June 2010

So I’ve been working on an update for about 3 months now, but never seem to be able to find time to put it all together. Alas, here is one installment of from the Roberts’ family. More to come in the near future, as half of it is drafted, but needs filler.

June was a blurr. Rob arrived in town at the beginning of the month and was in town for a couple weeks. That meant the Roberts’ spent some time at the Friend’s cabin, which was recently knocked down and re-built into a beautiful house. Both Dee and I were floored as every element inside and out has been meticulously thought out. Common space provided a great social atmosphere and perfect use of space, while the bedrooms were spacious and private. We lounged on the dock, wake surfed, and ate to our hearts content. It was great to spend time with the Friends and to get caught up on all the news. Jill announced to us that she was pregnant with twins, and Rob found out that he had been sold to Hertha BSC in Berlin.

As Rob left the Okanagan, so did the Roberts. We took off to Alberta, visiting these locations:

• Banff – Matt Cochrane’s Wedding

We arrived in Banff after dropping Simon at Dee’s parents and met Shaun and Aubri. We checked into a B&B, had a couple drinks and rushed off to the wedding in our best. The wedding was at the Banff Springs Hotel on the terrace overlooking the valley below. Immediately following the wedding, as Pat, Matt’s mom said, we hit the bar, and things got interesting from there. After a great dinner and “few” drinks we hit the dance floor and explored the hotel. All I can say is that that place is opulent! Statues, paintings, and grand concourse stairs everywhere led us in circles.

• Canmore - Mt. Biking/Camping

We rode the following day in Canmore. After a quick visit to a local bike shop, we meandered up to the Nordic Centre to explore the Orange Trail. While we enjoyed the trail, it was not nearly as technical as we had envisioned.

• Calgary

A quick trip back to Calgary to pick the kid up from Dee’s parents and hit up MEC and then back onto the road towards BC.

• Revelstoke

After a long trip to Revelstoke we settled in at a great free camping spot next to Revelstoke Lake. It was a beautiful spot, but a little treacherous for Simon as a result of the topography. Having a toddler who is still a little wobbly on his feet the steep drop off and large rocks made for hands on parenting, with little opportunity for relaxation. Our first night there turned out to be an eventful one, much thanks to Mother Nature. It has been many years since I last experienced rain as heavy as we experienced that night. About 8 o’clock we were forced into the tent as a wall of water fast approached our camp. When it hit us, it was like someone had unleashed a fire hose on the tent. The lightening lit up the tent like it was a night club, while the thunder provided the earth shaking bass. In the middle of the night I awoke to the sound of a river, but quickly dismissed it thinking it was all part of a dream. In the morning I woke up in a puddle of water. After a quick exit I learned that a river of water had coursed its way under and into the tent. So much for a waterproof floor. That day we moved to a forest service campsite just up the road and dried out. Our day activities included hiking and exploring Revelstoke.

• Kelowna

Still soggy as a result of persistent drizzle and light rain, we decided to head back to Kelowna to celebrate Canada Day with friends, and to do a load of laundry. We coordinated with Tess and Loic to make the most of the weekend.

• Rossland

The following afternoon we all piled into the truck and headed to Rossland to visit Bonnie and my mom and dad. The objective was to capitalize on the offer of my parents watching Simon while the four of us went biking. Really, how can you pass up such a deal? We rode Dewdney Trail, Tamarack, and Whiskey on the first day. Rossland is an amazing place, as I am consistently amazed with what people can ride. Some of the stunts and natural features that Whiskey traversed and descended was amazing. While Loic and I found ride around for most of the stunts. The following day we explored some old favourites including Techno Grind, Full Monty, Coffee Run, Milky Way.

We took limited photos throughout the course of this trip. So there isn't much to share.