Grouse is "grouse"

In the Australian Vernacular, "grouse" means very cool, and Darcy, Brad, Scott and I had a grouse time at Grouse Mountain. Scott was astounded by the mountain, which dwarfs any kind of Australian "mountain". There were some patches of hard packed snow left over in places, and that was a novelty.

 

The gondola and chairlift ride up to the top were really impressive.

Sex sells lumberjack shows.

Look down and you might see a Grizzly Bear. We did, but not long enough to take a photo!

Whirlwind Part 2

This is a list of awesome things to do when in Vancouver for an overnight: 

1. Wander around Canada Place and the Convention Centre in the sun. 

2. Have  a glass of wine and  a catchup with the fabulous Camiel. 

3. Stay in an apartment 25 floors up at Carmana Plaza and enjoy vertiginous views of the city. 

4. Eat an AMAZING cholesterol laced breakfast at The Red Wagon. 

5. Speak to your pancake stack. Say: "Hello buttermilk pancakes and pulled pork, drizzled with Jack Daniels Spiked maple syrup. I love you." 

 

The Vancouver whirlwind

The first weekend we were in Canada, we drove  over to Vancouver with Darcy and Brad. We stayed overnight and did a food little walking tour of downtown. We stopped into some shops, got through the afternoon with some cupcakes, and later on we had a fantastic meal at Nicli Antica Pizzeria in Gastown. Yummy food, some drinks and dessert on a warm summer's night.

My lovely friends....

I can't hope for friends more lovely than these two. Darcy and Lori are great, and while I don't call or email as often as I should, they are often in my thoughts. Spending time with them was a highlight of my trip back to Canada.

I'm obsessed with PicFrame Collages

.... So, get used to the new format.

At least until I'm over it. 

Even though I worked in hospitality in downtown Victoria for a number of years, I have never actually gone on a whale watching tour. 

It's an uber-touristy thing to do, so Scott and I did it! We got wet with sea spray, saw a fair few orcas (6) up pretty close, and acquired some good old fashioned "off the water" sunburns. It was a blast! And the suits, high PF (personal flotation) fashion. 

So much has happened!

So much has gone on in the month of July.... It's been crazy good! 

We went back to Canada to visit my family and friends, and everyone met Scott and loved him... as I knew they would. 

Our pale Melbourne winter skin glowing bright in the Canadian sun.

We moved  house 3 days after returning home. Jet lagged and adrenalin fuelled, we packed and unloaded car load after car load of boxes and other stuff each night after work. The movers took care of the big items, and then we cleaned like demons, unpacked and shifted and adjusted and.... now we feel pretty settled. 

So, with a bit of time on my hands, in between spackling up old picture hook holes in the walls and putting up new window treatments and school work, I'll do my best to catch up on posting pics of our trip, and add a few descriptions and stories here and there.