Off to the islands!

We are staying at the Palms in Denarau and it’s lovely.  Very comfortable night.  One bedroom apartment.  We’re a ten minute walk to the marina where there are shops and restaurants.

This morning we boarded our catamaran to go to the outer islands.

There are so many small islands.  Some are uninhabited, several have a few resorts on them.  We first went to Malamala which just took 30 minutes.  Unfortunately the winds were blowing so the ride was rough.  They also had to cancel some activities such as kayaking and paddle boarding.  Did go snorkelling but it was challenging with the waves.  

I’m ready??

And off I go!

Had a lovely BBQ lunch with local Fijian entertainment.

Scary stuff!

We then got back on the boat and headed off to see more islands.

Some beautiful places to stay..

The locals welcoming people arriving for a stay!

Back in Denarau having a glass of wine and deciding what to do for dinner. 

Fiji….here we come!

Marlene and I at YVR about to board our plane to Fiji.  Flying Fiji Air direct from Vancouver to Nadi, Fiji.  11 hrs. 50 minutes.  Good flight. 

Arriving at Nadi Airport.  It’s 5:30 a.m.  Sun just coming up.  It’s 26 degrees and quite humid. 

While at the airport we saw these men marching. Apparently there were some dignitaries in town. Quite impressive.  Our driver Raheel picked us up and is going to take us to see a few interesting places in Nadi. It’s Sunday morning so some things are closed.

We first drive into the town of Nadi to the outdoor market.  Everything is grown locally.  Very fresh.





Very colourful fruits and vegetables.



These are mussels.  Collected one day and sold at market the next.  So fresh.  

Visiting the Swami Temple

We desperately needed a coffee so Raheel took us to this coffee shop.  Bula means hello.  Very good coffee…

Very creative artwork on my coffee.

Off to the Garden of the Sleeping Giant.  

So lush and tropical…

Orchids are the specialty of these gardens.

It was very hot and cooling off with a glass of this really good juice was a winner.

 

Then it was time for lunch and Raheel drove us to The Boatshed.  A great restaurant right on the water.

Then back to Denarau to check in at our hotel, The Palms.  The skies have opened up and it is pouring.  It’s not long before it stops and the sun comes out again.  We check in and then walk down to the marina which is five minutes away.  Lots of shops and we are inquiring about going out on a cruise to see some of these gorgeous islands.

 It’s a lovely evening and there are several restaurants to choose from.  We’re going on a day tour of South Sea Island.  Should be great.

Christmas 2022

We had a wonderful Christmas. Filled with family, good food and lots of fun. And Santa even stopped by!

Harper performed in a Xmas performance at his school. He’s such a good reader. 

Bright lights at Memorial Park in White Rock.  It was beautiful. I met up with Mike, Teeny, Jameson & Weston.



Beautiful lights.



Paul, Kiara, Landon and Harper.



We had record breaking snowfall and cold temperatures right up until Christmas.  It’s now warmed up and the rain has washed the snow away. It was beautiful but it’s much easier to get around now. 

Back up and running!

Thought I should update my blog for anyone following me.  I have recovered from my surgery better than expected.  Only two days in hospital and a couple of days in the caring hands of my sister and then I was home.  Taking it easy and slowing down which is difficult for me.  I am now starting to get bored so that is definitely a sign that I am almost back to normal.  The biopsy is back and it’s good news.  Better than my doctor anticipated!  My family spoiled me with a wonderful birthday celebration which left me feeling loved.  I so appreciate and love my wonderful family and friends.

Sweet girls, Sophie and Nora (my niece’s children)

My lovely grandsons, Harper, Weston, Jamie and Landon.

My wonderful sons, Paul and Mike. 

Nothing like a little shake up or bump in the road to make you appreciate every day.  Hopefully my next post will be my next trip!

Travel on hold? Bump in the road of life…

In my blog I’ve always tried to be real.  It’s not always a bed of roses and things quite often go sideways when planning a trip.  That’s part of the adventure.  It’s also my journal so I felt it was important to add this blog.

I had a trip planned with my good friend Bev to go south to celebrate my 70th birthday.  It was a tour from Nashville to Memphis, Graceland and then finishing up in New Orleans.  What fun we would have had however I had some medical complications suddenly arise and my doctor said do not go out of country.  Surgery was performed Oct. 27 and I left hospital Oct 29.  I am recovering and feel better than I thought I would.

My big concern is what does this look like going forward?  We cancelled Nashville and that was the only trip I have EVER cancelled.  Marlene and I have been planning a trip to Fiji/New Zealand/Australia for Feb/23 and I highly doubt I will be able to get travel insurance.  Next week I should be speaking to my doctor and will see what the prognosis is after the results of the biopsy come back.  

I am already thinking of what trips I can take in Canada and am lucky that we live in such a beautiful country and have great healthcare however the thought of never traveling internationally does not sit well.  No days in Paris?  Won’t see my friends in Australia and New Zealand or France?  I’ve been on so many adventures I’m just not ready to call it quits.

White Rock is an awesome place and I’m lucky I can just walk to the beach.  I am working on regaining my strength so fingers crossed you will see more posts of upcoming adventures. 🙏

Time for a road trip!

My friend Bev and I had talked about doing this small road trip on Vancouver Island. This last weekend we did it!  Bev lives in Nanaimo so I caught the ferry at Tsawwassen and Bev picked me up at Duke Point, Nanaimo.  

This is the route.  After Bev picked me up we did a little retail therapy at a great clothing store called Fig then we went for fresh out of the oven apple pie with Red Dragon Chai latte.  The conversation always flows non stop when we get together.

The next day we head out from Nanaimo. No rush. We stop for breakfast and then hit the road.  It’s a beautiful day.  Fall is finally here as it’s a wee bit chilly but lovely.  We stop at Port Renfrew.

Lots of parks and trails.  You can access the Westcoast Trail in several places.

We arrive in Sooke and decide to stay at the Prestige.  Such a beautiful place.

Great place to sit and enjoy the view.

We got a great room with a water view.  Had a lovely dinner in their restaurant.  Bev treated me for my birthday.  It was perfect!

The next morning we took a side trip to East Sooke.  Couldn’t resist a picture with the Sasquatch.  Lots of winding road and lovely countryside.  

That’s our hotel across the water.  Had lunch in Sidney and then Bev dropped me at the ferry terminal.  A great weekend!