Wednesday, June 30, 2010

The (not so) Sunshine Coast



There were a few moments of the warm, sunny variety, but mostly overcast skies. That's okay - last weekend's getaway was all about family, not weather. Plus, it was great for photography. I do find it a challenge to take good photos in glaring sunshine.

The cottage we stayed in was right on the beach, had a gorgeous western view out front and a hot tub out back. The kids were thrilled. There were many games of Bananagrams, Set, ScrabbleSlam and one game of the 'real Scrabble'. There was even cable TV, so we snuck in some early morning World Cup Soccer (yay Holland!!). We managed a hike to Skookumchuck Narrows, skimboarding, a beach campfire complete with Jiffy Pop and S'mores, a trip to town for dinner one night and some magazine indulgence.

I was able to finish the third book of the Stieg Larsson (The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo) series. This was supposed to be my summer reading, but I plowed through all three books over the past 3 weeks and was all done the day after school ended. Although I'm sad the story of Mikael and Lisbeth is over, it is exciting that I have the whole summer available for more reading!! I also did a wee bit of redwork embroidery for a little table-topper I've been wanting to do for my kitchen (no photos of that yet, sorry).

Here is a little photo essay from the weekend.

starfish curly
Love our purple west coast starfish

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Collecting nectar from beach side wild roses

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We managed a very short canoe ride, but it was too windy & wavy for my comfort level.

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A sweet bakery in the woods, Egmont, B.C.

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Hiking in to Skookumchuck Narrows

salal blooms
Teensy salal blooms on the forest floor

T&D post-hike!
A post-hike car nap

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The makings of a yummy S'more!

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Campfire Jiffy Pop

It's Canada Day tomorrow, so we'll be off at the parade with my sister and her family who are visiting from PEI, no doubt all decked out in our red and white with maple leaves painted on our cheeks. I love Canada Day. Happy Holiday!!!

17 comments:

Krista said...

That all looks so lovely. I would love to visit BC someday soon. Enjoy Canada Day!

carol said...

Happy Canada Day to one of my very favorite Canadians!! Glad you had such a fun getaway with the family!

Nina Lise@Mrs Moen said...

Sounds like a wonderful trip. You take such wonderful photos, Krista. Happy Canada Day!!

Amy Friend said...

That starfish is amazing! Lily would particularly love to see something like that in person. The bake shop looks adorable. My favorite picture is of the kids napping. We take a sleeping in the car picture after each trip and I thought that they wouldn't last for much longer. You have given me hope :)

Holly said...

That sounds like a wonderful vacation, Krista! Did you hit Skookumchuck at the tidal surge? Last time we went there, there were kayakers playing in the current and it was lots of fun to watch.

Happy Canada Day!

Peggy said...

Happy Holiday to you and yours - looks like the trip to our fabulous Sunshine Coast was a great one, reminded me of our trips there last year, and makes me want to go back again.

Tracey Jacobsen said...

so gorgeous!

I think we'll be on the coast soon... just a little further south! ;)

♥Duff said...

If ever there was a visual definition of BLISS...

Pam said...

Great photos Krista. Happy Canada Day!!

paulette said...

We REALLY do live in paradise!! Perfect pictures for Canada Day!! Thanks for sharing your perfect holiday!! We can tell that good memories were made...!
Take care!
Paulette

What Comes Next? said...

Happy Canada Day Krista! Looks like it was a fabulous trip, some great pictures documenting some great times!

retdairyqueen said...

I have enjoyed my visit to your blog after reading your interview at Irish Muses

pinksuedeshoe said...

Um, that purple starfish looks AMAZING! Hope you had a Happy Canada Day!

Micki said...

Happy Canada Day! The pics are out of this world. I just started the Larsson series, so I am really getting into it.
Enjoy your weekend!
Micki

Pamela Kieffer said...

What a wonderful trip with you family. You pictures remind me of many camping outings we had back in the old days.
I've started the Stieg Larson's books, they are addictive.

Dianne said...

Fab photos Krista, you are such a lovely family!! I hope you are having a marvelous visit with your sister and her family.

Katie :o) said...

Hello! Much enjoyed visiting! Looks like a wonderful end of the school year and vacation time! Found you through Micki at Irish Muses :o)