Thursday March 28th 2013
Whitehorse is a very interesting place. We discovered two new things last night. First, a drive through ATM - guess its too cold to get out of the car and get your money. Second, when we had dinner at Boccelli's Pizzeria we also found that apple and orange juice can come in a can but still not be carbonated. Who knew!!!
We have all woken up very excited this morning as we are getting collected by our dog sledding company and will go out for our first run at mushing today. Breakfast is done and the bags are packed. All we need to do is check out and head out to Alayuk Ranch. Amongst all the excitement there are also some nerves but I am sure we will all have a fabulous time. I can't wait to see the boys have a go at driving their own team. On to more adventures!!!!
Thursday, 28 March 2013
Wednesday, 27 March 2013
Off to the Yukon
Wednesday March 27th 2013
As fantastic as the Canucks game was it made for a very late night. Once we got back to the hotel we took Connor's hockey gear to David's parents as they have offered to transport it back to Australia for us and went and said our goodbyes to them and to Maggie. It was then time to tuck the boys up into bed, with both of them very upset and for us to get the packing finalised ready for our early morning departure to Whitehorse.
We got up early and checked out of our hotel wishing we had given ourselves a few more days in Vancouver. Hindsight is a wonderful thing. Getting to the airport and returning the hire car was much easier than anticipated. We checked our baggage in for our Air Canada flight to Whitehorse and then tried to find some breakfast options. I couldn't come at the friend bacon and egg burgers the others went for and instead settled for a chocolate milkshake.
Our flight was slightly delayed due to a maintenance issue. Given I am not the greatest fan of flying it thrilled me to see how small the plane was - 2 seats on either side of the aisle and only 13 rows. The flight itself was uneventful. The scenery was simply stunning. Looking out the windows on either side of the plane their seemed to be never ending views of beautiful snow capped mountains. The 2 and a half hour flight passed so quickly. Before we knew it we landed in Whitehorse, climbed down the airplane stairs and walked across the tarmac into the small airport terminal. It reminded us of how flying used to be at Adelaide airport although the walk across the tarmac was much much colder with a temperature of -11C displayed inside.
The baggage carousel was certainly like nothing we had even seem before - covered in river pebbles and sticks, and of course two horn-locked caribou.
After collecting our baggage we were pleased to find that just outside the terminal there was a free shuttle bus transfer service to our hotel. We jumped aboard and were at our hotel in just a few minutes. Once we checked in we went out for a walk to check out our surroundings and find something to eat for lunch. We came across a statue honouring the prospectors who opened up the Yukon before stumbling across a 1950s diner. We couldn't go passed it as a lunch choice.
At Lil's Diner we ordered hot dogs, burgers, onion rings, fries and at long last poutine (hot fries, gravy and cheese) - a local favourite. The meals were large and the atmosphere was excellent with 50s furniture, paintings of 1950s stars, booths, and of course a juke box. While we were willing to try poutine I have to say it was not a favourite. David, Ryan and I didn't really take to it but the look on poor Connor's face you would have thought we were trying to poison him - some much so he vomited it back up. That's one way to lessen your appetite for sure.
After lunch we went for a walk around the township including along the river front and down to the old paddle steamer on the bank. It was quite cold out and we had to be careful of the ice. On the way back to the room we stopped to buy Connor some more hockey cards and a packet of dill pickle crisps - our nest Canadian food to try. Let's hope its a bit more successful than our earlier attempt at local cuisine.
As fantastic as the Canucks game was it made for a very late night. Once we got back to the hotel we took Connor's hockey gear to David's parents as they have offered to transport it back to Australia for us and went and said our goodbyes to them and to Maggie. It was then time to tuck the boys up into bed, with both of them very upset and for us to get the packing finalised ready for our early morning departure to Whitehorse.
We got up early and checked out of our hotel wishing we had given ourselves a few more days in Vancouver. Hindsight is a wonderful thing. Getting to the airport and returning the hire car was much easier than anticipated. We checked our baggage in for our Air Canada flight to Whitehorse and then tried to find some breakfast options. I couldn't come at the friend bacon and egg burgers the others went for and instead settled for a chocolate milkshake.
Our flight was slightly delayed due to a maintenance issue. Given I am not the greatest fan of flying it thrilled me to see how small the plane was - 2 seats on either side of the aisle and only 13 rows. The flight itself was uneventful. The scenery was simply stunning. Looking out the windows on either side of the plane their seemed to be never ending views of beautiful snow capped mountains. The 2 and a half hour flight passed so quickly. Before we knew it we landed in Whitehorse, climbed down the airplane stairs and walked across the tarmac into the small airport terminal. It reminded us of how flying used to be at Adelaide airport although the walk across the tarmac was much much colder with a temperature of -11C displayed inside.
The baggage carousel was certainly like nothing we had even seem before - covered in river pebbles and sticks, and of course two horn-locked caribou.
After collecting our baggage we were pleased to find that just outside the terminal there was a free shuttle bus transfer service to our hotel. We jumped aboard and were at our hotel in just a few minutes. Once we checked in we went out for a walk to check out our surroundings and find something to eat for lunch. We came across a statue honouring the prospectors who opened up the Yukon before stumbling across a 1950s diner. We couldn't go passed it as a lunch choice.
At Lil's Diner we ordered hot dogs, burgers, onion rings, fries and at long last poutine (hot fries, gravy and cheese) - a local favourite. The meals were large and the atmosphere was excellent with 50s furniture, paintings of 1950s stars, booths, and of course a juke box. While we were willing to try poutine I have to say it was not a favourite. David, Ryan and I didn't really take to it but the look on poor Connor's face you would have thought we were trying to poison him - some much so he vomited it back up. That's one way to lessen your appetite for sure.
After lunch we went for a walk around the township including along the river front and down to the old paddle steamer on the bank. It was quite cold out and we had to be careful of the ice. On the way back to the room we stopped to buy Connor some more hockey cards and a packet of dill pickle crisps - our nest Canadian food to try. Let's hope its a bit more successful than our earlier attempt at local cuisine.
NHL At Last!!!!
Tuesday March 26th 2013
The time had finally come for us the see our first NHL game live at an arena. We walked down to Rogers Arena and made our way towards our entrance gate. It was funny as walking along just in front of us where the Southern Knights team from the Friendship Games. After passing the Fin Mobile, the vehicle for the Vancouver Canucks mascot, we entered the arena through the Canucks shop. Another one of the boys vouchers from their book was that they could buy NHL merhandise to the value of $40. Ryan did not find anything that he wanted but Connor bought a supporters #1 foam hand, a Canucks cap, and two Canucks player hat pins. In the shop we bumped into the Winklers which was great.
We visited the food vendors and stocked up on cheese pizza, peperoni pizza, mini donuts and drinks before heading to our seats. Although we were in the nose bleeders is was fantastic just to be there and experience the atmosphere of the die hard Canucks fans, and the view wasn't too bad.
The atmosphere as game time approached was electrifying. They lowered four banners from the arena ceiling and projected images onto them and the ice. Images of the Canucks mascot and players and fans. After the singing of the American and Canadian National Anthems it was game time.
Connor was disappointed to find that neither Zach Cassian, his favourite NHL player, or Ryan Kessler were playing tonight. He was on a bit of a high however having scoured Vancouver with his Grandad to find packets of NHL hockey cards.
Tonights game was the Canucks versus Colombus. The last time they met Colombus came out on top. It was not to be tonight. Despite their best efforts neither team could convert their shots into goals. At full-time, the Canucks had taken 31 shots to Colombus' 15 but with no reward. The game then went into sudden death over time 4 on 4 but after 5 minutes and a small number of shots each (3 to the Canucks and 2 to Colombus) it remained nil all. All that remained now was a shootout. Not good for the local fans but great for out of towners like us to get the full experience of NHL hockey.
Canucks took the first shot on goal through Burrows but he was unable to score. Next the first Colombus player was also unable to convert. Schroeder was the Canucks second shooter but unfortunately he was also unable to beat the goalie. Thankfully, Columbus' second shooter missed too. Next up for the Canucks was Lapierre. When he skated in and scored the crowd erupted. Now all the pressure was on the final Columbus shooter. Fortunately, Schnieder blocked the attempt with ease meaning the game was over with a win for the Canucks. The roar the resulted from the crowd was unbelievable!!! This was a fantastic first taste of NHL hockey. We can't wait to go again in New York.
The time had finally come for us the see our first NHL game live at an arena. We walked down to Rogers Arena and made our way towards our entrance gate. It was funny as walking along just in front of us where the Southern Knights team from the Friendship Games. After passing the Fin Mobile, the vehicle for the Vancouver Canucks mascot, we entered the arena through the Canucks shop. Another one of the boys vouchers from their book was that they could buy NHL merhandise to the value of $40. Ryan did not find anything that he wanted but Connor bought a supporters #1 foam hand, a Canucks cap, and two Canucks player hat pins. In the shop we bumped into the Winklers which was great.
We visited the food vendors and stocked up on cheese pizza, peperoni pizza, mini donuts and drinks before heading to our seats. Although we were in the nose bleeders is was fantastic just to be there and experience the atmosphere of the die hard Canucks fans, and the view wasn't too bad.
The atmosphere as game time approached was electrifying. They lowered four banners from the arena ceiling and projected images onto them and the ice. Images of the Canucks mascot and players and fans. After the singing of the American and Canadian National Anthems it was game time.
Connor was disappointed to find that neither Zach Cassian, his favourite NHL player, or Ryan Kessler were playing tonight. He was on a bit of a high however having scoured Vancouver with his Grandad to find packets of NHL hockey cards.
Tonights game was the Canucks versus Colombus. The last time they met Colombus came out on top. It was not to be tonight. Despite their best efforts neither team could convert their shots into goals. At full-time, the Canucks had taken 31 shots to Colombus' 15 but with no reward. The game then went into sudden death over time 4 on 4 but after 5 minutes and a small number of shots each (3 to the Canucks and 2 to Colombus) it remained nil all. All that remained now was a shootout. Not good for the local fans but great for out of towners like us to get the full experience of NHL hockey.
Canucks took the first shot on goal through Burrows but he was unable to score. Next the first Colombus player was also unable to convert. Schroeder was the Canucks second shooter but unfortunately he was also unable to beat the goalie. Thankfully, Columbus' second shooter missed too. Next up for the Canucks was Lapierre. When he skated in and scored the crowd erupted. Now all the pressure was on the final Columbus shooter. Fortunately, Schnieder blocked the attempt with ease meaning the game was over with a win for the Canucks. The roar the resulted from the crowd was unbelievable!!! This was a fantastic first taste of NHL hockey. We can't wait to go again in New York.
BC Sports Hall of Fame
Tuesday March 26th 2013
Once we had finished at Capilano we headed for a quick refreshment stop at Starbucks. Hot chocolates and giant chocolate chop cookies were in order. We had been contemplating going up to the top of Grouse Mountain but on further reflection decided to travel back into Vancouver and go to the BC Sports Hall of Fame at BC Stadium. The Winklers had been there and appeared to have had a lot of fun.
The Hall of Fame contained a section dedicated to the Olympics which had so many items of Olympic memorabilia including clothing, torches, medals, mascots etc. It also had exhibits and displays commemorating the efforts of many athletes including those who had achieved incredible feats against the odds such as Terry Fox and Rick Hansen. There are also sections where you can get involved with hands on exhibits. We all had a lot of fun trying soccer, hockey shooting, wheel chair racing, down hill skiing and bob sledding simulations. Connor fell in love with the foosball style ice hockey game. We found it near impossible to drag him away. So much so we left the boys at the Hall of Fame with their grandparents and Maggie while David drove me across town so I could meet with representatives from the Leukaemia and Lymphoma Society of Canada. We arranged to meet back at the hotel with plenty of time to get ready for our night time adventure to the NHL.
Once we had finished at Capilano we headed for a quick refreshment stop at Starbucks. Hot chocolates and giant chocolate chop cookies were in order. We had been contemplating going up to the top of Grouse Mountain but on further reflection decided to travel back into Vancouver and go to the BC Sports Hall of Fame at BC Stadium. The Winklers had been there and appeared to have had a lot of fun.
The Hall of Fame contained a section dedicated to the Olympics which had so many items of Olympic memorabilia including clothing, torches, medals, mascots etc. It also had exhibits and displays commemorating the efforts of many athletes including those who had achieved incredible feats against the odds such as Terry Fox and Rick Hansen. There are also sections where you can get involved with hands on exhibits. We all had a lot of fun trying soccer, hockey shooting, wheel chair racing, down hill skiing and bob sledding simulations. Connor fell in love with the foosball style ice hockey game. We found it near impossible to drag him away. So much so we left the boys at the Hall of Fame with their grandparents and Maggie while David drove me across town so I could meet with representatives from the Leukaemia and Lymphoma Society of Canada. We arranged to meet back at the hotel with plenty of time to get ready for our night time adventure to the NHL.
Facing Fears and Having Fun at Capilano
Tuesday March 26th 2013
This morning we got up and headed downstairs where we met up with Lynn, Lindsay and Maggie for breakfast at Rosies. After breakfast we drove to Capilano Suspension Bridge. We purchased our tickets, collected our maps and began our adventure. The boys were having fun collecting the series of stamps along the way to ensure they received a certificate at the end of the visit. The early part of the visit was easy, reading about the history and viewing the totem poles. It was what was coming next that I really was not at all looking forward to.
Next was the main event. Time to view, and cross, the Capilano Suspension Bridge - 137 metres across a bridge that is 70 metres above the Capilano River below. Being scared of heights this was always going to be an issue. I stood and looked at the bridge swaying and moving up and down and concluded there was no way I could do it. Instead I would just stay at the coffee shop and wait for everyone to come back. Lynn, Lindsay, David, Ryan and Connor took off across the bridge. After a few moments I decided that I really should give it a go. I climbed down the stairs and headed out one slow step at a time, absolutely terrified. I made it as far as where the land ended before I had to turn around and go back. There were many people on the bridge stopping for photos. I think had the path been clear I could have just walked straight across I may have been ok.
In this moment Connor truly stepped up and amazed me. He had seen me turn around and came back off the bridge to see if I was ok. He decided if I wasn't going he wouldn't go either. David also came back and tried to convince me to try it. I can't explain the fear. After a few moments, with David walking in front of me and Connor holding my hand, and my other hand on the railing I made my way out across the bridge. I was terrified but did it. David tried to take my photo but it was not a face of happiness. I was very emotional when I got to the other side and could not have done it without Connor. He is amazing!!!
On the other side we visited the treehouse, did the nature's edge walk, and the tree top walk and the boys completed the Rainforest Explorer Challenge before it was time to face my fear again and go back across the bridge.
When we returned to the main entrance side of Capilano most of our group braved the cliff top walk before we explored the Trading Post shop. It was here that from one of their voucher the boys got to close their choice of fudge flavours for successfully completing the Rainforest Explorer Challenge. I had completely forgotten about this but Connor was quick to remind us that it was part of the fine print on their voucher. So we bought - rockie road, milk chocolate, cookies and cream, chocolate and walnut and chic mint fudge. When asked what he had learnt from all this Connor replied "Your parents can't be trusted".
In another show of his wonderful nature, Connor decided to buy me a gift for being so brave. Once we got back to the car I was allowed to open my gift. He had chosen me a carved jade bear sitting on top of white crystal. It was beautiful and very apt given in local cultures the bear symbolises courage. Connor never ceases to amaze me. This bear will forever serve as a reminder of how wonderful he is and how much he helped me today.
This morning we got up and headed downstairs where we met up with Lynn, Lindsay and Maggie for breakfast at Rosies. After breakfast we drove to Capilano Suspension Bridge. We purchased our tickets, collected our maps and began our adventure. The boys were having fun collecting the series of stamps along the way to ensure they received a certificate at the end of the visit. The early part of the visit was easy, reading about the history and viewing the totem poles. It was what was coming next that I really was not at all looking forward to.
Next was the main event. Time to view, and cross, the Capilano Suspension Bridge - 137 metres across a bridge that is 70 metres above the Capilano River below. Being scared of heights this was always going to be an issue. I stood and looked at the bridge swaying and moving up and down and concluded there was no way I could do it. Instead I would just stay at the coffee shop and wait for everyone to come back. Lynn, Lindsay, David, Ryan and Connor took off across the bridge. After a few moments I decided that I really should give it a go. I climbed down the stairs and headed out one slow step at a time, absolutely terrified. I made it as far as where the land ended before I had to turn around and go back. There were many people on the bridge stopping for photos. I think had the path been clear I could have just walked straight across I may have been ok.
In this moment Connor truly stepped up and amazed me. He had seen me turn around and came back off the bridge to see if I was ok. He decided if I wasn't going he wouldn't go either. David also came back and tried to convince me to try it. I can't explain the fear. After a few moments, with David walking in front of me and Connor holding my hand, and my other hand on the railing I made my way out across the bridge. I was terrified but did it. David tried to take my photo but it was not a face of happiness. I was very emotional when I got to the other side and could not have done it without Connor. He is amazing!!!
On the other side we visited the treehouse, did the nature's edge walk, and the tree top walk and the boys completed the Rainforest Explorer Challenge before it was time to face my fear again and go back across the bridge.
When we returned to the main entrance side of Capilano most of our group braved the cliff top walk before we explored the Trading Post shop. It was here that from one of their voucher the boys got to close their choice of fudge flavours for successfully completing the Rainforest Explorer Challenge. I had completely forgotten about this but Connor was quick to remind us that it was part of the fine print on their voucher. So we bought - rockie road, milk chocolate, cookies and cream, chocolate and walnut and chic mint fudge. When asked what he had learnt from all this Connor replied "Your parents can't be trusted".
In another show of his wonderful nature, Connor decided to buy me a gift for being so brave. Once we got back to the car I was allowed to open my gift. He had chosen me a carved jade bear sitting on top of white crystal. It was beautiful and very apt given in local cultures the bear symbolises courage. Connor never ceases to amaze me. This bear will forever serve as a reminder of how wonderful he is and how much he helped me today.
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