To Sing Better Songs: Moving up in the world

I’m gently swaying in our hammock in Gary’s yard in Squamish, listening to the kids playing with Gary’s son, Eli, as the sweet voice of Kirsten (Eli’s mom) resonates from the stereo through the window. There is a soft breeze, just enough to rustle the leaves, but not quite enough to justify a sweater just yet. Leia is helping Gary prepare a late dinner, after a late lunch, and I’ve put myself on bear watch. Apparently, it is not uncommon for bears to wander through the yard just before dusk. Last night it was a coon shortly after dusk. It had gotten high up in a tree, and was barking and hissing like crazy. It was unlike any coon I’ve ever heard – I thought there was a possibility that it was a mountain lion. My imagination may have gotten away from me a bit, but there are mountain lions here, no doubt. I shone my light into the tree where the noise was coming from, heard some frantic scrambling, and then a thud. A few seconds later, a fat coon was on the lawn (fat, but not Toronto fat!). I shone my light on it, and for a few seconds, we just stared at each other. It then meandered through the hedges and was off. My close encounter with a mountain coon was over. As the hammock sways, I don't think I could be enjoying myself more. Today was another great day, and relaxing now is a good change of pace.

Yesterday was the longest drive of the trip yet. Just over 850 tough but very picturesque kilometers. In total, it was 11.5 hours of travel (with stops), with temperatures up to 36. Without air, it was a hot day. I was pleased with the truck, as this was definitely the toughest part of the trip yet. Leaving the lower mainland will prove the greatest challenge, as we’ll gain over 1200 meters going from Vancouver to the top of the Coquihalla. I might crawl up, but I will conquer the hill.

Being at Gary’s has proven to be very relaxing thus far. This is not surprising. We always have a great time with Gary. He not only is a fantastic host, he is a great conversationalist. In addition, we have the creature comforts of a home, and no need to do dishes with water we’ve just boiled on the stove. We elected to stay in the trailer last night, even though Gary has a spare room, only because it was easiest. We didn't the kids to bed too early, as Gary took us out for some sushi after we arrived for a treat.

Today we visited Whistler. I had never been before. Although I’ve been to the West Coast numerous times, I’ve never ventured up to Whistler. Last time we visited Gary in Squamish, the weather was pretty miserable, and the kids young enough, that going to Whistler seemed like more of a pain. I’m glad we went today. We went up the gondola, to Whistler Village. Once again, the kids were able to experience snow in July. The elevation was 1850 m, which made me extremely curious as to how high the notch was (see previous post). I thought it was over 2000 m, but couldn’t recall. Turns out it was 2511 m. Rob, we have to go next year! Having spent over 20 minutes riding up the gondola, it is amazing to think I hiked higher and further. Of course, it took longer than 20 minutes!

Going up.

After lunch in Whistler, we came back to Gary’s and just hung around. The badminton net, ladderball, and hammock all were enthusiastically used. It was a relaxing afternoon for Leia and I, especially after the jammed packed schedule of the past few days. The most exciting part of the day was when I got the badminton birdie out of the cedar hedge, which is about six feet across, and Evelyn gave me a hero’s parade.

Tomorrow is another easy day, for the most part. We might go to a lake. We’ll probably make pancakes again. Then on Saturday, we’re starting our journey back. We are considering going through the US – cheaper gas, cheaper scotch, and the fact that neither Leia nor I have ever gone through the North West (I once drove from Sarnia to Winnipeg via the states) makes it tempting. Fishing in northern Ontario with the girls might win out, however. We’ll have to see. Either way, the adventure continues.