Keira-anne.com

Archive for the ‘Mt. Washington’ Category

Friday, August 22nd, 2008

JUVENILE DELINQUENT

Okay, okay, so I know I haven’t exactly been acting like much of a blogger this week. I haven’t posted in two days and even then it was only a video clip, so even I can admit that was a half-assed attempt. Work has been a hellish gong show for me over the last two days. On Wednesday after work, I sat on the floor of the shower, letting it run over me for 20 minutes, pretending I was sitting in a summer rain shower on Chesterman beach, not unlike the last time I was there. It actually worked.

However, now it’s Friday and my hell days allowed me to accrue enough overtime hours to stay at home today. Because my brain is essentially fried after completing 110 pages of written submissions, here’s a Friday link fest for you.

Photo: iheartsharts on Flickr

Looking for something to do in the Comox Valley this weekend? Don’t forget that the Bearclaw Invitational Slopestyle III will be unleashing all kinds of gnarly on Mount Washington today and tomorrow. While I wish I could be there this year, I attended last year’s Bearclaw and was not disappointed!

Raymi did something fun on her blog that I’ve been missing. I like it a lot.

Ali adopted a new dog from the Hamilton, Ontario SPCA but she’s also been a bit of a delinquent. I have yet to see pictures of her new baby Rex, so bug her to get on that.

With a little over three weeks to go until the BC SPCA’s Paws For A Cause, Matthew and I have already managed to raise an astonishing $5,770! Thanks to everyone’s who has donated already. There’s still time to contribute, so if you’d like to do so online, click over to the donation page or e-mail me (keira at keira-anne dot com) to arrange for a cash donation.

Looking for more blogs to read? Rebecca has been continuing a fantastic series, profiling local bloggers, so head on over to keep reading.

With August more than half over, the prospect of shopping for fall clothing is giving me a warm feeling in my tummy. Jennifer wrote a great post about some staples for the crisp days ahead. You can read it here.

One of my favourite ways to see Vancouver Island is from the comfy seat of an Island train. The VIA Rail corridor, stretching from Victoria to Courtenay, is one of the most beautiful and scenic trips you can take. It beats a road trip, hands down. It is also, however, in some serious need of TLC and the future of the rail line is at risk. Our Corridor is a group dedicated to finding funding for the line as well as raising community awareness about how vital it really is. Visit their site for more details and to find out how you can help!

Posted in Mt. Washington, No Name, Vancouver Island, animals, dogs, fundraising, random | 4 Comments »

Tuesday, August 12th, 2008

POKEY POKEY POKEY

It’s probably been at least a 67 years since I last posted a link fest, so here you go, Tuesday. Here’s a link feast…

First off, I want to take another quick opportunity to thank everyone who has been supporting the Paws For A Cause campaign. So far Matt and I have raised a staggering $4,709.50, as well as a ton of encouraging support that’s just as rich. There’s just over a month to go, so if you’d like to help out BC’s animals, click over to our donation page.

Last night I had what I would call the absolute privilege of completing HBO’s “Band of Brothers” on DVD. Witnessing a glimpse of the struggle, horror and, at the same time, unbreakable bond has given me a vast and renewed appreciation for veterans who fought not for victory, but for freedom. To find out more about this fantastic 10-part mini series, click over to HBO’s official site.

Holy crap I’ve been watching a lot of rad-alicious movies lately, and not just “Band of Brothers” or “Pineapple Express.” This weekend, my eyes also caught sight of “Apocalyse Now: Redux” (the 2001 director’s cut, which clocks in at 202 minutes - yikes), “Blade Runner” and “In the Name of the Father.” All of these have been spectacular viewing, but I particularly recommend the latter starring Daniel Day-Lewis. When only one injustice is so grand, it truly makes you ponder how many countless prejudices occur around the world on a daily basis. And further, it causes one to question the so-called “War on Terror” as a whole. The trailer is here.

Did you miss the wine festival at Mt. Washington? Never fear, for September 5-7 are the dates to save for their Alpine Food Festival, sponsored by Beyond the Kitchen Door.

Photo: John Bollwitt on Flickr

There’s still time to catch a Vancouver Canadians baseball game at the legendary Nat Bailey Stadium. The summer season ends on August 31, 2008, so here’s hoping my favourite girl will join me for hot dogs and some “hey batta batta swing!” before the season is done.

You know how your mother always told you not to poke your nose where it doesn’t belong? It seems as though the same can be said in other regards as well. Click here to find out why.

P.S. I love my MacBook Pro

Posted in AppleLove, Comox Valley, Mt. Washington, SPCA, animals, baseball, community event, dogs, food for thought, friends, fun, fundraising, humour, movie review | 7 Comments »

Thursday, July 24th, 2008

SLOPESTYLE FOR MILES

What could be better than hot sunshine, cold beer, sweaty and dirty men, insane mountain biking, friends and a summer day spent on Mt. Washington?

I know, I couldn’t think of anything either.

Only a month from now, the mountain that’s home to my favourite powder riding in the winter is now opening up its bare hills to the Bearclaw Invitational Slopestyle III. I was lucky enough to check out this annual mountain bike competition last summer and I’m already anticipating this year’s bike battle on August 22 and 23, 2008. The only difference for me this year being that I’m kidnapping the lovely Miss604 and showing her what a 250 party weekend is all about.

According to Darren Berrecloth, event organizer, this year’s comp will be the best yet:

“On August 22nd there will be a free slalom event which is invitation only…the format of the free slalom is simple; it’s a dual slalom course with 3 or 4 dirt jumps in it. It’s basically racing with the jumps also being judged, in a similar format to mogul skiing. We’re bringing in a mogul skiing judge for continuity and yes, this is the first time a competition of this sort is being held.“

Spectators will be in for a treat on the day of the actual competition, Saturday, August 23. The course this year has been re-vamped and, according to Brent Curtain, PR Director at Mt. Washington, features a “brand-spanking new course with all the crazy wooden stunts” spectators of the event have come to expect. For those lucky enough to be riding, a jackpot worth $18,000 is up for grabs. And for those of us cheering from the sidelines, there’s live music, beer gardens sponsored by Kokanee and an adults-only party Saturday night at the legendary Fat Teddy’s.

If you plan on being in the Comox Valley at the end of August, I highly suggest getting your ass up the hill to check out this event. It promises to be a pretty stellar time for all involved. Keep a look-out for Miss604 and myself, snapping our cameras.

For more information, visit the Bearclaw Invitational official website.

If you haven’t yet lent your support to the BC SPCA’s Paws For A Cause, happening September 14, 2008 across the Province, click here to find out how you can support your favourite local blonde bombshell as she crusades for the animals! And to those of you who already have, one million thank yous!

Posted in Comox Valley, Miss604, Mt. Washington, Vancouver Island, community event, fun | 2 Comments »

Saturday, May 31st, 2008

SUNNY DAYS ON THE ISLAND: MOUNT WASHINGTON ALPINE RESORT

Any season offers something beautiful on Vancouver Island, but none more so than the summertime. What’s even better is that much to see and do is free or dirt cheap. This entry is take two in my new series “Sunny Days on the Island,” a segment dedicated to showing Islanders how to be tourists in their own backyards.

After my last run of an exhausting (yet exhilarating and fantastic) day of snowboarding on Mt. Washington over the Easter weekend in March, I knew that I’d be zipping my snowboard up in its case and leaving it there until opening weekend in December, 2008. For most people who love the slopes in winter, that idea is a bit depressing. Some pick up on other hobbies to keep them occupied through the summer months, such as surfing or wakeboarding. And there are others still who know that there doesn’t have to be a dozen feet of fresh powder on the hill to have a blast at Mt. Washington.

As I quickly learned on a solo trip up the mountain last summer, I believe it’s quite possible that Mt. Washington offers more activity choices when the hot sun is shining down than when snowflakes are falling. The big draw is targeted at mountain bike enthusiasts, who take advantage of the open lifts and rugged terrain. One of Mt. Washington’s biggest events of the summer is happening August 23, 2008: the Bearclaw Invitational Slopestyle III. I checked it out last summer and was blown away by the scale of the event and also the excitement…not to mention the dozens and dozens of sweaty, dirty men. Here’s hoping my usual partner-in-crime tags along this year.

(For more information on mountain biking and related events at Mt. Washington, including seasons lift passes, visit their “Down and Dirty” site here.)

Fortunately for the rest of us who prefer not to get down and dirty, Mt. Washington offers a mitten full of other activities, ranging from riding the lifts to take in astonishing views, hiking, camping, bungee trampoline, mini golf and disc golf. In addition, all of the mountain’s shopping and dining facilities are open, so if the craving for Fat Teddy’s yam fries strikes you in the middle of July, so be it! Mt. Washington also appeals to the “plant geek” in all of us, with tons of information identifying the various flora and fauna that grows abundantly on its hills.

With activities set to kick off on June 20 (that’s only three weeks away, folks) and mountain biking gearing up for a June 30 opening, lets hope the last remnants of our wicked 07/08 snowfall melt soon!

If you’re planning on heading up this summer for a day of adventure high above the Comox Valley, my recommendation is that you snag yourself an Alpine Action Pack ($21 for adults; additional pricing found here), which gives you an entire day of unlimited access to the scenic chairlift rides, bungee trampoline, mini golf and disc golf. However, in this girl’s opinion, it’s worth it to just hang out on the hill for the day and take in the summer culture up there - with or without riding to the top.

Visit Mount Washington Alpine Resort online for all the information you need to make your summertime trip to the Comox Valley a memorable one.

Posted in British Columbia, Comox Valley, Mt. Washington, Sunny Days on the Island, Vancouver Island, community, fun, summer | No Comments »

Thursday, May 1st, 2008

TONIGHT’S POST BROUGHT TO YOU BY BOOTY SHORTS AND LEG WARMERS

It’s getting late and I have toenails to paint, so here we go…

The ‘About‘ page has finally been reconstructed and is up and running again, so take a moment to have a look and tell me what you think. Don’t forget to visit the ‘Archives‘ page to search past posts and topics on a boring, rainy day.

Your humble narrator’s favourite mountain has re-vamped its website for the summer season, and it’s gearing up to be a great one. Mt. Washington is buzzing year-round with spectacular fun for everyone. Check back here soon for a more in-depth look at coming events, but head over to their site now for a sneak “peak.”

Photo: oceanviews on Flickr

The Vancouver International Children’s Festival is set to kick off in a couple weeks. This year marks the 30th Anniversary, so be sure to grab any little ones you know and head on down to the white tents at Vanier Park from May 12-19. Tickets at Ticketmaster. [website]

I bought the bathing suit. Yup, the bathing suit. See my April 28, 2008 post if you need a refresher.

Someone posted near-naked photos of my husband-to-be on the internet. It might not be SFO, but click here because you know you want to. Many thanks to Phaedra for that link. Sweet dreams.

That’s all I’ve got for you tonight, kids.

Is it wrong that I blogged about the Children’s Festival and a naked-ish man in the same post?

Posted in Mt. Washington, Vancouver, Vancouver Island, blog, children, community event, fun, shopping, summer | 8 Comments »

Sunday, April 6th, 2008

FARE THEE WELL, MY LOVE

It’s 3:35 p.m. and I can assume that the last lift rides are chugging back up the slopes of Mt. Washington before the entire mountain falls quiet. Once those large red buttons are pushed, everything will fall quiet; no more “beep beep beep” when someone has to stop the lift, no more churning of gears, no more blip of the pass-checking machines. Certainly there will be no more swish of skis and boards slicing through powder. Today is April 6, 2008 - the last day of the snow season. Soon enough, only the sound of falling snow will be heard as taillights wave goodbye as the last skiers and boarders head back down the parkway.

The 2007/2008 has been another stellar year for yours truly’s favourite Vancouver Island hill. Even though spring is well upon us, the snow report in my e-mail inbox this morning reported that the base was sitting at 424cm. That’s just shy of 14 feet, kids. It’s been a great season for myself as well, as I finally purchased my first board, accomplished new riding skills and created fantastic memories with friends. You can bet your bottom dollar that come November I’ll be counting down the days until opening day, and geared up and ready to go when those lifts come back to life. Until then, let’s re-live some memories in photographic form…

I think I like the idea of a girls’ snowboarding/condo weekend next season. That’s it for now, folks. Mt. Washington officially re-opens (snow melt pending) on June 30th for all you mountain bikers. Stay tuned to my blog for more information on the summer season as well as events to look forward to on the hill.

Posted in Comox Valley, Mt. Washington, snowboarding | 8 Comments »

Monday, March 31st, 2008

MELLOW LINKAGE

Original Photo: cemedia on Flickr

I started popping Tylenol at 5pm yesterday. Oh, how I adore seasonal migraines. I’ve been plagued with them for the past handful of years, mainly only in the springtime. Lavender is my new best friend. The truth is, the migraines are gone as quickly as they spring on me. After a few extra hours in bed this morning and some fresh air, I’m basically just feeling the remnants…something I like to call a “migraine hangover.” I suppose I’m one of the lucky ones - I know some who’ve spent weeks bedridden, so for the odd one I get here and there, who am I to complain? A migraine every once in a while isn’t the end of the world.

Here we go…

It’s hard to believe, but it seems like only last week that I was counting down the days until Mt. Washington opened for the 2007/2008 snow season. Alas, the final days are drawing near with the slopes closing on April 6th. However, if you plan on getting up there this week, the snow is still beyond amazing with a base of over 430cm if you can believe it.

Photo: Mount Washington Alpine Resort

Not only are you guaranteed some great final days on your board or two planks, there’s much fun to be had before the snow melts. April 5th is the annual “Dummy Downhill” race, followed by the perennial favourite “Slush Cup” to close the season down.

Fortunately, the action keeps churning all summer long on my favourite hill, so I’ll be sure to keep you all posted. I’m most certainly looking forward to this year’s “Bearclaw Invitational,” (see: sweaty, dirty men) which I so lovingly covered for you all last summer. This year, check out the action on August 23. More info to come.

Today marks Day 1 of the Province-wide smoking ban in British Columbia. I have to be honest, and perhaps a little biased, and say that this couldn’t come sooner. As much as I dislike smoking, I can also acknowledge that it’s often a much-needed respite and vice for some I know, so I do have sympathy. If you want to get a full view of the ban, click on over to Miss604 for specifics.

I know what your new favourite song is because it was my new favourite song first. Truth is, this track could be five years old for all I know. My dear friend Kortney introduced me to it last week and I, in turn, am sharing it with all of you. I LOVE IT! I am, of course, always full of fondness of this song. Can you blame me?

Protests have been recently been underway at Buckley Bay on Vancouver Island by residents of Denman Island and Hornby Island. The group marched onto the ferry, determined to let BC Ferries know that their fare hikes are destroying the livelihoods of locals. In fact, the fares have increased by a whopping 85% in the last five years with another 25% expected before - you guessed it - 2010. Not that you needed another reason to hold a grudge against the corporation. [article]

Posted in BC Ferries, British Columbia, Miss604, Mt. Washington, community, music, snowboarding | 5 Comments »

Sunday, March 23rd, 2008

THE LONG WEEKEND IS OVER

Not so long ago, I had an experience on the slopes that was less than favourable. It was one of those days where everything that could go wrong, did go wrong. Fortunately, despite the psych-out that resulted from said day, I had the courage to strap my board back on and hit the hill at Mt. Washington today.

Things started looking up before I even had the chance to lace my boots up. Just after 7 a.m., the mountain sent out an official “Powder Alert” via e-mail. Over 16cm of fresh powder fell overnight and the forecast was sunny and bright. I couldn’t have asked for a better day. It seemed almost as though Mother Nature, knowing how horrible my last day was on the hill, wanted to make it up to me. Carving was near flawless for me and I managed to make my way through trees for the first time. I can’t describe the feeling. It was the second time ever riding my new Forum set-up…

I think this is going to be the beginning of a beautiful relationship.

Being that it’s Easter Sunday, though I am not religious, I can’t ever pass up the opportunity to cook a meal for my loved ones. Despite how tired I was by the time the lifts stopped running, I had a surprising amount of energy. Lucky for everyone at my house, just enough energy to throw together a pork roast, green onion mashed red potatoes, sides and a bowl full of roasted carrots, mushrooms, celery and fennel. I amaze myself.

My family and friends are phenomenal. I’ve long said that family and relatives are two separate ideas. Though there are people around the globe to whom I am related by blood, they aren’t the family I’ve known since the day that I was born. My kindred “sister” Kortney was here with her mom, and we were blessed with a beautiful moment in the evening’s setting sun. It’s now 9:16 p.m. and I have a big suitcase and tons of dog toys to pack up in order to make my way to the ferry tomorrow morning. It seems that, now that its the last day all three dogs get to play together, some semblance of peace has been found…

Posted in Mt. Washington, animals, family, friends, snowboarding | 7 Comments »

Tuesday, March 18th, 2008

IT AIN’T MUCH…BUT IT’S SOMETHING

It’s only Tuesday and yet it’s been a long week already. Thankfully, a long weekend beckons me and I made it even longer by taking Thursday off. Tomorrow I’m grabbing my gear, the dogs and heading for the ferry to spend a few days on the Island. Truth be told, what I’m looking forward to most is seeing Charley play with Benji and Casey for the first time. I have no doubt it’ll be an explosion of adorability. Enough from me…here’s my link love for the day.

*Deep breath* Okay, despite the disaster that was my last trip to the mountain, I’m strapping my board back on and hitting the slopes on Sunday. Even though March is drawing to an end and April is set to begin, would you believe that Mt. Washington still has a base of nearly 400cm? It’s true. Don’t believe me? Check the snowcam. In the words of Ms. Amy Burrows, “spring riding - whoop! whoop!”

After April comes May, and with May comes, well yes, flowers…but also ‘Sex and the City: The Movie.’ You would have to be entirely new to my blog to not know how much I’ve been anticipating this cinematic masterpiece. Since the date is drawing near, the movie’s site has been entirely overhauled and updated, including the addition of photos and a videoclip focusing on the fashion that the film will spotlight. Check out the website here.

The Dalai Lama stated that he is willing to step down as the exiled head of the Tibetan government (though not as a spiritual leader of Tibetan Buddhism) if it means that the widespread rioting in his home country will end. Clashes between Tibetans and Chinese authorities are nothing new, but this wave of unlikely violence has killed 99 people thus far with as many as 19 today alone. For unexplained reasons, the plight of Tibet’s dwindling citizens has been something close to my heart for longer than I can remember and I really encourage you, my readers, to educate yourself on the activities in the region. [article]

You know what? It’s a slow day…that’s all I’ve got for you right now.

Posted in Mt. Washington, No Name, Sex and the City, news, snowboarding | 4 Comments »

Sunday, March 2nd, 2008

GIRL ON GIRL (ON THE FERRY)

Just one short month ago, Becky and I took a trip on a ferry boat. Prior to that trip, we’d been throwing around the idea of doing a podcast together and figured that the hour and a half spent on the ferry would be the perfect time to do so. Each of us fielded reader questions on our respective blogs and answered them for y’all.

I know you’re dying of curiosity to hear what went down, so click here to satiate yourself. We’re funny girls.

You’ve been warned.

P.S. We’re planning on podcasting again this Friday - does that idea interest anyone?

Posted in BC Ferries, Keira Mellis, Miss604, Mt. Washington, Vancouver Island, blog, friends, fun, podcast, snowboarding, women | 8 Comments »

Archive for the ‘Mt. Washington’ Category

Archives by Month