Labour Day Weekend in Vancouver and Whistler

For Labor Day (or Labour Day, as it is called in Canada), we took a second annual trip north to Vancouver, British Columbia to check out the famous ski area, Whistler, and the alpine summer hiking that can be accessed from the resort chair lifts. Taking the gondola from the base ski area, it saved our legs the ~4000 feet ascent, putting us at treeline for the start of the hike. We thought it would be a flat-lined and easy hike from here, but we were in for a humbling surprise. The remaining 16 miles were a near constant roller coaster of elevation and emotions as we trudged up and over mountain flanks to see a tiny scribble of the trail proceeding up and over the next distant peak. Each time, I thought to myself that the connecting trail we could see must be a mountaineering path that splintered off to reach the mountain summit. I was sadly mistaken as an hour later I found myself looking back to the former location from the once distance neighboring mountain flank.

The trails, dubbed maliciously as a combination of "The Musical Bumps" and "High Note," were rated as some of the most scenic in the Western British Columbia region. However, 2016 was the year summer forgot the Pacific Northwest, leaving us shrouded in a low cloud layer and inconsistent mizzle and mist. Fortunately, a fast-moving, low-lying cloud layer is a photographer's delight as they somehow manage to give mountains an even mightier pose and enhanced mysteriousness.

Ride up in the Whistler Express gondola

Craig trudging up Pika's Traverse trail at the start of the trip

Blanketed in a cloud

Although we couldn't see the eye-popping peaks around us, the clouds made for pretty dramatic photos

Mini rock man on the trail.

More clouds as we make our way down the first of 3 Musical "Bumps" (Piccolo, Flute, and Oboe).

Loving life at treeline

Marching our way of peak 3 of the "bumps." I believe this was Oboe. 

We've finally almost arrived at our camp site for the night at the base of Mt. Fissle.

When we planned the trip, we had a dream of staying in an established wood hut that holds up to 12 campers. I imagined with the bad weather might have to share the space with, at most, 3 people. Again, the story I told myself and the reality of the trip diverged when we rounded the last corner to see a slew of humans buzzing around the hut like a beehive and about 10 other tents already established in prime spots nearby. I'm very thankful that we brought our tent as a backup plan. 

The evening got cold FAST and after setting up the tent, we spent nearly the entire night inside drinking whiskey and reading National Geographic.

Looking out of the tent at the adorable mountain hut. 

Due to the cold, we spent the evening in the tent until the setting sun and low clouds put on an irresistible show.

Sunset on the camps.

 Sunset on Mt. Fissle with out tent in the front left.

Did I mention it was cold? I went into full caterpillar mode.

The following morning, the clouds parted for several minutes to reveal the peaks around us. The brief vista was quickly obscured as we watched the next round of thick, low layers gracefully spill over the ridge face.

 How cute is this hut?! It belongs in the Swiss Alps!

We were also briefly treated to a glimpse of this MASSIVE GLACIER! This is Cheakamus Glacier and she's a beaut!

Photos don't do Cheakamus Glacier any justice in telling the story of just how wide it is!

So many beautiful shades of green and blue.

On the home stretch to return to the gondola for a relaxing sub-alpine ride down the mountain. I love the contrast between the red and gray of the peak in the background. 

 

The second to last climb before the gondola is the wall in front of us.  

While I felt the description and other reviews of the trail were misleading regarding just how continuously steep this trail is and I was bummed that we didn't get the full effect of wowing peaks (seriously guys, Google the magnificent views this place boasts when it's cloud-free), I really enjoyed the experience we had. The low, swirling clouds, although effective in reducing our visibility to 50 feet in some instances, also gave us the equally beautiful nebulous and mystical perspective and reminded me that it's the dynamic aspect of mountain environments that draws me to these places. 

We made it! On the gondola and back on to Vancouver.

The remainder of the weekend was filled with city relaxing in our fancy-pants hotel (which is especially appreciated after a few days in the mountains), ramen, and the musical 'The Book of Mormon.' Labour Day success!

Outside of Japan, Vancouver is the place to be for ramen! 

So good!

The Book of Mormon

View from our hotel room

Chasing sunshine in Wenatchee, WA

Seeking a break from the long winters of the Pacific Northwest, Craig and I spent a weekend in Wenatchee, WA. Once east the Cascade mountain range, the weather changes dramatically from a soggy lush forest capped by low, gray skies to a high desert environment with almost certain sunshine.

One of the highlights of the trip was a hike along the Ancient Lakes trail--a hike that takes you along steep basalt cliffs, up close to waterfalls, and encircles a tiered chain of pothole lakes left behind receding glaciers.

Views from the start of the trail.

Columnar basalt

Basalt and waterfalls

 Scrambling to get to the next tier of waterfalls

Waterfall, Craig, and chain of pothole lake

More waterfalls in the desert

Looks more like Utah than Washington

Craig looking out

Marmot!

Craig and me

Even without the hike, the town of Wenatchee was an attraction in itself.  A quaint downtown with an old west feel, the city has done a great job of maintaining the original building structures while re-purposing them with cute boutiques and restaurants. Little known fact, they are known as the apple capital of the world and are one of the largest producers of apples. Although Wenatchee was not previously on my radar, I'm looking forward to returning this fall to check out their apple-harvesting festivities. 

 Wenatchee's pubic market-- probably most-likened to a smaller version of Seattle's Pike Place Market.

Some of the shops inside of Wenatchee's Public Market

Love me some good Mexican food and Wenatchee had a lot of it!

A bridge across the Columbia in Wenatchee

Pedestrian bridge across the Columbia River

Swimming duck

Weekend in Florida

Over President's Day weekend, Craig and I jetted down to Florida to visit his brother, sister-in-law, and new nephew. Maybe it was because we were seeing family or perhaps it was due to the weather being surprisingly pleasant, but during this trip, I saw a different side of Florida. I was charmed by the cute little towns we visited and felt refreshed to see a change of scenery outside.

First up on the trip, Craig and I took a quick jaunt over to New Smyrna Beach while David and Sarah were at work. Although I wish Florida didn't build so many large hotels right on the beach (they're such an eyesore), it was pretty nice to be around a part of the ocean that can be used without a wetsuit!

sand pipers piping

The following day, we went to Blue Springs State Park to go for a short walk and see local manatees that vacation in the springs for the winter. Craig and I had backseat baby-entertaining duty, which makes car rides even more fun!

      Backseat entertainment

Going for a stroll at Blue Spring State Park

 

Hunting for manatees at Blue Springs. Baby Sam thinks manatees are boring.

 

 Manatee blowhole!

Manatees!

Afterward, we dropped Sam off with his grandparents and went to St. Augustine for the evening.  This city was such a treat! We arrived late in the afternoon, but I still felt that we saw a lot of this cute colonial-influenced town. One of the highlights was visiting the Ice Plant Bar. Although I don't have any photos, in the 1920s it was an ice manufacturing facility that has since been restored and turned into a vintage-style bar and restaurant. Many of their drinks, such as the Florida Mule I was sipping on, feature heirloom sugarcane and locally distilled alcohols.

We also walked down George Street, which had a touristy feel, but was still super fun! We finished the night off with a delicious dinner at the Floridian, which features farm-to-table southern cuisine, and a sunset walk to the fort at Castillo De San Marcos.

Castillo De San Marcos in St. Augustine

Sunset at Matanzas Bay

Our last full day in Florida was mostly spent hiking along the St. John's River. As much as I love the jagged skyline from the pines and mountains in the Pacific Northwest, I have to admit, I was pretty elated to be surrounded by the palms and drooping Spanish moss. 

Hiking in the Black Bear Wilderness Area

So many fronds!

Cyprus swamp. No alligator sightings on this trip!

We find a friend!

Cyprus knees

Clearing the path of rattlesnakes for me.

Air plants

Gonna be a mighty king

Our final morning of the trip was spent lounging at the house, hanging out with baby Sam and talking about how we weren't ready to return to the cold and gray, rainy skies. Craig and David took an early afternoon spin in the Triumph, a sports car dating from 1958-1962 that was passed down from their cousin. Meanwhile, Sarah and I relaxed in the living room being silly and creating dialog for Sam and the dog.

Afterward, we said our goodbyes and returned on the long flight home to Seattle. This trip to Florida definitely made me take a second glance at this state and I'm looking forward to getting to know it better soon!

How cute is this little hedgehog?!

The boys posing in the Triumph.

Cruisin'

Barefoot in the backyard. Right before heading to the airport.