Wow, kayaking on the ocean...what a neat experience. We were in a protected area, but the waves did get higher. We rented three two seaters and the kids rode in the front and contributed somewhat to the paddling, but moreso to the snack consumption when we landed for a break.
We had brunch with Mark and Lynn at the country club nearby which was nice and then later on they came over for pizza and a movie.
The Butchart Gardens were a sight to see especially for flower lovers. The fireworks were more interesting for the kids though.

Butchart Gardens

TOday we are off to north to Nanaimo and surrounding area as I will start to work shortly setting up the IT facility for APTN at the North American Indigenous Games.

It was a cool trip over the ferry yesterday morning and an early one as well. We actually were on the same boat as Mark and Lynn...but only found out later as they were sleeping in their car the whole trip while we were on the deck watching for whales (which we didn't see). After arriving in Victoria we took the tourist route around the harbour and visited the Bay for lunch. The museum in Victoria sounded appealing so we had a great time there and watched an IMAX film about the sardine run in South Africa.
We then called Lynnie and had a nice visit and bbq at their place.

All the way to Anacortes, Washington today. And what a ride it was. Beautiful weather and such a fantastic road. I don't think anything in South Africa was that much better than route 20 through the Cascade mountains. Very awe inspiring. The kids travelled well again and we took a few stops as well in between to see the scenery. Anarcortes is a lovely little town on the coast. We enjoyed a great supper at the Rock Fish restaurant. Staying at a motel...but it is clean. Off to Victoria early tomorrow on the ferry which the kids were really looking forward to.

Hey All...
We are in Penticton experience fantastic hospitality from the Olfert family. What super kids. We got in just before supper and enjoyed a pork BBQ together with Terry and Heather. The Okanagan wines hit the spot. We went for a tour of the area last night and Katy even got to sleep in a tent with her 2nd cousins! H + H had a sleepover with Brendan (the teenager) in the basement.
THe drive west from Calgary was beautiful, we made a stop in Lake Louise for a short hike and lunch. We saw a bighorn sheep on the side of the road and numerous hawks. We even dipped our feet into the cold waters of the mountains. Revelstoke was coffee break time.
The night before we spend with Leon (however he wasn't there due to work) and we had supper with Aunt Valdine near her house. That was a great visit.
Today we'd like to drive south through Washington and stop at Anacortes for the night before heading off on the ferry to Victoria for the weekend.

We made it to Swift Current without any issues...except the pool and waterslide is out of commission which disappointed the kids. After a late supper at Taco Time we walked back to the HOJO for a little TV and bed. The kids behaved very well in the van....it was a long drive. We had left at ten fifteen from WPG, then stopped in Brandon for lunch. Harry already had his nap between that time. We watched Cars in between our coffee break at Robins in Regina and Swift Current, which was a good way to make that part short.
Tomorrow it is off to Calgary and perhaps stay with Leon, our cousin.

Road Trip 2008 - Vancouver Island or Bust.

Summer is here

Well we are finally hitting some high 20s weather here in Winnipeg. That brings out the summer wear, the convertibles and the slurpees. The kids' baseball and soccer is winding down and so is school. We are planning a holiday to the west coast and Vancouver Island in July and then off to West hawk lake in August. Should be fun.

No new posts lately....doesn't mean I haven't been up to anything, but I wasn't sure if people would still look here after we were back in Canada. We've been back over a month already and sometimes now it feels we never left. Personally I still think of Cape Town everyday since I subscribe to a google alert with South Africa. So I know that there has been a new rugby coach appointed for the 'Boks. Also I've heard back from Marion, Heather, Lille, Graham and Nirmal. That is so good. Katy had a phone call from her friend Jane this morning at 6:30. I'll try to get more pictures up shortly.

I've got some new pictures up. This morning there was beautiful hoar frost on the trees and bushes. This happens when there is moisture in the air due to a warming trend and then it freezes onto the surfaces that are outside. It's quite nice. Carla took these pictures. We have been playing outside at the skating rink, Harry and I took the toboggan to pick up the Christmas tree tonight and the cat, Fonzie is back home.