Japanese Jaunt! 5 days in Kyoto!

Konnichiwa!

At $250 return fare each, who could resist?
 It was a short adventure, so we focused on exploring Kyoto.  Once the capital of Japan; this unique city is famous for it's Buddhist temples, gardens, shrines and palaces. It is also known for traditional cuisine and of course the Geisha of the Gion district.

 K's House was our accommodation of choice. A very central, upmarket hostel with English speaking staff. Our private room had an en suite and the bar/restaurant had a daily happy hour. One of our favourite things about travel is the diverse fare. To our culinary delight, we feasted on yakitori, okonomiyaki, teppanyaki and gyoza; all  washed down with the likes of  Kirin, Asashi or sparkling Sake.

We spent the days exploring and hiking, what an invigorating way to kick off our Camino training! We went on a gorgeous hike through cedar forest from Kibune to Kurama, explored Arashiyama bamboo forest, followed the philosopher walk, meandered around Gion and hiked the length of the 10,000 Torii gates of the Fushimi Inari Taisha Shrine.
Our reward to our hard working muscles was a relaxing onsen!

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Short but very sweet!

Intrepid Canada. Rocky Mountains!

Not for the faint hearted; this trip is full of long road expeditions and chores. We decided on this tour because we wanted to get back to nature and with the bear threat; thought that a guide might come in useful. (if for nothing else but a bear sacrifice). As it turned out, we sighted a total of 2 bears on the side of the road and we mainly camped in RV camps. We spent a maximum of 2 days in each camp, which meant putting the tent up and down many times. Not that we minded, but after a long day on the road, sightseeing and hiking; setting up camp and cooking dinner was the last thing we felt like doing. The division of chores was supposed to be evenly distributed but some fellow travellers did not pull their weight.

In hind sight, we would have been better off renting a van and making our own way round. It would have been lovely to spend more time in Jasper and Banff. After we hiked and visited the mountain tops, there was not much time left over to chill out and explore these towns. The last few days of the tour were a complete waste, the long bus journeys did not reward us with picturesque views but ordinary suburban town - Golden  and 'Tinaroo Dam gone wrong' Kamloops.

Still, we did have a wonderful time in the great out doors of the Canadian Rockies. Hiking, canoeing and zip lining as well as experiencing the spectacular scenery.

A big thanks to our beautiful guide Jen. A hardworking, gutsy girl who drove us safely around the spectacular countryside. Word up to our tour mates Beaver Anne, Bec the golden beach babe, Bagel man Tom, Energizer Claudio, All rounder Tay, Door bitch Tom, Cougar food mumma Shah, Headbutt Hannah, Hobnob Caroline, Early Bird Megs and Eloping Stef.
Cheers!

Circle of life!

Butterflies flutter,
just beyond grasp.
Counting moments,
not months.

Egg,
Larvae,
Chrysalis,
Of age!

The spark of life,
so fragile.
Graceful, fortitude
and love.

A winged blossom,
social and liberated.
A butterfly kiss.

Soaring with aspiration,
sunshine and song.
Swiftly dancing
where the heart
may freely lead.

Exquisite fairies,
The symbol of life.
Metamorphosis.

Traveling Canada! Handy hints!

When to go!
- Warmest weather - June/July
- For winter sports - November to April
- For Whale watching - May to September
- To see Aurora - January to March

Tipping rules!
-15-20% of bill to for waitstaff
- $1 a drink to bar staff
-$1-2 for porters
-$2-5 a day for tour guides
-10-15% of fare for taxi drivers
                                                             

Food to try!
Poutine, salmon, game meats, maple syrup, beaver tail, moose burger and Tim Horton's donuts.
                                                           




BASIC CANADIAN (English & French language)
Dollar coin - Looney
2 dollar coin - Tooney
Foolish person - Hoser
Kilometres - Clicks
Bathroom - Washroom
Soda - Pop
Bottle of Liquor -Mickey
Coffee with milk and 2 sugars - Double double

Wells Gray, Clearwater Lake challenge!

Like the great Viking masters, the oars caressed Njoror and Ran’s belly as we made our way across Clearwater Lake.  Mountains topography soared to the heavens and its mirror reflection was only scattered by the rhythmic slaps of our oars and raucous obscenities that erupted from our lungs as we failed to negotiated the draw and pry steering movements of our canoe.


After 4 hours of physical torture including thunder & lightening (very, very frightening... Gallileo); we arrived at our destination. -Stellers Bay. Pure isolation descended, here we were, 13 souls wrapped in Mother Nature’s embrace. No rest for the wicked though, first job... set up camp. It was also the "Golden Oldies" rota to produce dinner that night. So under the direction of the very cheerful but slightly intoxicated Master Chef Shah, we managed to throw together a very palatable pepper steak.  The medal must go to the clean up team, who had to battle not only the primitive kitchen facilities but also that fact that every dish and utensil was used. All chores were completed as the snow-capped peaks tangled with the fingers of a colourful sunset,  then we all settled down around the fireplace for a night of fun and frivolity courtesy of Canadian whiskey.

The sea

The Vagrant gypsy.

Vessel of energy,
laps the coastline.
Rhythmic pull
of the tide caress.
Magnetism of swirls;
toss, banter and vector.

Spectrum of colour,
reflect measure.
Deep, shallow or
intermediate.

Sweeping waves
and moving tides.
The beckoning,
horizon immense.

Raw, salt odour,
crisp but gritty,
cool and fresh.

Open to embrace,
soul and spirit.
Whimsical but tempest,
complex and cruel.

Unrestrained & brutal,
indefinitely wild,
Hypnotic & mysterious.
reassuring.
Many facets.

The heart of the ocean,
secret of the seas.
A vagrant gypsy,
certainly, ye be!

Waterfalls!

                                                       

Follow the torrent,
omnipotent in strength.
The velvet-moss path
winds amidst the lush forest.

Distance silences.
All powerful, white stream,
cascading with emotional influence.

Drawing near,
a pounding force,
brutal and terrifying.

Slippery rocks.
A deafening roar.
Vapours plume
with taunting momentum.

Adam's ale tumbles
over rocky outcrops,
tinkling with laughter
in a magical place.

Breathtaking, memorising,
enchanting  and mysterious.
Phenomenal cataract of nature!

Live and let live!

 A big word up to Canada for their stance on the Syrian refugee crisis. Since November 2015, the Canadian government has welcomed 29,000 refugees into their fray; with more people in need arriving every day. This really puts to shame our Aussie stance on the issue: with a total of 12,000 people.

On July 20, 2005; Canada became the fourth country in the world to legalise same-sex marriage with the enactment of the Civil Marriage Act. Where does Australia stand on this important issue?

Lift ya game Australia!



                                           



                                          

Vancouver & Stanley Park

Within Stanley Park the ‘First Nation’ totems stare across Vancouver Harbour; they stand proud and erect, beacons of token reconciliation. The longest sea wall in the Northern Hemisphere arcs around the 27 kilometre park providing stunning views of the Lion Gate Bridge, orcas breaching in Burrard Inlet, Siwash Rock, a guardian that erupts from the sea bed, the mystical 800 year old Hollow Tree and the Brockton Point Lighthouse which alerts approached vessels of strong tides, winds and maritime traffic make for a mesmerising experience.

Vancouver itself is a multicultural hotbox which provides the traveller with a myriad of experiences. The historical waterfront incorporates Gas Town and the iconic Steam Clock, Gassy Jack immortalised in Maple Tree square, poutine enriched watering holes, the homeless directing traffic in the hope of tips, maple syrup and walnut cheesecake that is to die for and designer label shops to tempt. 

The beauty of travel is the friendships that are forged. One such friendship emerged over a Christmas on the shores of Gallipoli. Tracey and Damien, two similar minded Aussies shared the hollow ground with us and a bond was formed. So it was with immense enthusiasm that we caught up with Damien and his lovely girlfriend  for a night of funky sushi, drinks and sightseeing.  Cheers Guys!

Rocky Mountain Amazing Race Challenge!

This tour was set to be a challenge! Being a basic rating, we geared ourselves up for a little hardship along the way.



 Challenge 1
The excitement of  sleeping in a tent on a self inflating mattress for two weeks begins to wane after a couple of days. The long hours were spent on the bus were followed by setting up camp, cooking and cleaning.

Challenge 2
Whistler Zip line was certainly a rewarding challenge!

After being equipped with our harness and helmet, we boarded a gondola for a quick trip up to the beginning of the trek. With adrenaline pumping through our veins, we hiked up to the first platform for the leap of faith. 5 incredible zip lines were on offer, varying from 400 to over 1000 feet connected via a network of canopy bridges and boardwalks. The view was magnificent as we cruised above the white water rivers and alpine forest. As the confidence grew, the party tricks surfaced, leading to a upside down starfish finale by Lea!

z

Challenge 3
Clearwater overnight canoe and camping! Gray Wells.

We were given a double canoe with stores and tents cargo to expel down the river by our own steam. Took a little while to get our communication happening but soon we were making a reasonable pace. As all over the Rocky region the weather can change in an instant; a storm brewed and the rain came down. Getting wet was not the issue but the water became choppy and the fear of capsize became real. After much swearing and cursing (as well as threat of divorce) we made our way to the shoreline to wait out the fury. As the sun broke through again, we continued on our way. It certainly was a beautiful river and the surrounding mountains were a sight to be seen. The Greene team lagging behind most of the way but by the time we reached the camp site, we were a force to be reckoned with! After setting up the tent, a quick swim and cooking dinner, we all settled down for a hilarious night.
Greene team certainly got their S... together for the return journey. First to touch the wharf at the end, we were deemed the most improved by Travis!

Challenge 4
Sulphur Mountain Hike! Banff

Gondolas are for babies, or so we kept telling ourselves as we tramped our way up the very steep switch backs of Sulphur mountain. This hike is classed as moderate, hmm...close to strenuous more like it! After quite a few breaks to catch our breath, we finally summited to the rewarding view then decided that maybe a gondola down was not such a bad option. After all, we still had a few challenges ahead of us and wanted to conserve our strength. Not to be, folks.... the wait for quick ride down was over 1/2 an hour. So Sulphur hiking was a round trip!

Challenge 5
Lake Louise, tea house and  Plain of 6 Glacier hike!

This trail takes you into the heart of Mt Lefroy, Mt Victoria and the Victoria Glacier. With incredible views and diverse scenery/weather, we started the hike up hill to the first tea house, to find snow flakes dancing at the crown, A top up of hot chocolate was greatly appreciated before heading off toward the glacier. As the surroundings changed, the sun shone and the shimmering emerald colour of the lake intensified. Little chipmunks danced amongst the rocks and wildflowers that lined the track.
An orgy of delight encompassed us as our gaze scouted around this enchanting habitat. A very gratifying day was had!

In the world Kitchen! Canadian pancakes with bacon and maple syrup!

As we were in the Rocky Mountains for Canada Day, it was fitting to celebrate the Canadian way!  Our tour team of Caroline, Door bitch Tom, Meg and Claudio did a wonderful job with traditional pancakes, bacon and maple syrup!



CANADIAN PANCAKES WITH BACON AND MAPLE SYRUP!

INGREDIENTS

2 tablespoons unsalted butter
1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
2 heaping teaspoons baking powder
1 teaspoon sugar
Pinch salt
1 1/3 cups whole milk
2 eggs
10 slices bacon 
1 to 2 teaspoons vegetable oil, for frying bacon
Butter, for frying pancakes
Best-quality maple syrup



METHOD

Melt the butter and set aside to cool slightly 
In a large, wide-necked measuring cup, measure out the flour and add the baking powder, sugar and salt. Stir to combine.
In another cup, measure the milk, beat in the eggs and then the slightly cooled butter, and pour the liquid ingredients into the dry ingredients, whisking as you do so. 
In the vegetable oil, fry the bacon until crisp, remove to paper towels and cover with more paper towels.
 heat  nonstick frying pan, smear with a small bit of butter and then start frying. I just pour small amounts straight from the cup, when you see bubbles erupting on the surface, turn the pancakes over and cook for a couple of minutes on the other side.
Pile the pancakes onto plate, wigwam with pieces of crispy bacon and dribble with maple syrup

Bon appetit!

Canada! Rocky Mountain High!

                                          

As intrepid legends, we are about to reap our reward. The Canadian Rockies is our choice of adventure this time. The money saved on the trip allowed us to upgrade for the flight. Yipee!

Our starting point -
Vancouver, where we will have a day of city life before the wilderness. The plan is to wander aimlessly around this coastal city; soaking up the historic district of Gastown, Chinatown & Stanley Park.

Then we hit the road to the Rocky Mountains.

-Whistler for a spot of Kayaking and a visit to Squamish Lil'wat cultural centre for some education in the indigenous Aboriginals. The main event is the Zip line across Fitzsimmons Creek for a unique perspective of British Colombia's rooftop!

- Wells Gray Provincial Park for a cowboy ranch experience. (Nothing can beat last years - LX ranch with Rhonda and Greg, but we will give it our best). Here we will explore Helmcken Falls and hike around the alpine scenery. S'mores are on offer as well as some more kayaking and horse riding.

- Jasper National Park, Valley of the five lakes to search for the Big Five: Bear, wolf, moose, elk and coyotoe. Visit  Miette Hot springs and soak in the views of Fiddle River valley.

- Banff National Park to the famous ice fields of Athabasca Glacier. Might take a gondola ride up to Sulphur mountain for another dip. Hiking, canoeing and fishing on the agenda as per usual.

-Yoho National Park for a hike Takakaw falls (the second highest falls in Canada) and time to relax around Kicking Horse River.

-Glacier National Park/Kamloops. Travel through high mountain clearing of Rogers pass and explore the rain forest areas.



We're going on a bear search,
We're going to see a big one,
From a fair distance away.
We're not scared!

     

  

In the Pink!

Pink is vibrant,
youthful and fun.
Good health.

Pink is nurturing,
hope and awareness.
Compassionate.

Pink is exotic.
Osaka, Jaipur
and Marrakech.

Pink can be silly,
naivete and selfish.
Immature.

Pink is pretty
and lighthearted.
Tickled Pink!