Grasshopper

I am going to try to get into the birthday spirit today. I saw a new bakery/bistro opened up in town so perhaps some cake and coffee would help. Then perhaps a hike in the forest, always good medicine for me. I want to get out for a paddle in the next few days too. Now that I have come to my senses and have decided to not cross Canada with the canoe I only have a few more chances before we depart. I'm already looking forward to going back west for her (the canoe) in the summer.

Thanks, Yep, it's the big 50 today. It sure has been quite the year. I am happy to be where I am at 50 and look forward to the next chapter in life. But to be honest I have shed more tears than normal. It is my first birthday without my Mom. She would always call and sing Happy Birthday to me and be all silly. I feel like I have lost her all over again. I don't want to be sad today, so I will try to get outside for a walk and maybe find some cake for a treat.

Stay Cool!

Yes, close to 25% of the world's temperate rainforest is in BC. The southern half including the islands get the most of it. Makes for a very beautiful and lush landscape.

I couldn’t agree more, speaking from experience. I miss my Honda and would get another. On the other hand I still have bad twitches from my Himalayan.....lol

That is what I have heard and one of the reasons we picked that location in general. Very similar to the weather we have on the Sunshine Coast here in BC. I think we are tucked in far enough, so hopefully the storms will leave our roof be.

I'm shy about the simple nature of the home, but here is a pic of the land. I love how it is surrounded by trees even beyond the property boarders. ....and here is the backyard view from the house. Looking forward to getting some of my own pics of the place.

It is a crazy big country when you get out into it. I am also hoping the weather through the mountain passes in BC cooperates, not the longest part of the trip but definitely some of the most epic roads I will be on.

I thought Bob's photo was cute, but this just takes it to a new level....lol

That explains it.....

Too cute....just say'n

Yes, the stock tires are shit, so we are getting some new beauties put on before we leave. I am also getting some new Nokian tires for the 4Runner. Happy snowflakes all around!

Were you born there?

At first I was apprehensive, then I was nervous, now I am starting to look forward to the adventure and the challenge. I should have internet access for most of the way as I will be staying on the major highways. I will be recording for future movies, but I hope to do daily shorts on my YouTube channel. Those movies would be vertical, which I know is hard for some people to deal with......lol

So where exactly do you live?

It’s all good, the new place has all the amenities.

Hey, I love creating an atmosphere, Pete gets my groove....

So....today was an exciting day. Something came about that I thought was out of reach after we decided to purchase our van instead of a home back in July. Home prices in Canada are expensive and after the van I figured we would be renting places here and there, as there was no way we could afford another home. Well dreams tend to have a way of being persistent and out of habit we kept looking in the place that we have wanted to move for years now. Prices were still high, but then one day on the way back to camp I found it. I small home, which is all we want and some land, in the spot we had wanted, at a price we could do. I called the agent, an offer had already been put in. No way, it had only been on the market for 3 days. I was kicking myself, how did I miss this opportunity. A week later the agent called, the first offer had a problem and I was next in line. So we put an offer in, they accepted and today we signed for our new home on the east coast of Canada in the province of Nova Scotia. . We haven't seen the place but have been researching homes in the area for many years now. I also had a great agent check everything out for us. That means I could actually show up for pie some day @Tym, just say'n....lol So excited to have a place to hang out in for our winters, while we still travel the rest of the year. Also a great investment. Now the crazy part begins...... We are bored sitting around and want to see our new place. So this means driving across Canada in the winter. Honestly, I have more experience on a bike in the snow then I do with 4 wheels, but I grew up in it and will approach everything with a calmness that I hope will get me through. The vehicles get new tires in December and we have all the safety gear, but I am still really nervous about the over 6000km drive. Even though I did way more kms in the past 8 months, it is the nature of winter that changes everything. I was going to take my canoe, but luckily some people have talked me out of that craziness. WINDS + ICE + CANOE SAIL = Fast way into the ditch... I will leave her with a friend and come back out west for her in the summer! Another reason for a road trip is only a good thing. I am excited, nervous, and a bit scared. But it sure will be a snowy adventure. Right now departure date is December 12th. Any happy thoughts you want to throw my will be gladly accepted. If you actually read all this....

A Clipper 16' Prospector Her name is Sally

Finished a short paddling video today. It was a misty day last week with lots of low cloud and fog. A wonderful day for a paddle around Garden Bay lake. It was cold so I got to try out my drysuit. Kept me super warm and if I get lost I will be easy to spot! The drive there is also a fun run.

What a sweet talker.....are you taking notes @Buckster

How do you know, have you seen my old lady beard yet?

Don't be jealous, you are still number one big guy!

Agreed, warm is better!