Wednesday, August 13, 2014

August 13, 2014 - On the Job

Today Brian and I started a kitchen install at a new little home north of Spruce Grove.  A little too early in the construction process for a kitchen - but there we were, ready with our marching orders.  The house does not have power yet, and except for the kitchen area, is still in stick frame stage.  We used a generator though and that worked.


A wonderful couple is building this on a lovely piece of property .  They have 4 boys and decided there was better things they could do with their money then put it in a home so they will be moving here as soon as it's done (800 sq ft. footprint).  It does have a basement and a dormer upstairs.  Very cute!

Well needless to say there was no functioning bathroom... and so I enjoyed the 'natural' today.  I did find some cool things to photograph though and here is the result of that.



Tuesday, August 5, 2014

Vancouver to Alaska via MS Zaandam ~ Brian, Louise & Faith

We left for our trip on Canada Day and were impressed as usual by a completely clear Mt. Robson.

We arrived in 100 Mile House to stay with Rod, Janice and Derek for a couple of nights.
Derek took Faith to his ball game and it looks like they had a good time.


The next day our wonderful hosts took us to Ruth Lake where the water was beautiful and the afternoon was spent in the most relaxing way possible.  We did a quick stop at Lake of the Trees Bible camp in the morning and got caught up with Tom and Jody and the busy gang there.




We took the Fraser Canyon down to Vancouver and made a few stops.  This was us being silly of course and trying to make our own memorable train tracks photo.

Alexandria Bridge


Finally on the MS Zaandam in the Port of Vancouver.


Faith found the Teens Only Lounge on the ship - but she was one of few.

Goodbye Vancouver

Under the Lions Gate Bridge

And out of the harbour


On the ship we were blown away by the amount and variety of food.  That was so unexpected for us we just could not believe it was all included in the price.  Faith has WAY more pictures of the wonderful meals we got to enjoy.  But look at the decadent desserts, eh?



Huge beautiful bouquets of flowers were every where you turned.


 Port of Juneau, Alaska






We walked around town and enjoyed the many quaint homes and also walked up to a local historic mine.




On the way back from the mine we walked along the flume all the way to town.
Beautifully lush and cool on a hot day.





Time to leave Juneau






Hello Port of Skagway, Alaska




Faith finally found some free WiFi in Skagway, although she had to be plastered against the library wall to access it.  No worries, however, she wasn't the only desperate one! 


Uncle Al, Aunt Nance, and Jennifer met us in Skagway and took us siteseeing in the area.

Trying out the first few steps of an old Gold Rush trail - Chilkoot Trail.






Lots and lots of history in the area.




We left Skagway and the next day sailed up the Tracy Arm Fjord.  First time we ever saw icebergs.  It was a wet and cold day, but that did not stop us from getting out on the deck and enjoying the magnificent view.

Bald Eagle on an iceberg








Capitán Wouter van Hoogdalem navigating the Fjord
See more of him here:
http://youtu.be/y8uvucpzkEw


We did get to see a seal swimming amongst the icebergs


The wonderful Twin Sawyer Glaciers at the end of Tracy Arm Fjord





Formal Night on the Ship

Our servers for each evening meal

Hello Ketchikan, Alaska


It was wonderful having Janet and Chris John meet us there to show us their beautiful Island.









Leaving Skagway to head back to Vancouver


A perfect sunset evening to enjoy a meal on the deck.















Hanging out in the lounge while at sea the next day...

And enjoying America's Got talent finalists, illusionists Leon and Romy's show.

The Captain took us on a little detour to Alert Bay






Faith finally has free WiFi range again! 

Our last evening meal in the Rotterdam Dining Room


Hello Port of Vancouver once again









Walking around Stanley Park, here Faith is pointing at the ship we just disembarked from.

And for a thrill, Brian and Faith walked across the Capilano Suspension Bridge.  Not for me!

Some Professional Photos: