Visiting Lake Tahoe Region

Roughly two weeks ago already, P and I boarded a plane bound for San Francisco (approx 1500 km south from Victoria, BC) for our much needed Summer Vacation that go postponed until the Fall. As soon as we arrived at the airport, we were off to get the rental car and on our way for another 190 miles (302 km) drive up to South Lake Tahoe Region.

Our main goal was to relax with family in the condo and enjoy the Sierra Nevada region during the fall season so that I could soak up some photography and for all of us to see the area in it's fall beauty. We also were along for the ride to see if there were any great shopping deals that we could get our hands on anywhere during our adventures. Be sure to click on the map if you'd like a bigger view of the region.

The El Dorado National forest is an area with lush forests, beautiful lakes and lots of fresh outdoor air. The day we arrived, it started pouring "cats and dogs" and didn't really let up except for the thunderstorm which persisted throughout the night. Actually it was quite neat to see it on the mountain side.

The next day we set out to check out parts of Carson City Nevada and Reno since the weather was forecasting rain all day long.

We set off knowing it would rain and soon enough on the long road, it started pouring down with rain. We decided to stop off for some incredible lunch at the Mexican Grill at Qdoba. Apparently they also have quite a few locations in the Seattle, Washington area.

After lunch we decided take a drive to see Carson City and the famous Cabela's outdoor store for some shooting, chatting to various salmon and other big fish in a large aquarium as well as looking at stuffed zebra and other animals inside the large store. With all of the traffic and driving around (180 miles later), we arrived home in time to hurry and make dinner and relax for the rest of the evening at home.

Our next day we spent thankfully checking out the nearby lakes and aspen groves, while the sun was shining but definitely showing a cooler fall day.

Photos are near Red Lake and Blue Lake which were simply stunning.

We ended up with a bit of snow one morning out adventuring. Found some pretty interesting sites and got to do some shopping in South Lake Tahoe.

Another day happened to give us lots of sunshine and incredible time to check out the famous Emerald Bay State Park in South Tahoe. I was so excited to be able to spend all of the time I needed looking around the area and taking photos with both of my cameras. Talk about paradise! My parents had a lot of fun coming back here as it had been quite some time since our last visit (really stopping to take in the sights). I think P was really impressed with the beauty of the area as well.

The cherry on top was an added visit to Sorensen's Resort getaway that was full of Aspen leaves and fall colors, quite simply a paradise!

One of my picks from Emerald Bay, Lake Tahoe.

And another beautiful pick of mine from the area around where the condo is. As you might suspect, we were very busy going from one place to the next the entire trip. Luckily the internet was slow which kept me off of it while there! I still have one more short post from the Nevada side on one of our exciting days exploring. But I was definitely happy as a clam once I was able to see all of those Aspen trees!

The Great International City Swap

I haven't been blogging all so much lately, but we are on vacation as well right now.  I was checking my email and got a lovely note from a fellow blogger who is hosting the International City Swap this year.

I just wanted to let all of my fellow bloggers and expats know about it to see if you were interested to hurry up and register.

The main details are that you should be spending about $15 USD on the gifts from your home city and that you need to hurry and let Laura know you want to participate by Oct 10th.

To join the swap, leave a comment on this post with your information, OR email her at InternationalCitySwap@gmail.com if you wish to send internationally.

In the mean time, I do hope to hurry and get to a computer where I can upload some photos so far from our exciting snow filled trip.

Visiting Victoria

It was nearly 3 weeks ago that my parents came to visit us up here in Canada. It was a short whirl wind visit. I kept them on their toes every morning and evening making sure I walked them enough. I didn't want them to get too spoiled with all of the eating we did.

We made our way up Island on Friday to check out the amazing low tide in Parksville and Qualicum Beach. For those of you who don't know the area, Vancouver Island utilizes one main highway which basically goes up and down the island. Since the population is not THAT large, much of the highway does have signals when entering towns.

(Click to Enlarge)

The red dots give you an idea on where we started and visited. All in all, it was about 2.5 hours drive each way and 320 km of driving. That's not much for California drivers.

So after we finally got to our first destination, I was in photography overload. There was so much to photograph and see. I was totally in my element, but the wind was very active.

Click to enlarge any photo.

Just the look of the blowing flags tells you it's a windy day outside. Enter Parksville.

Low Tide on the beach, pure heaven. It was a first visit for myself and my parents to the city of Parksville.



We each began wandering into the low tide pools searching for crabs and whatever shells and mysteries we could find.

Some Beautiful Shells!

This was my neat find on the walk.

What a view!

Dad was getting a bit hungry so we escaped the wind, filled our tummies up with some great food and headed off to Qualicum Beach next.

See he's happy.

We walked along the beach as there was so much to see.

Ripples in the sand.
a dead jelly fish.

A Crab.


A beautiful red door.

A lonely bench. That fire hydrant sure has it made.


The parents just happy to enjoy the time with us.

And a final shot before leaving to go back to Victoria.

After a few hours of wandering around the area, we mutually decided that Sushi was next on the agenda. Even mom was up for trying it, which has NEVER happened before.


Content after dinner, we took a long stroll to check out some of the interesting buildings around Victoria at Bastion Square.

Sunset views of the Inner Harbour.

Part of Bastion Square.Building from 1892 - (old for Victoria)

My mom can be quite the clown. They have taken to posing with all of these status as of late. It's amusing watching what they do.

Part of Bastion Square which was the original Fort Victoria.

Site of the original Fort Victoria, now long gone - and said to harbour a haunted building - many small shops, arts and crafts stands, benches to sit on, several restaurants, and some welcome greenery - and a wide scenic view of Inner Harbour and beyond - Bastion Square gives respite from the rush of the city in the midst of the city, and a chance to regroup oneself while soaking up some pacific scenery.

I spot a Swiss Flag.

Walking back to the Legislative Building and the Inner Harbour.

(don't forget to click to enlarge)
And it was time to retire inside for the night. What an incredible day.

There's more to come from their trip, once I finally get the photos processed.

We Made it Back

We made it home yesterday after 8 days away in California.  We managed to visit San Jose, Morro Bay, Pismo Beach, Santa Barbara, Huntington Beach, and Bakersfield and traveling roughly 1200 or more miles and participated in my brother's wedding.

 

Santa Barbara

Huntington Beach

Morro Bay Sunset

I've just started to process the photos.  Here's a few of them for you.  This weekend I have my first triathlon too!  So I am going to be very busy and will probably take off from the photo hunt this week seeing that I don't know what to post yet either.

It's Travel Time

P and I are off to visit California on a whirlwind tour of most of the state, including my brother's wedding.

I have to keep up my training for my first triathlon while touring California, as I am doing my first race just 4 days after my return.

I'll also work on shopping and photography while P will work more on reading, relaxing and staying cool in the warm California sun, beach and desert climates...

Hope You guys have an awesome week. I'll be breaking from blogging except for the posts I already scheduled such as the photo hunt.

Flashback - Switzerland Vacation

I've been back in Canada safe and sound for 20 days now. After getting back, I've had to go back to the real world the next day, jet lagged, hungry and definitely missing Switzerland's tastes and treats. Factor in doing two sets of my own taxes, a few chores to catch up on, and we've got a very tired ET.

I still have to go through many of my photos, which at least have been uploaded, and send out a few Cd's to a select few who deserve one. I was out with my camera practically every day which is very good for me. The first place where I landed is where I will start, in Zurich where Easter holiday travels were in full swing.

My trip officially began after work on P's birthday on March 19th and ended upon return the evening of March 31st, a very short trip in all!

I started off with a near full moon and a beautiful window view.

You know you are back in Switzerland
when you drive through a tunnel.
I actually missed them a bit.

Back to the comforts of What Switzerland looks like.

Finally seeing what I missed so much:
Comforts of Swiss Buildings and Pastures

A few short cuts through town while dealing
with Easter travels and delays.

After a wonderful ride back "home" to Lenzburg, I was greeted and offered a homemade tarte flambee, which I graciously ate without hesitation. (Now I wish I had taken a photo to show how delicious it was, but a bit of fatigue took over and that never happened.)

We also knew we were waking up very early the next morning to pick up my dear friend Sylvie from her journey to Switzerland. I had arrived 12 hours earlier than her.

We woke up to a surprising dumping of snow,
which I was shocked at (but I think most everyone was too.)

PFlight and the beautiful Hybrid Honda Civic.



After picking up Sylvie from the Zurich airport, we mutually decided the only reasonable place to hang out was at the Zurach thermal bath.


And what a wonderful way to start our vacation off, pampering and relaxing!

So off we go to Zurzach bad

Sorry I don't have any water photos during our stay,
but I can show you what the weather was like outside.

After a much needed nap, dinner was ready and it was incredible!

Compliments of Pflight Tuscany Tuna

Sylvie and I were quite content with our first full day in Switzerland.