Olympics 270712

My Olympic blog starts here. We are all very excited to be going to London next week. The Irish are pinning most of their hopes on Katie Taylor, our female world champion boxer. Just to remind you that Katie has won 13 gold medals in boxing to date. Hopefully she can add to that tally in London. She is 26 from Bray & has been top of her sport (60kg) since 2005 - no pressure Katie!

110712 Vancouver Airport

We have had 19 days of sheer bliss. From the stunning beauty of Banff to beautiful Vancouver. It wouldn't have happened without my 'present' wife & best buddy - our best holiday ever. Sad to leave but can't wait to get home (we especially his our 'famous 5' grandkids) - see you all soon xx

100712 Vancouver

Our last day had to come sooner or later. We spent most of today in the city. I was amazed to find a peaceful Japanese garden among the skyscrapers. We also visited the museum, which tracks life in Vancouver from its origins. There wasn't a huge contribution from the Irish, you can see today that there is more of an eastern influence than a western one here in Vancouver, especially from a tourist perspective - lots of Japanese, Chinese & Korean.

090712 Vancouver

At this stage we usually want our holiday to end, however this has been several different holidays, so we are sorry it,s coming to an end. We started the day with two ¢9 travel cards, which let you go anywhere for the day, including the sea bus over to the city center. We went to Capilano Suspension bridge - how scary is that! Another glorious day in the mid 20ies. We are delighted with the hotel too - its very close to everything, with a huge pool, steam room, Jacuzzi etc.

080712 Vancouver

A glorious warm (scorching) day in Vancouver. After breakfast we came across a vintage Corvette rally close to our hotel. What a selection of 'boys toys. I just couldn't decide which one to take home, however the one below really took my fancy. We then met Mark (Verena's son from Switzerland, who is over here learning English). We went to the aquarium for the afternoon. We had a good chat & a laugh together for the day. It was great to see him for the day.  A really vibrant city that appears to be very alive, it looked busy everywhere, lots of people in cafes, on bikes & roller blades etc...

070712 Vancouver

The last step of our journey today to Vancouver. We arrived early & changed our booking to an earlier ferry - they make things so easy here by just cutting through the red tape. I've been in many ferry terminals & this is as god as it gets & that's for the toffee apples alone! Am looking forward to exploring Vancouver tomorrow - its at least 34 years since I've last been here.

060712 Vancouver Island

Another day of wows. We drove to the Pacific coast (pacific rim national park). Its a surprisingly long drive - about 3 hours each way, however it was worth every second. Lakes, rivers, rain forests, snow capped mountains and Pacific beaches. I've taken enough photos to bore a nation. I'll understand if ye are not at home when I call. On to Vancouver tomorrow for the final leg.

050712 Vancouver Island

Ferry to Vancouver Island first thing today. We then drove to The Buchart Flower Gardens near Victoria. My entry in the visitors book read - 'Ma I wish you were here with me today, wearing your coat with the big pockets - 'Cell a & the brothers will understand what I mean (pockets full of cuttings & seeds from gardens all over the world made their way to whiteabbey). We are staying in a lovely b&b just outside Nanaimo. Very hot today, still 24 tonight at 21.00. It was difficult to choose a photo for today

040712 Horseshoe Bay

We had a long drive today from Kelowna to Vancouver. Just one stop for lunch, at the blue moose cafe in the small town of Golden. We are in Horseshoe Bay tonight, for the ferry to Vancouver Island in the morning

030712_pm Kelowna

We walked in Rose Valley national park today. As Mick correctly pointed out, we are now seeing ponderosa pine. Tomorrow we head to Vancouver ( Horseshoe Bay) for the ferry to Vancouver Island. It's over 30 years since we were in Vancouver - I remember Richard learned to walk on or way from Japan - we bought his first pair of shoes in Vancouver.

030712_am Kelowna

Today will consist mainly of shopping & eating & shopping & ..... One of us started the day well, however someone fell by the wayside immediately

020712 Kelowna

Another beautiful day. In the morning we were walking amongst the red wood (at least that what I think they were) After about an hour shopping we headed to a fruit farm where I had the best apple & berry crumble

010712 Kelowna

We were awoken this morning with the sad news that Uncle Huge had passed away - RIP. In his prime he would have been an excellent companion to have with us on this holiday, because of his love of the outdoors etc. He came to mind several times today, especially when we visited a place called Skunk Cabbage Boardwalk, he was always a great one for remembering (or making up) weird & funny names. May he rest in peace xx

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We are moving to Kelowna B.C. tomorrow, its a 6 hr drive, so no driving today. We took a stroll along the Bow river which runs through Banff. Canada day tomorrow - parades, fireworks etc. Still some incredible scenery just on the edge of town. How about my roast beef roll?

290612 Banff

Off early (0900) today to Lake Louise. Called to deli for our picnic, it was packed. we decided to drive to Lake Moraine, a stunning lake featured in many of the usual photos of Banff. We walked to Larch valley - quite a climb, but worth it. Catherine is doing very well & had no problem. There was still quite a bit of snow in the valley. A fellow walker asked Catherine if she was from Iceland, as she was in shorts & t-shirt as usual.

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Sunny & warm today, mid 20ies. Lots of variety today, museum in morning, two walks in afternoon. Everything from deer in first picture (can you spot it?) to gobstoppers as big as my foot

270612 Bears

In case you didn't see the bears on Facebook 'surround yourself with people who run slower than you'

270612 Banff

What can I say about today? The highlight has to be a double bear spotting (pictures on Facebook) and to top it, they were two different types, a grizzley & a brown bear. Exciting & scare at the same time. We drove the Icefield Parkway, which is the road from Banff & Jasper. Its supposed to be one of the top 10 drives in the world, I couldn't argue with that! Sights 'round every corner, mountains, rivers, lakes, glaciers & even bears. We drove as far as one of the large glaciers, it was possible to hike up the glacier, however we decided on an easier hike at a place called Nigel Pass, it was brilliant - we crossed creeks and avalanche paths, lots of wild flowers, no wildlife, however it felt like we were being watched all the time. Back to the hotel for a steam & a swim. We ate in Ed's burgers again, couldn't resist & it was just as good as last night

260612 Banff

I have to start with a correction, yesterday we didn't see a moose, it was an elk (or a caribou), I can never tell the difference?? Today the wildlife consisted mostly of chipmunks (& thankfully they don't sing) although we did see a track which was closed due to bear activities! Its almost time for the buffaloberry to ripen, apparently a feeding bear will eat u to 250,000 per day!! What a day today, we ran out of wow's before 11 this morning. Up Sulphur Mountain by gondola first thing (see Facebook for photos). Then a swim in the outdoor spa, where it was 40 degrees. Several coffees & buns. We took a picnic with us to Lake Winniwanka, I'm suffering from camera thumb. It rained this afternoon, but the forecaster is v good for the week. Off to Eddy's Burgers tonight, Catherine fancies the elk & avocado burger, I might try the rattle snake ( I hear it taste like chicken)

250612 Banff

Our first day in Banff & we are 'wowed-out' already. Stunning scenery, everywhere you look. Some rain today, but we still managed a lot. Left Calgary about 09.00 & managed to check in early to Cedar Court. A quick wander 'round town + coffee. We got lunch-to-go and then set out on the Bow Valley Parkway up to Lake Louise. After 5mins on the road we spotted ot first moose! Lake Louise stunning & Johnston Canyon was beyond stunning. Dinner in the Keg Steakhouse (yum).  Tried uploadung photos to dropbox, but it was way too slow, I'll have to find some other way.

Cucumbers

Just sowed my cucumber seeds today, pricy, over 6 Euro for 5 seed, I hope they all work!

Franks Garden Blog - FGB

It's March - time to leave the fire behind & start in the garden again