{quilt} while you're ahead

*72** postcards from Canada

Day 12 - Jasper.

So here's the thing.  I love Jasper.  I'm totally bummed that I hadn't realised how gorgeous the place is and we only have one day here.

So many things and no time at all.

Also, I want a big dog and I want to call him Jasper.

One day.  Sigh.

In the morning we dragged (virtually) the boys for a walk (we did the Five Lakes loop)

As the name suggests we climbed and snaked around five very green lakes

Really green.

There were lots of mosquitoes too.  Really annoying.

In the afternoon we went white water rafting.  

It was cold.  We wore wetsuits and spray jackets and I think it was only the adrenaline that kept us warm(wish).  Exhilarating.  I strongly recommend it.

No 3 jumped in the 4C degree waters.  Just because he could.

Crazy, sweet, child of mine. 

 

 

 

*65** postcards from Canada

Day 5 - Tofino.

Morning on the water on a wildlife spotting trip.

The views weren't half bad either...

When we got to the docks it was misty and grey, wolves howled in the distance.

Amazing to hear, such a wild sound.  Mesmerising.

 we travelled in the water surrounding Tofino, Browning Passage, Clayquot sound, Meares Island.

Incidentally: did you know that the rainforest on Meares Island has been growing untouched/unlogged since the last Ice Age?  Yup, 10,000 years.

Enough to make you feel pretty damn small, I'd say.

We saw bald eagles, seals, and a grey whale.  And big lion mane jelly fish.

And let the cool salty air blew away the last vestige of 'real' world left in us.

After lunch (salmon tacos, yum, at the Wildside Grill in Tofino) we dragged the boys (kicking and screaming, literally, in one case...) on a walk down to Ucluelet - coolest name) Sound.

The Lighthouse loop is awesome (Canadians like to say 'awesome' a lot, I'm trying to fit in), even if you have a moaning 10yr old in tow who thinks that walking is boring 'because the only thing you do is walk'.  Whatever, don't listen to him.

It's a circular walk of only 2.6Km with spectacular views of the ocean.

Apparently it's even more 'awesome' during a storm when the huge ocean waves smash against the rocks below.

 Still, who's complaining, eh?

102-2015 - urban rambling -

This morning, after I dropped off No 2 to rugby training I leashed the dog and rambled through the city for an hour.  I don't know you... but normally when I walk around my town I have a purpose, as in somewhere to go or something to buy... I don't think I've ever walked around my town just for the sake of walking.

It seems a weird thing to do and yet it shouldn't.   It's considered perfectly normal to ramble on the hills... why not on the streets?

Cheltenham is such a beautiful town... it's a shame not to explore it more...

 

 

We crunched leaves and explored new parks

old art, new art

I had such a good hour.  That's all it took to walk a few streets and wonder through a park I had previously only heard of.  Sanford Park, I'll be back in the spring, I bet you're even more beautiful then.

Shame on me.

Urban rambling might be something to do again.  Soon.