Keira-anne.com

It's no secret that summer has arrived in British Columbia a little early this year, and that could not be more true for residents of Vancouver Island. The sun has been soaring for weeks on end, making for picture-perfect days on both the beach and in the mountains. Photo: Mount Washington Alpine Resort Just in time for both Father's Day and Summer Solstice, the mile-high chair lift will start churning again on the now snow-free slopes of Mount Washington Alpine Resort. Mark this one on your calendar because dads ride the lift for FREE on Father's Day! The summer season officially kicks off on Saturday, June 20 in advance of the mountain's stellar Bike Park for mountain bike enthusiasts, opening on June 27. Not only is Mount Washington introducing new trails - including an expert trail known as Back in Black - riders this season will notice huge overall improvements. After being battered by endless months of snow, new dirt has been trucked in to improve rider flow while maintaining speed. That said, I know mountain biking isn't for everyone and it's certainly not something I've ever tried. Mount Washington jams all year long and not just when the snow falls. This year the end of August will be marked with a wellness retreat designed to nurture the mind, body and soul.

...the retreat promises to be the perfect escape to the alpine with two days of beautiful meals and wellness classes that promote health and relaxation. Local experts will be on hand to pamper your senses through guided walks, health and nutrition seminars, and yoga classes.

A summer on Mount Washington wouldn't be complete without a handful of BBQs, a beerfest, mountain bike and disc golf tournaments, the annual wine festival (which yours truly will most definitely be checking out!) and so much more. For a complete listing of Mount Washington's stellar summer happenings, check out their events calendar. Mount Washington Alpine Resort is open daily and located at 1 Strathcona Parkway, just minutes north of Courtenay - you can't miss the signs on Highway 19. Call the mountain toll free at 1-888-231-1499 or visit their website for more information. You can also follow the mountain on Twitter!

Mostly famously known for the family of goats on the roof, the Old Country Market in the small community of Coombs is well known and loved by tourists and locals alike. It used to be a place I insisted on visiting at least yearly, but lately it's become an itinerary staple every time I visit Vancouver Island. Photo: tempest_kat on Flickr Andrea and I stopped by en route back to the ferries this weekend to take in the sights, smells and sunshine. Grabbing a generous portion of Island Farms ice cream is a must, and the Old Country Market's Ice Cream Shack houses the entire collection of flavours! That makes this island girl very happy - aside from mint chocolate chip, banana fudge is my favourite and it's tough to find. While the ice cream is always a highlight, I can hardly ever get away without snagging a loaf or two of the Market's rosemary and cheese bread. I'd be lying if I said I didn't have it for dinner tonight - toasted with fresh butter. Photo: miss604 on Flickr Nestled onto a very special spot just off Highway 4, the Old Country Market at Coombs is a short drive from Parksville and about 40 minutes north of Nanaimo. Photo: The Old Country Market at Coombs Operating for over 30 years, the Market has always remained within one family and grows more and more each year. What started as essentially a roadside stand selling fresh and local produce, the Market now offer intriguing imports, local foods, international foods, souvenirs, an incredible selection of plants and flowers, handmade crafts from artists both local and abroad and nothing short of a few surprises. Aside from the Market, there's an entire community of stores run by local proprietors selling more than you can imagine. I'm endlessly drawn to all the pottery and can't wait to add more to my collection. Even after countless visits, there's always something new to see, a new shop to explore or tantalizing foods to tempt your tongue with. That's a whole lotta Island Farms dairy products. What I wouldn't do to find just one downtown Vancouver grocery store that carries such a top-notch line of truly flavourful (and humanely-produced) moo juice. The Old Country Market at Coombs is also a fantastic place to stop before a trip to Englishman River Falls, Parksville Beach or even Tofino - it's got everything you'd need for a unique picnic experience under one thatched roof. And yes, it's open all year... even on blustery winter days. Photo: miss604 on Flickr The Old Country Market is located at 2326 Alberni Highway in Coombs, British Columbia and is open every day from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. For more information, you can call the Market at (250) 248-6272 or visit their website.

Tomorrow marks a very special lady's very special day. My dear friend Jenny is celebrating yet another birthday and couldn't be in a better place to do so. While she's busy hopping a jet plane for sunny SoCal, I hope Jenny knows how many people in Vancouver wish they could be helping her celebrate. Forever fashion-forward, endlessly empathetic and unwaveringly wonderful, Jenny has proven to be a keeper one hundred times over. She's a friend I can always count on to be up for adventure while at the same time will offer something as simple as a shoulder to cry on (or tin bucket to puke in) when needed. To my dear Jenny, I wish you nothing but absolute joy, resolve, courage, laughter and surprises in your 28th year. And for my own sake, here is to many more memories made within a friendship that is our very own. Much love to you. Photo: jenniferlstoddart on Flickr

Once upon a time, the White Spot restaurant in Courtenay wasn't a White Spot restaurant. When your humble narrator was but a girl of 12, that location was home to Bonanza Family Restaurant. In the summer before ninth grade, I'll give you one guess as to who worked as a waitress there. I was primarily the "bun girl," responsible for ensuring that hot buns were constantly available at Bonanza's extensive salad bar. Sometimes I also helped slop the various salads, pasta salads, beans - and whatever else needed topping up - into the bowls. Towards the end of that summer, I was even allowed to work the cash register a bit. Did I mention that I was only 12? Photo: persocomholic on Flickr One afternoon, just days before school was set to start again, I was carrying a large and heavy tray of dirty dishes into the kitchen area. Someone failed to mark the freshly-mopped floor in the middle of the restaurant with a "Slippery When Wet" sign, and in the blink of an eye I was ass-down on the floor. Every plate and every mug and every glass shattered around me. I was mortified and quit on the spot. Despite my short tenure at Bonanza Family Restaurant, I managed to save up my earnings that summer for a Sony Discman and a copy of Stone Temple Pilots' Purple on CD. Though, I wouldn't work again until the summer after twelfth grade as a "fashion-forward" associate at Northern Reflections in the Driftwood Mall. I shudder at the memory. What was your first job? And please, feel free to share any particularly mortifying moments in your career history.

I recently had a lengthy pow-wow with my financial advisor. With so many other aspects of my life on a fast track to exactly where I want them to be, I knew it was high time my finances followed suit. I know that I'm not the only one of my social circle struggling to come to terms with an often crippling student debt load, but I also know that I have the ammo to annihilate it. Photo: frugg on Flickr After sitting down with my advisor, we charted out the big picture and proceeded to number crunch. When I got home, I spent two hours mapping out my budget for the next three months on a spreadsheet, something I plan to do every 90 days to keep track of all the ins and outs. To be honest, budgeting in such a meticulous manner - or any manner - is a new concept to me. No one ever taught me the specifics of the fine art of money management, so it's something I've taken upon myself to gain control of. The next six-to-eight months will be tight with the next three being especially painful. This means continuing to eat all my meals at home, eating out only once a month, bidding farewell to Starbucks entirely, going to the movies only once a month, kiss shopping for clothes good-bye, switching from Bumble & Bumble to Lush shampoo bars (yes, I know - I can't believe it either), abstaining from my red wine habit and eating a lot of tofu and noodles. Sound painful? I'm actually celebrating! The benefit will be so incredibly worth it. Not only will I be free to travel and open RRSPs, but I'll be essentially debt-free before turning 30. And even better, by this time next summer I'll be able to start bankrolling a mortgage down payment. That said, please don't be offended if I say "no" to any invites that require more than walking on the seawall over the next year or so. Homemade Christmas presents for everyone this year!

I've been feeling like there's a bit of a rain cloud over my head the last few days. While I could be a deceptive blogger and writing about ponies and rainbows in an attempt to make you all think I feel peachy, let's be candid with each other, no? In the spirit of all things Eeyore, I present to you an incomplete list of things that drive this girl nuts (and then some)...

• being cut off by cars in a crosswalk


• my bangs (actually, all my hair right now, generally speaking)


• stepping onto an elevator to discover it's suffocating with cologne or perfume


• stepping off of an elevator to discover a horde of people fighting like vultures to get on before I get off


• text messaging


• people that say they'll call and then don't


• when people type or spell a lot as alot


• tourists that lollygag on the sidewalk when I'm trying to get to work


• checking my voicemail


• people that don't keep their dogs on leashes when walking down the street


• LOL-ing... who really sits at their computer laughing out loud? (as well, excessive and unnecessary emoticon use)


• student loans


• people that don't know the difference between their, there, and they're (this annoyance also applies to differences between your and you're, as well as too, to and two)


• when radio stations play edited versions of songs... isn't that compromising artistic integrity?


• being told I'm needed for something at the last minute - sudden and unexpected change invokes temper tantrums


• PC computers

Feel free to add to the list.

Vancouver Island is essentially surrounded by one endless beach and as much as the terrain changes, one thing remains certain: beauty. Kilometres of sand are constantly licked by refreshing salty water. While the east coast of the Island is certainly not without its charm, nothing compares to the shores of the west coast. Photo: CanadaGood on Flickr Nestled at the half-way point between Port Renfrew and Sooke on the southern part of the Island, China Beach is one of those special spots that seems untouched. Located next to Jordan River, it is part of Juan de Fuca Provincial Park. Photo: Water Lily Lane Like most beaches on the west coast of the Island, it's not unusual to see many surfers and seals alike bobbing in the salty Pacific Ocean water. Photo: Spiritwood Images on Flickr Photo: maplemusketeer on Flickr While a perfect setting for camping, picnics, swimming and sandcastles, China Beach is also the trailhead for Vancouver Island's famous Juan de Fuca trail. The Juan de Fuca trail stretches 47 kilometres along the shore to Botanical Beach - most hikers make the journey in two and a half days. Photo: nuanc on Flickr Photo: maplemusketeer on Flickr China Beach offers endless stones to be overturned and a number of trails to be explored, but grey whale migration is certainly a sight to see. During the spring and fall, it's estimated that up to 17,000 of these beautiful behemoths make the journey past China Beach. Photo: BinoCanada on Flickr Photo: Zero-X on Flickr Photo: CanadaGood on Flickr There's certainly something surreal about watching the sunset and knowing that it's simultaneously rising over Japan. Photo: BinoCanada on Flickr It should go without saying that if you plan on visiting China Beach or any of Vancouver Island's other parks, please respect the land. Take your garbage with you, leave the vegetation alone and avoid any wildlife you may encounter. Bears, cougars and rogue ocean waves are frequent visitors to China Beach. To visit, head west on Highway 14 past Sooke and click over to the BC Parks website for further information.

After searching for a new facial cleansing routine, I ended up deciding to give Lush a try. Aside from the intoxicating aromas and elixirs, Lush is known for supporting their community (which just so happens to be Vancouver), protecting the planet and saving animals from cruel and unnecessary testing. After consulting with one of the associates and being offered a number of products in a wide price range, I decided on the Angels on Bare Skin cleanser, Eau Roma toner and the Celestial moisturizer. It's nice to buy products on which you can read the rather short ingredient list. The associate was delighted that I'd picked all the same products she uses at home - and she had terrific skin. The best way I can describe what cleansing my face with Lush products is to think about your favourite place in nature, bottling it up and smearing it on your face. I basically just washed my face with the rainforest in Tofino. It felt so great, in fact, that I didn't put any make-up on my skin before leaving the house today. Hand-made in Vancouver, Lush products - many of which are vegan - each boast the friendly face behind what you're using. While the products have a much shorter lifespan due to the lack of preservatives, they're all date-stamped with the date of creation and expiration. Being that I dropped more than $50, I was entitled to a free shampoo bar (this promotion runs through to the end of June). Though skeptical, I chose one being that it was free and settled on the Godiva bar... If only you could scratch and sniff your computer screen. This shampoo bar created a luscious, fragrant lather and left my hair squeaky clean. The final piece of loot I stuffed in my bag was the Marilyn hair moisturizer. Comprised of chamomile, organic lemon juice and saffron, it's designed to soften, brighten and love your hair. I want to avoid dying my hair from now on (harsh chemicals can't possibly be good for a girl's tresses), so I brought Marilyn into my weekly hair care routine. After only one use, not only is my hair kitten-soft, the mousy coloured roots of winter have practically disappeared! Lush can be found on Vancouver Island at Woodgrove Mall (6631 Island Highway, Nanaimo), Hillside Mall (1644 Hillside Avenue, Victoria) and in downtown Victoria at 1003 Government Street. Please visit the Lush website for Greater Vancouver and all other locations.

The power of persistence can be a powerful thing. Less than a week ago, I posted a letter I had written to BC Ferries. With that post I included a number of photos I recently took while a passenger on the Queen of Coquitlam vessel. Yesterday I was fortunate to have a discussion with someone at BC Ferries' head office in Victoria. While part of me is glad to have had the conversation and hear that my concerns and suggestions were well received by the corporation, the other part of me still feels a bit discouraged. However, the discussion was mostly fruitful and quite a few points were touched on and addressed.

• When the first ships of the fleet were built in the 1960s and 1970s, walk-on passengers with pets were almost unheard of. At that time, the designated pet areas were actually designed to be a place to essentially leave your dog while sitting on the passenger decks for the voyage. Therefore, passenger comfort in the pet area was not a consideration while these ships were designed and built.


• In addition to the welcome reception of my letters, the BC Ferries representative confirmed that all those who received the photos were disgusted by them and that it was unanimous that the conditions were deplorable and unacceptable. I was then informed that the Queen of Coquitlam is scheduled to be pulled from service in the immediate and retrofitted in order to be brought up to an acceptable and civilized standard. These changes will be complete before the summer tourist season begins.


• Apparently heaters have been installed in the pet areas of most of the older ships. It is anticipated that all older ships will have heaters by the winter.


• One safety issue I raised with the pet areas on the older ships was that of excessive exhaust and toxic emissions from the vehicles on the vehicle decks. While it was agreed that this concern is of great importance, this health issue still remains unaddressed as no potential remedy seems to have been considered.


• Another key area that I felt some fantastic progress can and will be made in is that of passenger comfort. While it is important that the pet areas be somewhat "utilitarian" in design for ease of cleaning, vinyl-covered seats are just as easily wiped as seats constructed of metal or wire mesh. Also, my suggestion to install a water fountain (for both humans and pets) and even possibly a vending machine on one of the car decks seemed potentially feasible. It is my understanding that these recommendations are being formally submitted to the corporation for consideration.


• With regard to one unisex washroom being installed on the vehicle deck, this is apparently not doable due to space constraints. The alternative idea offered is to leave your pet with a fellow passenger or someone you are traveling with. Being that neither of these options are always going to be available or desirable (Jordy is not simply a piece of luggage), a singular washroom stall is an idea that needs to be revisited by the corporation.


• As mentioned in my letter, it is of paramount concern that announcements cannot be heard while in the pet areas. I am informed that, in the event of an emergency, crew members are designated to retrieve all passengers and dogs in the pet area and bring them to a safe place.


• BC Ferries does not maintain the same policy as TransLink with regard to pets in public areas. While allergies, food preparation and potentially aggressive dogs are the top concerns by the corporation, I do understand the reason for this policy - within reason. However, that said, I would still strongly encourage the corporation to consider designating a small, strictly quarantined area on one of the passenger decks in which all dogs will be welcome (providing that the dogs are well-behaved). That way, any other passengers who do not wish to be near the pets can avoid them altogether while those traveling with pets can enjoy the same comfort as other passengers.

As our society moves closer and closer to going green in every way that we can, more people will be ditching their cars in favour of transit. On any given sailing, more than a handful of dogs can be found on the vehicle decks with their owners. As time passes, I have no doubt we will see this number swell and the need increase. That said, addressing these issues is critical to the functioning of the invaluable ferry system. Overall, I am satisfied with the initial response received from BC Ferries and I am very grateful to the individual at head office who took the time to engage in this discussion with me. I look forward to our follow-up discussion in the coming weeks to track the progress. It is not the intention of BC Ferries to make us feel like "second class citizens," but I had to admit that feeling that way is somewhat inevitable. However, I also felt that I was heard and that my concerns are being taken quite seriously. If you are a pet owner and one who travels on BC Ferries, please take a moment to send a quick e-mail to the corporation to encourage them and show that you support change for all of us. While I believe there is still a great deal of work and much room for improvement, even the corporation readily admits that this continues to be an evolution. Change doesn't happen overnight and while these improvements may be gradual, I have faith that we will see more serious attention paid to those traveling on BC Ferries by foot with their fur babies. The dogs are here to stay.

With the summer months headed our way at warp speed, it should go without saying that we humans aren't he only ones who suffer in the heat. Can you imagine enduring this heat all the while also wearing a fur coat? Though don't even get me started on the idiocy of fur coats... Yesterday a Saanich woman was outed to animal control by a passer-by after having left her small dog locked in her vehicle. The entire episode was caught by an A-Channel news camera. Upon returning to her car, the lady wildly waved a water bottle at the crew and said "see, I do have water here." To this, the animal control officer replied, "Ma'am, dogs don't know how to open and drink from water bottles." Here are some personal thoughts and ideas on how you can keep your "fur baby" cool during the summer months:

• First, leave your dog at home! If you're out running errands, the last place your dog wants to be is in your hot, smelly car. Canines can sustain brain damage in as little as 20 minutes of intense heat. It is not worth the risk!


• Many dogs and cats tend to shed around this time of year, but consider a trip to the groomer to help thin-out the thick undercoat.


• Fans! Dogs enjoy sticking their heads out of the windows of moving cars while their tongues flop to the side. Let your pup do this in a safe manner with a home fan or two.


• Even though shade can get warm on some of the hottest days, a patch of cool grass in the shade can be a welcome respite for your animal.


• Lots of fresh water, water, water... need I say more?


• While your pet doesn't need to be cleansed more often than is necessary (their skin can dry out easily), a quick rinse in the tub will cool their body temperature from ears to paws.


• Consider a cooling humidifier for air quality. Hot days equal dry air and smaller animals (Jordy included) can be susceptible to dry and irritated throats. As an alternative, keep your animal in the bathroom with you for the few minutes you shower - the moist air can work wonders!

UPDATE - Cesar Millan recently Tweeted this: "Dogs sweat thru the pads of their feet, but their primary way to keep cool is panting. Overheated dogs drool excessively." Have any other ideas? Share them in the comments! And while you're at it, wish a big happy birthday to Danielle's other half!