Vacation Misadventures

Maybe we should have noticed the signs. It was obvious from the beginning, this trip was going to test us. How much can we take?

We were excited for months about this trip. House boating on Shuwap Lake in British Columbia. The boat has 3 levels (with a bar on each one) and even a hot tub! Sounds like a great time! We only knew one person on the boat. He planned the trip and this was the third year his friends have done it. They had so many people that they booked 3 of these amazing houseboats.





This is the photo from the website. Looks like a good time. (Twin Anchors website) We packed up the night before. To save time, B loaded everything in the truck. We took a 3 and half hour nap and were heading out. I put my art journal in the back seat and heard the quiet crash of shatter proof glass hit the ground.




The passenger window was broken, my purse and my bag of travel clothes were taken. (B didn't realize it's a no no to put a purse on the seat of a vehicle, especially at night. I wasn't mad, I should have noticed when he was loading the truck) My luggage was also taken and dumped in the parking lot behind our house. I found it when the police man showed up. I got B to bring it into the house, I wanted to keep looking to see if they ditched my purse too. I walked with a flashlight for a few hours. Nothing. Later my room mate found my small bag and pillow that was also taken on a bike trail (the jeans, belt and hoodie that was inside not with it) Later we walked all around the trail and looked for signs of my purse. No luck. I made posters and put them in the convenience stores nearby. I posted an ad on kijiji with the same info. The thing is I want my cards, the rest I don't care about. I can replace my wallet and purse easily. (oh no, purse shopping) I just don't want anyone using my ID anywhere.
I have never had anything stolen from me before. I didn't know how to feel. I was kinda mad...Kinda sad...Kinda "are you F'n kidding me?"... And mostly blah...

We spent the day canceling cards and getting new ones. Washing my clothes. Cleaning broken glass, replacing it. We attempted to go shopping to cheer us up and replace my jeans. We were both feeling... blah... So we went home to take a nap. Later we decided to get sushi. Now that cheered me up. (the awesome powers of sushi) I was once again excited for the vacation.

We packed everything again and set it by the door. Went to sleep and set an alarm to be up for 2am. Instead of the snooze alarm I set it again to 3:30. It didn't go off. (yet another ignored sign) We slept in until 5:30 and slowly made our way.

The beautiful drive into the mountains was cheerful and boosted our mood. We then got a boat taxi out to the houseboat.




Lovely day to spend with my boyfriend. We thought it was all looking up from here. Drinks in our hands, we introduced ourselves to new people.

When we went to put our stuff in our room, we were told we don't get one. The couches and fold out beds were taken too. "you can sleep on the deck upstairs." like we didn't get crapped on enough already. We spent a few hours on the boat trying to have a good time. We couldn't. We called the boat taxi and left.

We put our stuff in the truck and went to the pub for a drink and to get a taxi to a hotel. B had "the best caesar ever" I had water. We made some calls and found out that all of the hotels, bed and breakfasts and motels were full. Of course they are. The waitresses were nice and tried to suggest more places. We were planning to sleep in the truck. One waitress asked us "You aren't freaks or criminals, are you?" um no, we aren't. She offered to let us stay at her rental house. It was empty, no tenants until next month. Finally, things were turning around.

There was a loveseat and chair, otherwise empty. Recently renovated and clean. We decided to sleep on the floor. We were fine, a lot better than sleeping outside. I slept well considering the floor was wood.




I decided to check out the back yard in the morning. Eat some fruit and enjoy the sun. I found that creepy dog toy, made me smile. A wasp landed next to me and started to groom himself. It left my fruit and juice alone. Today is already better, yesterday I imagine it would have stung me.




Before we fled Sicamous, we stopped at the D Duchmen Dairy for some ice-cream. Delicious REAL ice-cream made in that dairy, packaged and brought up front for all to enjoy. Anyone who drives through will tell you they stop too. Too many flavors to choose from... I got an "Above Average" size waffle cone, which is 2 scoops. Each scoop measuring to around a pint. I felt like a child holding such a big cone in my hand. We wandered around and looked at the cows, calves, chickens, donkeys and a camel. After devouring our monstrous cones we continued our drive, back to Alberta.




It's a hot and sunny day. Lovely driving. We took our time and stopped for dinner in Golden. Lots of time to enjoy good conversation. I love spending time with B.




Along the way we decided to salvage what we had left of our trip my stopping in Banff and spending the night. We have never been inside the Banff Springs Hotel (just drove past to admire it) until now. We stayed in their second best grade of suite, complete with jacuzzi tub and king size bed. I felt like a princess walking into a castle.




We didn't have time for a full tour, but I took a few pictures.







We were on the 9th floor, our room had awesome views from each window. (270 view)
















Jacuzzi tub in the first bathroom




Another hallway to the bedroom and second bathroom.




Comfy king size bed.




Quick scribble in my art journal.




In another nook, blogging.




Pretty views in the morning. I love the snow dusted peaks of the mountains.










The Mezzanine was beautiful. I wandered off while waiting to be seated for breakfast.




Same Mezzanine, from the other side. We agreed to do the full historical tour another day. We had to head home for a BBQ out at the lake.




Driving home. We survived every mishap and disaster, without being defeated. B and I agreed that this trip proved that we can head out on a terrible and expensive vacation without getting mad at each other. It ended like a fairy tale, prince charming and a castle.

Happily Ever After.






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Getting Out

Beautiful day! Clear skies and a shady trail. I am so happy I got up early today. Just enough time for me to go for a skate before work. I love the bike trails around here. The grass is cut and any branches that fall are cleared away. They fill any cracks so it's nice and smooth. Perfect for rollerskating. No dodging passing vehicles, other than the occasional bike. Sometimes runners and dog walkers, but they smile and continue on their way. The trails all connect and lead to parks.



These are new and in most areas of the city. Exercise parks. They are set up to use your own weight as resistance. Push or pull ad the seat rises or swings. They are also all doubled so it's easy to workout with a friend. The mats are squishy and great to sit and stretch.

Open to all and no membership. And as you can see here, not crowded.



I get onto the trail a block away from my house and do a 30 minute brisk skate. I go down the trails only having to cross the street a few times, I pass several parks. I skate until the trail ends and head back the way I came. If I have time I stop at the exercise park for a few minutes.

Lately, I find it hard to get out. Working weird shifts, rain, or might rain. Yesterday I made it into the house as hail began to beat down. Hours later it was sunny, like it never happened.

I have been skipping rope for cardio and finishing my workout inside. Good because then I can easily escape the rain when it starts. My theory is a little exercise is better than none.
I also have missed a lit of roller derby practices. Some have been canceled lately because the floor is wet from condensation, too slippery to skate or roof leaking water on the track. Others I missed to work. (lame)


I love the days I can tie my skates and roll out the door. Get my exercise and enjoy the sun.





- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone

Steam Punk Series 1

Now listed on my etsy page! Been working on some new designs. More awesomeness to come.

Check out my store.

Keeping Busy

I haven't posted in a while, but don't worry I have been keeping busy. There has been a lot of roller derby going on lately, I will elaborate on that later.

Ah, summer time. Mosquito bites and tan lines. I am starting to feel it, along with the heat. I am not complaining, its a wonderful time. I find I am having a hard time hanging out indoors when its so nice.

I wanted to grow some herbs on the windowsill of my craft room. I started them from seeds. The window faces south east and is quite sunny. The ones in plastic pots and cups seem to be growing a lot faster. I am having a bit of trouble with the mint.

Apparently, herbs weren't the only thing I was growing when I noticed a little fungus pop up over night. I set the pot outside in the sun and it shribbled up.

Although it was a cute little mushroom, he had to go.

I was so happy when I finally made it out the the lake. My dog loves running wild on the private beach. She doesn't enjoy swimming, but she can do it. I sometimes take her in when its hot. She is mad at first, but I know she feels better.

FITNESS UPDATE!

So far, since my last post I haven't lost any weight. BUT I have been keeping up with exercising 3 or more times a week. I haven't measured lately, but I am assuming its because I am gaining muscle. (Trying to stay motivated) Lately I have been roller skating outside. I go down the bike trails because I don't have to avoid cars, just dogs, children and bikes. The city put in a bunch of exercise parks outside. They are pretty nice. The trail leads to one and I have used it a couple of times. Outdoor skating is working my core a lot more than skating inside. I have been going out the past 4 days in a row and getting up in the morning, I could feel it. Awesome! Even more of a reason to keep it up.

I have been working on my art journal and mail art a bit. Look at the big pile of art I need to address and send. Eek, it piles up so quickly. Now that the strike is finally off, I am more motivated to get on this.

I will try to post once a week, sorry for the delay.

In my mail box, this month

I am a bit behind on posting the art I have received. Its so awesome! Getting lots of add and pass' lately.

Sorry if the images come up giant.

Add and Pass: Started by Pinky, Sent to me from i'm a superhero i can like fly and shit

From Strelnikov

From Mary Has Sound

From Lindsey

From eepy

And (as usual) Lots from Janet!

Her mail art is always so great! I have been getting a lot of it too. She must be really busy creating! Guess who is getting the add and pass' next! ;)