Keira-anne.com

I like rainy days. No wait, scratch that. I love rainy days. They lend to a particular sense of coziness that allows me to be lazy enough to stay indoors while invigorating enough to roll up my sleeves and get stuff done. I cleaned my entire apartment, cleared out hideous clothes I don’t wear anymore, junked old make-up from under the bathroom sink, bathed Jordy (who’s now fast asleep on the couch), baked cookies and prepped myself a margarita pizza from scratch.

As quaint as all that sounds, the other half of me is starting to feel restless for the coming days of endless sunshine… summer evenings in lush grass at the park, pitchers of crushed raspberry mojitos on the patio at Milestones (likely while practically living in this beauty through the sunny months), loading up on a bounty of fresh fruit and vegetables from the Coombs Market, sandy toes, sugary sweet ice cream dripping from hand-rolled sugar cones, wading in the ocean with my niece and my dog and a girls’ getaway week in New York City with Rebecca.

Instead of practically torturing myself with summer dreams, I decided to take a trip down memory lane in Flickrville and check out some of my favourite memories of Summer 2009.

Photo: John Bollwitt on Flickr

Conquering the Grouse Grind seems to be a rite of passage for Vancouverites and a claim that can be made only by the few and brave. In the more than five years I’ve called this city my home, I’d yet to attempt it until today. This morning I grabbed my Will Tippin and made my way to the base.

I’m not gonna lie: the task was far more daunting than I anticipated it would be. You might think that because I never snapped any photos on the trail that maybe I cheated and took the tram up, but the truth is that it was far too grueling to even think about my camera. That, and we were both much to focused on the beer at the top to stop for photo ops.

Nachos too…

Before descending the mountain, we took a quick walk to the five-acre Grizzly Bear Refuge, home to two orphaned grizzly bears.

I was pretty choked that I stopped filming when I did because not even 30 seconds later, the big guy started scratching up an awkward storm, Al Bundy-style.

The grizzlies were unspeakably beautiful, graceful in their lumbering and far more playful than the menacing creatures they’re made out to be. What I really wanted was to give out free bear hugs to the two of them!

I nicknamed this guy Jordy II since he lays the same way as my pup.

“French manicure, please.”

After making the ascent in one hour and 36 minutes, it was mission: accomplished for the C.I.A.

Two-second snap before they herded me onto the tram to head back down the mountain. It was the best $5 I have ever spent.

Also, just a little bit stoked that I was still rocking the glow an hour later.

There are enough elements, places to discover and activities around Tofino and the surrounding region to fill a year’s worth of Island Profile posts. However, as it’s my first day back from holidays, I thought it would instead be nice to view the seaside village through my eyes.

To view all the photos I snapped on the wet coast, please visit my Tofino Set on Flickr.

Raymi did this and tagged me. And since I’m on holidays, I clearly have nothing better to do. Also, because there’s no Island Profile this week (remember? I’m on holidays), I’ve thrown in a few pictures from this weekend’s Filberg Festival (and other stuff) just for fun.

1. What time did you get up this morning?

8:30 a.m. – it’s the latest Jordy’s let me sleep in on our holidays so far.

2. How do you like your steak?

Alive and not on any plate, thank you.

3. What was the last film you saw at the cinema?

The Hangover. I may have seen it three times. Can you blame me?

4. What are your favorite TV shows?

OZ, Deadwood, Law & Order: SVU, Sex and the City, Alias

5. If you could live anywhere in the world where would it be?

I’m gonna be super cliché and say either New York City or some small town in Southern California. I like the sound of Toluca Lake.

6. What did you have for breakfast?

I haven’t eaten breakfast yet today. I’m getting through my second cup of coffee with International Delight fat-free hazelnut cream. Sacrilege, I know.

7. What is your favorite cuisine?

Mexican

8. What foods do you dislike?

Meat, Thai, meat, Vietnamese, meat.

9. Favorite Place to Eat?

I probably couldn’t be less inventive but I’m in love with Milestones right now because of their California summer salad and crushed raspberry mojitos. But I also really love Boneta, Atlas Cafe and Avenue.

10. Favorite dressing?

Usually just some olive oil and balsamic vinegar. Simple, so good.

11.What kind of vehicle do you drive?

I don’t.

12. What are your favorite clothes?

My wool DvF dress, jeans and a cardigan and my super short cut-offs.

13. Where would you visit if you had the chance?

If you read my blog, you know.

14. Cup 1/2 empty or 1/2 full?

1/2 full.

15. Where would you want to retire?

Comox Valley

16. Favorite time of day?

Wine time, bath time, park time with Jordy, Gossip Hour with Auntie Raymi and pretty much any time I get to eat.

17. Where were you born?

Here.

18. What is your favorite sport to watch?

I hate watching sports.

19. Who do you think will not tag you back?

21. Who are you most curious about their responses to this?

22. Bird watcher?

Uh, nah.

23. Are you a morning person or a night person?

Both.

24. Do you have any pets?

I’m kind of obsessed with my pet.

25. Any new and exciting news you’d like to share?

I’m not fond of sharing.

26. What did you want to be when you were little?

A figure skater or a cheerleader. I had a lot of ambition, I know.

27. What is your best childhood memory?

Going on wilderness walks with my Opa in the forest behind his house. We’d try to spot deer or bunnies or birds and then we’d sit in an “eagle’s nest” and he’d tell me stories. He was so rad.

28. Are you a cat or dog person?

Dog, dog, dog, dog, dog!

29. Are you married?

Barf.

30. Always wear your seat belt?

Oui.

31. Been in a car accident?

Nope.

32. Any pet peeves?

People who drive while talking on their cell phones, people who can’t spell or use bad grammar, people who pop their collars, people who talk through movies, people who are chronic liars, people who overdramatize everything, people who need constant reassurance, people who disrespect animals. Also, the motorcycles that rev up my street, hearing a little bit of bass through the wall from my neighbour (I tattle on him all the time), LOL and that tongue emoticon, Olympic brouhaha and when I paint my fingernails and chip a tip the next morning.

33. Favorite Pizza Toppings?

Mushrooms, lots of cheese, onion.

34. Favorite Flower?

White tulips.

35. Favorite ice cream?

Are you seriously asking me this? Obviously banana fudge, chocolate chip mint and Moose Tracks from Island Farms.

36. Favorite fast food restaurant?

Taco Time. Okay and I did eat a vegetarian sandwich from KFC the other day and it was soooo freaking good.

37. How many times did you fail your driver’s test?

I failed my Class 5 the first time but when I got my short bus license, I passed with flying colours the first time.

38. From whom did you get your last email?

Andrea.

39. Which store would you choose to max out your credit card?

Neiman Marcus, Book Warehouse, Target. Except, for the record, I’d never choose to max out my credit card.

40. Do anything spontaneous lately?

I’m so routine and I love it.

41. Like your job?

Actually, yes, I do.

42. Broccoli?

Sometimes.

43. What was your favorite vacation?

I wish I’ve been on a vacation. Soon, very soon.

44. Last person you went out to dinner with?

With Andrea to Milestones. Surprising? No.

45. What are you listening to right now?

Nothing – it’s super quiet at my mom’s. The baby is sleeping, the dogs are sleeping.

46. What are your favorite colors?

Purple, green, blue, white, black, brown. Also yellow.

47. How many tattoos do you have?

None yet, but I’m cookin’ something up.

48. How many are you tagging for this quiz?

49. What time did you finish this quiz?

10:01 a.m.

50. Coffee Drinker?

See question six, please.

Photo: Matteo.Mazzoni on Flickr

I’m going to Tofino first-thing tomorrow morning, so this place is going to get a little bit cobwebby.

Two weeks from today, I’ll be waking up to this…

Photo: Magnus. on Flickr

Months ago my mom and I decided that, instead of heading to Hornby Island this summer, we’d head to Tofino. Believe it or not, despite the fact that she’s lived on Vancouver Island since the mid-1960s, my mom has never been. Ucluelet, yes; Tofino, no. We booked one of the gorgeous beachfront suites at Middle Beach Lodge and will spend three days dining, exploring, sunbathing, drinking Island wine, surfing (well, I will), wandering and snapping photos. And no, I do not plan on bringing my MacBookPro. Pictures will come after.

I look forward to my summer holidays every single year, and they’ll start at 3:00 p.m. on July 31. As usual, I’ll be heading home to Vancouver Island to spend time relaxing out of the city. However, unlike last summer, this one will be filled with family and I am beyond excited to spend time with my incredibly adorable niece.

Not only that, but I have so much else to look forward to such as the annual Filberg Festival, BBQing, running on the beach with Jordy and Charley, dragging my mom to Little Qualicum Cheeseworks, sleeping in, short jean shorts every single day, gathering tasty goods at the Coombs Old Country Market, tanning my legs (finally!), Nautical Days at the Comox Marina and whatever other fun surprises pop up along the way.

Now that July is running out and our summers are half over, what are you looking forward to doing in August?

One of the rights of passage on family vacations for kids who grow up anywhere on Vancouver Island is a trip to Paradise Fun Park mini golf. Situated on the Island Highway in the area of north Parksville, Rebecca and I found it impossible not to be lured in by the colourful lights, bright flowers, towering castle and the Old Woman’s Shoe.

Aside from two putt-putt courses, Turf ‘N Surf or Treasure Island, Paradise Fun Park also features bumper boats, an arcade, gift shop, Italian café and yours truly’s favourite: Island Farms ice cream. For those wishing to celebrate their birthday at Paradise Fun Park, party with your pals in the Old Woman’s Shoe.

Photo: Miss604

I landed myself a hole-in-one on the pirate ship!

Photo: Miss604

Mini skirt for mini golf – Rebecca knew exactly what she was doing…

If you can believe it, I resisted temptation… until the next day.

Final score: Rebecca – 49, Keira-Anne – 56.

Paradise Fun Park is located at 375 West Island Highway in Parksville, BC with summer hours from 10:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m., seven days a week. Please keep in mind that the course closes during the winter months and also has an adjacent seasonal RV/campground and pet-friendly motel. Paradise Fun Park offers a really fun and affordable experience for families and pals like Rebecca and me. For more information, please visit their website.

In 1946, a single log cabin was constructed by the newlywed Van Normans on a then-11 acre property along the shores of Parksville. Today the Tigh-Na-Mara Resort and Conference Centre is perhaps the best-known and most well-loved accommodation in the Oceanside region.

Now double its original property size, the Tigh-Na-Mara boasts over 192 log buildings nestled into towering trees. Did I mention this is where Rebecca and I stayed during our getaway to the Island?

Settled into a one-bedroom, top-floor condo, we had views of the local beach that were simply untouchable. Everywhere you go in the Parksville and Qualicum region, auburn Arbutus trees are reaching to the sky.

Guests of the Tigh-Na-Mara can choose either waterfront condos or singular cabins. Suites are complete with kitchens, jacuzzi tubs and – in our case – a king sized bed. The on-site Grotto Spa also features bungalow suites.

Locals will appreciate the names given to each of the condo structures. Rebecca and I stayed in the Ballenas lodge, named for Ballenas Island found just a few kilometres off the shores of Parksville. It also happens to be the name of the local secondary school.

Next time I’m choosing a cabin – I couldn’t help but be reminded of the John Candy classic The Great Outdoors. Thankfully there were no raccoons causing a mess of the trash cans.

Six years ago the Tigh-Na-Mara expanded by adding what is now the largest resort spa in British Columbia and, in my opinion, simply stunning.

Featuring a full line of European esthetic products with an array of cosmetics, nail polish and locally-crafted wood burl art, the Grotto Spa offers a full menu of uniquely designed spa treatments.

It should go without saying that The Grotto Spa’s pièce de résistance is undoubtedly the mineral pool for which the spa is named. With a two-storey waterfall and a healing blend of various mineral salts, the spa’s grotto is a place to escape, relax and restore.

While I couldn’t snap any pictures (in an effort to respect the privacy of others), I can tell you that Rebecca and I each blissfully enjoyed the Pacific Body Balancing Treatment. Beginning with a yummy sea salt and green tea blended full-body exfoliation, we rejuvenated our skin with a thermal body wrap, a hydrating facial treatment and finished with an all-over body butter massage.

The irony is that I never normally feel relaxed in spa environments – when you’re alone with your thoughts, all you can do is think. At The Grotto Spa, however, it was the first time I actually fell asleep during a treatment, waking only to wipe drool from my chin.

Okay, so here is where The Grotto Spa gets really unique. On the third floor of the building is a relaxation lounge as well as the Treetop Tapas & Grill. “Robes and sandals only” is the requirement, and spa-goers can dine on detoxifying tapas created with specific health benefits in mind.

Perhaps not the healthiest choice, I started our journey through “endless tapas” with a Tigh-Na-Mara Sour, consisting of lime and amaretto blended with ice. SO. GOOD.

First up: wilted spinach in a buttermilk dressing with seared portobello mushrooms and phyllo.

Olive and artichoke antipasto with the best fresh-baked bread sticks I have ever had in my entire life.

Greens with cherry tomatoes, bocconcini cheese with a light pesto dressing. Apparently I am no longer allergic to pine nuts.

Grilled flat bread with local goat cheese and caramelized onions. Commence drooling.

Flaky pastry tart stuffed with local blue cheese.

Vanilla bean pudding-style tart with fresh-picked raspberries for dessert…

…only to be followed by a red velvet cupcake with cream cheese icing.

Did I mention a delectably delicious walnut tart with vanilla ice cream?

With our stuffed bellies and restful bodies, Rebecca and I floated back to our suite in time to catch what I thought was the most amazing sunset over the region.

That was, of course, until 20 minutes later when I discovered that the sunset became even more stunning.

And after a solid sleep, I awoke blinded to see the sun rising over a low-tide beach. There is absolutely nothing like sea air to awaken your senses in the morning – not even a strong java can compare.

Ready for more food? Ever after the “endless” tapas the night before, Rebecca and I found ourselves in the Tigh-Na-Mara’s Cedar Dining Room for breakfast. I was tempted by and gave in to the apple and cranberry french toast with orange cinnamon butter and maple syrup. No regrets.

Normally when on vacation, the hotel is essentially just a place to sleep and shower when the day’s adventures are over, but the pet-friendly Tigh-Na-Mara is an adventure all in itself. With kids’ programs and babysitting, a swimming pool, gift shop, cappuccino bar, bike rental, multiple beach accesses, numerous dining options and, of course, The Grotto Spa, once hardly needs to leave the property.

UPDATE: Be sure to read Rebecca’s re-cap of our heavenly stay at the Tigh-Na-Mara here.

Tigh-Na-Mara Seaside Spa Resort and Conference Centre and The Grotto Spa are located at 1155 Resort Drive in Parksville, British Columbia. The resort is most easily found by taking exit 46 off Island Highway 19; from there, look for the signs. For more information and to book your next trip (or spa treat!), visit the Tigh-Na-Mara’s website or The Grotto Spa’s website.

Australian writer Germaine Greer once said “The essence of pleasure is spontaneity.” Surely she must have experienced a weekend on Vancouver Island.

Since Andrea was planning meet up with a friend of hers in the Comox Valley and I was headed there to visit family, we grabbed the same ferry together and ended up having one of those weekends made up of memories and magic.

We met so many amazing dogs on the ferry, but this Rottweiler named Beth was the star of the show. She was really just a big cat who, the more we cuddled her, the more she rested lazily against our legs.

No doubt Jordy is a water baby just like his mama. We started Saturday early by grabbing him and Charley, a couple coffees from McDonald’s and hit the beach at the Courtenay Airpark.

The water was warm and glassy, the sun hot and bright and the sand was like wet baby powder under our feet.

It’s no secret that I’m currently engaged in a passionate love affair with Vancouver Island wines, so I made sure to bring Andrea by Beaufort Vineyard and Estate Winery.

They had some swings.

I’ve never been to the Courtenay Museum & Palaeontology Centre. I don’t think you’re supposed to snap pictures, but I grabbed this one anyways. Yes, dinosaur bones and fossils have been found all over the Comox Valley.

After Miss A’s rendez-vous, she met up with my mom and I at Atlas Cafe for some dinner. I had the veggie enchilada again.

After dinner, we didn’t head straight home. Instead we found ourselves on Headquarters Road and pulled over by Casawood Farms. The space is home to many, many cows and is one of the Island’s producers of milk for Island Farms.

I wasn’t thrilled to see their ears tagged (though how different can it be than a mom piercing her baby’s ears), but I suppose it’s important for identification purposes. I was, however, excited to see that the cows had an eating area separate from their clean, dry sleeping area.

None of the cows had docked tails, none were forced to sleep in pens, none were hooked up to milk machines and there were acres and acres of green grass for them to roam during the day. The ladies let us pick up handfuls of their muck and feed them by hand. This was a great idea until my (mom’s) camera fell into the feeding trough.

Who knew cows peed out of their bums?

Really? You feel okay knowing that such beautiful girls are callously butchered like something out of a horror movie just so you can enjoy that burger? Oooookay.

A few kilometres further down the road we found another private farm with a few horses roaming the field. All it took was a sweet whistle and they came running towards us.

Like the lovely cows, the horses also let us feed them by hand with handfuls of grass we pulled from the roadside.

I think I kinda like animals.

First discovery on the ferry: Jordy left his mark on my leg.

No, not that kind of mark.

Oops… forgot this beauty shot from Coombs.

Since it was sunny, we decided to ditch the dog area and opted for a picnic on the deck instead.

Comox Brie from Natural Pastures, BC-grown cherries and über healthy crackers.

Yummmmmmy!

We met Mitch on the way back, a one-and-a-half-year-old black labrador/mastiff cross. I couldn’t tell if he was more interested in Jordy or the brie cheese, but we didn’t mind his company either way. His tongue was bigger than two of Jordy’s paws put together!

After stuffing our bellies, all three of us laid back under the big, beautiful sun for an afternoon nap.

That’s all for now, kids.

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!

This weekend marked me and Jordy’s first trip back to the Island together, including his first ride on public transit in his new carrier. He has done nothing short of amaze me all weekend. Not only did the travel time unfold seamlessly, but he has adapted to life at my mom and aunt’s house so well and has made fast friends with Charley – it’s clear that he’s comfortable here.

Apart from being stuck in the steel-walled pet area, the trip was a lot of fun for us. The sea air, the sunshine and meeting new dog friends were all highlights for Jordy.

The Driftwood Mall is jumping on the sanitary bandwagon, offering patrons complimentary hand sanitizer upon arriving at the mall.

Local Comox Valley businesses are offering a Comox Glacier-clad reusable shopping bag – I have yet to get my mitts on one, but I’m planning on it during my next visit.

I swear I didn’t have a blizzy, Andrea! I’m waiting for next weekend, pre-pedis.

In the evening yesterday, my mom and I found ourselves at Avenue Bistro in Comox for dinner. Why tell you what I had when the menu can explain it even better?

Baked Hazelnut Crusted Comox Camembert with apple cranberry compote and baguette crustini

It wasn’t listed on the online menu, but Avenue Bistro was pouring Carbrea Vineyard’s 2006 pinot noir. When my mom and I were on Hornby Island in the summer of 2007, I picked up a bottle; it’s still corked in my apartment, being saved for a special occasion.

Local Squash Ravioli with toasted walnuts, spinach, sautéed mushrooms and blue cheese butter

I tried so hard not to be tempted by dessert, but when I found out that this was on the menu, I could no longer resist:

Molten Lava Chocolate Cake with vanilla ice cream and raspberry coulis

The weatherman failed big time in his forecast for the weekend… 9 degrees and overcast with rain turned out to be 20+ degrees, sunshine and blue skies. After spending the morning at the Art & Bloom Festival (more about that later), we scooped up Jordy and Charley and headed for Miracle Beach.

The tide was out far enough that we could dig our toes and paws into the soft sand and wading pools.

This dog is so much like his mama… Jordy loves the Island, the ocean and the simple life.

I guess it comes as no surprise that both Jordy and Charley are completley exhausted and fast asleep in the family room as I type this.

Even after such a long day, nothing was going to stop me from dragging out our patio furniture for the summer and BBQing up a bundle of veggie dogs for dinner. Obviously I washed them down with Diet Pepsi.

Our family home is truly one of the most beautiful, comfortable and peaceful places that I love being at most…

No white noise, no traffic, no noise neighbours… just chirping birds. Literally – just chirping birds.

Tomorrow we’re headed back to the city for a quick, four-day work week before another weekend to look forward to. Lucky me gets to stop in Coombs en route to pick up a few loaves of their fantastic four-cheese rosemary bread and, of course, more Island Farms ice cream.