Conquering The Chief

A few co-workers invited me out for a hike one weekend and after I accepted, I quickly realized how different the term "hike" in the B.C. landscape compared to say - a Manitoban Prairie-land trail.  Nonetheless, after a few reassuring conversations with the co-workers, I was excited, curious and anxious about my first official west coast mountain-side hike on what's locally known as "The Chief".

 After a well-rested night and nutritious breakfast, I was up eager and ready to take on the fresh Pacific air. Situated near Squamish, a town 45 minutes north of Vancouver on the coast of the Sea-To-Sky highway (and the half-way point to Whistler Blackcomb from the city), The Chief is a dome-like granite mountain that is approximately 2000 feet of vertical rock to summit.  As daunting as this sky-high hunk of rock appeared, I knew there was no backing down at as we approached the foothill of the trail.

The first third of the 1.5hr hike up was the toughest as it was basically all incline up wooden steps.  But that was the toughest part; onward were simpler zigzag mountain trails that felt a bit easier to handle. The Chief has 3 different peak points you can visit, each with their own spectacular trail and view. The first peak was the closest and often most visited stop, so we decided to take on peak #2 and avoid crowding.  To my surprise, the very top was all on solid exposed rock where chains and ladders were installed to help hikers safely climb and scale to the top.  It was a bit scary with my slight fear of heights, but it was so much fun and my closest experience to "mountain climbing".  Tight squeezes between rock wedge and careful sliding and shimmying across ledges helped me overcome several questionable moments - but it felt amazing to say "screw it" and overcome them!

Once atop the peak, I soaked in breathtaking views that were well worth the pain and fear endured ascending the mountain.  After some refueling and playing with some new furry critter friends, the trek back down felt seemingly simple, so I thought.  One word of advice is to go early or during non-peak times; upward trail traffic noticeably picked up which was a challenge for the tighter-squeeze areas.  But my other, more stronger word of advice: do not underestimate the ease and simplicity of going downhill.  Though at the time it felt like a breeze, I felt the pains in the week afterwards all throughout my calves and hamstrings.  I felt muscle strains and pains whenever I tried to take a step downwards on stairs, a pain I'd never experienced before.

All in all, my first official hike as a Vancouverite was an eye-opener. Not only is this rugged B.C. trail significantly more intense than hiking trails out east, so are the post-hiking pains.

But unlike the Prairie trails, this hike up The Chief offered spectacular and memorable views that can only be found atop these coastal mountains.

City Escape...in the City

Living in the downtown Vancouver, a 'getaway' to me means just about anywhere as long as its outside the downtown peninsula. Recently, I made my first visit to Deep Cove, a cottage-like community less than a 30 minute drive from downtown Vancouver.

Situated in the eastern-most side of North Vancouver, a district north of the infamous forest green Lions Gate Bridge, Deep Cove is nestled in quaint neighborhood with local restaurants, cozy shops and a scenic waterfront beaches bustling with family activity.  From kayaking, stand-up paddle surfing and boating to various hiking trails, it feels like the quick getaway anyone can take if you only have a few hours in your day.

Deep Cove has qualities that remind me of...the 90's TV show Dawson's Creek and its cutesy creek-side town.  The only place you find that when living in Winnipeg or other Prairie cities is likely an hour or more away (i.e. Gimili, Manitoba), which typically require a whole-day commitment for a good venture.  The upside in the Prairies is that there's more time is spent on getting to the destination, which makes it feels more like a 'getaway'.  But easily-accessible half hour drives to cozy lakeside getaways like Deep Cove is just another awesome reason why I love my new home town!

Danier Leather - 25% off Mens items, one day only

How do you build a better man? Well, I don't have the answer to that, but one step closer is dressing them up nicely :)  Danier Leather is offering a one-day sale on all menswear at 25% off.

Check out your nearest Danier to see what's in-store for yourself, or your loved ones this holiday season.

Holiday shopping, local shop, local benefit

Check out local jewelery designer Hilary Druxman this holiday for those fab people on your holiday shopping list.  In support of the Royal Winnipeg Ballet's 70th anniversary, Druxman created a simple new collection of pendants and pins inspired by the RWB. 

50% of the proceeds will go towards the RWB and peices start at just $20. Visit Hilary Druxman to find out more!

World AIDS Day - one glam way to show your support

Today is the official World AIDS Day. One way to show your support is through MAC's Viva Glam line - where 100% of proceeds go to support the MAC Aids fund.

Shop the holiday line at MAC today.

Fall 2009 - mild and sunny!

It's been an unbelievable fall in Winnipeg and even though its now December 1st, we still don't have much snow - or minus gazillion whether!

Here are some pics to prove our November was sunny - and snow-free!

Red River from the Main St. bridge

Lake near home with tons of geese enjoying the sunset

Body Shop - 3 for $30 sale!

One day only - Body Shop lovers can enjoy ANY 3 products in the store for just $30(excluding baskets and giftcards)! This is great for those who like to buy items for $12-20 a piece, and getting everything at just $10/peice?! Fab, for their body creams, butters (Coconut is my fave!) and make-up.

Check out your nearest Body Shop Friday, Nov 27th for this rare, one-day only sale. Available at all Canadian stores.