"Knitters are just a close knitt bunch!"

O.K.: Today, we are both awake and ready for the day.  Yep!  We were awake at 4:00a.m. this morning!  The robins weren't even singing.  Pacific Time has its advantages.

Bathtub race winner

We began our day with a wonderful breakfast.  Thanks to Judith from The Kennedy House B & B.  Fresh fruit, smoked salmon and egg on toast. We were ready to be official tourists of Naniamo.  Look out, here we come. A pair of Norwester hippies.  Pony tail included.

Our mission today was to tour Naniamo Museum, where we learned about the history of coal mining at Naniamo.  Naniamo bar tasting at "Serious Coffee Co." and the Bastion.


Naniamo tasting @ Serious Coffee Co.

I have to agree, the authentic tri level sweet of the west coast is absolutely delicious along side a cup of west coast java!  Now.. we are ready to start our day.  Caffeine and sugar.  WOW what a rush at 10:00 a.m.

Original recipe

The secret to Naniamo bars: "Bird's custard powder"

Sunshine, warm temperature!  Upward and onward.

Time for lunch.  Already tired of restaurant food, we are now eating by "default" and it is my "pick" for the meal.  "Lets try raw vegan.  What do you think, Bob?"  Waiting for the "I don't think so" 




To my surprise, we find ourselves ordering raw, vegan pizza.  Complete with cashew ricotta on a bed of organic pesto drenched over carrot puree crust.  Doesn't this sound just scrumptious? 

Well, don't be so turned off on tasteless food.  This pizza was absolutely wonderful.  Bob was pleasantly surprised.  I didn't even have to coax him to take his first hesitant bite.  Maybe, it was just hunger that succumbed his feelings towards raw vegan food.

We visited the "Old City Quarter" where chic boutiques are nestled among heritage building in the Old city of Naniamo.  And low and behold:  A yarn boutique. Well, we just have to visit.  Bob and I enter the tiny shop filled with exquisite colours and fibers.  Bob fit right in.  So much, that another customer asked Bob if he could help them with a selection of yarns.  He replied: "I don't work here, I'm just a tourist"  He did look pretty spiffy in his Irish knit sweater and sexy ponytail.  (Remember, hippie in B.C.!! and pro ski bum) After a long chat with Bob's new customers, and of course the staff, he came to the conclusion;  "All you knitters are just a close knit bunch, aren't you?"  That's no surprise at all.  We all knew of different shops all across Canada, from Baddeck, Nova Scotia to  Duncan, British Columbia and every where in between!  It's is scary that Bob knows the lingo of us fibre junkies.  Yes, very scary.  And, yes, I did leave with a decadent skein of hand dyed emerald green wool from Gabriola Island, B.C.

Next, on the agenda: The theatre in the afternoon.  At least, it will keep us awake.
"Two tickets for "Island Soul Choir" please.  We were in for a treat.  Afternoon concert featuring Vancouver Island's "Soul Patrol" (Soul, R & B), "Triva", (Acapella trio) and "Island Soul Choir" an African, Gospel choir that shook the walls of the Port Theatre.  This is what Naniamo is about.  The culture, live local talent, coffee shops and food.

Next stop is the Bastion, an eight sided fort  protecting the coal mining town of Naniamo.  Standing guard since 1853 over the city built by the Hudson's Bay company, the only original fort still standing in North America. 

To Bob's surprise, that small slice of raw vegan pizza still kept his belly satisfied for most of the day.  I'm now getting hungry.  Yes, it is almost 5:00 p.m. and time for a cold beer.  What a better place than Asteras Taverna, an authentic Greek restaurant, complete with a cold glass of Mythos Beer, red wine and fresh baked pita bread with Tzatziki.
A complete day it was.  At least, today, we didn't misplace the car!

Tomorrow, we depart and head even more westward toward the Pacific ocean to the coastal town of Tofino.

Beauty from Above



 

 

Canadian Rockies from above

I could only imagine what Chris Hadfield experience when he view our planet from above.  I don't often sit, let alone look out the window of an aircraft. Today, I gazed in amazement on the beauty below.

It was an early morning waking up at 3:45 am in Thunder Bay. We arrived in Vancouver at 8:00 am Pacific Time (a three hour time difference)  We felt like we were chasing the sun. 


Lion's Gate Bridge

Add caption

It was misty, "Vancouver sunshine" as we visited Stanley Park.  We were so excited to see the colour green everywhere!  Terrace Bay has just begun to bloom, so we were treated to saturated greens, pinks, and hues of the rainbow within the park.



The totem poles were majestic and stood tall beside the trees.

We then boarded the Ferry from Horseshoe Bay to Nanaimo on Vancouver Island.  After parking the rental car we walked up and wandered to the sun deck and admired the views as we approached the island.  The swaying of the ship had tranquilized me into a sleep, as I stretched out on the bench in the sunshine.
Once docked we had to return to our vehicles.  Except....we kind of lost our car in the row upon row of vehicles on level 4 of the ship. OOPS!  We did finally find it, as all the other cars had departed.  It was only a matter of time and embarrassment.  Oh well.....we won't do that again!

We  sheepishly drive off the ferry and arrive at our destination.  Nanaimo, called the 'Harbour City"  a small town. One of many small towns we will be visiting.  And of course, the mystery of the Naniamo Bar:
Some legends trace its roots to Nanaimo's coal mining days when families of miners sent care packages that often included rich custard treats. Other accounts say Dutch settlers brought the recipe over in the early 1900's.  Local historian figure the Nanaimo Bar was most likely inspired by a recipe in a 1952 Woman's Auxiliary to te Nanaimo Hospital Cookbook.  
Tomorrow, will be hiking the Nanaimo Bar Trail.  Yes, it exsists.  A trail of sweet shops where you can sample traditional, deep fried, Nanaimo Bar ice cream, and espresso bars!

We just returned from dinner, and cannot even fathom eating the delectable treat as our bellies are full, and the body clock is scrambled. 

It has been a long day travelling, so a good sleep, ocean air and Pacific time zone weighing heavy on our eyes, so by tomorrow, we will be ready to explore with both eyes open.  The Goal:  Desert!

Naniamo Harbour

THE ULTIMATE NANAIMO BAR RECIPE

Bottom layer:
1/2 cup butter
5 tbsp. cocoa
1/4 cup sugar
1 egg beaten
1 3/4 cup graham cracker crumbs
1/2 cup finely chopped almonds
1 cup coco nut
Melt first three ingredients in top of a double boiler. Add egg and stir to cook and thicken. Remove from heat and stir remaining ingredients.  Press firmly into an ungreased 8 x 8 pan.

Middle layer:
1/2 cup butter
2 tbsp. + 2 tsp cream
2 tbsp. vanilla custard powder
2 cups icing sugar
Cream butter, cream, custard powder and icing sugar together.  Beat until light. spread over bottom layer.

Top layer:
4 squares semi sweet chocolate
2 tbsp. butter
Melt chocolate and butter over low heat. Cool. When cool, but still liquid, pour over second layer and chill in fridge.



From the Legend of the Sleeping Giant to the Legend of the Inukshuk

After our first winter in Terrace Bay with multiple trips to Thunder Bay (The land of the Sleeping Giant) for medical appointments, we will be travelling west to the land of the Inukshuk; Vancouver Island, British Columbia. Finally, a trip of pleasure and not necessity.

Our 14th wedding anniversary and our Mother,

Margaret Meharg's birthday. Unfortunately, she had passed away a few weeks ago, after a long and adventurous life filled with love and happiness. Mom would have been 90 years old.  A toast with a cold beer on May 28th , just as mom would have it.

So, another trip to Thunder Bay as our trip west will begin on Friday with an early flight 5:40 am on Saturday morning.  We will hope to meet our good friends in as we have on previous trip to "T Bay" enjoying a 4 hour dinner at the Prince Arthur Hotel, or at Vanderwees Garden Centre for a delicious lunch!  Maybe Naxo's for a traditional Greek meal.



Thunder Bay Harbour



Spring has been slow to arrive in Terrace Bay, as "Old man Winter" dug his heels in the frozen ground a little too long.  We will miss the trees budding as we will be on Vancouver Island where the flowers are in full bloom and the grass is green, amongst the Luxurious Wilderness of Tofino and Ucluelet of Vancouver's west coast.

Bob has set the intinery for our anniversary adventure.  Naniamo, Tofino, Ucuelet, Victoria and the big city of Vancouver.  Yes, another drop in the bucket of  lifetime adventures. 

Standing on the shores of Thunder Bay at the head of the great Lake Superior, one can perceive on looking out across the waters, a great land formation situated directly in the mouth of the Bay.

On an island just outside Thunder Bay, now known as Isle Royale, once lived a great tribe of Ojibwa Natives. Nanabijou, the Spirit of the Deep Sea, decided to reward them. One day he called their Chief to his Great Thunder Temple on the mountain and warned him that if he told the secret of their rich and abundant life to the traders, that he would be turned to stone and the Ojibwa tribe would perish.

The Great Spirit told Nanabijou to go to the highest point on Thunder Cape, and he would find the entrance to a tunnel that would lead him to the centre of a rich silver mine.  The Ojibwa people found the mine and became famous for their beautiful silver ornament. So beautiful that the Sioux warriors saw the ornaments on their wounded enemies, strove to steel their secret from them without success.

The Sioux summoned their most cunning scout to a pow-wow and a plan was formed.  The scout entered the Ojibwa camp disguised as one of them. In a few days he learned the secret of the island of silver. Going to the mine at night he took several large pieces of silver to prove to his chief that he had fulfilled his mission. The scout never returned to his camp as he stopped at a trader's post. He  had no money to purchase food, but used a piece of silver.

    

Upon seeing such a large piece of this beautiful metal, the two traders pressed to find the whereabouts of its source so they could become wealthy. They persuaded him to show them the mine.  When almost in sight of "Silver Islet" a horrible storm broke over the Cape.  The traders were drowned and the Native was found in a crazed condition floating aimlessly in his canoe. An extraordinary thing happened during the storm where there once was a wide opening to the bay, now lay what appeared to be a great sleeping figure of a man arms folded across his massive chest. 

The great Spirit's warning had been fulfilled and he had been turned to stone.  On a little island at the foot of the Sleeping Giant, can still be seen the partly submerged shafts of what was once the richest silver mine in the Northwest.  Traders tried again and again to pump out the water that keeps flooding it from Lake Superior, but without success.  Is it still under the curse of Nanabijou, Spirit of the Deep Sea Water?

Who can tell?

As for the legend of the Inukshuk...

We will travel west to the land of Canada's tallest waterfall, ancient cedars, and rich aboriginal history.  Along with a touch of Old World style and plenty of excitement.  Vancouver Island stretches 460 kms north to south off the west coast of British Columbia. We hope to experience the spring migration of more than 20,000 grey whales of Pacific Rim National Park, sleep on Chesterman Beach spotting seals and eagles, hike the centuries old rainforest.

A Superior Inukshuk



and of course... hang out at some of the jazz bars in Naniamo, the home of Diane Krall, our favorite Jazz artist. 

The Mystery awaits................

Dreams do come true

A healthy Bob and myself hiking the Casques Isles Trail

"What are you doing here?"  Asked Dr. Czlopinski, Bob's Cardiologist.  "We don't see healthy people in this office!"  he stated with a smile.  "Your heart is better than ever!"  as he read the report from the Cardiac surgeon, which stated: "

Dr. Lamy, a member of the Hamilton General Hospital cardiac surgical team evaluated Bob's progress and in a letter to Dr. Czlopinski stated he was in great shape, recoverd very well and was on his way to a healthy and lengthy life. Good News.  Dr. Lamy also recommended Bob not to shovel snow.


I am winning the battle of the snow!!



 "In fact" he said: "Women are more suited to shovelling snow than men"  He then looked at me and smiled.  Yeah right!!!!

And yes, I am shovelling the snow in the driveway, the wood pile and today, shovelling to dig out the shovel!

So, life is good in the Northwest.  Since all restrictions have been lifted for Bob, we have been hiking and snowshoeing the trails.  Uphill both ways.  That is why the town is appropriately named Terrace Bay. Since we can't ski the trees this season, hiking amongst them is almost as good, except a bit slower.  Yes, there are snowshoe rabbits here as well, and big ones.  I wouldn't mind one in the oven roasting with a hint of fresh rosemary and marinated in red wine.

We have been hiking the Casques Isles trail. The total distance from Rossport to Terrace Bay is 53 km.  We have begun to explore the shores of Superior in segments.  Trails hug the beautiful and magnificent coastline of Lake Superior.  So far, we have hiked from Augosaban Falls to Danny's Cove and Lyda's Bay.  Beautiful!!!

Lyda's Bay



Casques Isles Trail



The weekend brought approx. 1 foot of fresh snow.   The temperature was 0 - +2 degrees....time to play outside.  But, not until the snow is shovelled....again.   In Southern Ontario, they call this stuff  "Heart Attack snow"  I call it wet cement, or back in ski school it is called "Elephant Snot"  Yep,  heavy and no where to pile it!  O.K. now that chore is done, now the wood pile....again....  I had to get the shovel from the front to dig out the shovel in the back, as it is now buried in amongst the wood pile.  Yes, I did leave the shovel standing up, and no, you can't see the picnic table either, as it is also buried.



Aguasobon Falls


Back to

snowshoeing.....

We began this day's trek at Aguasobon Falls as the goal was to reach Hydro Bay (6km along the shore of Lake Superior) and back.  Well, the snow moist, sticky and heavy:  Cannonball shaped death cookies had begun to form under the crampons on our snowshoes.  And they weighed the equivalent to cannonballs.  Of course, it IS uphill both ways. 



Danny's Bay

 

We managed to snowshoe to Danny's Cove and back. Two hours later, our legs felt like we had skied moguls all day.  We will save Hydro Bay for the spring.



Knitting:  Yes my addiction.  Ski withdrawal = knitting, knitting and more knitting. (spinning too)  I finally completed Bob's sweater.  3 months to spin the wool and here it is.  The Irish knit pattern is my special gift for Bob.  The Celtic knot: for Bob's Irish heritage. The Ensign's braid: In memory of his father George who served in the Navy. The X's and O's: For my love for him. 



A fitting sweater for a handsome man



Now that the day is coming to an end, we think and wait.  Spring in not just around the corner as it is in the South. 

Here, in the North West, spring arrives when the bears wake up...



Every day is a gift



Stompin Tom Connors passed away 6 March at the age of 77.  God rest his soul

Stompin' Tom Connors: A Real Canadian Girl

She loves the way it feels, driving snowmobiles
And laughing at her dates when they don't know how to skate
She knows her hockey games and the players of the world
She's an all Acandian, northern lady
An Real Canadian Girl

She's from the Miramichi by the old Atlantic Sea
But like the rolling tides she travels far and wide
So fond of the great outdoors with a glowing heart a twirl
She's an all Acandian, northern lady
An Real Canadian Girl

She's a real Canadian Girl, a real Canadian Girl
She's an all Acandian, northern lady
An real Canadian Girl

She'll brave the Yukon nights and dance to the northern lights
Then she's off to ski in the mountains of BC
In the summer she'll play ball
In the winter time she'll curl
She's an all Acandian, northern lady
An Real Canadian Girl
[ Lyrics from
From the river of Saint John to the old Saskatchewan
Up along the Caribou she'll paddle her canoe
She loves the bears and birds and every little squirrel
She's an all Acandian, northern lady
An Real Canadian Girl

She's a Real Canadian Girl, a real Canadian Girl
She's an all Acandian, northern lady
An a Real Canadian Girl

Now when you see her play she'll take yer breath away
Bathing in the sun or swimming just for fun
And if some lucky guy should land this precious pearl
She's an all Acandian, northern lady
An a Real Canadian Girl

She loves the way it feels driving snowmobiles
And laughing at her dates when they don't know how to skate
She knows her hockey games and the players of the world
She's an all Acandian, northern lady
An a Real Canadian Girl

She's a real Canadian Girl, a real Canadian Girl
She's an all Acandian, northern lady
An a Real Canadian Girl

• "The Snowmobile Song"

It's Wintertime and the weather's fineThe snow on the woods and fields when I reveal... my snowmobileThrill by thrill by golly n' hill

Baby it'll make ya feel like an outdoor meal...On a snowmobile

Listen to the sound when the belts go round 'When the winter carnival's here...
And oh what fun at the crack of the gun
When the whole gang disappears...

The race is on from the bush to the pond
And back where the judge's feel you've won their seal...For the snowmobileYou've won their seal... for the snowmobile

Where skier's ski, and skater's be and snowshoes lend appeal
Like a boogie wheel,... On a snowmobile

We tip the glass to the northern lass for she won't let ya kneelShe'd rather squeal -...on a snowmobile-up-

You're off to the town where the word goes roundIt's winter carnival timeIn goggles, boots, and a snow proof suit Your sweethearts on your mind
Ya win the race and you see her face and you know that she must feel
You've got a real... good snowmobile-

Now down the street U can hear the beat & the clickin' of the dancer's heel
When the fiddler's peel... off a ragtime reel
You dance and tear with an "I don't care

On the way back home you'll wheel-over hill and field -On a snowmobileup-
Through the golden glow on powdered snow

When the moon comes rolling along

On a homeward trail

U can hear the wail of the whole gang singing a song..

If tomorrow's clear with fishin' gear

We'll head for a lake trout meal

With a rod and a reel-and a snowmobile

Life can be real with a snowmobile

There ain't no deal like a snowmobile

How to Become a Ski Bum: Just put your Heart into it!

How to Become a Ski Bum: Just put your Heart into it!: Lake Superior, Pumphouse Beach Since we are not yet skiing the big snow, we are thinking of opening day at Panorama.  Friday 14 Decembe...

Just put your Heart into it!

Lake Superior, Pumphouse Beach

Since we are not yet skiing the big snow, we are thinking of opening day at Panorama.  Friday 14 December 2012. 

We will miss the sleepless night before the first official ski day of the season.  Except this year....

We are both very grateful and blessed to have a new lease on life.  A gift of sorts.

Bob is recovering very well.  We have joined the gym in Terrace Bay.  The Doc does not want Bob walking up hill, or walking in snow or ice.   Well, in Terrace Bay, it is uphill in both directions.  And yes, it has been snowing for the last three days.  I have been also shovelling the last three days.  This is not a complaint, just an excuse to play outside.



Northern Sundog 



Put you heart into it and you will have a blast!!!! (Ask me this question in a few weeks, with many more days of white fluffy snow in the forecast) 



Myself and Bob (skinny, but mighty strong!)

As for Bob, he is walking the treadmill daily. Today: 22 minutes as he increases his speed and distance each day.  Not bad for three weeks post op recovery!

A few days ago, we hiked in the bush, yes pure Canadian wild bush, hunting for that perfect Christmas tree.  We found the perfect one....skinny, just like Bob.



Skinny, but strong



  He is slowly gaining back his weight and strength.  That skinny tree is also strong as it is supporting all our Christmas decorations, some collected since I was a tiny ski bum in training.  All with meaning and memories of past, present and future.

Two new treasures were added to our skinny tree this year.  One from a very special little girl, Olivia who quietly placed the packaged treasure at Bob's bedside in ICU the day after his open heart surgery.  Thank you Olivia for such a special Christmas gift.  It hangs in a very special place on our skinny Bob Tree. The other, well, remember my addiction?  Knitting of course, and thanks to another very special friend, Jean (aka: Tigger) for the knitter's delight!



The perfect tree!

 

Life in Terrace Bay: 

Snowshoeing, cross country skiing, hiking, plus all the indoor winter sports, hockey, curling, bowling etc. and 'Happy Hour"  We will be participating in most winter sports, especially the happy hour.  Put your heart into it and PLAY outside. "Stay Thirsty my friend!"

 Sun, snow and a crisp -10 to -15 Celsius....a perfect winter day.  Remember any temperature between -30 to +30 and you can play outside.  Bundle up and go.....It's an outdoor playground here. 

Life at the beach, no crowds, and yes I know it is winter, but the trees, rocks and water is enticing even at these temperatures.

Northern Sunset in Terrace Bay

We have yet begun to explore the hiking trails.  A life time of exploring is ahead of us.  Good timing to explore since the bears are now sleeping.  We will be following the snowshoe rabbits' trail in the woods behind us.  This time I will try to jump over the rabbit, not like last season in the Enchanted Forest.  Remember the "White Rabbit?"

Today, it will be Christmas baking.  A good way to spend an afternoon.  Cookies and Beer, or maybe a hot chocolate and amaretto.  Decisions...Decisions....



Life at the beach



A Bump in the Road

To our surprise, a bump in the road.  Not just your everyday bump, but a shocking almost heart stopping crash!
Here is how the story begins:

Trans Canada Highway, Wawa, Ontario

As our dream and reality of becoming a ski bum continues.  We moved in to our new home in North Western Ontario on October 27th.  One day late as the Trans Canada highway was washed out at Wawa.  In Southern Ontario, "washed out" meant; "wait a few hours until they pump the water off the road"  In the North West "washed out" meant at 30' x 50' deep hole in the highway. A detour was necessary. So, back to Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario, across to the U.S. border and drive for 14 hours through Michigan, Minnesota, and then Wisconsin.  Yes we drove around the perimeter of the largest freshwater lake in the world. 
All is good at this stage,  We arrive at our home on Friday 27 October, as our furniture is in transit and should arrive the following Tuesday.
After a good night's sleep in our sleeping bags in our new home, we awoke to a gorgeous day with plenty of sunshine.  A walk in our new surrounding was needed. 
This is when the bump and crash began....
Bob began to become very short of breath as his chest began to tighten. He felt ill and began to sweat as the colour drifted from his cheeks.  Fortunately, we were in front of the gas station/subway and Nicole (our new neighbour) phoned 911 for us.  Within minutes, Bob was taken to Terrace Bay Hospital, where the quick response the Doctors and staff stablized him and believed he had a heart attack. 
He was then transferred to Thunder Bay Regional Hospital via ambulance on Monday.  I waited in Terrace Bay frantically until Tuesday for Oneida Movers to arrive.  Thank you for all your work and caring for our possessions. I left on Wednesday to drive to T Bay to be with Bob.  So off I go early Wednesday, worried and distraught I drive. Amazingly there are no cars in sight in either direction, only the beauty surrounding me. Then, flashing lights....O.P.P. and I'm pulled over.  Ok, now I start crying... non stop crying.  "My husband had a heart attack, and we only spent one night in our house, the movers just left our furniture and I'm cold. I need a hug.... and on and on I went. The lovely officer said, after I explained the situation "M'am, just breathe, and keep driving"   "Was I driving too fast?" I asked in between sobbs?  "Yes, it will be ok" she replied.

I arrive in Thunder Bay safe. Again, we were very fortunate to have the chief cardiac surgeon from Hamilton General Hospital visiting that day.  Dr. Czopinski and Dr. Irene Cybulski ordered test upon test as they felt Bob did not have a heart attack after all.  The final conclusion to our shock was: Bob had 60% calcified aortic valve, and mitral valve.  Open heart surger;y was needed. Life is now changed................A bump, potholes and new roads ahead of us.

Bob is a picture of health with no history of heart disease what so ever. So, we wait for a date.  Two weeks we were told.  They were right on the ball.   A quick flight back to Hamilton, Ontario (basically where we began our trek)  Bob and I were both born and raised in this city, with all of our family and friends still in the area.
We arrived Sunday November 18 as our good friends picked us up at Toronto airport and delivered us to Bob's Sister and Brother in law's home where we will be staying during surgery and recovery.  That night; another bump and 911 was dispatched.  Angina attack.  We thought Bob would not even make his surgery scheduled for that Wednesday.  He was admitted a day earlier than expected, and surgery did go as scheduled.  
Wednesday:  0900:  Triple bypass and aortic valve replacement was completed in 7 hours. Now on a respirator for a couple days, ICU, then the Cardiac Step down where Bob amazingly and quickly was recovering. Since his picture perfect health is definitely an asset, we are told Bob will recover 120% and will be back better than before in a few short months. The cardiologist said 'Bob will be dancing in two weeks" Bob replied,   "That sounds great.  Since I can't dance now!"

We returned to his sister and brother in law's home 9 days after surgery. 

A gift of life was given back, as we both feel we are very blessed to be able to continue our lives together better than ever.  NEVER take life for granted! as it can be stripped away from you in a "heartbeat" (literally)
We thank our family, especially as we could not have managed with out you.  Our friends from all over the country and across the oceans for your support, prayers and concerns.

Our New Home, Terrace Bay, Ontario

Yes, we will miss the ski season (well maybe) As the doctors anticipate Bob will be back on the slopes in March for a few turns in the powder. 











As for now, we wait to fly back to our new home in Terrace Bay, Ontario, celebrate a very, very special Christmas, recover from surgery and rebuilt the body to a fine tuned machine.  Next season is not far away....


The journey continues, hopefully no more bumps in the road for a while.  Just moguls.