Knitting In The North

9,000km later...

We've been there and back again...  Arrived home safely, with much to tell and share - soon!

 

 

A New Thing Every Day

I've been putting off telling you all about our trip, only because we took so very many pictures (750+!!) that I am overwhelmed when I go through them, trying to decide which to share with you.  I mentioned the other day that I did something new, that I had never done before, every single day.  This is important to me, and when I think back on the trip, these are the things, the activities, that stand out the most.  Here's a little list:

• On our way to Hawaii, we had a full day in Vancouver.  I have always wanted to visit the Granville Island Public Market, and had never had the chance before.  It was happy coincidence, but I was so glad that we had the layover in the city, so we could spend the day there.  We rented a car and drove over, and spent the morning walking around looking and smelling and touching amazing things.  After a wonderful lunch, we left Granville Island and checked out a couple of yarn shops before heading back to the airport.  I found a few special treasures, which I will show you in a later post.

 

   

• We visted a lavendar farm - walked the garden paths, picked and squished and smelled more varieties of lavendar than I can remember, admired the lavendar fields, purchased goodies in the shop.

 

  

• Attending a traditional luau is something that was a must in Hawaii, and the one we went to was amazing!  Delicious food, incredible service, and an incredible show.

 

• Parasailing is something that I've always wanted to try!  A few years ago, we were in the Okanagan Valley, and there was a boat offering parasailing on the lake.  It just happened to be my birthday, & I told Stuart that was what I wanted for my birthday present.  He got me all signed up, but just when it was my turn, the wind came up, and the outfit packed it in for the day.  I was so disappointed!  Parasailing over Maui more than made up for it, though! 

 

  

• After a very relaxing couple's massage, Stuart & I took a sunset sail.  It was beautiful weather, and we saw dolphins playing in the water alongside the boat!  So very lovely!

• The Haleakala crater is at the summit of the volcano on Maui.  We walked right to the top, which is 10,000ft above sea level.  It's like another world there above the clouds, so awesome to see.

• As well as seeing amazing things, we also ate many amazing things!  I had my first real sushi dinner, complete with very nice saki.  Apparently, saki makes me happy - who knew?

 

• At the very south end of the island is Maui's freshest lava flow.  There is a one lane track through it, so you can see where the lava came down the mountain, and poured right into the sea.  What I loved most, though, was to see the greenery growing around and through the massive flow.  The contrast was beautiful.

There you go - a week of new experiences through my eyes!

Step Back in Time

Today is my handsome husband's birthday!  On Monday, we celebrated by visiting Barkerville, an historic, old west town, full of actors in costume.  This has somehow become an annual tradition, with certain very key elements:

We walk main street,

take a stagecoach ride,

do some shopping for certain items, such as giant jawbreakers, ice cream, and bakery-fresh sourdough bread,

check out the Cornish Wheel and Pump, and hear the mining demonstration,

and pan for gold.  There was some fibre to be seen,

 

such as antique bobbins,

and hand knit wool scarves.  Once everyone is worn out, we head for home,

stopping at a nearby lake for a picnic.

There are wildflowers to be picked,

special rocks to be discovered,

and lots of room to run (my goodness, the boy is like Dash from The Incredibles.  He just never stops moving!).  Lots of fun was had by all,

except for Liam.  This was pretty much his take on the whole day.  Maybe he'll enjoy it more next year!