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I’m off to Alaska in the morning and with just a few hours till my airport departure, I am now starting to think about what I need to start packing. I’ve heard of travellers that start this arduous process weeks in advance. I agree with the need for organization when it comes to a long trip, as discovering how much you still need to buy before the trip even begins can be costly all at once. But for a quick little 2 week holiday? I figure I already have pretty much everything I need from past travels, and if I forget my toothbrush I’m sure I’ll manage to find one. I could probably even go ‘au Alaska natural’ and break off a tree branch and get my pearly whites shining like a grizzly.

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Ever since my return to Vancouver I’ve been an avid cyclist. My initial plan was simply to save money and get in shape, but now it has become a deep-rooted passion. I love the time to myself when I’m on my bike. I dream, I plan, I practice conversations with tall handsome athletic men. I’ve even broken into various showtunes at the top of my lungs.

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Last week it was the tiara, this week it’s a fireman’s hat. Although, I have to admit I was looking for a more grown up version than the one I ended up with. But of course, there is a story behind it.

A few months ago when I heard that the ‘World Police and Fire Games’ were going to be held in Vancouver, I signed up to be a volunteer. This all falls back to my continual need for DISCOVERY. Volunteering gives you the opportunity to meet people that might not otherwise cross your path. You are also able to contribute to the community and be a part of an event often filled with sheer determination. And in this case, perhaps a few men in uniform.

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It’s not every day that I go kayaking with a glittering tiara on my head…but the birthday party continues in the waters of North Vancouver.

As we drove down into the heart of the Deep Cove, it was hard not to fall in love with the immediate atmosphere. People were slowly walking in front of the shops with ice cream cones in hand, trying to lick up the neverending dribbles. Others sat on the sidewalk with fresh donuts or slices of pizza in front of them as they had a conversation with an old friend across the street. I popped into the trendy gift shop called Lala’s and made a secret wishlist for my next birthday.

Everywhere I look people are smiling and relaxed. Life in ‘the Cove’ is different than anywhere else in the Lower Mainland, and I’m not saying this as a recently crowned kayaker-I lived in the Cove as a child and haven’t returned often enough. People here seem to have a clear appreciation for simply enjoying life and the natural surroundings. With such rich greens and blues all around, I suppose it’s hard not to. And their strength of character is built up even more with having to put up with so many days of rain (it’s ‘gotta get so gourmet in colours somehow right?!).

Once in the kayak, the 360 degree view of tree lined mountains falling into the water, is breathtaking. I paused for just a moment and caught a seal with her pup looking back at me. After a wide mouthed yawn they returned to the depths of the water.

I continued to paddle alongside my mom, sister Debbie and friend Karen. We’ve changed our traditional birthday hike (with tiara) to the kayak to trigger a few different senses. The salty smell was certainly invigorating and we kept our eyes wide in the new surroundings. My jaw dropped a few times when I studied some of the houses perched on cliffs or the waters edge. WOW-when my book gets published and I’m finally rolling in hard earned money I will certainly invest in some local waterfront property! I started to glaze over for a bit but was awoken with a shrill cry not far from my paddles. Having clocked my three boating buddies in no signs of distress, I looked up to see an eagle swooping down and landing in a treetop on the small island we were passing. The tree sagged under the weight of the bird and my jaw dropped again. The wing span was so immense, the claws were so curled and I swear he was looking right at me…or my tiara. I decided to remove my twinkling jewels just in case he thought I really was eye candy.

So this week, I have lived up to the discovery theme, but it’s even better as I have actually re-discovered Deep Cove-this is certainly an angle not to be forgotten. I have discovered that my hours of swimming are paying off as the paddle power was a lot easier than my last attempt a few weeks ago. I have discovered that there is nothing like the company of friends and family that appreciate you equally. And I have discovered that there are some very cute men working at the kayak rental shop…though far too young for this 35 year old!

Cheers me dears,

Fiona

Babe With A Backpack