Sleepover

This morning I had a hint of a sunrise - just a crackling of orange staining the grey sky, trying to erupt forward and make a reflection upon the wide sea below.

This morning was not in the sunrise's favour.

However, the clouds had lifted enough to see the lovely snow capped mountains on the neighbouring island of Quadra (at least I think they're on Quadra), and they looked quietly majestic surrounded by the morning clouds.

I don't usually get to wake up to the Ocean but last night was a sleep over at Kimberley's place to watch a certain TV show we're both fans of... Unfortunately last night was a repeat episode for no apparent reason, but at least I got to see the ocean and mountains this morning!

It felt good to see the ocean first thing. I've very much missed weekly beach trips to get cleansed... But I am don't quite miss them enough to venture into the freezing waters kissing Campbell River.

Maybe I'll get desperate enough soon...

For now some sunshine would be nice??
k

Marlene and my new home.

I moved into Marlene's house yesterday. Marlene is an apparent ninja - one of those 60-something year old women who get's a million things done a day to keep herself busy. She is quite awesome (and bakes too!).

The new house is about a 20 minute walk from work which is great because it means I will be forced to do exercise despite the unappealing cold. Also on the way to and from work I pass the community ice-rink and swimming pool complex which hopefully means I will have an excuse to use both!

The best part about being located next to the community ice-rink and swimming pool complex is that I discovered snow (sort of)!

The significance of the snow discovery is I was requested to do three things while here and two of them involve snow. Now, being the ignorant foreigner that I am, I didn't realise that frozen pipes didn't equate to snow. (I know, it may seem strange to live with such cold conditions without the 'luxury' of being able to 'play' in snow, but that's ok...). Point is, now I can accomplish two snow related activities - 1) Make a snow angel and 2) Have a photo of Tara throwing a snowball at me (because it is should be a classic moment: very pregnant lady throwing icey weapons at the defenceless giant Aussie).

I'll post photos when the mission is accomplished!
k

Who ever heard of a cold rainforest?!?

The average temperature for this time of year is about 5 degrees Celsius (or like 45 degrees Fahrenheit). And apparently this is rainforest climate...

I wouldn't have believed it either, but I my CouchSurfing hosts did take me on a rainforest walk and I have to admit, it did look and smell a lot like a rainforest.

It was covered in moss and mushy. It was damp and old, and just about the only differences I could notice between here and home (aside from the temperature and the animals, obviously), was a distinct lack of ground ferns (apparently more common in the tropical rainforests of Queensland and not so much the temperate rainforests of British Colombia).

Anyway, I don't understand it, but yes, despite the lack of heat, apparently I am living in a very cold rainforest. Trip!
k

Vancouver to Campbell River

The trip from Vancouver to Campbell River was smooth though long.

Apparently I was quite lucky that the ocean was so glassy as it is not usually known for its calmness. The ride was so smooth despite the 'log pollution'; thousands of barkless tree trunks floating in the straight.

The sun was out and in our eyes for much of the trip providing perfect lighting for the scene. Beyond the ocean snowy mountains loomed behind alpine forests in most directions. I just enjoyed the ride, talking to curious locals who said they were keen to go to Australia at some stage (but admitting that their quiet region had just about everything they could ever need - and that is why they had grown up and stayed there).

Eventually I arrived in Campbell River and met up with my CouchSurfing Hosts (both of whom have been to Aus before) and warned me that the locals could be very 'small town'.

I then did what it seems every Canadian does on a Saturday night (or any night for that matter) - I watched the Hockey, ice (or 'real') hockey, that is.

k

Landing in Vancouver

The flight from Brisbane to Vancouver was ok.

I had a 6 hour exploration stop in Nadi, Fiji where I managed to have a good meal, make a new friend, do a little window shopping, see a famous Hindu temple and visit the beach.

My next stop before destination was LAX. You already know I LOVE LA but unfortunately on this stop over I was not very organised and the couple of hours noticed I managed to provide was not enough to have friends available and able to play for the short time I was there. I did however meet a very interesting man at the airport, and we had a very deep conversation about a range of topics, as you do.

Finally I made it to Vancouver, to crash at Stacey's house. Stacey is a friend I met in my travels a few years ago. We had a great time getting to know Budapest together and stayed in touch. So here I am now, staying with her in Vancouver just weeks before the Winter Olympics (which people seem very excited about but also very uncomfortable with - I have found out that there are MANY social issues that have come to head with the Olympics being held here including the land holders, the indigenous people of BC, who have no treaty with the Canadian government, not consenting to the Winter Olympics being hosted in BC because the Canadian government never even asked if it would be okay to host the games on indigenous land!).

Anyway, to the tourist in me Vancouver feels a lot like a Brisbane paced version of Sydney. People seem to be friendly and busy, and the buildings are modern with a heavy Victorian era influence.

I don't really want to explore Vancouver because because I am trying to avoid entering the travelling head space that can be so distracting from the learning space I need to be in.

Will see how it goes.
k