Experience #35

Water theme: white water rafting

Simon and I booked this adventure a while back. We invited friends to come along. Too many wanted to join us-so sorry for those that didn't make the final cut. No reason, other than: first come first serve.

Mandy got us a great deal at Painters Lodge in Campbell River. The rooms overlooked the water and the docks. We arrived on Friday night as Saturday would start early. Our dinner in the pub was entertaining with the gang getting acquainted and our waitress being a bit (a lot) ditsy...

Morning arrived quickly. We met at 7:30 at the Destiny Adventures shop for wetsuit fitting, and a long bus ride up to Wass and the Nimpkish river. Jaime, our guide, decided that the water level was not right for the upper Nimpkish, so we joined the two other groups on the lower river. It would mean lower rated rapids but the chance to use kayaks.

The bus was an old school bus, the ride bumpy and dusty. We all changed into our wetsuits while on the road. At the landing site we all helped set up and got the "talk". I admit it made me nervous. eg. "if you fall out and get sucked under the raft, push up against the raft bottom and you will get pushed out to one side...." Yikes! No backing out now. We were given some quick paddling instructions and off we went. It would be 21 km on the lower river with class 3 rapids.

The first little rapids gave us the feel for our zodiac. It was very flexible, one could feel every wave and rock under its ribbed bottom. There were slots for our feet to keep us braced when we hit rougher waters. Simon went into the kayak first. He took the first white water with style, but the second set of rapids spit him out. Our boat went to aid him and accidentally squished him against a large boulder. We all heard the air being pushed out of him. SORRY! Good sport that he is, he didn't complain and got back into his kayak for more fun.

With a bit of encouragement from Jaime, we grew more comfortable with the rapids. Sonya and I went to the front to "block" the others from the big waves. We got totally drenched! What fun! After lunch on a beach, we set off again and played in some of the back flow. We paddled up into a "dip" in the rapid and the front of our boat got sucked into the water, filling with the cold clear river. Shawn and Tim got their turn getting wet.

Jaime allowed me to steer the boat down a small set of rapids. I was hopeless, always steering the wrong way. It showed me that our guide was quite an expert in manoeuvring our craft exactly where he wanted it.

Ian and Sonya took their turns in the kayaks. They both managed the rapids well and did not fall out. We arrived at the cliffs where we stopped to allow any fools who wished to jump to-well-jump. So being afraid of heights and a bit crazy, I was first up the cliffs. It was quite high. All I could feel was my heart pounding. I focused on the edge of the cliff and not the fall. One big step and I was met by the cold clear water. Whoeee! Experience #36-theme air/water- cliff jumping.

The day finished at Nimpkish lake, where our bus met us at an old dry-land sort. I think we all slept in that uncomfortable bus, tired from the days excitements. A great meal and a hot tub (with desert wine) finished us off, and we soon were all in dream land. Thanks to Mandy, Tim, Shawn, Chantelle, Sonya, Ian, and Simon for joining me on this wonderful week-end.

Experience #33

Theme: fine dinning: RV dinner

Simon and I were invited to dine in Dinah and Barry's 5th wheel trailer. It is in the front driveway of their beautiful home. They've been using it while doing reno's to their kitchen. Since I'm over the halfway mark on my experiences, I gladly accepted the offer to enjoy an entertaining evening where I wouldn't have to go too far out of my comfort zone.

Dinner was great. Barry made some terrific ribs and corn on the cob on the BBQ. Dinah added to the feast a delicious salad and a charcuterie platter. Generously pour wine, add good conversation about RVing and you have a very enjoyable evening.

I'm sure their neighbours thought we were a bit quirky but we had a ball. Go RVers!

Experience #34

Theme: social: Gay pride parade

I'm rarely home on the pride week-end. So this year, I made a point to participate. I feel that we, as a society, should be more inclusive. I have seen and heard hateful things done/said to gay and trans gender friends. Celebrating freedom of expression and identity is a powerful statement, that should be encouraged.

The weather was perfect and the downtown was filled with spectators and tourists. The floats were, as one might expect it, flamboyant. The last float had this amazing singer that worked the crowed like pie pipper. By the time we reached the James Bay park, there were thousands dancing and following her into the field. The band stand featured some local bands, and there was some kind of "talent show" by the baseball diamond. I was fun to see all the folks dressed up. Some had even dressed their dogs!

Experience #32

Theme water: Kayaking with the Orcas

What a weekend! Simon and I have been planning this one for a while. The level one kayak course we took in June was in preparation for this event. We purchased the charts and the tide books. We had our camping list printed weeks in advance so we wouldn't forget anything important such as the chocolate or wine. Our course was charted and we knew at what time the slack tide would be in the Haro Strait area.

We took the ferry from Sidney to Friday Harbour on Saturday June 30th. Friday Harbour is a quaint, hilly town. We were "car camping" which meant bringing anything we wanted, eating fresh foods,  drinking wine and eating cake. After shopping for necessities, we arrived at the camp site at 8pm. Camp was set up and the week end started by catching up with our good friends, who had joined us for the event. Our crew consisted of Roby (world kayaker), Grant (great guitarist), Jesse (cutest kid ever), Chris (birthday boy), Shira (supper athlete), Jeff (troubadour), Simon (best husband and man servant ever), and me (instigator of event).

Canada day, we had the best weather possible. It was sunny and calm. Our departure time was between 10 and 10:30. We kayaked out of Small Pox Bay by our campground and headed south with the ebbing tide. The water was mirror calm (0 on the Beaufort scale). It did not take long to see our first orcas. We were alone for a while listening to their breath and watching as they swam by. Once the whales were spotted though the tour boats showed up. With their loud motors and speakers blaring it altered the mood. Soon the boats "chased" the pod away and we were by ourselves again. More pods came by, but we needed to turn back before the current became too difficult for our paddle. The winds picked up and the swell increased and we had to work hard to get back to our little bay. I was glad to be in a double kayak with Simon. He kept me calm and focused to the task at hand.

The afternoon was spent playing bocce and snoozing in the sun. The evening meal was enjoyed beside our campfire. Simon spotted the fireworks in Victoria, off on the horizon, and the gang sang "Oh Canada". The guys played their guitars and we sang the night away. What a splendid way to end our day.

Thanks gang for sharing in my adventure!

Theme: Food and Wine

Experience #31: Wine tour

Yippee! Simon's new employer invited us to their annual retreat in Ossoyous. The boys got to play golf and the ladies enjoyed a morning at the spa...ah... But the best part was the afternoon of wine tours! I've never done one! I LOVE WINE!!!!!!
 You may sense that it wasn't hard to convince me to participate in this experience.
I learnt a bunch of stuff on wine making.
Did you know:

• Vines reach their maturity at about 3-5 years. The vine roots can dig deep (50 feet or more) into the poor arid soil to reach water.
• The winemakers may cull up to 50% of the grapes on the vines to encourage optimal sweetness in the remaining grapes.
• Most wineries hand pick the grapes and place them in a tank with an air-filled sac that squeezes the juice out gently. The grape juice is then fermented in vats of aluminium and then oak (young or old oak depending on the type of wine/grapes) until it reaches maturity. It is then bottled.
• An acre of grapes produces about 5 tones of grapes and makes 4,336 bottles of wine. One bottle of wine contains 2.3lbs of grapes.

Tasting the wine:

1. Tip the glass and look at the LEGS of the golden/ruby liquid.
2. Smell the NOSE. Your nose can distinguish thousands of flavors. Gently swirl the wine in the glass.
3. Taste. The tip of the tongue senses sweetness. The back, bitterness, and the sides detect acidity. Swirl the wine in your mouth blending it with some air bubbles.
4. Feel the wine on your tongue. Is it rich, full, lean, bubbly? Tannins feel dry.
5. Spit. The more you spit, the more you can sample without the risk of making a fool of yourself.
6. Cleanse with a couple of crackers, or water to make space for the next tasting.

The Okanagan is developing a reputation for its wineries. If you haven't visited this beautiful area I would recommend that you do. Thanks Quartech!

Theme: Social

Experience #29-30 Charitable donation

I am blessed. My life at the moment is great. I have the best husband, EVER! I love my career, my co-workers, and my clients. I have been guided by my financial adviser, Daniela, to put money aside for the future... Things are running smoothly. Simon and I have been giving to charities for many years. We chose a broad reaching, local foundations, that help families and individuals. This year we searched out other organisations and 2 rang true for me.

#29 Sponsoring a child though Plan Canada.
I chose to sponsor a little girl in Nepal. I am aware of the mistreatment of girls in many countries. My monthly contribution will go to provide her with adequate nutrition, water, sanitation, health care, education, and family income so her parents can support their children.

Founded in 1937, Plan Canada is one of the world’s oldest and largest charities, working to end global poverty. Inclusive of all faiths and cultures, Plan has only one purpose: to improve the lives of children.

#30 Silent auction fundraiser: We went to a e-women's network fundraiser for Bridges for women and Transition house. Chatting with all those professional women working on supporting their sisters who have experienced abuse, violence and neglect brought back to me my life "before Simon". It seems so far from my present reality, but I still feel some lingering effects from my own past, living with an abusive man. I was made to feel like second hand goods, worthless. If it wasn't for my mother and father  packing my possessions early one morning and literally putting me on that flight to Edmonton, Lord knows where I would be today. I have reached out to the women of Bridges and hope to be a mentor to someone working on re-creating herself. The fundraiser collected over $20,000 for both organisations. Bridges for women:

Bridges is a gutsy, innovative community agency. their employment training and supportive programs inspire women impacted by violence or abuse, to reclaim their lives and build economic security. Bridges draws on its extensive knowledge of the impacts of abuse on employability, to provide education, training and consulting to community agencies, employers, and government.
Every woman affected by violence or abuse will have the economic security to sustain herself and her family, in safety, health and freedom.

Transition House:

Regaining our lives, we regain self-respect.
Since 1975, several thousand women have come to their doors looking for help, seeking a brighter future for themselves and their children.Victoria Women’s Transition House Society has been there to provide a safe, welcoming shelter, respectful counselling, support and advocacy. A lot has changed in 35 years. But our purpose has stayed the same - to provide a helping hand and a safe place for women to envision a new future.

Experience #28: Wet exit

Theme: water

One of the challenges this year, coming up in July, will be to kayak with the orcas in the San Juan Islands. It may surprise some but I tend to be cautious. I know squat about kayaking. Soooo. We thought it best to take a level one course to at least know some strokes, and how to rescue ourselves.

The course was given by Ocean River Sports. Jeanette and Danika, our instructors were great. They were very enthusiastic and friendly, but were also good instructors and gave us really good basic skills. The course curriculum moved us from novices to beginner level boaters. Perfect for our planned trtip.

The wet exit was interesting. What if you capsize you kayak? The spray skirt holds you in the cockpit. (Notice I use terminology-nice eh?) Well the skirt has a loop at the bow end that sticks out from the cockpit combing. (stop it with all this terminology!) So one simply slides ones hand along the cockpit opening toward the front and one reaches the loop. Simply pull forward and up to release the skirt and kick out of the up-turned boat. Don't forget to hold onto you paddle (not oar). Now you're wet. and your boat has water in it... If your buddy is near by he/she can stabilise your boat while you spawn (climbing terminology-but appropriate description) up and back into your kayak. Or you can use a floater attached to your paddle and climb back in on your own. Very cool! The aim is of course NOT having to do this rescue in the first place, but it is nice to know how. Hopefully, one can "edge" (lean to one side) the boat and "brace" with the paddle (using the back of the paddle as a stabiliser) to re-adjust the level of the kayak and avoid capsizing. I think we're ready for the long week-end!

Themes: music and protest

Experiences #26 &27 Sing a solo, protest

   When I started the year, I thought of what challenges I would like to tackle. Singing an official solo was a biggie. Before I chickened out, I sent an e-mail to Jack, my choir director. I was thinking a one sentence solo as part of one of the songs we would present at a concert. This is the typical solo with the Arbutus singers. Well, Jack is this supper generous guy, sooooo he offered me a full solo with the song of my choice! Yikes! I had nightmares for about a week. Then came the task of finding which song to pick. Simon suggested Kate Bush-I love her music. We chose Army Dreamer. It is a beautiful, and short song. So for the next month I sang that song over and over. I was obsessed!
   My first attempt singing it with the men-my backup- was not so good. I was so scared I could hardly breathe let alone sing. Oddly enough the other "new experiences" such as the roller coaster and the day wearing an abaya stripped away some of my fears. I had 5 more opportunities to practise with the men. By the time the concert came this past week-end, I felt prepared and well, calm!
   I feel it went very well and I am satisfied with my performances. Two of them, in front of more than 400 people each time at the First Metropolitan Church.
   I am very thankful to Jack, Sylvia and Irene my directors, the men of Arbutus singers who looked upon me with such love and encouragement, and all the folks that came to see my performances. A special thanks to Simon who kept on saying that I could do it. How did he know?!

   My sister-in-law, Martine, challenged me to protest something. This song is my protest; it bemoans the loss of life during war. Such a waste.