Happy Victoria Day

On this weekend we traditionally celebrate the Queen's birthday (May 24th was Queen Victoria's birthdate), and, this year we are also celebrating Queen Elizabeth's diamond jubilee (60 years as monarch).  Here in Canada, it's also the start of many summer events.  Nearby, in Kaslo, they have their May Days, which include logging sports and a parade on Monday.  Over in Creston there's the Blossom Festival.

We were going to go camping out at Kokanee Creek Provincial Park this weekend, but at the last minute (about 4:30 yesterday), as we were hooking up our tent trailer, I couldn't get the lights to work.  Can't take the trailer on the road without working lights, so we stayed home.  Don't feel badly for us -- it was pretty chilly this morning, so we may have been a bit uncomfortable out at the camp-site. 

 

Instead, I took a most enjoyable cruise on Kootenay Lake this morning.  A kind gentleman by the name of "Tex" took this photo, and then asked If I could give him a ride to Nelson.  I obliged, and he kept me entertained with all kinds of stories from yesterday's Hollywood.  Now I don't know if they were all true, but if even half of them were, then he has led a most interesting life!

 Here's the line-up a vehicles waiting for the 12:20 ferry from Kootenay Bay.  It always amazes me how they can load so many vehicles onto this ferry.  These crews do an incredible job of moving people.

While waiting for the ferry (about the same time that Tex offered to take my photo) these two Canada geese flew over.  No trouble knowing they were coming, as they were encouraging each other with their distinctive "honking" call.

 

I also stopped in to say "Hi" to Nancy and Andre at The Manor

 The M.V. Osprey 2000 is now 12 years old, holds 80 vehicles (maybe a little less with all the motor homes and fifth wheels) and travels the 35 minute ride from Balfour to Kootenay Bay year round.  In the summer, it is supplemented by the older and smaller vessel, M.V. Balfour.

 Fishing Wife  "So, what's the matter?" asked one woman of her friend over coffee. "I thought you just got back from a nice relaxing fishing trip with your husband."
"Oh, everything went wrong," the second woman answered.
"First, he said I talked so loud I would scare the fish.
Then he said I was using the wrong bait; and then that I was reeling in too soon.
"All that might have been all right; but to make matters worse, I ended up catching the most fish!"
*Thanks to Pastor Tim for this joke!*

A couple of weeks ago, I traveled to Spokane with friends to participate in a 50 mile bicycle ride, sponsored by one of the Rotary Clubs in Spokane.  It's a great ride, although 50 miles (80 km.) is a bit of a challenge for me that early in the year. 

It's always good to have a friend to help change a tire!  Thanks, Karl!

If you look closely at the jersey that Karl is wearing, you'll notice that it says P.A.G.E. 10 on the front.  P.A.G.E. is an acronym for Pedal Around A Glacier, Eh!  This year we are holding P.A.G.E. 17 1/2 in two weeks, on June 2nd and 3rd.  (Don't ask where the 1/2 came from, that's a long story!)  The ride is 2 days, 224 km. from Nelson to Kaslo and then over to New Denver.  We camp there (but you can make other arrangements for accommodations if you choose not to camp) and then ride back to Nelson on the 2nd day, through the Slocan Valley.  You're welcome to join us if you like.  You can download a registration form here.

Do You Know A Buyer For This Home?

Updated, hand-crafted log constructed home with a huge shop and a 4 car garage on 0.87 acre level lot located on secondary road near S. Slocan junction.  3 bedrooms + den, 3 baths and a treefort in the back yard.  $499,000.  For more details, please check our web-site.

Ten years ago this month, I decided to support the B.C. Children's Hospital with a fund-raising campaign.  It was fairly successful, raising over $2,500 for the hospital in Vancouver.

Amazing how time flies, and what has occurred in the past decade.  My grandchildren have not seen me with hair.  We still contribute to the Children's Hospital with every sale that completes.

For more real estate news, please check out my business blog.

And with that, I'll sign off for another month. Enjoy the weekend.  Your comments and feedback are always welcome.

Thanks for reading.

Lorne & Drew