Sheila & Alex's Wedding, Vancouver... Part Two

Thursday morning was spent splashing around with Aunty Kim. Kim, I think, had a fantastic time playing with Tegan and Fraser in the swimming pool and hot tub. Fraser spent a lot of time dive bombing Kim or asking her to come into the hot tub and just as she sighed with relief at the warm temperature he then turned round and jumped back into the considerably cooler swimming pool. Sitting on the sideline it was very entertaining - but many thanks to Kim as the kids had a great time.



By mid morning Rick and I came up with an escape plan - leaving the four sisters to have time together. So we hopped into the car and set of for another Vancouver adventure this time to Granville Island. Granville Island is connect to the city by a small causeway and lies underneath one of the main highways in Vancouver. It is an island that is home to performing arts, art education, dining, artists studios, art galleries, cement factory, brewery, floating houseboats and fabulous public market with lots of fresh food and a great place to have lunch overlooking the waterways. The market place allowed us all to select different types of food for lunch whilst we sat in our window seat watching the aqua bus ferry people from one side of the waterway to the other. After wandering around the market and childrens marketplace, much to the delight of Tegan and Fraser, we then turned down to the shoreline and came across some amazing floating houses. These houses were by no means shabby little boats but two storey luxury homes most of them with ceiling to floor windows with views out onto the water and across to the city, their parking spaces were in the form of boats. We all had a fantastic time at Granville Island with so many things to see and do, a great place to visit and returned to the others full of our adventure.

Friday morning we decided to visit Grouse Mountain. We left the hotel with sunshine but when we arrived at Grouse Mountain the summit was covered from sight by a large grey cloud that did not appear to be moving, all around however was blue sky. So we had a coffee and then went to look at a dam just down the road but judging that the cloud was in fact moving and we should go for it. So the 6 of us (Pat, Rick, Kim, Tegan, Fraser and myself) jumped aboard the skyride and took the 8 minute, 1 mile journey up the mountain standing 3861ft.

Once at the top and with our zips firmly done up (the temperature was a cool 4 degrees - not good for Pasty) we could see the views across Vancouver and the range of things to do on top of the mountain, I got excited seeing all the ski runs - just a few more months to go! Our first point of call was to visit Cooler and Grinder two grizzly bears whose home is Grouse Mountain. They had both been born in June 2001 and although not related had separately become orphaned. Both bears were brought to the mountain refuge for endanger species several years ago and now have a 5 acre habitat to live in. All of us loved seeing the bears and managed to catch a theatre presentation on how the beer cubs were found and their life story so far.

After wandering around the mountain top it was decided we needed warming up so lunch was in order. At this point we noticed lots of people were very sweaty and wearing sports kit (ie not a lot of clothes much to Patsy's shivers). It was then that we found out about the Grouse Grind.

History
Hikers were first recorded on Grouse Mountain back in 1894 when a hunting party shot a blue grouse bird and named the mountain in the bird’s honour. It wasn’t until the 1920’s and early 30’s, however, that Grouse Mountain saw the first big wave of adventurous hikers. Several thousand people flocked to the face of the mountain each year looking to reach the cabins located in the Grouse Mountain village, at the foot of what is now known as The Cut ski run.

The Grouse Grind®, as we know it today, was first developed in 1981 by mountaineers looking for a challenging, convenient aerobic workout to sustain them for their longer hikes. They began by following the existing British Columbia Mountaineering Club trail, which still exists today, and offers a slightly less strenuous climb. People soon wanted a steeper route and about a quarter of the way up began using well-worn animal paths as their guide. The trail route was completed in the winter of 1983.

The Modern Day Revival
The revival began in the early 90s, when the trail was appropriately named the Grouse Grind® in conjunction with the first ever Grouse Grind Mountain Run®, now Western Canada’s premiere trail challenge. Often referred to as “Mother Nature’s Stairmaster,” the trail has become part of the fabric of Vancouver. More than 100-thousand hikers a year take on the challenge of the rugged terrain and steep climb, up an approximate 56 per cent slope (30°), which starts at the Valley Station of Grouse Mountain and finishes at the Peak’s plateau.

In 1996, the original cast of builders, along with a number of enthusiasts from the B.C. Federation of Mountaineering Club and Grouse Mountain, rebuilt the trail ensuring optimum safety and enjoyment for the high volume of hikers while maintaining the highest level of environmental protection from erosion.

Length:	2.9 kilometres (1.8 miles)
Elevation Gain:	853 metres (2,800 feet) - Base: 274 metres above sea level (900 feet) - Summit: 1,127 metres (3,700 feet) - Total Stairs: 2,830
Statistics:	Annually, over 100,000 people hike the Grind™.
Average Time:	On average it takes up to an hour and a half to complete the hike. For novice hikers, up to two hours is recommended.
Participants:	Hikers range in age from 7 to 90, with an equal male/female split.

Course Record
The official course record to date for men is 25:01 held by Sebastian Salas set at the 2010 BMO Grouse Grind Mountain Run®. For women, the record is 31:04 held by Leanne Johnston and set at the 2007 event. Unofficially (that is, a record set outside the annual Grouse Grind Mountain Run®) the course record is a blistering 23:48 that is also held by Sebastian Salas.

Sheila & Alex's Wedding, Vancouver... Part One

Tuesday 12 October, Tegan, Fraser, Pat, Rick and I flew from Calgary to Vancouver to meet up with the rest of the family in order to attend Sheila & Alex's wedding which was taking place on the Saturday. Sheila is Chris's cousin. The Canadian side of Chris's family had not met Tegan and Fraser so it was a fabulous opportunity for us all to spend some time together and Sheila had kindly asked Tegan to be flower girl and Fraser ring bearer.

After a great flight which only took 1hr 15mins we arrived to sunshine which we didn't expect in Vancouver as people told us it only rained there - they were proved very wrong as we had lovely weather all week and perfect for Sheila's wedding on Saturday evening - almost summer like.

Our first point of call after collecting our hire car (which I would like to point out I drove for 5 days with one arm - probably illegal - all around Vancouver with Rick navigating) we dropped our bags of at the hotel (which looked like it was situated in the middle of China town) and then went round to Sheila and Alex's new house in Delta. It was great to meet up with everyone and Tegan and Fraser soon made friends with all the aunts, uncles, cousins & husbands off - they did a get a little confused.

After breakfast on Wednesday morning we all met up and decided to go to Stanley Park. So with a little navigating round 'down town' Vancouver we arrived at the park on a glorious sunny day. The park covers 1,000 acres of forested peninsula and is a Canadian national historic site. There is so much to do in the park from trails, cycling, horse carriage rides, train rides, gardens, totem poles, aquarium, farmyard and much more. The park sits on a peninsula and therefore the scenery is fantastic looking across the Burrard Inlet toward the city centre with all the amazing buildings and condos. It was decided that we would go to the aquarium, whilst the rest of the family went for a walk around the park.

On entering the aquarium we first visited the Tropic Zone which incorporated the Amazon rain forest. Straight away Tegan and Fraser had their noses pushed against the glass tanks looking at the amazing creatures along with Pat, Rick and myself. We then progressed into the Treasures of the BC Coast which again was so interesting to see the vast variety of sea animals in the local area. After spending time looking and learning inside we stepped outside to see the sea otters, sea lions, beluga whales and dolphins, also managing to catch the dolphin show.

Wednesday evening we attended the wedding rehearsal so that Tegan and Fraser could see what they were expected to do. The wedding was taking place at Seasons in the Park situated in Queen Elizabeth park in Vancouver - an amazing setting with fantastic views from the restaurant. We also got to meet other members of Alex's family. At this point I was still not convinced that Fraser would go ahead with being the ring bearer, although he is 'very' outgoing he does get shy in situations where everyone is looking at him. However there was hope - Alex's brother Matthew, who has 3 children, became Fraser's friend and things were looking up. Fingers crossed for Saturday. Very kindly after the rehearsal Alex's mum invited us all round for supper and was a very gracious host providing us with some lovely food and a great evening to get to know their family. Fraser made friends with Matthew's son Thomas and likewise Tegan with Olivia who was 13 years old but played with Tegan.

Thanksgiving...

Monday 11th October was Thanksgiving in Canada so we decided to cook a big roast turkey on the Sunday (Chris was out on the prairie on the Monday) along with a chocolate bread pudding, should have been pumpkin pie but we decided an alternative was better. Pat & Rick were still with us at this point so after a lovely Sunday walk out on the prairie we came home to a brilliant lunch cooked by Chris, very handy in the kitchen.

Monday Tegan and Fraser were off school due to the bank holiday so we all went ice skating. This broke the day up as I was also packing as we were due to fly to Vancouver on the Tuesday in order to attend Chris's cousin Sheila's wedding. Disaster struck jut as we were about to leave the ice - I was standing still when Tegan skated into the back of me and took my legs away from me, I landed on the ice on my left arm. Later that evening the pain was intense so I decided a quick trip (down into Medicine Hat) to the hospital was necessary. After a very swift x-ray and speaking to the doctors I came out to greet Chris wearing a pink plaster cast, approximately for 6 weeks.

Sept & Oct ....

Woops a few weeks have flown by yet again since my last update so here we go.

Finally Fraser is now in school full time and still all seems well, he is more than happy lining up for school in the morning and off he goes. He did come out of school recently, proudly pulled out a plastic bag from his coat pocket where he showed me his 5 pet grasshoppers and their food 'grass' and then promptly shoved them back into his pocket - you've got to love boys!

The last weekend of September saw a long weekend for the kids. So Friday morning Fraser went to play with Harry whilst I took Tegan, Mia and Lexi up to camp in order for them to try and sell all their Girl Guide Cookies - what a success they had on the unsuspecting soldiers and managed to have a complete sell out. After collecting Fraser I took them all ice skating prior to a quick stop for lunch then a cycle ride around the prairie in order to walk Jinx before heading into Medicine Hat. My kind neighbour informed me first thing Friday morning that I had a large nail stuck in my rear tyre which wasn't the start to the day I wanted as Chris was out on the prairie on not due home for a couple of days. So on the way to Med Hat I called into Kirk's Tires, put on a little lip gloss and they very kindly plugged my tyre for me, foc. Fraser thought it was great how they sorted out the tyre and was mesmerised for 5 minutes. After shopping as the kids had been so good all day we met up with Noo, Harry & Lexi and went out for tea - a great end to a busy day.

The remainder of the weekend was spent going to the cinema and then on Sunday I summoned up some courage and decided it was time that I did a weekend 'shinny' (friendly ice hockey game with whoever turns up plays). I was on the 'light' coloured team and after a couple of minutes of play whilst sitting on the bench I started to remember how much the guys smell whilst playing hockey - mind you I'm sure I don't smell of roses. It was a good game and good experience so I intend to play lots more.

Prior to doing the weekend shinny I had participated in the week long 2nd year skate school, which was a great feeling getting back on the ice and trying to remember all the things we had been taught from the previous season. This week 4 Oct is hockey school and then the games begin, starting Friday with a shinny against the 1st year guys. Sam T also organised a girls night to visit a local store in Medicine Hat called Source for Sports - a hockey store. BATUS and Source for Sports have a good relationship therefore they were happy to put on a night just for us girls, providing us with nibbles and wine/beer and enabling us to have the store all to ourselves and ask any questions regarding hockey. I would say most of us girls bought something - well I mean girls in a shop and not buying anything! Some girls spent a little more that others especially after lots of wine.

Pat & Rick arrived in Canada on the 30th September and so far the weather has been fantastic for them with lots of Autumn sunshine. They were in time to see Tegan and Fraser participate in the schools Terry Fox run which took place on Friday. Friends Sam T and Sam D also have their parents out visiting Canada so Saturday night we decided to take them all to Ralphs Texas Bar for a night of cowboys and two stepping - brilliant fun. Sunday was a picnic in Echo Dale park and a walk along the Saskatchewan river again in fantastic fall sunshine.

Monday 4 October 8 girls went western style horse riding to celebrate Noo's birthday - I forgot how high you are once on a horse. We went on an hour long ride out over the prairie - a great way to spend a Monday morning and all the horses behaved. On returning to the village Laura very kindly provided birthday lunch for us all and all the visiting mum's came round to join in.

Spruce Meadows....

Tegan is back in the routine of school and so far enjoying being in Grade 2 with a new teacher. Fraser is nearly there although he is still finishing school at 11.45 am - 2 more weeks to go before he is in full time, but like Tegan he seems to be enjoying it - however it is strange seeing my little boy in big school.

Someone has turned the weather temperature down this week just in time for the ice to be back down in Ralston arena. Lunchtime skating is full on - with first timers eager to start learning or returners getting back on the ice with a little caution for some. I've managed 3 lunchtimes along with Fraser who still just wants to go fast. Skate school commences this week for the Devils both 1st years and 2nd years in the evenings - looking forward to it.
Sunday Andy and Sam very kindly gave myself, Tegan and Fraser a lift with them up to Spruce Meadows, Calgary. Spruce Meadows is an outdoor equestrian facility built by the Southern Family and opened in 1976. The show jumping complex is in the foothills of the Alberta Rocky Mountains just south of the city and comprises 360 acres. The current president of Spruce Meadows is Linda Southern-Heathcott, a former olympian who competed in the 1996 Atlanta Summer Games for the Canadian Olympic Team. The 'masters' tournament has taken place at Spruce Meadows from Wednesday through to Sunday which is 'British Day', this is the 35th year of championship sport at Spruce Meadows. The weather was perfect both for the riders and spectors as it was cool at times but dry.
Upon our arrival we had a wonder around, Spruce Meadows is a amazing place with all the grounds in immaculate condition, flowers displays everywhere and buildings designed beautifully, along with bronze statues dotted around the grounds. During our day we got to see the Celle Stallions, Calgary Round-up Band, Calgary Stetson Show Band, Household Cavalry, Royal Horse Artillery, the Heavy Cavalry and Cambrai Band, pony rides, Sam Steele's Scouts, Fort Calgary Wheel & Runners and lots of others. At 11am we found seats at the International Ring to watch the Parade of Nations followed by the Grand Prix Round 1 of the masters show jumping competition - the jumps are so very big. The prize money for the winners is large, the pot is up to $1,000,000 and the events are covered on Canadian tv. I managed to watch the first 15 riders then it was time for lunch after which the kids were getting restless so I left Andy and Sam and off we went for a further look around. Tegan and Fraser got to stroke many of the horses and loved seeing all the different breeds - Fraser was especially taken with a mule horse called Biscuit. We eventually met up with Andy and Sam just after 5pm had a quick
bite to eat before making the drive back to Ralston. Thanks to Andy driving I could relax and just be the gopher in the middle of 4 kids supplying them with all the snacks, wipes, drinks and rubbish collector.

Whitefish, Montana, USA...

Chris managed to get a long weekend and as it was Labor Day Weekend (3 -6 Sept) we decided to drive to Whitefish, Montana USA. Although it was a 7 hour drive with the Canadian roads being so open and unpopulated it wasn't a difficult drive just long. We arrived at the American/Canadian boarder immigration where we had to complete the necessary forms, have our fingerprints and photo taken and then allowed to go on our journey. As we entered the Glacier National Park we took Logan's Pass road which took us up and over the mountains. At this point I was driving and it was a very interesting drive weaving our way up and down the mountain with lots of twisting and turning around bends and finally coming all the way down the mountain again.

We had chosen to stay at the Kandhar Hotel located on Big Mountain just outside Whitefish. One of the reasons to make the journey down to Whitefish was to check out Big Mountain for skiing this Christmas. So we checked in and went for a wonder around the mountain village to see what it had to offer. That night we had supper in the lounge area with a large log fire burning and fantastic pizzas. I also had a massage with 'Johnny Ray' who comes to the hotel each night for an hour and sets up his chair in the lounge for 10 minute massages - fantastic. We then jumped into the hotel's hot tub.

Saturday morning we headed slightly up the mountain to go on the Alpine Slide. The weather was perfect for whizzing down a mountain on a slide, back up on a chair lift and down again this time changing partners on the slide. After which we jumped on the Big Mountain chairlift which took us all the way to the top of the mountain for the amazing views over Whitefish. Unfortunately we didn't see any beers however the mountain we a great playground for mountain bikers which Fraser thought were fascinating.

We then left the mountain and stopped off at the Boat Club for lunch - perfect for people watching and everyone out on the lake in their speedboats and jet skies - a different lifestyle. So after a great lunch we visited the beach located just round the corner from the Boat Club and took a dip in the lake - a little cold! After getting a few supplies from the shops we made our way back to the Kandhar hotel and crashed in our room.





Sunday someone turned the temperature down drastically and the heavens opened with rain, although we were later told that it had snowed at the top of the mountain. So after a wonder around the town of Whitefish we joined in the American hobby of going bowling. Then back to the hotel hot tub and a movie. We were taken with Whitefish as it enables you to ski in/out from most of the hotels and houses so it is under consideration for Christmas. Monday after breakfast we packed the car and started the drive home, due to the snowfall we could not go back via Logan's Pass so drove the longer route which was actually also the quicker route back to Ralston.

Fraser Starts School..

30 August 2010 - Fraser Starts School.

Monday was the beginning of school after 9 weeks summer holiday along with Fraser's first day of school.

So off we set for the short walk to Ralston School, both kids with their new backpacks and lunch boxes - Fraser was very excited with his army bag and skull & crossbones lunch box - very different from Tegan's pink lunch bag. Tegan met up with her friends and joined the line to enter the school. Fraser likewise joined his line and we were then called into school and his new classroom. This year the kindergarten class has been split into two classes meaning that there will only be 15 children in each class, along with 2 new teachers. So after hanging up his backpack and changing into his indoor shoes we had a look around his new classroom. Fraser took it all in his stride and after a hug he was happy for me to leave.

So far so good - one week down and he still seems happy - although he was only there for 4 days before he had the Friday and Monday off as Chris had a long weekend so we popped to Whitefish, Montana USA for Labor Day Weekend.