It was a really good time away, and now for the big reveal.....we went to Vancouver Island, near Nanaimo and Qualicum to be precise, and went for a three day hike in the Strathcona national park, guided by Layne's dad, Everette and their friend Alex. It was pretty intense, but really great to be working and walking together and encouraging each other and trying our best not to break limbs or dehydrate or any of those other fun things :)
We camped the two nights at an amazing spot called Lake Kwai, and it was really fun getting used to all the North American type bush safety things that are never really a concern when camping in New Zealand. I seem to remember the scariest thing in the NZ forest being a wild pig, and the most tent threatening thing to be avoided was a nikau palm branch full of water that might crash at anytime dousing you with water. Never had I considered the possiblity of bears and cougars and the need to carry "bear spray" or keep all our food, and toothpaste and other similarly scented things in a steel box 100m or so from the tents!
This is where we got to eat dinner though.......
The goal on the second day was Mount Albert Edwards, and unfortunately Stefan, Mark and I didn't make it all the way to the summit, but instead enjoyed some recoup time halfway up from one of the amazing rock shelves while the others powered up to the top. I can think of worst places to sit for a while though.....
also great was getting to spend time with Layne, albeit briefly,and her family being so hospitable and amazing and fun and taking care of us. Looking forward to going back to the island to hang out with them for sure!
So yeah, now it's back to reality and noise here in Vancouver, and I'm excited to say that I am going out now to IKEA with Stefan and Pam, so that should be fun.
Keep praying for us and for more students for the fall school!
lots of love, hillary
7 comments:
i <3 you! just thought you might not hear that enough...
Rebecca
ikea can be both fun and stressfully intense, but mostly fun and distracting! hey, i'm trying to make a pilgrimage to vancouver in november so hopefully i'll get to see you soon! i'm so glad to hear that things are going well with the DTS! i am praying for you and the rest of the staff!
my two January lovelies. It's so good to hear from you both :) I can't wait to see you both again, make sure you give me lots of warning and I'll whip out that cookie recipe again in time!! :)
well, it looks to me like God made that landscape pretty darn perfect! i'l bet He's glad you were enjoying His Creation.
love and miss you, Al.
ps, i broke another finger!
ALASTAIR!
I have been trying to call you for the last two days! What's the story morning glory. Email me your work schedule so we can try and connect this weekend or something ok luv?
sound like a good time. glad you're back. ikea is great.
that is all.
Yep, I do believe you captured the beauty of my island. I noticed Zander even made it in a picture! I should let him know.
I'm sure there'll be at least one weekend you'll want to get away from Vancouver BESIDES the one before Christmas...you know where to hang out.
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