Bowen Island B.C

A Retro Adventure - Going Back in Time (Not Too Far Back)

It was April 18th, 2014 and the sun was shining after many months of rain. I remember it well, it was the day after Rene's Birthday and as a gift, he wanted to go on an adventure with his family. So, we drove down to Horseshoe Bay and parked the car, then walked onto the Bowen Island Ferry and had an adventure.

We had to wait about an hour and a half for the ferry, so the girls took the camera and went on a tour of the bay while Rene went in search of a good cup of coffee as Angel and I stayed on the beach.

It was odd walking onto a ferry instead of driving on. It felt out of place somehow, because we usually drove on. We were with the dog and were not allowed in the lounge area on the upper deck. Usually Angel would have stayed in the car, but because we walked on we had to go where she was allowed. We stayed at the front of the ferry by the cars and the parked bikes.
The girls went to the upper deck and took a few photos of the ferry ride. The photos they took reminded me of how blessed I am to live in B.C. We do live in such an amazing place!

Once on Bowen Island we decided we were famished and needed some food, so we stopped off at Crippen Park just a few steps from where the ferry docks in Snug Cove and had a picnic. After Lunch we headed towards Killarney Lake which was a beautiful easy 9km hiking trail that goes all the way around the lake.

They say it takes approximately 2 hours to do the loop around the lake, it took us a little longer (about double the time), but we sauntered, and we stopped to pull an old bike out of the water along the way.

The last time we came to Bowen Island, and did the Killarney Lake Loop, was about 13 years ago when Kalina was about 6 months old. Crazy how time flies... especially as I get a day older. The older I get the faster time goes by. Am I the only one that feels that way?

Kalina and I at the ice cream shop in Snug Cove 13 years ago

Kalina in a hollowed out tree along the Killarney Lake loop now

My three beautiful girls

The day was an amazing one! Filled with peace, love and laughter... okay maybe a little whining too, but nothing that couldn't be solved with a little TLC (Triple, Latte, Coffee's).

Enjoy your time on Bowen... we did!
Anuschka

Angel's Thoughts:
I had such a great time! Didn't like the loud thing that brought us across the water. It made me nervous. I don't like being nervous. It makes me shake.
So many great smells along the walk. My pack moves way to slow for my liking, so it's a good thing I am patient. I run back and forth to make sure everyone stays in the pack. It is tiring work but very rewarding. I got salami from pack leader and left over sandwiches. I love my pack!

Alora's Pic's:

Harrison Hotsprings Resort in January

"We're Gonna stay awake all night!" the 3 girls sang at the top of their lungs as they bum bounced and danced on the bed next to Rene and I.
"Never Gonna Sleep!" were the only words I could recall of the song they sang. Rene was laying beside me with his eyes closed, "I am on my motorbike right now riding through a twisty, quiet, mountain pass." He smiled contently as the chaos of the noise surrounded us.
"Whoo Hoo! We're never gonna sleep all night!" the girls sang the chorus again at top volume.
"Do you think they're excited to be here?" My husband slowly opened his eyes, sighed and looked at me as if to say, "we won't have any alone time, will we?" He knew this weekend wasn't about romance, it was about the kids and fulfilling a birthday wish for our youngest. It was also, all about hanging out with family... getting to know each other again... extended family and all.
"I just want to go on an adventure with my family," was Kalina's birthday wish, "just to have fun and maybe ski?" And then she chose Harrison Hot Springs. We tried to book a deal at Travelocity and Expidia, etc... they wouldn't allow more that two adults and two small kids in a room. So, we called around and we found a good deal at Harrison Hot Springs Resort. They allowed two adults and three teenagers in the room, with a cot, so we didn't have to get a 2nd room.
We've been to this Resort before, a few times, and have always had an amazing time. Once in 2010 for Kalina's birthday (do you see a trend?), and then in 2009 for Rene and my 19th wedding anniversary. There were a few more times, which I haven't forgotten but just haven't gotten around to writing yet.
"Whoo Hoo!" the three excited teens continued to sing and laugh.
"The noise level seems to be getting louder." Rene looked at the door to the adjoining room which we had no access to and said, "I wonder if that's the door to Narnia?"

After a bite to eat we all went for a swim. The kids brought goggles and swam off, leaving Rene and I alone. Unfortunately, the pool was the busiest that I had ever seen it before, and we couldn't find a quiet nook. The last few times we had been to this resort it was mid-week and a lot quieter, this time it was the weekend. Lots of kids, lots of noise, in the indoor and outdoor pools. At 10pm, the kids are asked to leave, but the adult pool is open till 1am. So, if you are a couple looking for a romantic quiet time... go midweek.
The resort has five pools, two indoors and three outdoors, one of which is an adult only pool (which was sometimes louder than the family pool... truthfully).
After our swim, my husband and I went down to the Island Bar for an evening drink. They gave us a bowl of nuts, which were quite flavourful, while they went to make our drinks. Rene had a Glenfiddich whiskey on the rocks, and I had a Harvest Moon Martini. We finally had our moment of quiet and good conversation. It was wonderful.
Lights out at 11pm that night and all electronic devices were put away (FYI girls - next vacation... they will be staying at home).

I was out of bed by 8:30am, the next morning, while the rest of the crew were still sawing logs. So, I sat outside and took in the peace and beauty of the morning and the surroundings. After a little while, I got dressed and went downstairs to Miss Margaret's cafe and purchased a Starbucks coffee for Rene and I.

Breakfast was leftover buns and cold cuts, which we kept in the fridge, in the room. However, if you find yourself with no leftovers, The Lakeside Cafe has a great breakfast buffet which we have enjoyed in the past.

Went for a swim after breakfast and I noticed a few adults with a Starbucks coffee in their hands. You are allowed paper or plastic cups for consuming liquids, but no glass anywhere near the pools.

"Just hold on to my hand or something." I told Rene. He wanted to hold me up so I could float.
"You don't have to hold me up. I float, but I just don't want to float away." He had been leaning against me earlier, as I held him up to float. He was going to do the same for me, valiant man that he was, but I technically didn't need him to hold me up.
"I have built in floatation devices." I just needed him to hold on to me so I didn't float off across the pool. He was a little jealous of my talent and was quite vocal over it. That's when Alora decided to join us in our quiet corner.
"What are you guys talking about?" she questioned.
"Your father is jealous of the way I can float without help and he can not."
"I sink." he said irritated.
"That's because of all your muscles dad." She said nonchalantly and this made Rene smile.
"Hear that honey... I'm muscular."And he winked at me.
We had a wonderful conversation about Colleges and Universities with Alora in that quiet corner of the pool. It felt so good to connect and talk with her, without rushing around. The business of life is so disconnecting. You know, between school, extra curricular activities, and work there's no time to get to know each other. It was really good to connect with the kids and Rene this past weekend, and it was good to relax.

We went for a walk into town that afternoon. Ari  and Kalina went long boarding with the long boards they were given for Christmas. Alora was the photographer for the weekend.

We walked to the end of the beach, where the pier and boat launch were. The two goofball long boarders decided to ride down the pier on their long boards. My motherly instincts took hold and I began to chastise them. Rene grabbed my hand and led me away.
"They need to have fun," he whispered, "and we can't be overprotective."
"It's hard, Rene." I answered, "It's hard to suppress the motherly survival instincts."
"I know, " he said, "I feel the fatherly ones." He gave me a hug then said, "Look, the worst thing that could happen is they fall into the water." We heard a scream at that moment and couldn't help but look back at the pier. "Besides, we are here to pull them out." then as a second thought, "They have dry clothes at the hotel. Let's let them have fun."
It went against every instinct I had to turn away, but I did, because I knew that sometimes kids need to get a little wet to learn, to grow and I suppose... to have fun.

We ate lunch at a family restaurant called the Lakeside Cafe. It had an old diner feel to it, and it was just a few doors down from the Resort. They serve a great club sandwich and the fries are big and crispy. The girls had an old fashioned strawberry shake with the whipped cream on top. The meals were simple, tasty and in huge portions. We had lots of leftovers. 

Back at the hotel the girls played a game together and Rene and I...well... we fell asleep. I was reading a magazine in bed and I closed my eyes for just a minute, because they were getting so heavy, and before I knew it an hour had passed. I woke up to my own snoring and kids laughing. After our snooze, Rene and I went for a swim as the girls went exploring around the hotel and surrounding area.

Later that evening, the girls went out to get sushi for dinner as Rene and I got ready for a dinner date at the Black Forest Restaurant. It was delicious!  Great conversation and amazing food. If you like authentic German food, this is the place to go. We started off with a garlic, buttery escargot as an appetizer. Rene had the special that night which was schnitzel and lobster, and I had the schnitzel charlotte (shrimps and scallops). To end the wonderful evening, we shared a slice of the black forest cake for dessert.
The kids and their bathing suits were missing when we got back. We figured they went down for a swim. We did get a little alone time after all...

I awoke early the next morning and just couldn't sleep in that hard bed anymore. Had I known earlier, the Resort will add padding on the mattress if you ask for it. I went down to the pools by myself around 7:45am. The indoor pools were open, but the outdoor ones open at 8am. For a few minutes I actually had the pool all to myself. It was a glorious moment. The sun rising, birds singing and just the quiet swish of the water as I slowly swam around the family outdoor pool. By 8:10am, the pool had 3 adults (including me) and10 kids playing Marco Polo in it. I briefly thought about moving to the adult pool, but I could hear loud laughter and smutty language coming from that direction and I felt the kids pool was much quieter.
Then at 8:20am, my hero strode in complete with a coffee, the sweet elixir of the morning, and his good humour.
We sadly checked out at 11:15am and packed the car, but our adventure wasn't just over just yet. With a picnic packed we headed towards Sasquatch Provincial Park for a campfire and wiener roast. Oh, yah... we had some cowboy steak that we picked up at a local butcher called Hopcotts. We cubed them and fire cooked them on our hotdog sticks. There is nothing tastier than steak cooked on an open fire.

 

Great Fun Had By All!

Now on to the next adventure!

Angel's Lament

They did not take me. After our October trip to the Furmont in Whistler, I thought they loved me and would take me everywhere with them. But, they did not. I went to great Opa and Oma pack leaders. Not that I am unappreciative of them, and what they did for me, but truth be told, I missed my pack and I was depressed. I am still depressed. I will not get out of bed. I think I will be depressed until they take me to the Furmont again.

Fini

Whistler and the Furrmont Club

Sea to Sky Highway

"We're going shopping for my birthday?" I asked as we drove past Ikea. My husband smiled secretively and gave me a look that said, "You'll never know where I'm taking you."
"We're going to snuggle, all together, on the beds there and eat hot dogs and cinnamon buns all weekend," Kalina chimed in as we drove past Ikea in a westerly direction.

A few weeks ago my adventurous family  asked me what I wanted for my birthday and I said, "Surprise me." That's just what they did. But, before I go too in depth with my story, Angel, is really excited to share hers first.

Me at the Fairmont with Pack Leader

 I can not believe it! I was allowed to stay with my pack this trip. I did not go for a sleep over to great Opa and Oma pack leaders. Although, I have great respect for great Opa and Oma, I was glad to be with my home pack.
This was the most luxury trip I have ever been on. I know it cost pack leader an extra $25.00 for me to stay at the 5 star hotel called the Fairmont Chateau Whistler, but I know pack leader thinks I'm worth it. I even got room service... Just for me! I was a part of the Furrmont Club and they brought me a fresh bed and clean bowls and a menu for my dinner. A doggy can get used to this pampering stuff. Did you know the Furrmont Chateau has a royal doggy service and all I had to do was dial "0" and they would bring me anything I needed? It's true!
That chateau must be a doggy hotel for they did not give dinner menu's for the rest of my pack. I ordered, the Lamb and rice stew, but I do not think pack leader heard me, it was only $10.00. . Pack leader tried to feed me that kibble stuff. Blah! I could not eat it after I smelled the lamb stew.

I have to share with you the room service menu, you will be surprised! I get so excited for this food... My tail is wagging just thinking about it.
Okay, for breakfast I could choose french toast, egg and gizzard pudding (I do not know what this gizzard is, but I am willing to try it), and egg and sausage with cheese. Then, for lunch or dinner,  I could choose from rice and bean (Bean is not so good for my tummy. I regret after I eat the chili. I know I should not eat it, but I can't help myself it is so good!), Baked grits and cheese, lamb and rice stew, or Beef stew and rice. Yummy! My pack Mommy says I must stop drooling now, it's getting on the key board.

Trees by the Furrmont - nice smells there

We went for a nice walk in the Whistler town, to see where we could have some dinner. Because food is very important and I know my pack loves to eat good food, like I do. Many wonderful smells there in that town! But, I did not smell anything as good as the lamb stew. When we got back, I tried to order it once more. Again, they did not hear me. I think sometimes that they are deaf. The pack leader's (my Dad and Mom) went out for dinner to a place called Milestones so, I stayed with pack pups. I told them that I wanted the lamb stew, but they did not have any money with them.

Me waiting for the meatballs

Pack pup Alora, finally gave me spaghetti and meatballs for dinner from the Old Spaghetti Factory. I think she felt sorry for me because she noticed I could not eat the kibble, so she shared her dinner with me. I love that girl.
We watched some T.V together while pack Daddy and Mommy went for dinner. They must have been very hungry because there was no doggy bag with them when they came home.

The next morning I went for a morning walk up the mountain with my pack Mommy.  The ski hill smells very nice and I even came across the path where a bear was earlier. Very fresh smell I was excited to meet with the bear, but my pack Mommy was not, so we turned to go back down the mountain to the hotel.
We had eggs in a wrap with salsa for breakfast, each pack member saved me a bit. It was good! I gobbled it up but still used my manners. I am a good girl.
Although, my pack did not take me to the spa and pool or order me room service, I loved the Furrmont Chateau Whistler, and I would stay there again but I would take the stairs and not the elevator. That is a scary place.

Me and pack Mommy

After breakfast we went for another walk because pack leaders needed coffee. I do not understand this. This brown hot liquid that they drink smells terrible. I think they should try meat juice in the morning and then they can share it with me.

St. Agnes Wells

We then got into the car and drove to a place that has many hot pools that come from the ground. My pack family called it St. Agnes Well (they have been here before). I do not understand why my pack takes so many baths. They smell good to me, especially after a few days, anyway, I did not take a bath. I stood watch and protected my pack while they bathed.

It was an exhausting weekend for me so I slept on the long car ride home and snuggled with my pack pups Alora and Kalina. It was a great trip and I had a good time.

Angel






Well... Angel is right, and she was pretty thorough with her story,  I don't have a lot more to add except this... it was an amazing trip! I loved it!

Thank-you to my family for a great adventure on my birthday.

It was exactly what I wanted. I am blessed.

Love You!
Anuschka

Here's Angel's slide show that she put together to share with you:

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