A quick visit to the Cinque Terre area of Italy

by Keith and Heather Nicol

Enjoying a meal on the patio at La Dimora Agreste

        On our recent trip to the Tuscany region of Italy we planned 2-3 days in a variety of locations. We knew ahead of time that this would not be enough time but we wanted to see a few different areas so we thought this would be the best introduction to these parts of Tuscany. Technically Cinque Terre is not in Tuscany but is very close and is so scenic we had to visit and try out one of the famous trails beside the sea side communities. We stayed at the very special “La Dimora Agreste” which is located up on the side of a hill in Pastine just above the community of Levanto.  Although the steep road runs to Pastine the path to the community is too small for a car so we had to park on the road and wheel our luggage up to our accommodation. There we met Nadia, her husband and son Enrico. They had just opened their accommodation a few months before and our group of 5 were their 11^th group of visitors. They gave us a variety of herbs from their garden, a bowl of lemons from their trees and the next day came bearing bowls of cherries. What a welcome. We had the run of the house with 3 bedrooms, full kitchen and beautiful outdoor patio for eating.  Real bonus of staying at “La Dimora Agreste” is that they have a free parking place in Levanto which means that you can money on parking when you visit the coast and venture south to the Cinque Terre area.
 

 

View from the patio to another small hillside community

Hiking above Vernazza

       The next day we headed into Levanto and took the train to Monterosso (the northern most of the 5 Cinque Terre communities) and began a hike to Vernazza. The 4 km trail climbs steeply at first and then levels off before presenting amazing views of the picturesque Vernazza. There were loads of people doing the hike and with temperatures in the high 20C you need to bring water. Once in Vernazza we enjoyed the colourful buildings and picture perfect waterfront. Since it was so hot we opted to head back to Levanto and enjoy the beach and go for a swim. We spent our final night at “La Dimora Agreste” thinking that we could have spent another day or so here since we wanted to do more hiking and see more of the communities along this spectacular coastline.

Picture perfect Vernazza

Spring Wildflowers still out along the Tsolum River in Courtenay, B.C.

by Keith and Heather Nicol

The delicate fawn lilies are still out in places

On Friday, May 5 we decided to check out the wildflowers along the Tsolum River in Courtenay. We discovered this area last spring when we were told about the fine displays of fawn lilies and trilliums that could be found in this area. Last year we checked this area out in early April and we were amazed by all the flowers. At that time there were carpets of fawn lilies and trilliums in bloom along the trails which really brightened up our walk. Now with the cooler spring you can still see the flowers even though it is a month later.  But don’t linger since they won’t last long. The trails are located behind the Exhibition Grounds off of Headquarters Road in Courtenay, B.C. and be sure to bring your camera. We did a looped trail that headed toward the river from the parking lot and then headed upstream along the river before the trails winds back.

The trilliums were very photogenic

Victoria’s Butchart Gardens has an Easter treat for kids plus lots of flowers in bloom

by Keith and Heather Nicol

Find the bunnies

     This Easter at Butchart Gardens near Victoria B.C.,  kids could go on a treasure hunt for 10 ceramic Easter bunnies and get a treat at the end. The event runs from Friday, April 14-Monday, April 17 and we headed there on Sunday to take advantage of the sunny warm weather. There were lots of kids trying to find the ceramic bunnies which were strategically located to give you a full tour of the gardens.  We loved the show of colourful flowers which included many gardens of hyacinths, tulips, and daffodils.  We also appreciated the many colourful trees in bloom which added immensely to the display.

The Sunken Garden is particularly scenic now

     One of the staff we spoke to mentioned that they thought the gardens were about 2 weeks behind due to the cool spring and winter weather along coastal B.C. this year.  There were some early rhododendrons in bloom as well as crocuses which traditionally would have bloomed weeks ago. We also enjoyed spotting some delicate fawn lilies in the Japanese Garden. 

Tulips were in bloom in several gardens

    Of the trees in bloom the Magnolias attracted the most attention due to their large white blossoms. Camellias also offered flowers of delicate shades of pink. If you feel like the cool spring weather needs to be left behind and you need some colour and signs of spring, a visit to Butchart Gardens will be sure to lift your spirits. If you have kids be sure to search out their ceramic Easter bunnies over the Easter long weekend. For more information see:  http://www.butchartgardens.com/

The Italian Garden was a popular spot to sit and enjoy the sun

The Terry Fox Exhibit at the Royal B.C. Museum is sure to inspire-Don`t miss it

   by Keith and Heather Nicol

   On Thursday, April 13 we visited the Royal B.C. Museum in Victoria to see the Terry Fox exhibit which opened the day before – 37 years to the day after Terry dipped his leg into the Atlantic Ocean in St John`s. Although he didn`t know it at the time Terry Fox was embarking on what would become one of the most famous runs in Canadian history-The Marathon of Hope. The exhibit was developed by the Canadian Museum of History in conjunction with the Terry Fox Centre. 

Seeing the van Terry Fox used for his cross country run was a hghlight

 This exhibit not only has lots of memorabilia related to his 143 day run but also many personal stories related to the people he met along the way.  We enjoyed seeing the iconic Ford E250 Econoline Van which  became his home away from home for his run to raise money and awareness about cancer. The exhibit has many videos, artifacts and photos about his run which also tell the tale of Terry`s selflessness and determination which would eventually capture the imagination of all Canadians. For many he is one of Canada`s true heroes and it is a fitting story to tell on Canada’s 150^th anniversary. 

Terry starting off in St John`s Newfoundland

      We particularly liked the story of his interaction with 10 year old Greg Scott who also lost a leg to cancer. There is a poignant video of Terry and Greg sharing an afternoon swim after a tiring day of running. “I had the most inspirational day of my life today”  Terry told the people of Terrace Bay, Ontario that evening.  

 

Terry with 10 year old Greg Scott

      Although fundraising was slow to start, Terry reached his goal of raising $1,000,000 for cancer research as his run traversed Ontario through the summer of 1980. Unfortunately his cancer returned and Terry was forced to end his run near Thunder Bay on September 1 after running 3339 miles. Although Terry passed away on June 18, 1981 his life lives on through the annual Terry Fox runs held across Canada. They have now raised over $700,000,000 for cancer awareness and research! If you are traveling to Victoria, B.C. this summer be sure to catch this exhibit of one of Canada’s most inspiring citizens. The exhibit runs until October 1, 2017. For more information see: http://royalbcmuseum.bc.ca/

The exhibit was popular with kids on the day we saw it.

We had a great season of cross country skiing at Mount Washington

  by Keith and Heather Nicol

   It was a sad day when we cleaned out our ski locker at Raven Lodge on Sunday, April 2 to end the 2017 cross country ski season. Raven Lodge is the base of operations of cross country skiing and snow shoeing at Mount Washington near Courtenay, B.C on Vancouver Island. The year saw lots of relatively cool weather which was perfect for us since we like to classic ski and this meant we could use grip wax for much of the winter. Often temperatures at Mount Washington are around zero and this means that waxless skis work best for those people that don’t like to get into finicky waxing conditions. But waxable skis are faster and more enjoyable to ski on so this was a real bonus. 

Heather skiing with scenic Mt Albert Edward in the background

 I was involved in teaching cross country skiing a couple of times a week and this year I seemed to have more lessons especially from people from Victoria.  One memorable lesson involved 4 skiers – 2 from Victoria and 2 from Phoenix, Arizona.  The 2 couples were originally from India and I am not sure if they had ever seen snow. At first they said with alarm” Are these skis suppose to slide”? My normal lesson plan went out the window and we spent the first 30 minutes in front the lodge gingerly moving very slowly around on the flats. But by the end of the lesson they were all going up and down a small hill laughing and smiling. One was even tucking as she went downhill! What an improvement. 

Keith skating on packed powder through the meadows

    So next year if you have thought about trying cross country skiing or snowshoeing then check out Raven Lodge at Mount Washington. They have over 50 km of trail groomed for skating and classic skiing as well as many snowshoe trails. Raven Lodge has great mountain views and inside you can have a bite to eat, book rentals and lessons, buy day tickets and even have a sauna.  Lets hope next winter brings the same great skiing to Mount Washington.  For more information see: https://www.mountwashington.ca/  

Raven Lodge is full service facility at Mount Washington