Rude Mare: a blog because we're so trendy and with it!: Our Post-Five-Ring-Circus Trip West

We waited till the circus crowds were gone from Vancouver, and before the March break crowds flooded the airport, and ventured west to visit Steve and Nicole (the first time since their wedding!)

We strapped ourselves into a WestJet and, by the time we were halfway across the prairies… Mary swapped seats with me to have her turn look out the window! Yes, the picture is my witness. We arrived in Vancouver on Tuesday afternoon (March 2)

Since we were transporting over 100lbs of Steve's possessions still from home we waited to meet him, on his way home from work, to hand off his goods before the border. While we waited, welcoming us were flowering bushes, crocuses and... palm trees.

After a bit of sightseeing in lower Delta and White Rock we finally met Steve at the Campbell River Store, just north of the border (see that maroon Jetta way to the right at the light?)

We followed Steve home, and upon arrival peered across the road to try catch a glimpse of that fabled Mount Baker – you can see it just above the car's rear door.

We spent a pleasant evening visiting with the "newly-weds", Steve and Nicole, in their cozy nest. It's a lovely little 1 1/2 story house in a country setting - feedlot in the back, raspberry orchard at the side, but a busy street out front, especially since it was divided and re-paved.

After an overnight at S & N we headed out to Gord and Carol in Conway. There we were greeted by the cat in its predictable place: the flower box hanging off the back of the shed.

There was a catch... the cat was the only one to receive us. No Gord's pick-up truck on the driveway. No Carol's car in the garage! No Gord. No Carol.

We located Carol's daily walking companion, Nancy who, the more she thought, was sure Carol was expecting us the following week! She couldn’t stop chuckling about her dear, highly organized friend having mis-calculated our arrival! Nancy phoned Carol, who was visiting daughter Dori, and with great glee announced us standing in her kitchen!

But Carol, being the champ that she is, just took it in stride, rushed home, warmly welcomed us, and proceeded to make us forget that it took place at all. That evening Mary had the privilege of going with Carol to observe their Wednesday evening Awana program.

After supper we went to catch a glimpse of the Snow Goose migration on Fir Island, as well as Trumpeter Swans - an amazing display of thousands of birds on their way back north.

There are several hundred acres designated as a bird sanctuary on the Island, and the birds appear to know it.
After many 1-day work weeks at the concrete plant Gord got more work hours. While we got to see him less because of that, his restored work was an answer to prayer!

We spent the following day at home with Carol, and with Dori who came over for the day with Jacob, Annelise, and Maya. A cozy day, with the fireplace going, and just being together as family.

Dennis came over for supper, and we enjoyed some fun games at the dinner table. Oh yes, and we did get a glimpse of Mt. Baker, nearly 'uncloaked', but still a bit of a tease.
Thanks, Gord and Carol, sharing your home and family with us!

Friday we headed back to Lynden where Steve was waiting for us, having taken the day off from his busy job. In the increasing sunshine we explored the yard – in its full spring splendor.

In the afternoon we took an outing to a historic farm nearby. Without a doubt the most impressive sight there were two turkeys - a set of memorable faces!

Oh yes, upon coming home Mary and Steve played Wii …while I enjoyed a Wii nap.

For the evening Steve & Nicole had a barbecue feast prepared for us, and had invited some friends to join in the fun. We played games in the evening and through conversation caught a bit of a glimpse of life in America.
On Saturday the weather became truly glorious with clear blue skies, unlike any we've experienced so far in Washington. We really saw Mt. Baker in its full glory, although a light haze still prevailed. But then... it is over 50 km away from the house!

Saturday we headed out for a hike in Whatcom park outside Bellingham. Everything is so lush - concrete, rocks, and even the trees get an extra dressing of green by means of a layer of fuzzy or stringy moss, or even a mini-plantation of ferns.

In the afternoon while Steve slept off a migraine, Mary & I went shopping for Steve's birthday, the result pictured below... That’s the closest we could make it to visiting for your birthday, Steve!

We spent the evening relaxing with some games from Steve and Nicole's amazing games collection, one of them being 'Squiggles'. But the best part was just being together and enjoying being in each other’s company, something we sorely miss being able to do spontaneously... from week to week. Thanks, Nicole and Steve, for hosting us so graciously!

Sunday we headed out to Burlington for two worship services and in between, a visit at Nicole’s folks alongside the Skagit River. All of the area teased us with beautiful flowering trees and shrubs.

We returned home in the late evening with Steve and Nicole, enjoyed some grilled cheese and tomato soup, visited for a while, and then set our suitcases ready for the return home.

By 6:30 am, Monday, we were on our way to Vancouver Airport, not far ahead of Steve, who would soon head out for work in BC.