A CHILLY ADVENTURE OF THE HEART!

CRATER LAKE TRIP

Contributed by: Elaine (with Nevin)

We visited a lot of national parks and did a ton of camping this year so we thought it would be a nice idea to finish off the year with some back country winter camping at Crater Lake!

Crater lake used to be a volcano but it imploded on itself so now it's a giant crater that collects rain water and snow. Believe it or not, it's one of the world's cleanest sources of water, even cleaner than some tap water!

Despite terrible road conditions, stormy winter weather and no guarantee that we could even see the lake after all of our efforts, we decided to take a chance anyway.  Nevin insisted that, "We are from Vancouver, we're ready for snow!" All the while I'm thinking he's crazy and that we might actually freeze to death on this trip.

Me - FFFFRRRRREEEZING!

Armed with 35-40 pounds of gear on each of our backs, snowshoes with extra flotation, and our compass, we started out on the Raven trail that had been recommended to us. Within the first ten minutes, we realized we were lost because we couldn't find the blue diamond trail markers on the trees. The storm had pretty much covered everything in the park with 7 feet of fresh powdery snow and each step we took, we fell waist-deep into more snow. Discouraged and exhausted, we continued trekking. All that we knew was we had to go between Garfield Peak and the forest, which was an avalanche zone. Eventually I found the first blue diamond marker and so our mantra became "Find the next diamond!" Because we were breaking trail, It took us 3.5 hours to go about 0.3 miles until we realized we weren't going to make it to our destination at the rim of the lake.

Chez Nevin and Me

We decided to set up camp for the night and re-evaluate the situation next morning. That night couldn't have been longer or colder. Temperatures dropped to -17C, and the howling winds ripped the snow off the trees and came plummeting onto our little 3-season tent (obviously we were in the 4th season...). 

Next morning Nevin asked me if I wanted to admit defeat and head back to the park headquarters or give it another shot and try to at least make it to the rim of the lake. Although every part of me was screaming 'get me the heck out of here' there was just something in his voice that softened my heart and I ended up saying ok lets do this!

So off we went, trying to find the next diamond. What have we gotten ourselves into???....the next part of the trail was a steep 700 feet incline within 1 mile, and of course it wouldn't have been complete without the hellish stormy weather and constant getting lost.  Finally after what seemed like forever, we arrived at the Rim! And we couldn't see a thing! The entire lake was covered in fog and it was extremely blizzardy at the top.

We found an emergency shelter at the Lodge and hid in there for a bit to catch our breath. Just as we were getting ready to turn back, A MIRACLE HAPPENED. The clouds blew away, blue skies appeared and there was even a ray of sunshine on Wizard Island, in the middle of the lake. It was as if the heavens opened up! 

The Lake

While I was admiring the view, Nevin was rummaging through his bag. Then he turned around, holding a small box in his hands, got down on one knee and asked "Will you marry me?" I was absolutely shocked and speechless. Already elated from surviving the grueling hike up, and actually getting to see the lake, I even wondered if I was hallucinating due to the extreme cold. I guess I was silent for a while, which made him go..."Uhhhh, so will you?" and of course I said Yes! 

The hike down was fun, mostly sliding :) We stayed another night in the tent and hiked back early morning the next day. When we arrived at the ranger station to return our back country passes, they were so impressed that we had survived our trip and actually saw the lake AND got engaged that they immediately hooked us up with the local newspaper and they did two articles on us!

Here are the links if you are interested. The reporter focused more on the mushy parts, but both Nevin and I think the real highlight was just being able to come out alive:)

http://www.heraldandnews.com/members/news/inside/article_c6c4707c-4ff4-11e2-9afc-001a4bcf887a.html

http://www.heraldandnews.com/article_dac00910-4ff4-11e2-961f-001a4bcf887a.html

HOLIDAY GIFT IDEAS

If your Christmas resembles something out of the National Lampoon's movie, I encourage you to drink up on your eggnog, devour the shortbread and check out our list of gift giving ideas for kids, men and women. (I opted out of including the teen years because generally gift requests in that age bracket are cash and/or electronics).  In each category we will show: FUN, ECO-FRIENDLY, LOCAL and SANTA'S FEELING OVERLY GENEROUS!

FOR THE KIDS

FUN
What: Vtech Kidizoom Camera.  Get your kids of your iphone and have Santa bring them this great camera.  It has effects options and you can store and send pics.
Where to buy:  Sears

What: ZIPFY Freestyle Mini Luge! It's won all sorts of awards and people of all ages can ride them (see YouTube video below).

Where to buy:  Chapters.  I already bought 2 - Whistler here we come!!!

ECO-FRIENDLY

What: Green Toys (all sorts for girls and boys)

Where to buy:  Dandelion Kids

LOCAL

What: Puppets!  Good old fashion fun!  Imagination over touch screens.

Where to buy:  CityCreations

SANTA'S FEELING OVERLY GENEROUS

What: Power Wheels Cadillac Escalade Ride On or Barbie Escalade Ride On.  - you're kids will never feel loved unless you get them one of these (yeah right)!  I remember pining for a Power Wheel as a kid - didn't we all?

Where to buy: Toys R Us

FOR HIM

FUN

What: Whiskey Lover Set, along with a great bottle of course!

Where to buy: Chapters

What: Polar RC3 GPS - perfect for any runner or biker!

Where to buy: Amazon

ECO-FRIENDLY

What: Eco-friendly phone dock - Made out of driftwood from Maine, it is equipped with two USB cables that plug into your computer or wall adaptor.  

Where to buy: Docksmith

LOCAL

What: A structured heavy wool jacket - extra cozy!

Where to buy: Sitka

SANTA'S FEELING OVERLY GENEROUS

What: Fender American Standard Stratocaster® Electric Guitar - encourage the man in your life to find his inner Eric Clapton or Jimi Hendrix.

Where to buy: Amazon

FOR HER

FUN
What: Time Out at the Spa! Gift Certificates with either Absolute Spa (lots of locations) or Scandinave in Whistler.
Where to buy: Absolute Spa or Scandinave Spa

ECO-FRIENDLY

What: Soy Candle. 

Where to get: online at Soap for Your Soul.

LOCAL

What: Cozy sherpa fleece jacket, or anything else for that matter, at Lululemon

Where to get: Lululemon.

SANTA'S FEELING OVERLY GENEROUS

What: A David Yurman Bracelet.  Tons of amazing classic styles that go with everything, especially if you get a piece containing both gold and silver.  Boys - earn yourself some Brownie Points!!!

Where to get: in store at Holt Renfrew

Hope the big man in red is good to you all
Happiest of holidays to you and yours!
Shannon

RENO-TIME?

SPRUCE UP YOUR PAD!

Contributed by: Shannon

Most of us dream of living in a picture perfect home, which had seemingly leaped from the pages of a most recent Dwell or Style At Home Magazine.  This is a world, where children are not around, dust never accumulates and a kitchen most certainly isn't used for cooking.

<SNAP> Back to the real world.  You need a home you can live in!  One that is equal parts, function, sanctuary and comfort.

Of course there are tons of things to think about before renovating, whether big or small. From an initial idea to a finished product, The Canadian Mortgage and Housing Corporation suggests you sort these 8 questions first:

1. Set your priorities - maintenance should be first and aesthetics second (duh!)

2. Know what's possible -the city probably won't approve a swimming pool on your roof

3. Do the math - it ain't free

4. Pick your partners - make sure their experience extends beyond painting their bedroom

5. Get it in writing - a handshake and a smile won't cut it!

6. Don't worry about the mess - move out if you can, or embrace the dust

7. Inspect as you go - get your control freak on

8. Give the final thumbs-up! - and enjoy!

So do you need to renovate? Well, if your kitchen looks like this and tacky vintage isn't the look you are going for, then maybe a spruce up is just what the contractor ordered!

Enter: Sprucehill Contracting and you could be drinking wine and enjoying canapes in something like this:

And Sprucehill doesn't just do kitchens. They provide the gamut: from complete home renovation and project management to decks and retaining walls.  Based out of North Vancouver, head honcho Erik Jensen is uber professional and detail oriented.  Speaking from experience in working with Sprucehill, the staff, quality of craftsmanship and depth of knowledge make the renovation experience as enjoyable as possible.  Of course with any type of renovation, there is the inconvenience factor.  But in the end... ahhh so wonderful!

I loved that the team at Sprucehill was so mindful of our safety while they completed tasks at our home.  With my 2 kids running around, I had peace of mind knowing that all the staff were good people and left their workspace super tidy everyday.  And more delightful than anything was the "on time and on budget" mantra of Sprucehill.  What a breath of fresh air it was to not have any hidden surprises in the end.

Check out Erik's website to find heaps of information and a before and after gallery.  Here are some pictures to entice you to find out more:

A PERFECT WEEK AWAY

NEW YORK

Contributed by: Shannon

Ahhh... hello New York!  My third visit was most certainly a charm.  If you have been, you get it.  If you haven't been, you need to go.  It's everything all at once - beautiful, intoxicating, thrilling, inspiring. 

I took my mom, a newbie to NYC, along for the trip which included a bit of work, a lot of play, many eats and a mega amount of walking!  Here's the highlight reel:

WHERE WE STAYED: The Helmsley Park Lane

The Helmsley is one of the only hotels located along Central Park with million dollar views:

Incredible to wake up to every morning!

WHAT WE DID - So, so, so, many things: here are the top picks:

The Museum of Natural History - With so many exhibits, there is something for everyone. Here is my T-rex friend:

HINT: Start on the top floor and work your way down.  Don't plan on eating at the Museum because the food is over-priced and not very good.

Bike/Horse and Carriage/Walking Around Central Park - here is a pic of the John Lennon Memorial Plaque.  It's in the park across the street from where he was shot:(

HINT: Bike around the park mid-week.  The park is full of local runners/biker and events on the weekends.

9/11 Memorial - Stunningly designed, this memorial is a sensitive, respectful complex in the heart of the Trade Center area. There are two vast reflecting pools, located in the exact footprints of the Twin Towers.  The magnitude of the memorial really represents the loss of that day.  Be ready for some tears to flow.

HINT: be sure to register for a visitor pass prior to going.

Statue of Liberty - I have seen the statue a few times, but I never actually went to it until this trip.  The statue has a great history and is a lovely icon of hope.

HINT: Opt for the audio tour - it's worth it!

Shopping on 5th Ave - hello Bergdorf, Bloomingdales, Tiffanny.... trouble!

HINT - If you buy something that is $110.00 or less, there is no Tax in NYC!

Empire State Building - super cliche to include this on the list,  but I just never tire of the amazing city views.

HINT - Get the New York Pass to skip lines (see below).

Soho /Tribeca - what an awesome vibe this area has! I could live here! I certainly enjoyed the libations:)

HINT - Popular restaurants book up at least 1 month in advance.  Arrive when the restaurant opens for dinner to get an early seat.  Dining early isn't cool in NYC, but you'll have a better chance of getting in!

Show at Times Square - Saw ROCK OF AGES.  Absolutely Amazing Talent - A little raunchy, a lot funny and tons of fun!

HINT - book shows on-line before you go and as far in advance as possible - much cheaper!

OUR TOP NOSH PLACES:

Nobu - Tribeca

Cafe Europa - Midtown Central Park

Citarella Gourmet Market - Upper West Side
Brasserie Rhulman - Rockefeller Center
Spring Street Natural - Soho

Morrell Wine Bar and Cafe - Rockefeller Centre

Le Pain Quotidien - Central Park

GETTING AROUND:  

Lots of people do the "hop-on, hop-off" buses, but we opted for the Subway.  It is actually really easy to navigate and gets you uptown and downtown in no time.  There's an app for it!  Here's the mama on the subway:

DEFINITELY GET:  

The NEW YORK Pass.  It gives you free entry to over 70 attractions, and enables you to jump lines.  www.newyorkpass.com

Til next time New York!

IT'S SUMMATIME!

MOUNTAIN BIKING

Contributed by: Dave and Co.

I used to race Mountain Bikes about 15 years ago and have recently gotten back into it full tilt.  Not only is it a necessary part of me staying fit, but it's challenging, social and the scenery is amazing.  I try to go at least twice a week and have buddies that seemingly hit the trails nearly everyday.
The locations are endless and the industry is in a crazy growing spurt.  Because of it's proximity to work and home, I most ride the North Shore and Whistler when I have the time.

In need of some morning eye candy? - check out PINK BIKE and watch their daily mountain bike videos.  Super inspirational!

For all your clothing needs I suggest checking out sombrio.  Watson, the owner, is a west coast boy and super knowledgeable.  Great gear - it's all I wear!

Also check out the BC Bike Race - I did it last year and plan to do it again next year.  The BCBR is a seven day single track epic experience.  Not for the weary.  It's a tour of BC's west coast with 500 like-minded individuals.  I highly recommend it.  It does sell out so start thinking about it for 2013! Here I am on the track last year:

happy trails.

EUROPE LOVE

EURO VACAY / HONEYMOON

Contributed by: Kelly

Our long awaited honeymoon landed us in London, Paris, Berlin, Venice, Florence and Rome.  We enjoyed three blissful weeks of food, fun, sightseeing and culture.  In this blog I will highlight the "must do's" as far as I am concerned:)

London:  We loved the traditional Afternoon Tea at my favourite department store: Harrods.  The store itself is a tourist attraction - absolutely stunning inside.  We also made sure to hit up the British museum, Buckingham Palace and the London Eye. 
Here I am with my buddy Ben:

Paris:  Aside from the beautiful city itself, I made it a mission to eat as many macarons and croissants as possible.  The croissants melted in my mouth and I am still savouring the macarons from  Pierre Herme  located at Gallerie Lafayette.  (All the walking during our trip made up for these guilty pleasures).  We did soak in some culture at the Louvre and Notre Dame Cathedral and got gorgeous views of the city from the Eiffel Tower and Arc de Triomphe.  We also took a day trip to Versaille to tour the palace which was one of the most amazing sites I've ever seen in my life! 
Here is a picture of me trying to work of some of those extra calories!:

Berlin:  Berlin was kind of our wild-card.  We did not know what to expect but looking back, it was definitely the most eye-opening and educational part of our trip.  We took a 3 hour walking tour around the city and our tour guide talked about the historical significance and stories associated with each landmark.  It was very evident that WW2 has left a lasting effect on the city and some people of Berlin are still trying to put it behind them. On a personal note, we met my husband Gabe's cousins for the very first time. Our lack of German and their lack of English made for interesting attempts at communicating, so of course we resorted to Chinese (which we all are). That moment certainly made the world seem global and small.
Here we are at Brandenburg Gate:

Venice:  Coffee, Food, Shopping, Gelati. Repeat.  By the time we arrived in Venice, we were church and cathedralled out!   So, we soaked in the magic of the city by lounging in cafes, taste testing a variety of restaurants and scoping out artisan and craftsman's shops.  A definite highlight for me was sipping a cappuccino in Saint Marco's Square while listening to  live music. Here is a picture of the famous grand canal (albeit a little wet!):

Florence:  We happened to be in Florence during Easter Sunday and Easter Monday, so many of the attractions were closed, but we took that in stride and spent our time roaming around the city.  The leather market was fabulous and it reminded us of the Hong Kong & Richmond night markets.  We also discovered their gold market - one city block of nothing but jewellers!  (hey honey, I like that one:)

Rome:  As cliche as it sounds, we were mesmerised by the Trevi Fountain, the Coliseum, and people watching on the Spanish Steps.  We hit it up during the day and night.  Our highlights in Rome included free drinking water to keep us hydrated, the Vatican City and of course our one euro cappuccinos.  We could not believe the artwork at the Sistine Chapel - pictures just don't do it justice.

Here we are in front of the Coliseum.

Tips:  Buy a monopod, or camera stick so that you don't have to ask tonnes of people to take pictures for you:  http://www.dealextreme.com/p/stainless-steel-handheld-monopod-for-digital-camera-42504

Purchase tickets for attractions online in advance.   In most cases, we got to skip the queue.  It saved us a lot of time as some of the lines were up to 1.5 hours long. 

Arrivederci!

BENEFITS OF BOXING

HEALTH: THE BENEFITS OF BOXING - CONTENDERS TRAINING STUDIO

Contributed by: Dave and Co.

This post is about a
a PERSON:  Kevin Reynolds, professional boxer, number one ranked cruiser-weight in Canada
a PLACE:  Contenders Training Studio
and a THING:  Training all levels to promote fitness and long term health


Bottom Line:  Sometimes it ain't pretty.  But every time it's worth it.

I have been going to Contenders Training Studio for about 8 years.  Located in Bentall 4 in Vancouver, The owners Kevin Reynolds and Richard Pelcz have a magic potion brewing in that gym.  They train beginners to professionals and it's seemingly all the rage amongst downtown professionals.


I try to go at least twice a week to break up the corporate day.  During the lunch hour "Training Camp Classes" take place and the attendees are predominantly business men and women who have a bunch of capital letters after their names.  The classes are usually jam-packed and high energy.


The lunch hour classes are focused either on lower body, core, upper body etc. and beginner classes are offered mornings, evenings, and weekends.   Having said that, anyone in good physical shape can go to any of the noon hour classes.  Kevin and his comrades will push you to the limits but respect your boundaries.  At contenders, they do realize we all have varied physical abilities and their broad vision is to bring the benefits and surefire results of boxing to the masses in a fun, focused and casual environment.


In general the complex nature of boxing helps you condition most major muscle groups in the body and the intensity / calorie burning increases over time.  It's truly a great cardiovascular and toning workout.  I even drag my wife along sometimes.  She likes to go... no really she does.  Here's a picture of me in all my punching glory courtesy of Kevin:

Contenders' owners Kevin and Richard also give back. Big time.  Every year they run a "White Collar Fight Night" which raises money for Athletes For Kids which provides funding for disadvantage youth in Vancouver so that they may have access to organised sport.  So far they have raised over $100,000.00 with these successful and anticipated events.  That's substantial and impressive.

Check out www.contenders.ca and tell 'em Dave sent you. You won't be sorry... maybe a little bit, but it's all good!  They are "ALWAYS IN YOUR CORNER!"