I arrived back home from school camp on the last Friday of term 3 and was back at the airport early Sunday morning heading to Hong Kong and then Vancouver. The timing wasn’t the greatest but the excitement for our visit home balanced out the exhaustion from camp.
The leg to Hong Kong went well enough and we made our connection to Vancouver with plenty of time to spare. Unfortunately, my bag wasn’t as lucky and was left behind in China. Once we sorted out my bag dilemma in Vancouver, we were greeted by a familiar face at the airport. We picked up our rental car and drove downtown to spend some time with Shel wandering around the city like we’d just seen each other last week.
After not near enough time together, we filled up on in-person hugs and said our goodbyes. We continued on to Naramata and made it to the valley in just under 5 hours. Needless to say we were the definition of tired and very ready for a proper sleep that didn’t involve an airplane seat! By the time we woke up the next day and had breakfast my bag was ready for pick up at Penticton airport. I couldn’t have asked for a speedier reunion with my beloved luggage (thanks Cathay Pacific and WestJet).
Our time in B.C. was filled with beautiful weather, wonderful food and time with family. We were able to visit Fitzpatrick for a belated anniversary lunch and rekindle our love affair with the Okanagan.
The week out west flew by and after our goodbyes drove to Golden for a bit of nature and downtime. We stayed in a spectacular mountain cabin and enjoyed the quiet.
We only had one full day to maximize for hiking and unfortunately had the wettest weather. The alpine lake was cloudy but beautiful. However, I don’t think we’ve ever been that completely saturated on a hike! We enjoyed a well deserved post-hike beverage and left for Calgary the following day.
We rolled into Calgary mid-afternoon concluding our Western Canada road trip. The week was jam-packed with everything that fills our cup. We got to see Olesh, Iryna and Mykola as well as mom and dad. We watched hockey, did some hiking, shared some great food, snuggles, enjoyed a day trip to Canmore and even snuck in some time to do absolutely nothing which is sometimes the best part of all.
Heading back to Melbourne is always bittersweet but much easier when we’ve just had the best time back home. We go back with happy hearts and camera rolls overflowing with the best memories. We went from Calgary to Vancouver, then over to Fiji and Melbourne. (All luggage arrived safe and sound).
Term 4 always zips by in a blink with birthdays and warmer weather. The next thing you know it’s Christmas and then we’re welcoming 2026. We’ll catch up again before the new year.
With Love,
Alex & Michael
