BC Adventures

June 4th - Moraine Lake, Memory for Mike

2007-06-08T19:46:00.000-07:00

June 4th is the Anniversary of Mike Farrow's climbing accident. Three years ago Mike Farrow and Kevin James went to climb Mount Deltaform, the 8th peak of Moraine Lake's Valley of the Ten Peaks. Unfortunately they did not return do to an avalanche. In memory of Mike, i went hiking all around the lake and up the side mountain for a view of the mountain that crushed a long time friend and Christian brother. Thanks to mike, i learned how to Ski and got me into kayaking and started my love for climbing and beautiful BC Mountains. We'll never forget you Mike... Here's the day for you.

Ground squirrl tried to eat my lunch...

June 3rd, Staff Day - Total Carnige on the River

2007-06-08T18:59:00.000-07:00

Well...our boss had the great idea of having a staff day for us... and what else would river guides do on their day off? of course... they spend it on the river! We took the sport yaks out on the river and maybe that wasn't such a good idea. The two man inflatable Kayaks, turned into 7 people, 4 boats, and 6 paddles swimming in the river with in the first 10 minutes of the trip. My boat being one of them, but luckily Paul and I ended up in the eddie behind the hole we flipped on. Paul and I stayed back and helped rescue Chris and Deanna, and eventually kept heading down the river. We stopped at a near by waterfall to make sure everyone was okay to keep heading down the river. As we sat there, we were looking at the river, and some of the debris comming down from the water being so high this day... we saw a 'log' coming down the river, but it seemed to be crossing the river... and at this point my boss yells "Holy Fuck lets get out of here, that's a bear" and sure enough, our juviniell black bear friend was swimming accross the river, right to us. He climbed up on shore, shook himself off and look at us like'what are you guys doing" Coolest thing i've ever seen. So cute too... Anyways, later on down the river, we were all doing fine,heading through the Rock Garden... so far so good and just as we thought we were almost through it, somehow Paul and I ended up in the river before we could even realize what had happened. We ended up flipping on a hole we thought we were past, and Paul was stuck inthe hole with the kayak getting recycled, while i was swimming down the river, between rocks on one side of me and big ledge holes on the other. Lets just say i was not a happy person at that time and was frantically trying to scream at Finn (our boss) to get him to paddle to me before i went over the unavoidable ledge drop that was coming up. Thank god Fin got to me just in time for me to grab his boat as we road over the ledge through the wave together, then paddles to shore. i was so terrified and looking upstream for Paul, who luckily managed to get himself out of the hole and into the kayak to paddle to find me. As soon as paul got to me and finn, i jumped on him and hugged him like there was no tomorrow... we got back into the kayak and took out a little farther down and i got in the truck with the photographer and the others that had quit earlier up the river. After we all got off the river, we went and had lunch and then had a tennis tournament and lots of beer to chat about the days events that turned out rather funny now that you think of it. Anyways... that was our day, and there's more photos to come about it. Cheers!

Guide School

2007-05-27T16:37:00.000-07:00

As all of you should know by now, i'm training to be a White water raft guide this summer. So here's a few pictures of the Crew and us training and hanging out. It's a small staff for a small river, so it should be a good summer. I'd also like to point out, we've rafted in all types of weather and these last pictures... yes this is SNOW... not rain... a few days ago we were in a snow storm rafting down tobby Creek... and it was a nightmere. We've tained in all weather hung out at nights staff bbq's lots of adventuers on the river wtih swimmers and losing the guides, paddles crashing, wrapping the raft, suring, and thanks to me the closest flip in class 3 water.... oh it's been great... and it only continues!

Night Out

2007-05-27T16:32:00.000-07:00

After a long time away and Guide training, i havn't seen many frineds, so here we are out at the bar catching up and hanging out. Me and Darren

Trip Home to Ontario

2007-05-27T16:20:00.000-07:00

Well, the end of April gave our family a tragic event that i had to come home for. My uncle had a stroke, resulting in his passing, so it was a pretty tough trip home, but i did try to have some fun whlie i was there. The photos are from when Amy and I went hiking up the Bruce to Cape Croker. During my time home, i also visited london for a day, went hiking, got sick with the Norwalk virus, saw a few friends, spent some time in Midland with the family and the funeral. The tribute funeral to bob was hard because he belonged to the police force on the dispatch crew. I also hung out in Missasauga with Matthew at his new house before flying home to BC! Here's a few photos of Cape Croker.

Kootenay Park Adventure

2007-04-12T21:40:00.000-07:00

Well, this post has been a long time comming. About a month ago, i went hiking in Kootenay Park to Stanley Glacier. I went by myself just to have a chill day and the weather was perfect. This is the only day i've seen the park so clear and so beautiful. More often then not, the pass is cloudy and raining. So i'm not in any of the photos b/c i had to take them all. but here's a few to look at.

Easter Activities

2007-04-12T21:31:00.000-07:00

Well... East at the resort went well and i got to play easter bunny and activities coordinator.... it was pretty sweet! Here's some goofy photos of our massive egg hunt. and i never want to do that again. Boulinda and i had to hide over $700 worth of candy... and we still ran out and had kids that didn't get any. CRAZYNESS

PANORAMA

2007-04-04T19:04:00.000-07:00

Well now, what do two bored lifeguards do on their days off in April? SNOWBOARD AND SKI OF COURSE! It's arpril 4th and we have fresh powder at the local mountain, so off we went and had a shit show of a day. Here's a few random pics.... oh what a day! THANKS MARSTAR!!!! Let us not forget the conversation with the branch, and laura's hug with a tree!!!! Oh and we can't forget about barring ourselves (well, mara) in snow to impress the lifty! hahaha And skiing on the chairlift Oh and then Laura (me) disapeared into waiste deep powder for half an hour trying to find my way back to base. SICK! what a day!

Jack + Daniel + Jesse

2007-04-01T23:27:00.000-07:00

My new favorite men... well acutally my least favoret men. Darren had a good friend visiting from calgary, so we all thoguht it was a good idea to have a drink after work in the pools. Well, they pools were 103F and when one JD leads to another, it also leads to 3 very drunk lifeguards with three hangovers..... opps, lesson leared, and next time, i also wont have a snowboard road trip planned. Lets just say the 4 hour truck drive wasn't very fun, but at least Oli was there for me! Good times boys! Yes there is obviously more to this story that no one is findingout about except those who where there. Lets go to Lucier at 3 AM again guys????!!! WHOS IDEA WAS THAT? Cutos next time Jessee

Snowboarding Road Trip! Nelson and Rossland

2007-04-01T23:21:00.000-07:00

What do three snowbaorders and one skiier have in common? Of course on days off... a last minute road trip... Well, at the last minute, Me, carla, Tom and Oli decided to go on a road trip to Nelson BC, in the next valley over, and let me tell you, it was an adventure. We got up at 5 am on wednesday morning (after i had a very eventful night wtih Darren and Jessee)and headed on the road towards Nelson, BC looking for Whitewater ski resort. After figuring out we could have left an hour later becuase all four of us forgot that we crossed over the time change, so we had to kill an hour somewhere, so we stopped in a small town at a diner. We arrived at whitewater, only to find icy and hard packed conditions all morning, so after a few horrible runs, we gave up and went in for some beer and a snack. After killing some time on the patio, we went back out and the conditions had softend up for us, well at least the beer made us think so anyways. Haha, here's the photos of Whitewater. Now continueing on, we troued around Nelson and stopped in a pub for dinner and to discover our next destination mountain was farther then we thought. so choices to be made... where to go now and what to do. Well we ended up getting this sick deal at Red Mountain. A georgious condo and 4 lift tickets for less then $200 bucks.... split by 4 people. You do the math! SICK! So we drove on to Rossland, got hooked up in the condo, had some wine in our private hot tub and chlled out for the night until we hit the mountain up the next day. And lwet me tell yoiu, the conditions were sweet, soft snow, no ice and an all around sick day! Good trip yo! I'd do it again any time Tom and Carla! Oli... always a pleasure. next time we're sharing the bed!

Girls Night

2007-03-24T17:48:00.000-07:00

Here we are at hoodoos... Belinda, my fab roomate got me to come out after my horrible 911 day at work yesterday. (thats a whole other story) so we went to the hoodoos lounge an grill, the girls ate, i got an appy and we listened to the band play! It was a pretty good chill night! Thanks BEE!

St. Patty's Day - Jam night

2007-03-24T17:22:00.000-07:00

Oh, i forgot about st. patrics day, so here's the small story that it is. Darren and I after closeing the pools went down to he hoodoos bar and grill to see what was goign on for jam night and it was pretty much over when we got there, but the awesome owner Rory let us hang out and Darren played lots of dave matthews and oasis for me while they were cleaning up the bar, so take a listen, and check out Rory's wicked outfit for the evening!

Kicking Horse - Golden

2007-03-24T16:54:00.001-07:00

Well, here's an adventure of a lifetime! Snowboarding in powder for the first time ever wtih Auzie Anna and British Oli! We left home at 730 Am up the 95 north to Golden in my good old "Starla" It was a bright sunny day and things were all good. I was so stoked to see the mountain rage past Radium, i've only seen it once and that was in the summer going rafting. We saw lots of deer, elk, eagles and geese on the way up, and of course lots of mountains and snow! The day was full of fun, stacks, good company, tree hugging, snow hiking and good rides! I'd go again any day. Golden had lots of fresh snow, and learning to ride powder was so fun! you could fall and jump and cliff drop and nothing would hurt.... well until we got home that is... such a work out! What a great day, here's some photos, and a big video to come that we're all putting together.

Boarding wtih Anna

2007-03-24T16:51:00.000-07:00

Good fun practice boarding day with Anna... getting ready for Golden!

Boarding with Darren

2007-03-24T16:41:00.000-07:00

Hey all, here's the new kid i told you about and our crazy times boarding at the fairmont hill just for fun! He's a nut case! Good to finally have someone to relate to and work with!

The drive Back

2007-03-15T21:08:00.001-07:00

Banff - Johnson's Canyon

2007-03-15T21:04:00.000-07:00

Well, being stuck in banff was good fun. I went ice hiking into Johnstons Canyon. It was good fun and some wicked pictures! And here's some more pictures of the drive home after the weather cleared, it was awesome!

Glens last moments

2007-03-15T21:02:00.001-07:00

Well, I thought this night would be a lot more eventful then it actually was, what happened here Glen?

Still all in good fun….

Getting ready for the road trip

Sunday morning we went for brunch and one last dip before having to load the car for Glens very long trip home. After loading the car and saying goodbye to everyone, Glen and I started our drive towards Banff and Calgary.

It was wet and raining so we didn’t even get to see the mountains, the whole point of my road trip. We stopped in Banff and did a bit of shopping and touring the town before the beloved Auzie went home. After about 2 hours we jumped back in my car, Starla and headed on the highway to Calgary. As glen had a smoke, we listened to some Australian comedian who makes prank phone calls???? Funniest thing I’ve ever herd… good on you mate.

In Calgary we met up with Carla and Haden for one last beer before hitting the airport, good times, but emotional. After getting lost in the airport terminal we finally found our way to the departures gates and this is where the trip with Glen ends. After a very long hug and a kiss, I had to let the boy go and leave him be to start his 3 ½ day trip back to Perth. Such a sad moment. I’ll miss you Glen!

Well… then I headed back to Courteny’s house to crash for the night since no one else seemed to be avaible, we had a good time, until morning rolled around, and Laura’s car stalled after about 30 seconds of driving. Uh oh, here we go. The story of my life.

Long story short, after waiting about 9 hours, I finally got my car toed, fixed and back on the road towards Banff. So much for a day full of hiking in the rockies…. More like a day spent sitting on my ass in Calgary. Oh what bad luck do I have.

Well, either way, I’m now in Banff, stranded again because the highway is closed due to avalanche… go figure, but hey, I’d much rather be stranded here in Banff, then in Calgary. Tomorrow should prove interesting!

Anyways, there’s a road trip gone bad, and wait a minute if I wasn’t ALONE (Mara) I’m sure it would have been much more eventful!

Til next time…… have fun and take care of your cars!

Glens last Snowboard

2007-03-12T21:31:00.000-07:00

Well, after a 10 day work week, days off are finally here again. Today we went boarding for Glens last day in town, and he just got here, we’re all kind of mad at him. But anyways, it was a good day at the hill, and I can now say I’ve boarding in my vest in Canada, it was so warm out.

Hockey Game

2007-03-12T21:28:00.000-07:00

Staff outing to the WHL Hockey Game… well that turned into laura being the babysitter of the night, why does this always happen to me? The night started out with Wings at far side pub where Me, Jeff, Mara and boss Rob all met up. Then Rob took us to the grocery store to pick up liquer and Tequila (or ti kill ya) was the choice of the night. So on the hour drive to cranbrook with our boss, who’s a COP, we’re drinking open alcohol in the truck…. We found the other staff going ot the game and we played pass and chase on the highway, that was good fun. We had boxed seats for the game, which that means free alcohol at the game. Well at the beginning of second period, it was time to take the juice box away from Mara and go to the bathroom. I guess hot and spicy wings, tequila, fireball and beer just don’t mix in a girls stomach. Thus begins the two hours of me taking care of Mara in the bathroom and then the whole car ride home…..

Car Trouble

2007-03-09T19:54:00.000-08:00

Well… we all know cars are nothing but trouble and for me, there really is no exeption. Good funny story .. so the short version is... Auzie Glen, filled up my oil and over flowed the tank causing my car to over head, shut out the computer and ruin my air filter and almost my engine.

Yikes… lesson learned – never let an auzie help you with your car. Hahaha KIDDING

No worries glen, I don’t hate you. Just a stupid mistake on both our parts that cost too much money.

I dont' even own the car yet!

Auzie Days!

2007-03-09T19:43:00.000-08:00

New People

Well…. Spring is upon the resort and a bunch of new staff are arriving, and alas my new roommate Boulinda and my new favourite boys… Shayne and Glen from Austrailia.

Good times at farside with pool…. Maybe not my strong point after 4 Alaxanders with Glen.

Boarding and the down under…

Well the Auzies now out number the English/bitish people here, who out number the orients who out number the Canadians, this place is wack.

So I was boarding with 4 Auzies today, which is weird. One Canadian and four austrailians, but anyways, I had a blast of an afternoon, watching the boys stack it all the way down the hill and at the bottom, looking like a walking frosty the snow man. Haha, cheers Glen! One day you’ll get it right!

After an afternoon of boarding, laughing my ass off at the auzie crew (Tom, Carla, Glen and Shane) we went had a few drinks, dinner, and then the 3 hour… yes THREE hour soak in the hot springs just chatten away to each other. Good day!

GONE CRAZY

2007-02-20T13:55:00.000-08:00

So, this is just me and Mara, being absolutely ridiculous and stupid! Go ahead and laugh! This is what we do, on nights when we're bored and all we want to do is bitch about the men we like, then come up with things to do to them, or not do to them, or for them or ... well you get the point, this is our girl talk about men. Please note what we're holding! oh Mara, the black male coming your way.

Hiking...Adventure???

2007-02-20T13:42:00.000-08:00

So.... maybe going hiking in the protected area of the Hoodoos isn't a good idea to clear your head by yourself. Haha, opps! Well... besides seeing the greatest views, good walk in the warm weather getting soaked by all the melting snow, playing photo shoot with a bald eagle and getting the shit scared about of me by only what now appears to be the wind... it's all good. I herd rocks falling from the sand peaks, so immediately i thought it was an animal coming over the hill, Cougar, Wolf, Deer, Mountain Sheep, something. So goofy Laura climbed into the nearest tree to wait and see if an animal was to appear. a few minues later, hopeing she was just crazy , i climbed out of my tree and decided it was time to get out! Anyways, here's the pictures of me trying to clear my head and go for a hike in the woods... next time, i'm bringing someone.

Valentine's Day

2007-02-16T10:36:00.001-08:00

Best Valentines Day ever! Thanks Mara! You’re a wicked date!

You really can’t get much better then two girls, a fantastic pasta dinner, 2 bottles of red wine, a wicked chick flick, bailey’s and ice cream sundays, hot chocolate with bailey’s and real whipped cream, chocolate truffles and some good girl music. Good man chat and stories, problems solved, solutions found and wine drank.

Really you just can’t get much better then that. Lets hope there’s no hang over the next day! Haha.

Well… all dolled up but no pictures to show, but last night was a fiesta right Mar? We know how to make a night, a night! Haha

Lets do it all over again!

Mountain Life

2007-02-14T13:00:00.000-08:00

Days off Again...Just to relax this time. Read, swim chill out and of course, the infimous Karaoke. You watching Brit boys and Auzies trying to play mad gab at a bar while significantly intoxicated is extremely hilarious. I reccament trying it! haha Gotta love the Peach and the Orange together in a drink! Thats the up date for now, work is work, and it'll be busy for the rest of the month with school holidays. Anyways... Mountain life is all good! Cheers everyone, and Happy Valentines Day!

Days Off!!!

2007-02-09T13:00:00.000-08:00

Kick Ass! Thanks Krystal!

2 days of fun, boarding, wings and beer!

Day at Fairmont just can’t get any better when you can’t see 2 feet in front of your face and your boarding partner wears a WHITE jacket! Good going! Haha. One day we’ll get it right Krys!

HEY – do any of you guys know a 4 year old that can snowboard? Cutest thing I’ve ever seen. A four year old kid, that can actually snowboard and go off jumps.

Wicked Day Krys, Olli and Whittle!

Day at Pano!!!

Well… this was a day to talk about. After Krys and I decided to actually go to pano even though it’s shitty weather and heavy snow… on the way there, we spun out the car on the other side of the road and almost went over into a big ditch in the valley. Opps! Krystal, maybe you shouldn’t drive over 100 km/hr when it’s bad road conditions… oh and when you’re trying to get out of the spin out, don’t slam on the breaks! HaHa!

So… then we go to Timmy Hortans, get coffee and debate the re

st of the road trip. So we go b/c we’re crazy, and we get to Pano, run into Dano from London, say hi and on the lift we go.

First run, is supposed to be an easy go run to get the day started. Well, just for the record Krystal, I’M PICKING IT NEXT TIME! So we ended up lost and in the sun bowl, going down steep runs, that just arne’t meant for first run of the day. Ha, opps! But we’re alive, after 40 minutes of being lost on the hill.

So, when we finally find our way, we kick it up, and go to summit. Wow… not too much of a view b/c of the fog, but you could at least see the peaks today. Some

Powder, but nothing to rave about. And then comes first run down “Extreme Dream Bowl” which is full of single and double blacks! Yeah, lets kill Laura on the second run!

Anyways… We found Dano later and started riding with him, also tried to kill Laura! Few runs with Dano, then Krys and I were off for home. Legs were way to tired to hang out til 4 pm. So last story of the day, we picked up a Mexican hitch hiker! Turns out she was on a day off from working at Pano, and just out enjoying the snow!

All in all, wicked day, awesome tunes, great story and few pictures!

Cheers!

Moving?

2007-02-04T13:40:00.000-08:00

Well guys, i might have a job opportunity on the island for aquatics? so should i move, even though i just got here? What to do? I'd feel bad for leaving so soon, but honestly what's keeping me here? besides the mountains? Someone smart give me advice... come on guys... Here's some random pics

Skiing Sheep? WHAT

2007-02-04T13:32:00.000-08:00

So, we were up at the ski hill before work today, and well almost plowed over big horned sheep. Opps! Anyways, here they are... this was also the day, i decided to go down through the trees down a black and well, laura tumbled down the hill, lets just say i'm gonna be at the massage therapist for a week. OMG! Never again! (When are we going again Brian?!) oh and I tried new snowbaord boots, biggest difference in the world.... i can snowboard again! Yeah! Board park, here we come! Hope everyone at home is okay! let me know guys! Cheers!

Skiing!

2007-01-29T16:31:00.000-08:00

Well, another normal day at Fairmont. Went skiing before work and lets just say, check it out!

Party?

2007-01-27T12:18:00.001-08:00

So there was supposed to be a party last night. We went to far side to hang out , then left and well... things just got complicated. How is it that I always someone like the guy, who likes my dear friend Elizabeth. Aww. Well either way, Laura started to get drunk, and well...we know Laura upset and drunk never ends in a good story. oh Well! NEXT! Pics Laura and Drew, new pool boy Laura and Bren, the gymp and roockie! The girls Me and Lizzy, being, us! and T-Rod pool king!

Winter Water Fall Hike

2007-01-27T12:15:00.000-08:00

So, here's the winter view of my favorite spot on site. I went for a walk here the other day to clear my head and see the view. Check it! I also found bob cat tracks! Creepy!

New Blog

2007-01-27T12:14:00.000-08:00

Well everyone, there's another blog coming out, so the BC stories don't get mixed in with the life thoughts and men stories. check it out, it's to the right, the link about thoughts and men! Cheers!

Work - Closing the Pools!

2007-01-27T12:13:00.000-08:00

Ok,s o I’m the biggest loser out there. I got my self so phyched out that I had to call my good friend from Security, Erwin, to stay with me while I finished off closing pools down. Wow, I’m a loser. Who gets that scared that they need a body guard around to clean and lock up a building? Yeah… ME! HELP I'm so over this lifeguarding thing already!

Winter Ice Festival

2007-01-23T13:00:00.000-08:00

Winter Ice Festival

Well, unfortunately I had to work during the festivities, but I managed to get a few very bad pictures of ice carving and fire dancing. Can someone please teach me how to use my camera?

Well…. It was cool to watch a guy turn a chunk of ice into a beautiful sculpture in minutes

Day at Panorama

2007-01-23T12:58:00.000-08:00

Man, the fun just never stops. So today I dragged Cory and Tim out of bed to go to Panorama Mountain resort to go skiing. It’s about 40 minutes away and it’s so sweet. We also met my friends from Ontario there. Mark Stewart and Annie Long… Good times guys. How you feeling now Annie? I couldn’t move thismorning.

So the runs here are way longer and it took 3 chairlifts to reach the summet of the mountain. But it was cloudy so we couldn’t see much. Hopefully next time they’ll be sun! Can’t wait to go next week. Get psyched up martin!

After killing our selves on the slopes, we all went for beer and food afterowrds and hung out in Mark’s hotel room. Good sweet times. We debated staying so we could ski the next day, but we were all way to sore and tired. Oh well, another day.

Karaoke!

2007-01-23T12:54:00.000-08:00

Well, as tradition Karaoke in Fairmont is Tuesday nights, and here we go again. This is the night I finally met Paul Widdle from England. The one I herd stories about all summer and now I know why. He’s nuts.

Lizzy ad I cooked dinner after work and headed over to farside together, good times. This is where I also officially met and hung out with Todd… the new accountant. And we’ll leave that at that.

Oh I do have a question for everyone…. Don’t you think it’s better for someone to crash on your couch instead of driving home after drinking? Yeah I thought so too, but aparetly that’s not cool here, b/c I got introuble for it? WHAT THE HECK? Have you ever herd of suck madness in oyur life? Yeah me either. This place is messed up.

Well, at least you’re alive T dog.

Work!

2007-01-23T12:52:00.000-08:00

Well, lets just say work is… kinda boring. I’m so over the whole lifeguarding thing. So abouve that now, but whatever, it’s a job. Pretty easy for the most part here. It’s pretty laxed. Certaily not like back home.

Anyways…. Closeing the pools suck b/c we don’t get done til around 1 am. But I love opening, it’s so quiet , watch the sun rise over the percell mountains. It’s pretty sweet!

That’s all for now I guess.

Where Have I been?

2007-01-19T13:41:00.001-08:00

So where have I been? Well, I went snowboarding today after sort of settleing in my house with a roommate who doesn’t want me there.

The adventures never end. I arrived at the apartment Friday night, and no one told my roommate I was coming, boy did she get a surprise. So not to aggravate her, I dumped my stuff off and left immidiatly to find my boys, and sure enough they were at Farside. So Cory and I went and saw tim and the gang, playing, time to switch your shirt game, in the bar. Pretty crazy times at the Farside Pub.

Anyways, So I went snowboarding on Sunday morning with Martin, and the hll here is small compaired to Blue back home, but the view at the top is definelty worth it. Here’s some pics to show you what it looks like! Anyone interested in coming to visit now?

Latah!

Arrival!

2007-01-19T13:39:00.000-08:00

Well, so much for not worrying about light packing. I had planned and made arrangements to get picked up at the Calgary Airport, So I wouldn’t have to travel and take taxies and buses to Fairmont. Well after paying extra at London airport for an overweight bag of 84 pounds, and my snowboard, I arrived in Calgary, only to find out that: A – my ride isn’t there to get me, and B – my luggage is wrecked. After waiting almost 3 hours at Calgary Airport, I call Ontario to get my emails checked. Sure enough there was an email from Martin saying he’s not coming. By the way, WHO CHECKS THEIR EMAIL WHILE THEY’RE FLYING??? Thanks Martin. So, what to do now? Well, luckily I had by chance gotten in touch with Meghan Thomson before I had left, just incase the roads were closed or something. So I called her up and she so gracriuly let me stay the night and hang out. Great to have old friends around in situations like that. Cudios Megs!

So I tok the $30.00 cab ride to her house and hugn out. Luckily she also didn’t have school the next day. So we just hung out with her roommates and chatted. I went for a walk and then headed to the bus station in another cab. Oh with all my luggage, it’s so much fun moving it all around.

So, there I was finally on the Grey hound on my way to Fairmont, with a mass amount of luggage, all alone. So lesson of travelling alone… don’t do it, or Pack light for any event that may occur. ONLY PACK ESSENTIALS.

Til next time, keep reading my online journal, for the day in the life of the BC Traveller.

BC ROUND 2

2007-01-17T16:29:00.000-08:00

Well, Here I am. Back in the beautiful BC Rockies, and can i just say.... BBBBBRRRRRRRRRRRR. So, on my way out, i got stranded in Calgary (thanks Martin) but thankfully Meghan Thomson was around to save the day and for us to catch up. Good time Mego, Thanks again! I've been snowboarding once already, and the view is fantastic. The hill's not quite as big as blue, but the view totaly makes up the difference. Anyways, here i am, working and playing! I'll keep you posted for the good days of BC.

WOW - Long Time

2006-11-09T18:02:00.000-08:00

So Guys, i know it's been ages since i've posted, but i've been busy. Besides my road trip and working, I've been doing a lot of swimming courses and visiting people in london and such. it's been great fun. and still continuing. the next two weekends i'm in waterloo, and then one more weekend in toronto, then hopefully i'll be done all my courses for a whle and then back to work. It's been nuts, who ever said cramming 6 first aid and swimming courses together was a good idea, man where they wrong, acutally i think someone tried to talk me out of it.... but do i ever listen.... (JASON and J'Nan You should have tried harder) anywyas, i'm stuck now and almost through! So.... I did send out a mass email about the Christmas party, and i better hear back soon for those of you who are interested. I will be sending out anouther one and will post the details on here as well. Anyways, as for my fun with the firneds, I've spent a weekend with my beloved Tina and Drake and hitchin up cowboys, i've spent time with my girl Jillian and a great time a Jacks, and oh yes, lets not forget the infomous Leena and the roomates (i lvoe you guys) oh and the very eventfull weekend in waterloo with Sheen and meeting the boys, lots of fun this month, so much infact that i haven' t had time to write about it, if youcan't tell. and yess then there's always the visiting of my dog and maybe matthew (you can all yell at me later) I've been seen the G'rents lots due to grandpas comback of cancer, but he seems to be doing well. Oh well. Anwyays, that's about all i got for now, i don't even have any pics to put up. .... awww... wait yes i do... The weekend in waterloo Here it is

ROAD TRIP

2006-10-07T19:26:00.000-07:00

So, I just got back from my 6 day road trip to Quebec/Ottawa, any my car actually made it the whole way there and back! I spent two days white water kayaking the ottawa river with the world renound rafting company "Esprit". I had a wicked instructor, and met some pretty cool people. Who knows, maybe i'll become a competative paddeler! haha. Small steps first though, still have to perfect the roll in moving water. During my time in Quebec , i met some pretty wicked people staying at the hostel. Cheers Carley and Simon, hope to see you guys in the UK someday, or on our way to Mexico next year right Car?!!!?!!! In Ottawa, ihad a wicked time visiting my best girls Beth and Erica. I toured the city, parliment, civilization museum, partied, karaoke and shpped. It was a busy few days, oh and of course, the purpose of that trip was for beth's Birthday. HAPPY BIRTHDAY BETH! HOPE YOU HAD A GOOD TIME! We ate out alot and went to this cafe called "Oh so Good" and shared some cheese cake for Beth's birthday, and man was it "oh so good" haha! We also hooked up with my Girl from Fairmont, (yo Erica! KOLOPSY) and an old old friend Meghan Snider from my home town. What a time! "I saw the sign" right Meg! GO LEAFS GO! We also watched the hockey games. The Leafs getting their asses kicked, but came right back the next night with a shut out game.. man are they ever gonna be consistant? On the way home, I took Beth to her cottage in huntsville and i continued on home, but stopped at the wonderful Blue Mountain, and baught a snowboard... opps, i gotta stop spending money. Oh well, i'm set for this season now! Anwyays, that's my 6 day road trip in a zip! Talk to you all soon and Happy Thanksgiving! PEACE!

BC Adventures at an End

2006-10-01T19:10:00.000-07:00

Well, this is the end of my British Columbia Blog Entries. I've had the time of my life this summer and wouldn't trade it for the world! And the adventures aren't over yet, i'm currently kayaking in Quebec and the ottawa river. Hope everyone has had a wicked summer. Keep checking out the website to find out where i am next. I am bad at emailing so keep on it! Cheers!

Island Adventure - Depart

2006-10-01T19:02:00.000-07:00

The very sad moments that it was, here's the flight home.

Island Adventures - Day 7

2006-10-01T17:10:00.000-07:00

Whale Watching Well, this was a crazy day. So i drove up to Campbell river again and walked onto the ferri, where at the other end, the company i went with picked me up. So we went to Herriot Bay Inn and got all checked in for Orca Whale watching. Two boats went out and i unfortunitly got stuck on the second boat. We saw lots of seals, porposed, sea lions, but unfortunitly not much luck with the whales. We couldn't get close to them as they were in the whale reserve wehre boats can't go. Our boat trip was around 8 hours, it was nuts. We hit some rough waters inthe Geogia Straights and had a broken wind shield wipers. But oh well, it was still a good day.

Island Adventures Day 6

2006-10-01T16:57:00.000-07:00

So, Day six, Brian and I went on the ferri to Hornby Island, where here, we hiked the bluffs, saw star fish, ate lunch, and sat on the beach and suntanned, and looked for sand dollars. We had a great day. I can't believe i sat on the beach at the end of september and it was warm IN CANADA!!! haha, it's been a blast!

Island Adventure Day 5

2006-09-25T21:42:00.000-07:00

So, after partying til 2 AM with our new Auzie friends, we got up at 7 AM to hike the rainforest trail, since we all wanted to get it in, but had no more time, so we made time by sacrificing our sleep.

So, after our rainforest hike, we went back to the hostel, quickly grabbed my stuff and I check out so i could go to my Kayaking, which i almost skipped out and canceled to go surfing again. During the kayak trip i broke my camera so after today, i wont have many good pictures, i'll have to get disposable cameras.

Island Adventure - DY 4 PICS

2006-09-24T22:18:00.000-07:00

These are a few more pics from day 4. I packed in lots that day.

The Gang, My dorm mates from Toronto -

Delia and Ashley and the boys we met, Aaron Ausie and Lyle

My Black Bear Me and some random people surfind Sunset at Tonquin beach Orange sea star at tonquin

Island Adventure Day 4

2006-09-23T20:52:00.000-07:00

Wow! Today was a day i'll never forget. I got up and watched the sunrise, went black bear watching, shoped around the town then went SURFING. Surfing was awesome. I have a new hobby i'm gonna pick up. Look out Austrailia! Bear watching was so awesome, Amy, you've officailly just lost the competition. The girls and I went to the beach tonight to watch the sunset, wow. Why am i comming home again? Someone please remind me. Having the time of my life! Talk to you all soon.

Island Adventure Day 3

2006-09-22T20:43:00.000-07:00

So, after having a random job internview thismorning in Courtenay, I started to head down the highway on the :3.5 hour" drive to tofino. Well... it took me 8 hours. Yes, 8 hours, and i stopped almost every where possible on the way. I stopped at Qualicum Beach, Coombs, Qualicum falls, Macmillian Park, Port Alberni, Sproat Lake and a million pull over stops to take pictures. When i got to Tofino I checked into my hostel, it's so nice, then took a wak around town. Most of the shops were closed already but i went to my tourist company and did my paperwork for Bear watching and Kayaking, so that's set. Now I just have to find my surf school. I had dinner at a nice restraunt and had Halibit fish for the third time since i've been on the island already. HHHHHMMMMMMMMMMMMM YUM! Check out these outragios pics... Falling in love and don't want to come home.

Island Adventures - Day Two

2006-09-21T22:29:00.000-07:00

So... after going to check out the Aquatic center this morining and going for a swim, I walked around down town Courtenay, then headed up to Campbell River, to do the unthinkable. I went snorkling, yes ME, with SALMON. FISH, I touched Fish. It was creepy, but at the same time cool. After that scary adventure, I went and hiked up Elk falls. Georgious hike. Then I hung out by the Pier again and watched some fishermen and ate way too much ice cream. Check it out! This is the untilmate vacation.

2006-09-21T22:16:00.000-07:00

Island Adventures - Day One

2006-09-20T21:14:00.000-07:00

Okay People, so now i'm writing to you from Vancouver Island, and i'm currently in Courtenay. Man alive, i can't say how happy i am TO BE ON THE GROUND.... I'm definelty not cut out to be a world traveller. I feel like i'm gonna die every time i step foot on a plane. You'd think after 22 years of flying, one would be used to it, and not grow a bigger fear of it. So, I was almost late for my flight this monring out of Cranbrook (Thanks Corey) so i got rushed through security and baggiage check and then on to boarding, and i just about had a heart attack when i saw that little dinky plane they wanted me to get on. Omg. and the pilot didn't look any older then my sister. I thought i was gonna die right then and there. (haha) So my flights went from Cranbrook to Vancouver to Campbell River then to Comox. All it was raining and windy. Hello Turbulence. Needless to say after today, i will NEVER fly pacific coastal airlines again, nor a rain storm. Note to self, check all weather before thinking about getting on that plane again. Well, at least i'm flying West Jet on the way home. So anyways, i get to Comox and get my rental car and drove around Courtenay and Comox just walking around the harbour fronts, the beaches and some walking paths, saw some seals in the harbour, then went to Dee and Brians house. We all ate dinner, booked me a crazy day for tomrow (which you'll hear about, tomrow) and then Brian and I went for a walk to go see the salmon spauning inthe river. We walked through one of Brians Parks which is part of a rain forest. It was pretty cool!

Boys

2006-09-13T21:46:00.000-07:00

So Ladies, why is it that you can never actaully get the guy you're really after, but there's always a few others chasing you around that you want nothing to do with? So Again, another kitchen staff after me, (arg) first it was grounds, then security, then one of the line chefs, and now the lounge chef? But why can't it ever be the actual one youre after? (The prep cooks, haha) or the British Princes. Oh i do love the kitchen staff, mostly b/c theyr'e all forein. So Ladies, what's the scoop? Eat the British Prince, or the outback Auzies? or the good ol' Canadian Prarie boy? hhhhhhhmmmmmmmmmm what to do? What kind of icing should i go with? Hlep me out here girls.... Leena, Philadelphia, Carlton, help me out.

Travel

2006-09-13T21:37:00.000-07:00

Well, my time at Fairmont Hot Springs Resort is almost over, i have less then a week left and things are getting pretty un eventful here, well unless you count watching me be the worlds worst waitress for a convention group. Yesterday i covered myself in coffee and broke a few plates and glasses, but at least i'm doing better then Jeffry, who i'm glad to say, droppedn and entire flat of glasses today and a whole stack of plates. I'm just glad that wasn't me. So my time here now is spent serving convention groups of hundreds breakfast, lunch and dinner and inthe very little time i do have to my self, is spent hours upon hours in the gym, (trying to work off all the cheescake Jamie fed me all summer, and the crap ass deep fried food, or maybe it's the beer, who knows, but it's goota go) or the my favoret kitchen Men! (I'm gonna miss you Rich, Core and my China duo) Anyways, I'm sad to say i'm not going to Austrailia anymore (sorry Paul) but i do have other adventures on the go, no worries, my life will stay quite interesting until Christmas. I have quite the plan for the next 4 months, and it'll be a miricle if I can acually pull it off. Cheers guys! Hope everyone's having fun back at school and work! (One Day Benny, we'll work the mountains together) Until Next Time! Keep Fit and Have Fun!!!! (haha) CHEERS!

New Adventure

2006-09-01T11:13:00.000-07:00

Well folks, my time as the recreation director at Fairmont is comming to an end, so a new plan has to be in place. I'm staying to work conventions and food and beverage (oh fun) then back to Ontario of a little bit, b/c i have a great road trip to do to OTTAWA! Yes Beth, that's YOU, I'M COMMING TO SEE YOU!!!! That and a clinic in Quebec i'm goign to. So as for now,my Austrailia trip is more then likely going to be put on hold. Sorry Paul. But maybe there's still time. Well, I hope everyone has had a fantastic summer and good luck going back to school (suckers), i'm going to travel the world! Miss you all ~Laura

Birthday Weekend

2006-08-28T20:32:00.000-07:00

Well, quite a story to tell here. So, Aunt Sue, Libby, Sarah, Katie and Amy were all here at the resort for 5 days, and man are there stories to tell. Not so many pictures though,but lots of stories. We chilled with Ray the hat man a few nights and we had my birthday dinner and presents saturday night, went horse back riding on sunday morning and ate sunday brunch, went hiking and sat at the pool, then, here's the best part, on my acutaly birthday on monday we went white water rafting on the kicking horse river in Golden BC. Wow, i think this is going ot be a tradition on my birthday, the second time i've been rafting on my birthday and i love it. This time, the guide was from Quebec and let me try out guiding the raft, and let me tell you, i'm right hooked. I've already emailed the Esprit company about taking their guiding scool, and i'm so pupmed. New Ambitions for Laura. So exciting!

Deer Run

2006-08-26T13:28:00.000-07:00

So, Mara and I were running (because we're crazy and like to work out outside, so we run in the heat) and we went up a back trial i've never been on, so we were near the end of our run, headding back towards the resort to go to the weight room. Well, Mara was watching the ground, as was I, running on rough terrain, when all of a sudden i looked up and litterally 10 feet away was abig Mule Deer Buck, just looking at us, with a baby fawn hidin in the tall grass. Omg, it gave me and Mara a heart attack, litterally we almost ran into a Buck with outselves, not a car. He stood there and looked at us, but didn't move or walk away. Animals around here are nuts. Too bad i dont have a picture.

IT'S A BEAR

2006-08-23T20:25:00.000-07:00

So, I was on my way to Mountainside Resort for an evening event that we run there, so i decided to walk and take the trails. Well to my surprise i had company on the walk. I herd a rustle in the bush, so i grabbed my camera, (which you take everywhere if you're smart) and out pops this little guy. So I followed him a bit, only because i had to, to get to where i was going. I jumped the creek so i'd be on the other side so he could't get me right away if he decided he wanted somthing other then berries. ha ha. So Here's the fairmont bear up close and personal. Isn't he cute?

Karaoke, AGAIN

2006-08-23T15:07:00.000-07:00

Here's the gang, singing "I've got friends in low places" the picture of Me and Tim, the infamous Tim Lindsay from England. Any time Tim! And of course, me and my best girl Mara

Long Time

2006-08-22T17:28:00.000-07:00

So, I guess it's been a while since i've posted. Well, there's a reason for that, I do only work THREE jobs and have no life. Very little anyways. Well they'll be more soon, September will slow down for me, but stll keep me entertained as Tim Lindsey is in town from Brittan and he's my Neighbour. Good times. Good laughs too, all that kid has to do is open his mouth and I laugh listening to him talk.... poor kid. I don't have any pictures of him, but here's a hot one of me and Justina. Good times. Count down to Daminican Trip!

Karaoke - Man i Feel like a women

2006-08-22T17:19:00.000-07:00

So, we do have fun some times. Even the pool manager sings with us. (blue sweat shirt) Matty's last night, have fun in Edminton Matt!

River Side Pools

2006-08-22T17:14:00.000-07:00

This is Where I work on my days off from the Lodge, the most stupid and poorly runed aquatic facility i've ever seen.

Heat Exhaustion

2006-08-07T19:46:00.000-07:00

Why is it that some people out hear are just so self minded? So why on the long weekend does the pool supervisor decided to go away and leave the pool understaffed on THE LONG WEEKEND and then the rest of us have to take the wrap for it? hhhhmmm makes sense to me. People are so stupid, so needless to say, the rest of us have heat exhaustion and sun stroke from over working, THANKS ALOT ALITHIA.

Banff Trip

2006-08-05T15:44:00.000-07:00

So, Mom and Dad were here from Ontario and we took a road Trip to Banff, Lake Louise and the Columbia Ice Fields. So Many Pictures, here's a few, check out the link http://http://ca.pg.photos.yahoo.com/ph/laurathede/album?.dir=9ff7scd&.src=ph&store=&prodid=&.done=http%3a//ca.photos.yahoo.com/ph//my_photos

Horse Back Riding

2006-07-11T19:54:00.000-07:00

Well now, here's an adventure for you to read about. I went Horse back riding through the mountains on Sunday. That was quite awesome. I dont have any pictures, because my camera is currently broken. We went looking for bears, but didn't see any, which they normally do, the only thing we did see was a wild turky, in bc, weird i know.... Anyways, hopefully more adventures are on the way.

Photos

2006-07-07T21:55:00.000-07:00

Here's the link to my photos again guys! Keep checking it!

Ray the Hat Man

2006-07-07T21:06:00.000-07:00

Is it bad when the entertainer for the summer knows you by first name and uses your name in his songs? Ray the Hat Man is at the resort for the summer and he plays everything live from Tim McGraw to Elvis, and has a hat to match each artist. Now I think its getting bad when Ray calls out your name when you walk by the lounge so everyone knows who you are. We're at the point now, where we can steal Ray's hats and wear them. Check the picture! Ray, you're awesome, Cheers to a great summer!

Canada Day Party

2006-07-07T20:55:00.000-07:00

Can you say TOGA? Erica, I love you and I will miss you. We'll get together again soon. Lets not for get Ray the Hat Man!!!! Cheers!!!! HAPPY BIRTHDAY CANADA!!!

Canada Day

2006-07-02T12:04:00.000-07:00

Canada Day!!! What a hudge success. Although it rained in morning, the afternoon was beautiful and i don't think this event could have went any better. I had a great time organizing it and running it. We had carnival games, relays, face painting, kids crafts, a bbq, beer gardens, slip and slide, the fire department demonstration and of Course, Ray the Hat man for our entertainment. The day was awesome, wtih an estimated 1 000 people there. There were a few minor glitches, but nothing can be perfect. Check out the pictures.

House Boating

2006-07-02T12:00:00.000-07:00

Hey all, as some of you know I spent 2 days and 2 nights on a house boat with some of the food and beverage staff. It was a bast and needless to say a hudge party. There were 16 of us total and we just drank, swam, suntanned on the roof and cruised lake Koocanusa. There was a hot tub on the rood of the house boat, a hudge stearo system, 2 bathrooms, a water slide, lower deck area and tons more. It was a bast. And a big thanks to Jamie for taking me on the trip, Ontarioans Rock! Thanks for a great time Guys. (pictures to come soon)

Columbia Valley

2006-06-23T21:03:00.000-07:00

So this is the view from the ski hill on the mountain above the resort.

Grafetii Party

2006-06-14T19:31:00.000-07:00

KOLOPSY - Well, we can't forget Steve's birthday and the Graffetii party we had! White tshirts and permenant markers everywhere. Happy Birthday Stevo and Cheers to a great summer ahead!

Hoodoo Hike

2006-06-14T19:24:00.000-07:00

This is one of our weekly hikes called the Hoodoo hike and some of the views of the mountain.

Golfing

2006-06-14T19:16:00.000-07:00

Oh and my attempt at Golfing is pretty funny too. This is Erica and I at Creekside Par 3. But its all in good fun though, even though we suck, it's still a good time! (sporten the east park shirt)

Rafting

2006-06-14T19:10:00.000-07:00

Well now, on Monday June 12th I got to go on a free rafting trip down the Tobby Creek and it was fantastic. Mind you it doesn't comepare to the Ottawa River, but it was still a blast. BC is fantastic, i think i found a new job for the spring, River Guiding! Check out the pictures and look who's inthe front, getting barried in water!!! Adventrue Life! Cheers!

To my Dearest Friends back home

2006-06-14T18:18:00.000-07:00

No matter how far we travelled on our own separate paths, somehow we will always find our way back to each other and with that, we can get through anything. To us, who we were, who we are and who we will be. To the rest of our Lives, together and Apart! To all my friends back in ontario (and Paul in Austrailia) I miss you all and wish you well. I hope everyone is having a great summer! Keep me in your thoughts and hearts! I love you all

Cell phone number

2006-06-03T15:39:00.000-07:00

Hey guys, i changed my cell phone number incase you need to find me, it's now a BC number 250-270-0667

Fairmont Pictures

2006-06-01T20:33:00.000-07:00

http://spaces.msn.com/lilswiffer this is where my photos are posted, have a look

Thoughts - In our hearts, Always - MF

2006-05-30T10:40:00.000-07:00

Words that have meaning "When i die, I want people to say that i inspred them. I don't care so much that they say i was a good man or a kind man or a happy man or a great man. I want them to say that they lived their life a little bit differently because of me. That they saw the world filled with a bit more adventure. That they were a little bit less afraid to do something that they truly wanted. If even one person stands up at my funeral and says that i inspired them, that will be enough. The world will know that i died happily. Chances are, i'll probably go in an avalanche or a climbing accidnet or somethig like that, and poeple will say "at least he died doing smoething he loved" What hogwash. It doesn't matter how you die. it's how you lived up to that point that matters. Rather than spending time to avoid the inevitavble: death, i hope to have lived with it firmly in my view. Once you have accepted death, your passing should not be tragic. It should be an inevitable reality. It is the final chapter, which was written before the first. To live with out fear of death makes you capable of great htings. You worry less about what people think of you. You worry ess about money. You worry less about failures. You are able to put yourself more fully into everytihg that you do. This is the inspriation that i want to have given to people. to let htme live wit a bit less fear. To push them a little bit closer to the Eternal. "

2006-05-19T17:18:00.000-07:00

2006-05-19T17:16:00.000-07:00

In the Mountains

2006-05-19T17:15:00.000-07:00

Wow, so i guess you don't really realize what that mountains are like until you actully see them. It's beautiful out here, and so much to do all the time. Don't know if i'm gonna come home!

Getting Ready for the Move

2006-04-26T18:34:00.000-07:00

Laura is on the move, time to experiece life in a new direction due to recent life events. It's time to get out there and explore the world in a new light. It's my time, no waiting or wishing, time to travel. Some poeple may be familiar with the phrase "That, which does not kill you, only makes you stronger" and Maybe it does, but i'm not sure that being strong makes pain worth while. I myself am pain averse - for my freinds, my self and you. But, of course most pain that comes our way in life is not a matter of choice. And when it comes, you can live through it, or you can throw in the towel. Heartbreak can bring you a new or renewd understanding of the world around you. Wheatehr you realise it or not, you are probably more soulful, more compassionate, and wiser than you have ever been. And that's just for starters. The futre is wide open. There is every reason to believe that you can have the things that you want in life.