FAMILY COMES FIRST

I recently made an emergency "FAMILY COMES FIRST" trip to California to be with my sister after her 6 hour spinal surgery. I am happy to report that by the time I headed home my sister was up and walking (without her walker) and we had disposed of the excel spreadsheet we needed to keep track of her pain killers!




My duty as nurse was to do nothing but look after my sister! But, while she slept my brother-in-law was kind enough to take me out for a little bike ride along the shores of San Onofre State Beach. This is the view from one of the spots along our ride. We are very high up and those cliffs look pretty steep! I am beginning to wonder why my brother-in-law really brought me here!



San Onofre State Beach is a 3000 acre state park located in San Diego County. With over 2.5 million visitors per year it is one of the most visited state parks in California hosting swimming, campers, kayakers, birders, fisherman, sunbathers, of course surfers and now ...ME!



We also rode into Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton. This is a major West Coast base of the US Marine Corps and a prime training base. The base was established in 1942 to train US Marines for the service in the second World War. We did not stay too long...something about the sign that read...
"No unauthorized personel beyond this point"!


Did I mention that my thighs were burning before we left the parking lot to start this great adventure? Well, after 12 miles of constant peddling I am focusing on this military T-shirt...PAIN IS WEAKNESS LEAVING THE BODY! I am feeling stronger then ever!

We also found time to take in a bit of music on Del Mar in dowtown San Clemente.

(The patient is sleeping again!)

Donate to charity...Thanks for the taco Jon!

And do a bit of shopping! (Okay, I am feeling a bit guilty) We had better check in! Thanks Jon for making my trip enjoyable, for reminding me about the freedom of cycling and for showing me more of beautiful California!

The real reason for my trip was my sister, all the other stuff is great but it is family that means the most! FAMILY COMES FIRST no matter what is going on in your life at the moment, no matter how urgent and important, there is nothing that should come before family!

ARTS ALIVE

Once a year the streets of downtown Langley are closed to vehicles for ARTS ALIVE!
The streets of downtown come alive with 0ver 100 participants including the fine arts, artisans and crafters, multicultural displays and an exciting children's activity area. See artists demonstrate their techniques and talented musicians being featured on three entertainment stages.


What a great opportunity to put a tent out front of the store and be noticed!

We set up early to make a little outdoor eye candy in our courtyard as well as to feature a local artist, Ilona Fekete and her original folk art paintings.



Here is a closer look at our little outdoor bedroom. Just look at that antique twin bed! Just perfect for a little princess or a lovely guest room!

I love repurposing old items and just look at this old door. A little TLC, some chalkboard paint and stenciled numbers. This is a solid old door just waiting for someone to take him home. You could add hooks and put it to good use in an entry or you could even use it as a door!!! Maybe to the pantry??? Mark your calender for next years Arts Alive, it is a fun day!

WHITE ROCK BEACH

A PERFECT SUMMER DAY!

Welcome to Semiahmoo Bay in the city of White Rock.

This seaside community is clustered around an 8 kilometre sandy beach
and the warm waters of Semiahmoo Bay. Located 45 minutes from Vancouver and only 5 minutes to the Canada/US border.
Mike and I both grew up very close to this beach and have many found memories! Today we took our kids to have some good old fashion fun!

Mike and Max have been busy!




Good job honey!!

Watch your toes Max!!

Have a great summer!

GOLDEN EARS PROVINCIAL PARK

Recently two ladies were all a giggle when they arrived at the store. They were so excited about their adventure over the new Golden Ears Bridge that connects Maple Ridge to Langley. They were loving all the great shops along the one way in downtown Langley! She told me that that Maple Ridge did not have the same quaint shopping area but they did have some amazing parks. That day I thanked her for visiting and in turn I would visit the great outdoors in Maple Ridge. Two weeks later my family is packed and ready for our first family camping trip. Please join us on our adventure!

Welcome to Gold Creek Campground located in Golden Ears Provincial Park near Alouette Lake in Maple Ridge. What do you think?? Not bad for beginners! Check out the hammock! This is REAL camping...no satellite dishes here!

Looks like a great day for a hike in the wilderness!

Come with us for a hike up to the Lower Falls.

Look up!

Magical!

The Lower Falls marked the end to our hike. We were so close you could feel the cool spray. So much beauty, so close to home! Well. time to turn around and hike back to camp. It is true, we always move quicker when headed for home!

Max had a great time climbing on the rocks at the bottom of the Falls. A boy is all about adventure!

The beauty of mother nature! It was a beautiful day!

This was Sargents first time in the water and boy did he love it! Just look at his smile!

After our hike we headed down to the lake. Did I mention we had to carry the boat, the life jackets, the paddles and the towels through the steep trails down to the water!!

I am sure there must have been an easier way!

Here is a great photo of Mike and Max on Alouette Lake in our 25 year old inflatable kayak. We had to take turns, two at a time, otherwise the air would leak out of the bottom way too quickly! They do look a bit too far out to swim back! It was a great time and our "boating" trip was a success but I think our old trusty kayak was seen it's last adventure!

I hope you enjoyed the photos as much as we enjoyed our weekend!