Extreme Spring Break - North Pole Vacation

Living on an island as we do, we consider the calendar carefully when planning family vacations. Taking the ferry in either direction on a weekend during the months of May - September, or during holidays, without a reservation, is inadvisable. The hassle aside, there is also the expense, then the time on top of that . . .

We have ski passes to Mt. Washington, and it seemed a natural choice to rent a condo, and enjoy the spring break an easy hike away from the lifts and lodge (read: bar). We decided to go for it and rented a chalet with a bedroom for everyone, also sauna and hot tub, for 4 nights, so we were quite psyched.

We booked a month in advance. As the day approached, the weather became stormy. The day we headed up, the power went out on the hill. We forged our way up, over a road with snow piled higher than our 4-wheel drive trucks on either side. We cozied in for the night. After a night of hearing the howling winds, and marvelling that the power had not gone out yet, it did, first thing in the morning.That meant no skiing.

Our deluxe accomodation did not have a working fireplace, or any way of cooking. We had the top 2 floors of our chalet. A single dad occupied the first floor with his 3 daughters and their friends. We were able to impose on them to let us boil water and cook breakfast. At that point all of our electronic devices were still charged, and an eerie stillness prevailed, the snow muffling the sound of the snowplow as it circled endlessly.I was able to text friends who had been planning to join the fun not to bother battling the storm below in order to drive partway up a closed road with waist high drifts of snow. "Change of plans!" We shoveled the deck and barbequed our lunch. On the other side of an afternoon of a few too many hands of crib and vodka spritzers, we were relieved to have the power back on for a late dinner.

Our second full day dawned clear and beautiful with 2 ft. of fresh powder. It was absolutely stellar, so light and fluffy! My husband, a former ski racer, counts it among his top 10 days ever. We made a full day of it, and I'm glad we did because the next day the weather turned to shit again, or should I say not perfect snowbunny conditions for moi. The guys toughed it out for an hour or so, then it was back to shovelling (again)  a path to the hotub and barbeque. By that night the worst of the storm had passed, leaving extremely cold temperatures and persistant blowing snow to prevent us skiing the final day.

It was with some relief that we passed the last of the snow on our way down the mountain.

 It had indeed snowed other places, the mainland, and , freakishly, Victoria,  but although it was cold enough for hail, and winds had taken out power,there was no snow in Courtney, where we headed to stock up on perishables. Thanks to the management of Chateau Cona, the 2 free nights in the summer does go a long way toward making up for any inconvenience, I'm sure we'll have good weather for that.

Summer Events and Places To Be - Filberg Festival

The Filberg Festival, one of Vancouver Islands' longest established summer events, is also one of the most user friendly. Held on a nine acre waterfront heritage property, the site epitomizes the pastoral pleasures of summer. The grounds are cooled by ocean breezes, the view is stunning, fresh delights and old friends lurk around every turn of the path. Gardeners will be interested in the over 100 varieties of trees represented, and the swathes of established perennials throughout.
 The children are entertained in the centrally located childrens' area, where they can have their face painted, create with recycled materials, or marvel a the rotating roster of entertainers brought in just for them.If those pleasures pall there is also a petting zoo
 Two separate stages feature performances from experimental to established artists, providing a great opportunity to check out emerging talent, and the beauty of the location provides incentive for such names as Spirit of the West, Valdy and Jesse Winchester.
And let's not forget the thrill of the hunt up and down and around those winding foresty garden pathways. The artists and craftspeople who make it into this event have gone through a jury process months in advance. All vendors and products must be Canadian and handmade. Garden art, tiedye, jewellery, leatherwork, it's a great feeling to take something home that is one of a kind, purchased directly from the artist. Every year the festival selects an artist to feature whose works are displayed in the lodge onsite, one can take tea and take in.
Fading folks and whiny children can find comfort in the selection of food to be found. Being the westcoast, there is an emphasis on ethnic and healthy. However, hotdogs, hamburgers, and icecream are also to be had.
A mellow event, beautiful surroundings, reasonable admission, all add up to a wonderful summer experience for families and those spry enough to navigate the sloping terrain.