I’m closing in on the end of day 7 of this 10-day adventure on Vancouver Island, with Deb from Widow Badass.
Each day has been packed with activity and we drop into bed exhausted each night … and yet trying to squeeze out a blog post about what we’re doing is proving to be a major problem.
How many different ways can I say that the island is beautiful and a paradise for outdoor enthusiasts?
How many photos of questionable quality can I post, trying to show a glimmer of why I love it here?
It would actually be easier in many ways if something went terribly wrong so I’d have a story to tell.
But I got nothing … although I came very close to tossing my camera into the ocean a few days ago. Stupid piece of useless $#@& … but that’s a different story.
It rained.
For 2 days.
Does that count as blog-worthy drama? Lie to me if you have to.
for the 2nd day in a row.
And everyone has been friendly, and helpful, and kind. No drama anywhere – not even during a pandemic. No one whining about masks. Or lineups.
What’s a blogger to do?!
So that’s it in a nutshell. I’ve got nothing to tell.
Just endless beauty.
Following A Bold Plan 
I think we should designate a week in July or Aug as Blogger Meetup up Week. See u next year.. and next Friday.
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Wouldn’t that be special if we could actually pull that off as an annual event!!
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There’s nothing questionable about your images. These are beautiful. I am so glad you’re having a great time!
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Thanks Deborah. I think “maybe” I’ve maligned this camera and “some” of my issues might be operator related 😉
It doesn’t however minimize the fact that it behaves differently from its predecessor and frustrates me to no end 😦
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You’ll get the kinks worked out or get another camera I imagine, but the images look great to me.
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Thanks Deborah. I appreciate that. Taking photos, like writing on my blog, has lost its allure. I keep hoping to get reinspired one day.
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Joanne I never know which blog you are using! Your gravatar takes me to your other blog. I had no idea you were here until I read Donna’s post. That being said, it looks you and the girls had a great time of it. So nice to see something fun going on.
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Ditto. I am glad Donna referenced this space. Now that you are back, will you continue to post here or on the other blog? Great photos of a beautiful place. Even in rain VI is remarkable and you gals look quite cozy.
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This blog has actually been around for a few years, but it has a very specific focus which is why my posts here tend to be more sporadic.
I’m afraid my main blog has become a victim of COVID. The pandemic has affected all of us in different ways and my blog lost its will to live. I find it hard to imagine I’ll be able to resurrect it again, but at the same time haven’t been able to write its eulogy.
I appreciate this sounds very vague, but that’s pretty well been my head space this year.
Thanks so much for caring 💕
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Sorry for the confusion, Ally.
This space has been active for a few years, but only to chronicle explorations on Canadian trails.
My main blog has been inactive for several months now and I’m at a loss to find the inspiration to resurrect it. I feel it may have run its natural course. This nudge from you might be what I needed to redirect my gravatar to finally acknowledge the end of My Life Lived Full.
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“Getting away,” enjoying new friends, soaking in scenery and new land – it all sooths the soul and is worth the worry. Cheers for you, Joanne!
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Thanks Pam. I’m back home again and this trip is now just a very happy memory … except for the laundry 😉 However the jury is still out as to whether it was a wise thing to get on an airplane for non-essential travel during a pandemic – even if our numbers are relatively low in both Ontario and BC. I think I’ll be laying low over the next 2 weeks as a precaution.
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Lying low is smart. I did the same after I traveled for my mom’s memorial service and then beach celebration of her life. But truly, the emotional high I received from that travel kept me healthy in so many ways. Be well. ❤
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You nailed it with ‘emotional high’. This trip was balm for a weary soul. Now I feel re-energized again 🙂
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Yay!!
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Amazing landscapes – they tell the whole of the story.
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You’re absolutely right!
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Nothing questionable about these photos – definitely beautiful!
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Thanks Anabel. This camera has yet to redeem itself … or it will get replaced!
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That threat should scare it into submission!
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Pffft. It seems you’ve had better luck threatening technology 😏
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The photocopier at work used to quail when I approached …
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😆
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Ahh, Joanne, I’m so glad about your nothing. 🙂 It seems like just the thing. Enjoy your paradise and good company. We will be just where you left us.
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Thanks Manja 🙂 My visit is coming into the final stretch now and today is a rest day … much anticipated! I’ve been lucky to have good weather to go with the great company of women I’ve been with and the beautiful scenery.
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If only the border was open and Canada wanted some new citizens… I am so, so enjoying these updates that have allowed me to join you even just a little bit. I understand having frustrations with a camera but your photos are gorgeous. I wonder if you’ll be lobbying for a move to VI when you get home?
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It is very sad that you couldn’t join us this summer. It would have been an epic visit.
I could lobby all I want for a move across the country, but it would never happen. Family anchors us to Toronto, although if we did move, I wouldn’t be surprised if our sons followed us shortly after. I can always dream 🙂
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Getting away from home seems to be doing you a world of good. Great place, good friends, lots of fresh air. You are giving me itchy feet…
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Taking this trip felt bold and even borderline irresponsible … and time will tell whether it was the wrong thing to do or not. In the meantime, I’m SO glad I took this opportunity. This has been balm for a very weary soul.
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Sometimes we do what we have to do.
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Hmmm…think I might be tempted to throw in the towel and move there!
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You already live in such a beautiful location. I could spend a lot of time there exploring trails 🙂
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Wow, such gorgeous pictures in all three posts! I want to go….
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Vancouver Island was never really on my radar until Deb moved here. Now I understand the attraction!
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I could read about and look at the scenery there for days, Joanne. I’m glad you only had to cope with minor bits of drama. That sounds like a perfect vacation.
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It has been, Dan. No complaints at all. It is shocking how quickly 10 days evaporates. This morning will be our last hike and then I return home tomorrow 😕
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Enjoy every minute!
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I have been, but sadly it’s coming to an end and I fly home tomorrow … but with great memories 🙂
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Did you almost throw your camera away for a second time? I still break out laughing when I think of you just about hurling it off of Notch Hill! 😀
See you in 9.5 hours.
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Yeah – I came close a second time on our kayaking trip. I think I resolved one of the problems though … tracking was turned on which was depleting the battery. It’s been saved to live another day 😏
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Paradise! And rain’s ok. as long as you are prepared, warm, and in good company. Looks like you are.
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A picture does paint a thousand words. And I think between you and the camera the images are great, Joanne. Certainly has my mouth watering for the great outdoors…
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Thanks, I really appreciate that. Maybe I’m just being too critical of my work.
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Hi Joanne! Looks like your adventures are continuing! So glad to see and hear you are having such a great time. Keep it up! ~Kathy
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Thanks Kathy 🙂 The only sad part is how fast time seeming to be sliding away!
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What went wrong with your camera? Your photos are great, Joanne! Your opener photo with all that sparkly water is gorgeous. What is the white stuff on the rocks in the last photo? It looks like….ice curls?!
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This is the replacement camera from when my equipment was lost in Lisbon last November. It just doesn’t work the same way as its predecessor and it’s VERY frustrating. This trip has taught me that this camera just won’t do. I’m going to try and trade it in since it’s under a year old.
The white stuff IS the rock. I was fascinated by it too – worn and polished smooth from the wind and water. Up close, the rock is a wonder.
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wow. Now I am even more amazed at those rocks.
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The photos! Wow! I would love to live on Vancouver Island. 🤪 Okay, now I am just rubbing it in. It is always the special people who make all of the difference in our good times. And you are one of these people, Joanne. ❤️ I am happy we have some time together, enjoying life, fun times and the beauty on our planet.xx
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Building memories with friends in a beautiful locale. It doesn’t get any better ❤️
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💙💙💙💙💙💙💙💙
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Back at you 🙂
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