Back to the Ottawa Groove

And now, after a beautiful 3 months in BC, I'm slowly adjusting to Ottawa life again. I've been back 3 weeks and it seems life west coast life was just a dream.
I'm at work, but not as passionate about what I am doing. New team, new responsibilities, so I know I will be challenged this fall.

And what beautiful people I will remember in BC. We spent our last few days in Tofino, on Vancouver Island. Beautiful little town, foggy mornings, sunny afternoons, surfer village. And I was able to see my friend Iain again, as his half-brother had a wedding on the beach over the long weekend.

So how to keep what I have cultivated this summer? More time for self-reflection, slow down my days, just be.

I'm ready to teach, and excited to start. Classes at work in the winter and hopefully some workshops over the fall with friends and colleagues. It's not about the money, but the teaching experience (and covering basic costs of course!)

Alaskan Voyage

We've been at sea for 5 days. Today we are in Juneau. We had a 4 hour whale-watching and wildlife cruise - winds and a bit of hail made for few sightings of humpback whales and sea lions.

We feel pretty glamorous aboard the Celebrity Infinity. We've had one formal night so far and the meals here are amazing!!

Some nights are very rocky on board and I'm glad that we picked up Gravol.

Very different to go from the Gulf islands (hippie lifestyle, granola, etc) to the 5 course meals and luxury of the cruise ship.

I'm glad that I'll be finishing up my west coast adventure with some down time in Tofino, back to island mentality and a more mellow way of life.

Setting sail for Alaska

So my sister arrived on Wednesday and we have had a very busy 4 days so far. We explored Kits area, did some thrift store shopping, visited Granville Island, etc.
We also had a whirlwind trip to Salt Spring, getting in Friday night and visiting the Saturday Market for a few hours. I ran into about 4 people that I knew from my training program, such a small world!
We leave today for our fabulous Alaskan cruise, returning on the 3rd of September. We'll then ferry to Nanaimo, rent a car and drive to the surfer town of Tofino for our last few days of holidays.
I hope we aren't too cold on the cruise ship!

I'm officially a yoga teacher!

And with a framed certificate to prove it! It's been quite an experience, from start to finish and I'm excited to see what life will be like when I am back in Ottawa, trying to integrate my hippie island girl yoga ways into daily life!
I'm relaxing in North Vancouver right now with my friend Iain and my sister arrives on Wednesday. We've got an Alaskan cruise to look forward to and a few days in Tofino, where we're going to take surfing lessons!
It's hard to return to the city - traffic, so much stimulus, so many people!
Today I lounged at Kits beach, people-watched and had a perfect Sunday.

Island Girl

I've been riding a bike all over the island, discovering all sorts of things. Yesterday, I sampled wines at the island winery and then checked out a little gallery before biking into town. I ran into a friend of mine from Salt Spring Island at the little market, so we spent the afternoon on the beach together.
I love the main square in town - after my short 7k bikeride, I treat myself to ice cream or a coffe from the bakery.
Big art and garage sale today, bought a little hippie top and a few books. I might have a piece of art mailed back home too.
There is a bathing suit optional beach on the island, much quieter than the main beach. I keep my suit on and enjoy the calmness of this beach, vs the circus-like atmosphere of the main stream beach.
So I'll continue to explore again tomorrow and Monday, on my little bike with no foot petals, a chain that likes to fall off every now and again, little skirt blowing in the wind, soaking up the sun, breathing in this lovely island life - simple, fresh, healthy and miles away from routine city living.
Next stop: Victoria for a day before heading back to Salt Spring Island for yoga bootcamp part 2.

Beautiful Hornby Island

I've been on Hornby Island for 2 days. It is a very funky island. It's warm during the day with chilly nights. It's an amazing community here.
The island is busy preparing for the annual summer festival, which starts tomorrow night. Robin (the gardener where I am staying) and I are going to make a funky lantern for the opening ceremonies tomorrow night. Tonight, I'm checking out free, live music at the Cardboard House Bakery and Pizzaria.
I'm staying in this cute bunker-style caravan, with loft, little kitchen, etc. I'm equipped with all sorts of food for breakfast and lunch, and we have a communal dinner.

Before I left Galiano, I went into Sidney by the Sea for a day, to run some errands with Jen. Sidney has the most thrift shops per capita, I swear! So needless to say, my backpack keeps getting heavier with all the things that I am picking up along the way! Thank goodness I packed what I consider "disposable" clothing!

The garden is beautiful here-vegetables, fruit, herbs and flowers. Today I picked plums and did some watering and weeding. We also made flower arrangements to sell at the roadside. Everything is grown organically here, so I am eating very well and living off the land.

Cheesy photo opps

Doing yoga with Woody, resident dog and meditating at the beach near Spotligh Cove.