So… this past Monday we had the opportunity as a family to go to Spokane for a concert. We went down to see David Crowder and Co. as well as Seabird (okay but not my thing) and Danyew (cool drummer, so entertaining). We had a great time and the kids had a blast too. We’d never seen David Crowder Band before and I must say they did a spectacular job…. the light show, the mix, the set…. they nailed it.
I highly recommend it. Well Done!

Yes! I finally had a chance to bag a hike that I’ve been wanting to do for two years now. On Friday, Sept 11th 2009, I was off with my brother and a friend to conquer a local biggie, the summit of Old Glory. We were off to the trail head by 6 AM and on the hike by 6:30 AM. We had the choice of using Plewman Trail or Old Glory Trail to gain access to the trailhead for Old Glory. Plewman is the more direct route but it’s a steep climb, Old Glory Trail is less steep but twice as long and more overgrown. We opted for Old Glory going up and Plewman going down, and it proved to be the right choice even though it added 4 km to our overall trip. The hike up Old Glory and along the 7 Summits Trail proved to be beautiful and enjoyable. Once we reached the trailhead for the Old Glory Summit Trail we were treated to a steep but manageable climb around the backside of the mountain. By 10:15 we were up on top, enjoying the wind and the spectacular view. Old Glory is the highest peak in the immediate area and the views it offers are amazing. From it’s peak you can see well into the USA to the south and you can easily spot the Valhalla Range a 100 km’s to the north. We spent maybe 1/2 hour up top and then made our way down back Plewman Trail to the trailhead and awaiting Jeep by 1:30 or so.
Total elevation gained: 1050 meters. (That’s 1 km of going UP)
Total distance covered: approx. 16 km

WOW!

That’s really the best single word I can come up with to describe a truly quintessential Canadian experience.

While running errands in Castlegar Saturday I spotted a poster and it intrigued me so I ran over and read it… an event was scheduled to happen at a nearby fair ground at 2pm the following day and it was something I have never experienced before and neither had the rest of the crew. So sunday afternoon we grabbed a bite to eat before running out the door, hoping to get to Pass Creek Fairground in time (and hoping that there were tickets left). Well we got there in time and (yeah!) got some tickets and then found a place to sit in the sweltering heat. Then we sat through the preliminary stuff and practiced our sweating technique until finally they announced the beginning of the show, the RCMP Musical Ride. What a show it was! The beautiful black horses and the men & women dressed in their uniforms created an impressive display. And the riding itself was spectacular, the choreography was done well and the performance itself was executed with precision. It was truly enjoyable and while watching the performance I was overcome with a moment of intense pride in being Canadian and being able to take part of a truly “Canadian” experience. It was amazing and wonderful…. thank you to the Pass Creek crew for planning and hosting the event, and a big “thank you” to the RCMP for putting on an incredible show.