365 Days of Gratitude - Day 259

This morning before work I was finally able to catch up with my dear friend Holly, and naturally we did it while riding bikes.

She's one of the kindest, sweetest souls I know and between her broken foot and my 'city gig' we hardly had a chance to acknowledge each other's existence this past summer.

We laughed, shared riding stories, life stories, and basically ended up inspired and motivated by each other.

It's friends like these that fill my life with contentment! Thank you Hols for being YOU!

Feeling grateful, 

Louise

365 Days of Gratitude - Day 258

Temperatures are dropping. It's fall where I live and that means spending my days in Birkenstocks isn't always the wisest choice. That is unless I can fit an awesome pair of socks in them!

Thank you Janis for knitting the BEST wool socks ever! My collection of your gifts is growing and I treasure every pair.

Feeling grateful,

Louise

These are my newest present from Janis. Yes - I too knit, I just haven't yet knit socks. Maybe Janis will teach me :)

365 Days of Gratitude - Day 257

I had a wonderful first day back at work, and tonight I am enjoying looking at all my photos. This is a fav.

Feeling grateful,

Louise

Paul on our first evening on the road.

365 Days of Gratitude - Day 256

It was a birthday celebration day in Sugarbush.

Eric - 28th

Mom - 89th

Awesome afternoon with Eric, Mom, and Daniela at our house.

Feeling grateful,

Louise

The birthday kids

Loving his new bike

365 Days of Gratitude - Day 255

We're home. We're tired. We're happy. I thought for fun I'd post my top 11 musings of a road trip.

1. Even with the low dollar travel in the USA is cheap. So much so we've changed our winter travel plans. Stay tuned :)

2. Roadside coffee in the US is awful and pretty much un drinkable. There isn't the same draw to driving with a coffee in hand as in Canada - but who cares. When you are pulling your kitchen behind you a good cup of Java is only a moments away. Or drink water, it's healthier anyway.

3. A 5L box of wine is $16. And it IS drinkable. Nuff said.

4. Accents are fun. You have one. They have one. Somewhere in Montana we were stopped by construction and the stop sign guy sauntered up to the truck and advised us, ' jiz han er fur th'pile it kur,' which left us bewildered and no closer to understanding (after a couple of 'say what's') until a dusty old truck with a big honkin' Pilot Car sign on the back pulled up in front of us. We shared a laugh as that Pilot Car maneuvered us through about 10 miles of road construction, weaving in and out of big trucks, graders, and whatnots.

5. Pulling a travel trailer means your personal bathroom is 10 feet behind you. Always. Now THAT'S luxury! (Hey girls - how awesome it is that you never need rest your ass on some unknown toilet!?) not that that really matters a ton to me.

6. If the campground name is Prairie Breeze expect it to be breezy. Very, very breezy.

7. You'll never get photos of every amazing, awesome, photographable thing you see. And that's okay. We saw moose, elk, bear, eagles, deer, antelope, and lord knows what else and I don't have a single photo of any. But we sure enjoyed those wildlife moments!  

8. Signs are entertaining and on a long haul road trip you'll see a bazillion. Our favourite sign of the entire trip was a small town in Montana that boasted a population of '596 nice people.' We're still smiling.

9. If you are looking for a seedy, creepy casino, then Montana is your destination. They were in every town, on every street corner and one looked more seedy than the last. BUT Montana is also an incredibly beautiful state with gorgeous mountains and stunning ranges. I'd go back in a heartbeat.

10. Always listen to your gut. Paul and I travel really easily together. Neither of us get bothered about much. We're both spontaneous and easily make changes to our plans. Not much ruffles either of our feathers. Only once this entire trip did we both get creeped out. We were in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan, looking for a campsite (we never reserve ahead when on the road. Only for destination spots). It was a little after our preferred stop time and we pulled into a campground that seemed nice from the highway, but was straight out of a Criminal Minds episode once we got to the 'office.' I usually hop out of the truck and book the site but this time I sat tight. Paul wandered into the creepiest of creepy 'offices' we've ever seen. I had not yet told him the hair on the back of my neck was standing up. He came out, hopped in the truck, put his foot on the gas and said, 'this place creeps me out - let's keep driving.' High fives and out we went. In all our years of camping that was a first.

11. Choose your road trip partners carefully. Nothing is worse than being in a vehicle for hours on end and not being cohesive. I need somone spontaneous, fun, funny, and kind. Someone who doesn't get uptight about anything, sees humour in every situation, and is game for almost anything. Thankfully I married that guy - but I'm sure you can find your own :)

Feeling grateful,

Louise

Toasting each other after one hell of a ride (clearly we suck at taking selfies)

365 Days of Gratitude - Day 254

It was a bucket list kinda day.

Some time ago I added Copper Harbor Michigan to my Biking Bucket List. I'd read an article somewhere that boasted of the beautiful views of Lake Superior and the spectacular trail system. We hum'd and haw'd about making a trip up over a long weekend, but the super long driving time (guessing 14-15 hrs one way) seemed a little long for such a short stay.

Besides, we reasoned, we had this long holiday (the one we're on) planned and two long driving trips didn't make sense. 

Turns out this long holiday had us driving right past the Copper Harbor cutoff (which I realized the actual moment we drove by it lol). We quickly hum'd and haw'd all over, and then rejigged our return trip to include a lil biking there.

Oh my goodness! The extra hours on the road were well worth it. The trails really are spectacular. They aren't for the feint of heart as we found the rocks and roots challenging (and fun), and the long descents were crazy fast and flowy. A heavy fog rolled in which killed and chance of seeing the incredible Lake Superior scenery and quite frankly we were so engulfed in the awesomeness of the riding that we plumb forgot it was even there. After about an hour climbing (which is never Paul's favourite thing) he said to me 'Hey Lou, let's do a shorter drive later so we can ride longer here.' Heaven in my ears! Stay longer we did!

We only snapped one photo and I only had one crash. Both reasons to keep Copper Harbor on the Biking Bucket List and head back again. Next time maybe we'll make a Lake Superior trip to include Sault Ste Marie, Marquette, Duluth, Dryden, Thunder Bay, and whatever else is along the way.

Feeling grateful,

Louise

Not my photo - but we rode this trail :)

365 Days of Gratitude - Day 253

Let me start by saying we had a terrific day on the road and we are currently camped in a state park not far from one of my 'mountain biking bucket list' trailheads. Which means we're in pretty darn good moods.

But...our morning started in dense fog and it reminded me of my car light pet peeve.

As we drove down the highway it was apparent 99% of the cars coming towards us on the interstate highway had their head lights on. But only 30% of the cars in front of us on our side of the divided highway had tail lights on.

I'm no expert in car mechanics but I'm guessing most of those folks think that their 'daytime running lights' means their lights are on and they need not do a thing. Last I checked, daytime running lights are headlights only, which means you have no tail lights on and leave the world behind you guessing about your whereabouts in fog - in rain - in snow - in dusk and dawn.

Please people - go out and check your vehicle lights to see when and if your tail lights are on. 

There. That's my good deed for the day :)

Feeling grateful,

Louise

How many cars are in this picture?

365 Days of Gratitude - Day 252

This guy!! It's his birthday today. Although we sent him birthday texts from Montana this morning we are looking forward to celebrating with him this weekend.

Happy 28th son. You make us so darn proud!

Feeling grateful,

Louise

Eric and his girlfriend Daniela (I borrowed the photo from her hee hee). No that's not their wedding - they were AT a wedding. (Just in case someone asks)

365 Days of Gratitude - Day 251

We had a STUNNING ride through southern Alberta and the Montana mountains today. Stunning, stunning, stunning.

Aspens in peak colour change dotting the mountainous landscape.

Twisty, turny mountain roads through Waterton Lakes National Park.

We even had fun shopping for groceries on a reservation. Our cashier was hilarious!

Right now,I'm sitting in a camp chair watching the stunning sunset over the Montana hills as I write this blog.

Along the way, we shared the road with numerous unexpected things. Pictures below.

Feeling grateful,

Louise

Miles and miles of and old forest fire

Cows on the road were pretty common and plentiful!

Horses on the road (seemingly in the middle of nowhere). We wondered if they were wild.

We even passed a house on the road

365 Days of Gratitude - Day 250

We had our farewell evening with Richard and Sydney tonight. It followed a perfect morning at the kennel playing with the dogs, and an afternoon bike along the Bow River with nephew Adrian.

Then tonight, our farewell dinner. Our last chance for a few months to commiserate with the kids, chat with their friends, and soak up every last moment of their energy.

Tears dropped down our cheeks as we drove back to our campsite. We miss them already.

But...we wouldn't wish it be any different. To wish so would mean we wished they weren't living the lives they dreamed of, doing the things that make their heart sing. So yes, it is difficult to say goodbye to our beautiful western children but our hearts are full knowing they are making the most of their own dreams.

Feeling grateful,

Louise

365 Days of Gratitude - Day 249

It's always wonderful to see wildlife when visiting the mountains, and this trip hasn't disappointed. Elk, moose, and bears. So far.

One day Sydney and I were walking along a footpath when we watched a bull elk aggressively charge a car. The driver was trying to drive away and everytime he moved forward the elk would lower his antlers and charge. The gent driving would stop and yell at the elk as loud as he could to make it stop. This repeated itself a number of times. 

We watched for a few minutes and then daughter Sydney said, 'oh shit. The females are coming towards us. Start walking mom and walk quick before the bull notices us!'

Turns out the bull did notice us! He stopped charging the car and turned his attention on us. He was picking up his pace coming in our direction, but we had gotten far enough away (running by now) and had put enough distance (and a bridge) between us and his 'girls' to make him lose interest in us.

It's rutting season. He was protecting his girls. What a way to get my heart rate up.

feeling grateful,

Louise

Walking along the Bow River Paul, Rich, and dog Micha came across this heard. We kept a healthy distance.

365 Days of Gratitude - Day 248

The second best reason to be in British Columbia. Great local wine selection!

Feeling grateful,

Louise

Mmmmmm

365 Days of Gratitude - Day 247

Everyone needs a Richard in their lives!

His pace is easy and methodical, which is probably why he excels at rock climbing. He rushes into nothing and learned at a young age what made his spirit sing, and what didn't. He's not easily coerced into anything that doesn't align with him.

Today we did a little of this and a little of that. We wandered along the river's edge for a few hours, skipping stones (the boys are still giggling at my 'girlie throwing') and updating each other on our current endeavours. 

There's something magical about this boy. He moves through life with a quiet calm, confident in his choices but not boastful. No, never boastful, that's not his way. His lifestyle isn't for everyone and that matters not one little bit to him. It also matters not that he defend or explain his choices, he simply lives life his way with a quiet, calm contentment. 

Yes, a single day with our Richard and we are relaxed too. And incredibly proud.

Feeling grateful,

Louise

Skipping stones in the Columbia River

He's been camper/dog sitting for a friend for a few weeks 

365 Days of Gratitude - Day 246

We're in Revelstoke BC, which means we've caught up with our nomadic mountain-man son Richard. We're getting caught up on the last 6 months of his life and travels. One person that has been a constant in Richard's life this past year is this guy.

Alex is an Aussie fella that lived here in Revelstoke for the last year with his wife. He's a mechanic by trade, and an all-round GREAT guy. And he's always had Richard's back. That's something that parents of travelling kids really appreciate - the friends who will give the shirt off their backs to make sure your kid is well taken care of.

Alex and his wife are heading back to Australia tomorrow and although we all wish them well, we know Richard is saying goodbye to a trusted and good friend.

Till their paths cross again.

Feeling grateful,

Louise

Alex and Rich at the top of Revelstoke Mountain today

Shhh...We snuck a ride up in Alex's work truck.

365 Days of Gratitude - Day 245

Today was one of those exceptionally meaningful days.

Paul, Sydney, and I joined my nephew Adrian and sister-in-law Mary for a visit to Moraine Lake and a hike up to Larch Valley.

My brother Mark's ashes rest in Moraine Lake and in the 12 years since his passing this was my first visit. It was also Mickael's (my French son) favourite place in the Canadian Rockies.

We laughed, we hiked, we talked. It was cold, even snowing at times. Long hikes always balance my thoughts and emotions. It's where I often make peace.

We were headed down the mountain and I found myself deep in thought about my last hike with Mickael. I was comparing the trail, the conditions, and the effort. In that exact moment I heard a helicopter overhead. I watched it fly by as the tears dropped down on my cheeks. 

When we reached the bottom we decided to follow the shoreline of the lake. Mary and Adrian recounted many memories of the day of Mark's final resting - the weather - who was there - Oma and Opa - everything.

It was peaceful, meaningful, and a day I will remember forever.

Feeling grateful, 

Louise

Paul and I at Moraine Lake

365Dqys of Gratitude - Day 244

I'm one of those lucky people that adores her family and spending time with them. I recognize this isn't always common and that's why I say I am lucky. I truly,feel blessed.

My siblings and nieces and nephews are kind, loving, fun, encouraging, and funny. 

No picture from the family dinner, but here's one from our bike ride today.

Feeling grateful,

Louise

At the trailhead. The start of 50km thru the mountain trails.

365 Days of Gratitude - Day 243

The mind always wants to make sense of things, even when the soul know the 'why.'

The tough part is quieting the mind.

Camping in Canmore.

Staring out at Lady MacDonald Mountain.

Missing Mickael.

Understanding, yet not understanding.

Feeling grateful for intense memories, yet sad that he let go.

Louise

365 Days of Gratitude - Day 242

We've had a day of driving through the prairies. Actually, we're still in them - I'm just running a hotspot from my data to post this while we drive. Yes, I'm feeling rather techy.

Paul scratched Saskatchewan off his Canada travel list. Manitoba, Labrador, Northwest Territories, Yukon, and Nunavet left. Look out retirement - we've got plans!

Travel is a wonderful thing.

Feeling grateful,

Louise

2.5 hours left of this and we'll be in the mountains

365 Days of Gratitude - Day 241

Still following this setting sun. Beautiful drive through Minnesota and North Dakota. Tomorrow we have dinner with our sweet Sydney in Canmore, Alberta.

Can't bloody wait.

Oh. And we finally pinned down our nomadic son. Woo hooo, we'll be camping with him for 3 days too!

Feeling super excited and very grateful,

Louise

P.s. Had a stunning bald eagle perch not 50' from us today. Sorry, was too busy admiring to snap a photo.

365 Days of Gratitude - Day 240

Beauty day on the road. Paul is without a doubt the calmest driver in the universe (yes, I am making that claim!), so 13 hours were smooth like butter. Gosh we love being on the road!

Enjoying our campground on the south side of Lake Michigan!

Cheers! 

Feeling grateful,

Louise

This beautiful sky greated us 2 hours into our drive.

365 Days of Gratitude - Day 239

This guy watched me pack the camper tonight.

No, seriously.

He parked himself in the remaining sunlight and I swear he watched me walk up the drive, then back down again. Time after time. Everytime I looked at him his head was facing me. Until I came out of the house with my iPad. Then he turned his head away, I'm sure in disgust. 

All giggles aside, I was happy with his message. Indeed we are shedding the old and inviting in the new. We're adventure-bound for the next 2 weeks. I promise I will write a 365 blog daily, but posting will depend on whether we have internet/data. We're living in a camper in the mountains so you never know.

Feeling excited and grateful,

Louise

This guy

365 Days of Gratitude - Day 238

Never limit your beliefs of your own potential. Or something like that.

Of all crazy requests, mom asked if I could 'do her hair' for her big choir recital today. Me. The down/ponytail/bun girl. The low low LOW hair maintenance girl.

I reminded mom I didn't 'do hair,' to which she reminded me that I used to. In high school. 

Seems the bazillion years inbetween then and now were irrelevant to her. Her regular hair stylist was busy with company so I was the next best thing.

And dammit, I did it! I plugged that curling iron in, and curled and fluffed and puffed with the confidence of a pro. I didn't get a tip, but she did say it looked like a 'million dollars' and that was the best compliment this hair stylist has ever received. 

Feeling grateful,

Louise

The finished product

375 Days of Gratitude - Day 237

Although I always prefer outdoor and/or physical work the manager in me LOVES plowing through paperwork.

There is such a sense of accomplishment to organizing, completing, finalizing, filing, and clearing out the clutter of 'to-do' paperwork.

Today was one of those days. It wasn't my own pile, but that didn't matter. I happily got 'er done.

Feeling grateful,

Louise

A pile like this no longer exists 

365 Days of Gratitude - Day 236

It was a weekend of good intentions until the hot humid weather arrived. I know my friends in Texas and India would get quite a chuckle out of us Canadians melting in 30 degrees, but, but, but, it's Canada! We're supposed to live in igloos and have polar bears for pets!

About those good intentions - Paul and I were basically lumps all weekend. Mind you we did get out for a forest jaunt early this morning before the humidity rendered us useless.

At least we're rested lol.

Feeling grateful,

Louise

Morning forest jaunt

365 Days of Gratitude - Day 235

Great day!

It was a morning full of shared memories as my dear friend Mike Wake and I visited Mickael's Place. 

After an afternoon of satisfying chores and an incredible BBQ dinner, Paul and I are relaxing around our fire.

A great day indeed.

Feeling grateful, 

Louise

Paul prepping for the fire

Cheers my love

Mike at Mickael's Place

365 Days of Gratitude - Day 234

Today I had the privilege to help Ride Guides host an IMBA Take A Kid Mountain Biking event.

Oh my gosh, be still my heart! Over 45 people came to play with us on the Joyride150 obstacles, enjoy some races, and finish with a trail ride in Copeland Forest.

My favourite part of the whole day was the super cool comment from one wee girl. She rode with finesse over the pump track and through the skinnies, and when I congratulated her on her skills she smiled a mile wide and proudly said, 'my grandparents taught me!'  My kinda grandparents for sure! 

Feeling super grateful,

Louise

Thanks rideguides.ca and International Mountain Biking Association for a super cool event!

Look at all those little faces!

Instructor Tim and I getting ready for the trail ride

365 Days of Gratitude -Day 233

This road. No matter how many times I drive on it and no matter what reason I find myself on it, it always takes my breath away.

Today the light was glistening through the trees and it felt almost magical.

Feeling grateful,

Louise

6th Line (headed north off Horseshoe Valley Rd)

365 Days of Gratitude - Day 232

Some days it's hard to watch or read the news. This week we are filled with horrible images of the human casualties of the Syrian war.

These moments always make me reflect on how our world came to this point. Changing the beliefs of everyone all at the same time seems daunting at best, but if we focus our energies on ourselves as a start maybe, just maybe, we can create a better world. 

One. Person. At. A. Time. 

Feeling grateful for optimism,

Louise

365 Days of Gratitude - Day 231

Today I got creative with my office boundaries.

Working at the regional level means I don't actually have an office (or workspace for that matter), and I set up shop wherever I can find space when I'm visiting our parks.

Today it was in the 'waiver' area of our Stouffville Park, where our newly opened Treewalk Village is attracting up to 500 kids and parents every day.

After about an hour of what felt like a bazillion kids climbing over me, on me, through me, and around me, I got creative in setting some boundaries. For those old enough to remember, it was my version of a Les Nesman office (tv show WKRP in Cincinnati).

Feeling grateful,

Louise

Yes, that's a rope defining 'my' space

365 Days of Gratitude - Day 230

I spent the morning doing car/licence errands with mom. You know the ones I am talking about, the ones that loom before you on the calendar with a capitalized UGH. The ones you silently/not-so-silently dread.

And then there's doing them with mom. Oh sure she's nearly 89, ensuring the pace is slowed to a comfortable snail speed. But the gal's got a slightly off-beat sense of humour, which I happily inherited.

We got ourselves into giggle-mode so often I'm sure heads turned. She always has a way of turning the UGH errands into the most enjoyable affairs.

Feeling grateful,

Louise

Catching up on news from the 'Big Smoke' at Aurora Toyota

365 Days of Gratitude - Day 229

I've got to be honest.

Last night I took a beautiful photo of the fog sitting heavy over a farmer's field. I had intentions of using it for my 365. For whatever reason my phone takes forever to transfer a photo to my IPad but that hasn't ever stopped me from blogging before.

And then I plumb forgot. 

I headed to bed late, and as I shifted to a most comfy position on my pillow I started reciting my gratitude list (my daily habit), and realized, Holy crap, I had forgotten to transfer the photo AND write my post!

Even though I had made this big commitment (trust me, blogging every single day is a HUGE commitment), I couldn't convince myself to get back up and do it.

I had a good giggle (good thing I don't take stuff too seriously), and went to sleep.

Feeling grateful,

Louise

I could have pretended I never missed a day, but why?