Tuesday, October 27, 2009

Island Life

France and I just recently moved out to Vancouver Island. I got a job working on ski patrol at the local mountain and she's managing the women's fitness center in town. I love the mountains and she loves the water so it seemed like a good place for us to check out. We got out here about 2 1/2 weeks ago and have been pretty busy getting all moved in. The majority of our stuff was still in storage in Nelson, so we made a quick trip through there to rent a uhaul and visit some friends. It was great to be back where we used to live. Nelson will always have a special place in my heart.

Even though we lived there for almost a year, I never went on the classic Nelson hike up to Pulpit Rock. It's a landmark that sits across the lake and overlooks the town. So, since they'd just completed trail improvements we headed up for a quick hike.

France on the way up.



My beautiful wife.


On top of Pulpit Rock looking down on our old home.



Joshua.



After emptying our storage locker we drove to Vancouver and stayed with France's sister for a few days then hopped on the ferry from Vancouver to Vancouver Island, ready to make our new home in Courtenay, BC. Looking back at the gorgeous North Shore mountains that sit above Vancouver.



Keeping warm on the windy ferry ride across the ocean.



Gorgeous Mt. Baker in Washington State was our guardian angel on the ferry ride. I'm going to ski that beast someday soon.



The fishermen are out.



Heading towards the Island.



After a few crazy days of unpacking and getting somewhat organized in the new place, we decided to go for a little hike. There is a great park called Seal Bay park about 5 minutes away. It's a lovely mile long walk through amazing old growth forest down to the ocean. There is a lot of rain on Vancouver Island so things can grow quite large. This maple leaf makes France look like she shrunk! Also of note is that the Ewok forest in Return of the Jedi was filmed on Vancouver Island. Amazing trees everywhere.



Looking across the ocean to the gorgeous Coast Mountains.





Courtenay has a great riverfront park where the Puntledge River runs through town and into the ocean. It's a great place to walk, run, or bike. I snapped some photos of the fall colors the other day, although they were better a week before.