Bowen Island - Lake Hike

With my days numbered before I begin full-time working life again with Mercedes-Benz, I took the opportunity to visit Bowen Island for a day trip, with another Brit called John. We picked up the Bowen Island Express boat from Granville Island and in within 30 minutes we were at the quayside.

Similar to an adventure out of a Enid Blyton book, we hiked from the harbour to a forest trail that took us around a local lake. The three hour hike included seeing salmon hatching streams and stretches of lily pads in the water. With a beautifully rugged landscape and friendly laid-back pace in the tiny village, Bowen Island came across as a forested island retreat. It reminded me of Pender Island and I am sure akin to many other islands along the coast of British Columbia.

Phew - Driving Test Achieved

What can I say.... the pressure was on to achieve my Canadian driving test. A first-time pass was definitely required due to my forthcoming job with Mercedes-Benz and also that the 90 days allowance for my UK driving license expired on the same day. Plus a test retake could have been up to six week hence due to demand on the test center, creating issues for my new career.

The examiner originally was from the UK and was born in Liverpool, so we had common ground from the start. She nearly caught me out on hand signals though and only a last minute reminder from Bob, earlier in the day, saved my blushes. Apart from that, the test went relatively smoothly and I even enjoyed the only roundabout on the test route (reminding me of good ol' Milton Keynes). Furthermore, I was even marked down for going too slow at one point - probably the last time that will ever happen!

I have not felt that nervous for a long time and have certainly taken MBA exams with less stress and tension. Special thanks to Bob and Wendy for not only lending me their car but supporting me through the pre-match nerves. The open road lays ahead for me now!

ANNOUNCEMENT: Scott is to be gainfully employed again

Yes it's official!

After being in Vancouver for exactly three months I have now been offered full time employment (subject to final written offer). This is the last piece of the moving abroad jigsaw falling into place.

Admittedly, the new role is with Mercedes-Benz Canada and is similar to the job that I left in the UK. So I am certainly well-qualified to succeed and deliver on my new bonus targets. Although we haven't missed a car, it will also be a pleasure to have our own transport again and spending a little less time on the bus, aka "the loser cruiser". More importantly Nancy will be happy to have my arse off the sofa, but less happy to be losing her in-house cleaner, chef and personal assistant!

Flying over Vancouver... What a View

When we wrote the last blog post we were still at Poets Cove in anticipation for our return flight home via Seaplane or as they are locally known a Float plane. This flight turned out to be one of the highlights of our visit to Pender Island, partly because of the experience but also for the spectacular views of the city (see photos).

Firstly, when boarding the plane at Poets Cove I was offered the front seat, next to the pilot and so enjoyed a front row view all the way home. Then we flew between Pender Island and Salt Springs Island, which was no more than a 10 minute flight, and so we maintained an altitude of only about 100 metres above the sea and this felt like we were skimming across the water.

On the return flight into Vancouver the plane flew up the harbour, above tankers and cargo ships, then over the trees of Stanley Park, along the cityscape of the coastline and then swooped round to land directly in front on our apartment building. I assure you there is no better way to travel ....

Our First Wedding Anniversary

We write this post as we sit at Poets Cove Bar, enjoying one last pint, while we wait for our float plane back to Vancouver. Very excited about the float plane!!! Nancy suspects she will have to give up the window view for me, so I can take pictures. We go back to Coal Harbour via Salt Spring so it should be an awesome scenic view.

Weather has been fabulous all weekend. Both of us were sun burnt on different days. We went bike riding down to where our wedding photos were taken and while on the beach we saw whales go by - about 50m off shore. AMAZING!!!

We enjoyed a Spa visit yesterday which proved to be fantastic - proper relaxation for both of us. This was followed up by dinner in the Poet's restaurant, then a couple of hours on our patio drinking our Wedding wine and talking about the previous year and the year ahead. Today, we took a canoe out and spent an hour canoeing along the shoreline of Bedwell Harbour. It was nice to be on the water and see the resort from a different perspective.

So we have yet to see an Eagle perched in a tree but we've seen many flying above our heads. Impressive bit of nature... Anyway the float plane is arriving, so time to go. Thank you to all for our Anniversary cards and best wishes. Check out the selection of photos from the weekend.

Poet's Cove - 1st Year Wedding Anniversary

With our first wedding anniversary only two days away and our blog count-up clock nearly at 365 days, we are making the trip back to Poets Cove on Pender Island for the weekend.

Wow! Nancy and I have been married for a year, how time flies when you are having fun.

My Boat is Bigger than Yours...

From our apartment window, we have a great view of the yachts in Coal Harbour and up till now we have been impressed by the magnificence of the Nova Spirit yacht (left photo). This yacht is owned by Jim Pattison, a local entrepreneur, and has been the largest boat in the harbour. Simply put, it stands out from the crowd.... until today! When the Kisses (right photo) rocked up with its own helicopter parked on board! Kisses is one of 30 largest yachts in the world, owned by Norman Bramans and he's an automobile tycoon, owning the largest chain of luxury automobile dealerships in Florida. It would seem size is everything in the world of boats!

The 9 O'Clock Gun - On time, Every time

Have you ever heard a boom and don't know where it is coming from? If you are in Vancouver, check the time, as if it is nine o'clock in the evening, it will be the Nine O'clock Gun. It has been ringing out nine o'clock for one hundred and eight years since it was placed in Stanley Park.

Why was the cannon set up in the park? The usual explanation is that it was originally installed by the federal department of fisheries to be shot off at 6 pm to alert salmon fishermen in the harbor that it was closing time for fishing. The 9 pm firing was later established as a time signal for the general population and to allow the chronometers of ships in port to be accurately set.

It’s fired electrically these days, and flashing red lights warn passers-by of the imminent blast. Unlike a number of places that have a gun booming out the time, it goes off at nine pm rather than noon. The boom is so loud that it is frequently heard more than three minutes after nine in parts of Vancouver. From our apartment sofa, we have a clear view of the gun and so see the flash and the plume of smoke each evening. I have tried to take my own video of this 9pm sight, but the results have been poor, so I borrowed the enclosed video clip from the internet.

New Blog Music Playlist

Check out a new music playlist on the blog. On the right hand side of the blog, just underneath the article archive, you will find a music player with a selection of tracks.

On the request of Ross, who uses our wedding playlist as a lazy man's ipod, I have added this list of 65 tracks. Playing them straight from the blog gives you the first 30 seconds of each song, however, you can listen to the music in its entirety by clicking on the link - ROSS FULL TRACK PLAYLIST.

Enjoy songs from Kings of Leon, Muse, Robbie Williams, Faithless, Blur, Oasis, U2, Verve, Editors, Razorlight, The Killers and many more.... all for free.

The Woolly Mammoth - At Last!

Over the last five years of visits to Victoria, on Vancouver Island, I have never managed to see the world-famous attraction that befits the Royal BC Museum - The Woolly Mammoth. There has been a number of failed attempts previously, however, this May bank holiday saw us finally make the trip and see the Woolly Mammoth up close and personal.

Although, the trip nearly proved fruitless again as the admission price for the two of us would have been $50 - just to see the one exhibit for a matter of minutes! However, with explanation and negotiation with the attendant, I managed to get us free entry to the museum and capture these photos. It was certainly worth the wait and was an very impressive and imposing sight.

This Woolly Mammoth has been created from a full skeleton of bones for an adult male, nine pelts of a Muskox (an Arctic Mammal) and Styrofoam. For reference, the Woolly Mammoth roamed parts of British Columbia and North America about 25,000 to 12,000 years ago, but became extinct as the climate warmed and humans hunted them. These hairy elephants are also cousins to the existing Indian and African elephants.

Mmmmmm.... Nanaimo Bars!!!

Nanaimo Bars are THE best desert (except for Ben & Jerry's Ice Cream, of course) in the world.

It is a type of chocolate, no-bake square and consists of a wafer crumb based layer, topped by a layer of light custard (generally with coconut) which is then covered in chocolate.

The place to get Nanaimo Bars is on Vancouver Island or the ferries on the journey over. This is because it receives its name from the city of Nanaimo - a place on the Island. Receipe enclosed - NANAIMO BARS!
Please note the six bars in the photo do not exist anymore - good times!

Ships Ahoy!

In combination with the seaplanes continually landing in the harbour, in front of our apartment building, we are now starting to see another sight.

Cruise ships are becoming a regular occurrence and are bringing boat loads of tourists to the city. On one day, alone we had three ships go past our window. These boats are massive and totally dominant the vista on their arrival and departure.

Nancy was explaining to me that there is something called the "cruise ship wars". This is where Vancouver competes with other cities on the western seaboard for these vessels to dock in their city, as they provide such a huge boost to the economy with the tourist dollar. Not quite the same as the Somalia pirates and the battles being held off the coast of East Africa!!!

It's True... Canadian Mounties do Exist

I was under the impression that the stereotyped Canadian Mountie with the red jacket, hat and horse was an urban myth - similar to the tooth fairy, elfs and Irish Leprechauns. The sort of imagery that is conjured up for the tourists.

Turns out they do exist, as it was proved to me near the Vancouver conference center on Saturday... photographic evidence provided. Although this guy was raising funds for charity in a tourist hot spot and not a true, working Mountie out to catch criminals!

An Evening at English Bay

With the weather in Vancouver improving all the time, as the onslaught of Spring continues, we took the opportunity to enjoy a Friday evening on the beach. The aptly named English Bay is one of the main beaches in Vancouver and is a short walk from our apartment. As you can see by the photos, there was a fantastic sunset to provide us a highlight - a great way to begin the weekend.

What a great read....

With a bit more time on my hands, subject to my ongoing job search, I am getting more time to check out some books. One particular audiobook has grabbed my interest is The 4-Hour Work Week by Tim Ferriss.

I am only about a quarter of the way through, but already this book has made me question my approach to earning and lifestyle. Feel free to check out the author's blog as well.

http://www.fourhourworkweek.com/blog/overview/

Theory Test for BC Driving License

Good news! This morning saw my achievement of the first stage of gaining my British Columbia driving license. I achieved the required 80% (40 correct answers out of 50 questions) on the theory test. The next step is the practical road test which I need to take before 7th June.

It would be simpler for the Canadians to accept my UK license, but NO they need me to pass their test!