Freejan

Yesterday we went to the beautiful Chesterman beach which is just across the road from our house. The light is spectacular late in the afternoon. Sam and Karin and Josh and I went in to Tofino earlier and had a look at some of the shops. The best bit was when we went down to the dock area and we could see the amazing panorama – mountains, trees, the sea – absolutely spectacular. I took a panoramic shot – awesome. On the way back we stopped to look at a restaurant called Shelters. Who should be there but Jane, Simon and Rowan. We had some lunch and I had a Stanley Park beer – yummy! We set off home but we went on a bit of an adventure – drove down to a resort hotel down the road which was very posh – looked at the amazing (yes the views definately boringly, fantastic every time!)view before we drove out and then into another resort called Ocean View, where there were some little log cabins that reminded us of Hobbits houses. Lovely! We had another Christmas dinner and played Phase 10 until 12.30 am – we thought it would never end! Today I went to the beach after I got up and the waves were quite something. There were lots of surfers, walkers and dogs. I took a lot of photographs! I came back and then we had a run to Long Beach, dropped Jane off to go for a coffee with Sam, and Simon took me to Tofino for some postcards. Now sitting by the fire with Rowan on line on his phone at the side of me and Josh in his usual position laid on couch on his ipad. Think we are going out for meal to Shelters later – the last supper! Been so relaxing here. We must pack to be out for 11am which is ok because we will go for one last look at the beach, have a coffee and cake in the nearby posh Wikinish Inn (not sure I’ve spelt that right) and then set off towards Nananimo and the ferry. Probably call at the Goats on the roof market at Coombs on the way back. Been lovely to see Sam and Karin – hoping to go to see them in Victoria one weekend in January. </a> <img src="http://blogs.bootsnall.com/freejan/files/2012/12/DSC00768-150×150.jpg" alt="" title="dogs on chesterman beach" width="150" height="150" class="alignnone size-thumbnail wp-image-164" />

I am so happy! Sorted my blog and Amy is singing as I drink my wine and write this blog. The day to get here was long and hard – we left Vancouver at 11.00am and it took an hour to get to the ferry at Tsawassan and then it was 2 hours on there. We had lunch – no such thing as a cheese sandwich – had to have ham, cheese and dressing one. We then arrived at Nananimo and proceeded to Coombs and the ‘Goats on a roof’ market to meet up with Sam and Karin, his partner (lovely swedish girl – well woman really as she is 31). We were worried about the road ahead as Simon had looked on his web cam and the road was covered in snow and chains for the tyres were advised. We looked in the morning and it looked like it was clearing so we took a chance and went in rubber duck convoy with Sam over the passes to Tofino. There was a lot of snow up there and it was slippy but ok. It took about 3 hours from there. The ‘cottage’ is a beautiful house with a large wood burning stove, 3 bedrooms (mine is downstairs – wonderful!). We lit the fire and settled in for a cosy evening, thinking about Linda and her visit to hospital. Christmas eve was a bright crisp sunny day and later a bit drizzly. The others went to town for drugs and coffee etc. but Simon and I went a short walk to the nearby beach – spectacular! Will try to download some piccys soon now I have got going on here. I’ve just made a nut roast, the pork is cooked and Jane is deliberating when to put the ducks(2) in. Josh has been in the hot tub with Si joining him for a while. What luxury here! Having a lovely rest!

Well I have been having problems with this blog and don't understand what is happening. So, here I go with an update to see what happens. Well, seem to have sorted it so I can say we arrived about 6.30 ... [Continue reading this entry]

We left Arequipa and got to Puno early evening to a very big change in coldness! It had not been hot in Arequipa but Puno was a freeze your socks off place! We had seen the condors and were now going ... [Continue reading this entry]

Just catching up while Jean and Rhonda have gone to change some money to Soles before we catch the bus to Puno. Jean has been ill for a few days with diarrhoera (another attempt at spelling!) and hopefully has been ... [Continue reading this entry]

Not the same kind of trip this time with the places we are visiting not having computers! You.d think those blue footed boobies had a message for the world wouldn´t you? We have now landed in Arequipa after 36 hours ... [Continue reading this entry]

Well, we are back here nhow and having a rest day after much travelling about! We arrived in Quito on 3rd at about 5pm and got a taxi to the Hotel Real Audiencia, which has been our base camp if ... [Continue reading this entry]

Her and in one piece! this is a rushed memo really to let everyone know I am ok. the Galapagos was out of this world. The yacht was small with 6 crew and 16 tourists. Very seasick at first ... [Continue reading this entry]

 [Continue reading this entry]

[Continue reading this entry]