New Job in November!!!!

I have been holding off saying anything to anyone for the last couple weeks but its now out of teh bag on FB. I will be starting a new job with Cross Country Canada as the Athlete Development Coordinator. Working at developeing athletes from 5 to Junior National Team level across the country by way of utilizing the Long Term Athlete Development (LTAD) model. Lots of administrative stuff with some travelling to clubs around the country fostering youth participation in our sport. Julian is stoked because they have a wicked Biathlon program in Canmore for kids, Meems doesn't really get it and Dana is happy for a change of pace and possibly scenery. We are all a bit nervous but will really excited once everything begins. Three days a week in Canmore with two days at the home office in Golden.

Crab Spider Enter Stage Left

I'm still scratching and extraordinarily wigged out by this thing that crawled across my lap about fifteen minutes ago. This is the closest I could find to what it looked like. I HATE!!!!!!!!!! spiders. I can't even think right now. Gotta go have a shower to make sure its not laying eggs in my skin or something equally gross. I hate being such a pussy when it comes to spiders but alas...everyone needs some neurotic uncontrollable fear.

Cool Shot

Where is this? That is the coolest water feature I have ever seen. Picked up from Chicks and Bikes Blog. I love this picture!

Veggie Splendour.

Mmmmm Veggies aplenty. We now have finally begun to see the labours of love popping out of the ground. Peas, beans, radishes, carrots, two types of lettuce and beets for Dana. I am loving being a gardener! This is my first garden ever so I am feeling pretty darned proud. Gardens rock. Next year....potatoes and maybe cucumbers.

Hmmm...I'm not sure I would like to sail in Sweden...not on my boat anyhow!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=z1s4qoYKCqM&feature=player_embedded

Check it out.

Just minutes after the shot on the title page I cracked the mast step in my Bombardier Invitation sailboat. It was the best wind in years that I have sailed, blowing a steady 20knots all afternoon. The old boat just couldn't take the pressure and with that tall rig and huge sail area she folded under the pressure. I hope to get to work on the repair this week. Loving this little boat. Tonnes of floor space for teaching the kids and also a very stable and forgiving boat under sail. The biggest issue is its upwind sailing ability. Could be the beat up sail which performs much like a bed sheet at the moment or simply the rig design. Not sure. I am pondering upgrading to a kevlar sail for next year with battens. That.....will make her faster and a better upwind performer. These shots are from Invermere, awesome day. The kids had a great day full of sun, wind and waves. They would have been on the boat

Boat and Harbour Pics

"Swallow", our new boat, a Grampian 26...our new coastal cruiser.
The ultimate little fam boat...

The ultimate little harbour where she lives. That little bit of development is where the main liquor store and grocery store is on the island. There is camping immediately adjacent the moorage and there is a really nice looking restaurant and marina under new ownership.
AND.........one of the best disc golf courses in the west within a ten minute drive.

Boat moorage in the harbour on a glassy afternoon.

Where to start....we'll start with the REALLY good stuff!

About a week and a half ago a friend cornered me and mentioned that his Grampian 26 needs a new home NOW. He just does not have time to cope with two boats and would like to sell his boat to us. We have been talking about this for about five years now and finally, with somewhat good timing decided to take him up on his offer. We have been talking about getting a bigger boat on the coast for quite a long time now and this is even one of the boats that has been on my boat journal, buysell and kijiji list as a perfect fam boat.

We have taken possession of this great 26 footer with loads of head room, furler headsail and main and lots of extras. It is moored on Pender Island, an area that I have spent NO time at....PERFECT! We are pretty excited to get this show on the road. I am hoping to get down there next week and take an inventory of the boat and start compiling a wish list. The only thing I need to pick up to sail is a handheld VHF radio. Steveston Marine has a great sale on right now and will hopefully be hitting it up on the way for a new radio and a replacement mooring ball.

Here she is, enjoy the pics! This is of the harbour at dawn. Who the hell wouldn't want a piece of that!