speed bumps, we came to a known blackberry bush with ripe, juice berries everywhere! The were huge and I stuffed myself full! I just love fruit, especially when it's organic, fresh, and most of all FREE.

We ended up painting our faces with the juice and thought it'd be a cool photo shoot take. I must admit, we were very intense and a little bit too awesome with this tribal mask.

"We killed the berries with our own hands, to wear it's blood on our face"

Rummolli & Guacamole

A couple days ago I hosted a "party". A few families from church came over and we had a small, tasty potluck along with some games of Rummoli (a family favourite). It was delightful to have company over for the first time in ages, and I really enjoyed having them all as guests. Hosting is harder than I thought it would be, but I guess I've got to experience that somehow...

Dude, It's Like the Seventies Exploded in Here

So, we stayed at a Chalet in the summer. I think that's pretty cool, especially considering that the facility dates way back to the hippie era. Let me take you on a tour:

Lovely welcome papers taped to the walls.

Camper bunks with surprisingly comfortable mats.

My dream home: A-frame with an amazing window. 

Gorgeous on exterior as well...

Ping-Pong for the courageous.

Interesting seating arrangements, by yours truly and her sisters.

And top it all off with a rustic wood fire place!

Your should check this out yourself sometime: 

http://www.campluther.ca/#/facilities-and-rentals/seymour-chalet 

Family Camp Minus the Family

About 13 days ago from today, my sister and I embarked on an awesome adventure with some close friends, to the All Saints Catholic Family Camp. Funny thing is, we didn't go with our family. Sure there were other families there that we could call our own, but it was a little odd to go to a family camp without your parents.

The two of us signed up to do morning breakfasts, and didn't quite realize how much work we'd have to put in. There were definitely minor problems that occurred, due to confusions from my sister, but in all it was a fun time! I would love to help with lunch next year, maybe, because being the party animal I was that week (meaning going to get ready for bed at 1:00 AM, on average) I had a hard time getting out of my snug little tent.

I got to meet some of the greatest families in the world! Not only were the parents kind and virtuous, but their children shared the same great qualities. From holding a 2-month-old, to doing a 3-year-old's hair, to teaching a 15-year-old how to fish, I'd say my ability to withstand the child race has become stronger and more compassionate. I'd also like to mention that my award during family camp was "The Heart Throb of Little Boys" and I cannot get over it. I laugh every time I think about it...

Family Camp 2014 is checked off the bucketlist, and scheduled on the calender for 2015 already!

We are one, together.

Ta-Ta For Now

Just sat down to eat my favourite meal of the day: Breakfast. I normally eat what would be considered a healthy dessert, so I look forward to waking up every morning. It's all about the early morning motivation munchies. No wonder I'm such a happy morning person...

So, I've been here and there and everywhere the last couple of days, driving, ferry rides, driving, dancing, more driving and then wedding crashing, all within four days. My cousin Ry was getting married in an old-school venue with pink roses and everything pink, I should say, and his new wife, Ta-Da, was so set on having us help out and join them in this event, that I couldn't say no! It was a pretty day, full of partiers, pink, cupcakes, pink, speeches, pink, family bonding, and more pink. Congrats T & R! xx

I am currently getting ready to go clean my grandma's house for money (score!), and then later on spend the evening at play practice for a family gig I have planned at the beginning of September. I also just finished packing for camp, but my packing skills are insanely terrible, and I have three bags of "essentials". My essentials may fall in different categories than your essentials, but when I pack, I pack in comfort, warmth, needs, and style. There is no way I will leave out the last point: style. I need to look alright, alright?!

Any-who, I am going to be gone in a couple days and will not be writing till then. Those of you who actually read this thing: It will only be a week+ 3 days, so don't worry if you think I've gotten hit by a bus or decided to be done with this... because that isn't the case.

"Ta-ta for now" -Tigger

Best Friend Date

So a couple days ago I got to see a marvelous friend, Sari, and she took me on a never-ending friend date, and it was fun. FUN!

We enjoyed a local Japanese family's sushi, at a restaurant not far from where Sari lives, and believe me, it was delicious. We shared a regular boxed dinner, and split a roll of avocado and mango. (Avo+Mango=best combination for a health freak's taste buds.) I tried to eat my rice with chopsticks, but was laughed at, so figured that a fork was more my "weapon-of-choice" to stab the food with.

Strolling home, we decided to take a swim in the ocean and watch the sunset, two things on my summer bucketlist I could later check off. It also didn't hurt to come out and dry my hair "surfer style". We headed to the beach with our towels in hand and, not knowing what to expect, the water was actually quite warm! Jumping in, Sari reminds me that there have been jellyfish in the area and I wasn't too concerned, until we saw one and the laughter/screaming began to churn (as did the floating seaweed in the water).

It was a fantastic hour in the sea and a refreshing journey from shore to log, then back to shore. I haven't seen an ocean sunset for awhile either, so it was also a calming time to sit and enjoy our time together.

Next morning we were up bright and early, 5:00 to be exact, and we headed to the beach again, in hope of witnessing the sunrise. It was just as gorgeous as the set the previous night, but this time the sun was blinding and orange! I had never seen the sun rise in the summer and it was, again, another spectacular sight...

Later that morning Sari suggested we take a run down a trail, not far from the beach. I had a wonderful time jogging beside her and I have been inspired to do some more this summer, with her and on my own.

 I am happy we got to endure such a long date, and a sunny one at that. Thanks Sari, xoxo