September 2014

September 30th - around Banff
So glad that I brought layers of clothing ... it's cold and the Australian sitting next to me is getting excited about seeing his first snow before the day is out. My first night in a dorm was fine ... everyone respected each other's need for sleep ... well all except for the girl who came in at 2am and turned on the light - all bedding provided and a comfortable bed too!
This morning I decided to go for a walk into town and along the river: the hostel receptionist offered me a map and a can of Bear Spray ... I took both! As I walked into the town I was surprised to see an elk (larger than a cow) grazing quite happily in some-one's front garden ... he ignored me and I ignored him! I visited a First Nation's museum: interesting facts about the Native people ... they are NOT referred to as Indians and they do not come from Tribes: they are Native People and come from different Nations and Bands. There is a great deal of Band land - development there requires no planning permission, therefore Shopping Malls, Blocks of Apartments (condos) and huge bill boards of advertising are raised without any permission needed. All building by the First Nation People is 'sold' on a 99 year lease so they will never lose their lands. First Nation people also pay no income tax and get free medical and dental treatment I am told. In school the children get more adult support and I have even seen a beach for Native people only. All this creates some tensions I am sure, and is in stark contrast to how most original peoples are treated around the world. Anyway enough of the Sociology lesson, now for some pictures of Banff:

So glad I did not run into him in the woods today!

Do you think that Bear Spray would work with any of these ? They all live round here, as do deer, elk and moose!

Not bought in a toy shop - each of these eagle feathers shows
 bravery and nearness to the Creator
and the stitching and beading is all done by hand of course!

Incredible beading on a shoulder bag ... how many hours work?

Blue, icy water from the glacier further up in the mountains.

Glad I bought the Bear Spray when walking in these woods!

Bow River Falls in the Fall.

September 29th - journey to Banff: 8 and a half hours by Greyhound
I was a little apprehensive this morning on 2 counts: my first greyhound trip and my first night in a hostel. However, I need not have worried on either score - the drivers were good and the scenery soon took my mind off the height and the nearness of the edge of the road! I sat next to an elderly lady who does the journey frequently and who was easy company ... thank goodness, it would have felt like a very long journey if she had chattered all the way! As for the hostel experience ... so far so good ... technology works which is very reassuring and the room seems fine ... thankfully I am on a lower bunk. I have not met my room-mates yet .. there could be up to 6 of us ... but we have our own bathroom and individual lights for each bed which is handly. But now I will let the pictures speak for themselves:

September 28th - Kelowna 
The weather brightened up considerably as I headed East to the tourist, lakeside town of Kelowna. Transport arranged thanks to a friend who has a friend .. in fact she has several who helped with transport, accommodation and sightseeing over the next few days! I like networking! I received a very warm welcome and stayed in a beautiful house with a pretty cat called Posy and a Labra-Doodle called Dougal.A wine tasting is a 'must' in this area and so we visited Mission Hill Winery and tasted some of their delicious produce ... I can recommend the 2012 Reserve Pinto Gris! Onto delightful Peachland for lunch by the lake in 28 degrees!

 

Clear but cold waters.




The following day, thanks once again to a friend of a friend, I was taken up Kelowna Mountain for an intrepid expedition over high swaying suspension footbridges! But it was worth the pounding heart as the views were exceptional.

 

September 25th - Vancouver Island
In the last 48 hours I have seen the Pacific Ocean lashing the shore line and mountains which disappeared into the clouds - The Island sure is big! I am slowly beginning to appreciate the size of this continent ... I think I read that the province of British Columbia is five times the size of the UK: the forests go on as far as the eye can see - even when you have been driving for several hours - and the mountains stretch off into the distance until they become a grey-blue haze ... and yet you know that they go on for many, many more miles after that.
My trip to the Island was courtesy of Sheilagh, who is the most interesting person I have met for the longest time: we talked constantly and subjects ranged from international travelling (of which she has done her fair share) to religion, philosophy, economics and environmentalism to literature, history and anthropology. Fascination and stimulating indeed.
The weather has turned and rain seems to be set in for a few days, however that will not stop us from going out for a breakfast of honey donuts shortly! The following pictures are of the Buchardt Gardens and the Pacific Ocean from near Tofino.

  
 

And then to Tofino and Wikininish beach

At the Tin Wis hotel in Tofino

These rocks are over 4 metres high so how high are the waves?

Logs the size of telegraph poles which have been brought in by the tide.

September 23rd -  the Museum of Anthropology:

A wooden box made with only one joint: the wood is steamed and bent around to make four sides and then the final corner is pegged.

Around Deep Cove: just down the hill from where I am staying

September 22nd - Vancouver
Emotional farewell to my beautiful daughters was followed by a pleasant enough nine and a half hour flight with AirTransat... Manchester to Vancouver. Arrived at 2.30pm local time and went through a minor interogation from border officials! Barb met me with big smiles and a great tour of Vancouver in her open topped car before we arrived back at their lovely home in Deep Cove. I was treated to supper in Horseshoe Bay on a deck over looking a marina and then bed. Slept for twelve hours (well I had only managed about 4 in the last 48 hours!) and then yesterday we went to Whistler. The weather was superb with clear blue skies and the temperature hovering around 28 degrees. A beautiful ex-Olympic venue and stunning views of mountains and fjord-like inlets all the way What a wonderful first day!

September 18th - 36 hours 'til take off!

I have felt quite nervous this week ... I even rang the Radio 2 Astrologer for her thoughts about the year ahead! Her Advice? The year holds something wonderful for you ... can't be bad!
I have enjoyed meals out with friends and said 'See you later' (can't cope with saying Goodbye at this point) to some amazing people: I am seriously lucky - the people I know and the love and support I receive from my friends and family.
 Today I finished work in Gellifor and Bryn Clwyd, at least for the foreseeable future and because it was my last day I decided we should do a lot of singing! Selfish or what? Gellifor Juniors rocked out Count you Blessings, Down by the Riverside and the Welsh National Anthem and then later the Bryn Clwyd Infants filled their lungs and blasted out the Harvest Samba and Jymbo Jet (Welsh spelling not a typo!). I found it pretty emotional saying 'au revoir' to friends and colleagues with whom I have worked so closely over the years ... not to mention the youngsters, some of whom I have known since they were a mere bump: watching them grow has been a real privilege. Thank you to everyone for my gifts and cards ... I have been spoilt and your thoughtfulness (particularly the fact that the gifts were sized for packing!) is very much appreciated.




September 2nd

The last day of the holidays for Denbighshire teachers, and that includes me for the next two and a half weeks! In the last month or so I have packed and repacked numerous times and ... yes, I have to admit it ... I have acquired a new and slightly larger rucksack. All the gear did fit into 33L but only just, so I decided to take some space with me too and check a larger bag into the hold of the 'plane. It still only weighs 9.5kg though... happy lady!