Germany, Austria, Slovenia

Our annual fall Europe trip took us to Germany, Austria and Slovenia (and Italy, but only shortly). In Leipzig we checked up on the Zoo, always an interesting outing! On the way to Slovenia we stopped at Koessen (fortunately we came through on a weekday as it is very busy on weekends), then continued on via Bischling to Lienz where we met a BC friend. We got to watch the Dolomiten Mann Red bull contest, flew Lienz and had an interesting encounter with the valley winds. Always something new even with over 1000 flights! After Lienz we headed to Camp Siber in Tolmin and got lucky... one of their cabins was free. Much more convenient than our tiny lightweight tent! Flying in Slovenia was fantastic again with my longest flight almost to Gemona and a couple others over the gap on Stol. I also explored for the first time the slopes of Krn. On the way back we drove up to Mangart and hiked/scrambled up the ridge.

Leipzig Besuch

On this year's flight to Europe I had some amazing views of the coast mountains, my Vancouver backyard, and of the big mine near Kamloops. A friend from olden school days and avid foldboat paddler and his wife took me on an urban paddling tour past fancy houses, old factories and lots of graffiti. Leipzig's waterways have cleaned up very nicely! 30 years ago it wouldn't have been possible or pleasant to do this. Also met with another friend from University who now lives in California for a walk through the Auenwald, full with smells of Knoblauchkraut. Later we had a family meeting at an open air dance show where my niece and her group showed us some wicked street jazz moves. And I had my fill of fresh white asparagus (Spargel), one of the highlights of Germany visits in spring.

A Week In Germany - June

Just back from a quick trip to Germany to visit family and friends. It was good to see that everybody is doing OK. Haven't been in Europe in early summer for quite some time and one big plus of a trip this time of the year: its asparagus harvest time. For some unfathomable reasons white asparagus is not very popular in Canada. But I like it and had lots of it during my visit. Also got my fill on classical culture: an open air concert of Beethoven's 9th. Impressive views of the Canadian North on the flight back... Big Slave Lake, Slave River, remote and still snow-covered country.

 

 

Victoria Visit – October 3

The valley was blown out, so for a change we had some family fun in Victoria.
Pitch and Put with water obstacle and beautiful views of Mt Baker. Riding a tiny motorbike. Making friends with mini horses (13 of them, including 4 foals). Excellent fun!

Visitors from Germany: June 30 to July 14

Wow – halfway through the summer already!
The first half went by way too fast and has been very very busy.

My parents visited from Germany for the first two weeks in July. We got to do lots of hikes in and near Vancouver. First we wandered up the snowy slopes of Mt Seymour ski area to Brockton Point – watched even a few die-hard skiers and snowboarders!



Still lots of snow in the mountains - even for Canada!


A few days later we found an amazing patch of yellow glacier lilies just below Mt. Cheam.




My parents even came and watched us paragliding at Bridal Fall on the other side of the Cheam ridge – and as added bonus I finally got some pictures of myself in the air!


That's me in the air at Bridal (photo H. Schwab)


Kiting at Steveston (photo H. Schwab)


During the second week we spent a couple of nights at Tyax Resort in the South Chilcotins and explored a rough trail to Ault Lake. Rather impressive signs of bear activity everywhere – judging by the size it must have come from grizzlys!


By the way, this is PADDY, my new ride


My mum was much more happy back at the car and greatly enjoyed fields of orchids, lupins and indian paintbrush by the side of the road.




Jill and Robin (Pete's parents) came over from the Island for a family reunion and a Howe Sound cruise with circumnavigation of Anvil Island and seal rock visit.






But just like at home, my parents couldn’t sit still and spent every spare minute working on our garden – it has never looked that nice before!