Doggy friendly Vancouver
Never have we been to such a pet friendly city. First we saw specially sculptured doggy fountain on the waterfront. Then the Fairmont Vancouver Hotel has two Labradors that live in and around the hotel. Eight year old Mavis arrived at the hotel in 2003. She lives on the Fairmont Gold Floor with one of the staff members. When we arrived she was having a “sickie” and had to go to the vet. Beau, the male four year old Labrador, came to the Fairmont in 2007. He lives with one of the concierges. Fairmont patrons can take the dogs for a walk during the day. We did book Beau for a walk on Saturday but he was also having a sickie. (Are these Australian dogs?) These are Fairmont dogs so Mavis has a Louis Vuitton collar and Beau’s is straight from the Gucci shop. But this morning at 8:00am, both dogs have returned to work and ready for the challenge. Loaded up with doggie treats and doggy poo bags, we walked them for an hour, along the Vancouver waterfront seawall. Beau knows every piece of green grass along the way and set himself a challenge - to kill all the grass along the way by lifting his leg onto it. But not only does the Fairmont Vancouver have its own dogs, it actually lets other dogs stay here as well. They also let cats stay as well. This is an extract from the Fairmont Vancouver Hotel In room dining service booklet. Fairmont Pet Menu Furrrst Course Doggy “Bison Meatloaf” (2 muffins) Made with locally sources, hormone free meats. Farm fresh produce and organic whole grains and herbs. These muffins are loved by even the most particular dogs!! It’s a completely balanced, vet approved meal suitable for the pooches with sensitive tummies. Succulent Salmon Stew for Cats A natural, wholesome meal for the discerning feline. Ideal for cats of all life stages, this hearty stew is made of the highest quality ingredients, including salmon and veggies like zucchini, pumpkin and carrots. Purrfect Fun (one selection from three choices) Wild Salmon Jerky Very high in protein and essential Omega-3 fatty acids, these gourmet wild salmon jerky strips are “purfectly” wholesome. Stop, drop and drool (two selections from three choices) Organic Beef Granola Bars Handcrafted in BC, these super-healthy, protein-rich snacks are worthy of your big dog! Certified organic extra lean beef, whole oats, eggs, fresh veggies and apples. Eco-friendly Turtle Made from safe, durable and eco-friendly fabric and fill created from post-consumer recycled plastic bottles, it not only diverts waste from going to your landfill but also uses eighth times less energy than producing fabric from virgin fibrers. Fresh and nutritional treats specially selected by Mavis, Beau and their friends. 
Avon River rapids
Last weekend we went to Bells Rapids to check out the water levels of the Avon River, ready for the Avon Descent on 1st and 2nd August. Lots of skis and kayaks were out practising in the high water conditions. Fine weather has dropped the water level to almost perfect paddling conditions.
Good luck to everyone who will be braving the cold mornings and chilly water.
The trip continues
Our trip researching for another installment in the HEMA guide and atlas series continues. We have done the Kingsford Smith Mail Run and we are now doing the Warlu Way.
Dalwallinu
Day One of our trip up north finds us in Dalwallinu. Mike is running around shooting the wheat fields at magic hour. The colours at this time of day epitomise rural Australia.
Ol Macdonald had a farm
We were lucky enough to visit a farm on the South Coast of Western Australia. Boer goats, horses, cattle, dogs, free range chickens – all living an idylic life.
South America without a clue – Part 15
Episode 15
13th June 1986
We pack damp gear and climb for over an hour towards the Alto Plano. As the air thins my resting heart rate rises over 90 and my breathing becomes deeper and more rapid. Instead of getting warmer, the chill of the night continues into the day. Trees that stood tall and straight are now stunted oaks festooned with Spanish moss and lichen instead of bromeliads. There’s a disconcerting roaring sound of wind blowing across higher slopes cloaked in fast moving fog. Soon we are enveloped in fog and trees become weird misshapen shadows.
Debonair Hair
One of the great experiences of the Napier Art Deco Festival, was having our hair done in the style of the era. Amy and Michelle from Debonair Doos were weaving their magic on the foreshore under a gazebo. They are a “mobile vintage glamour salon”. Helen and I took our bottle of bubbles and really enjoyed the experience. Amy and Michelle did our hair with pin curls and finger waves. Mike even had the slick down with Brylcreem.
Amy is a milliner in New Zealand with an amazing array of uniquely designed hats.
Napier Art Deco Festival
In February we partied at the Napier Art Deco Festival. What a great time we had. This is just a few – and we mean just a few of the photos we took. Mike went mad with the visual splendor of people dressed up, old cars along side art deco architecture.
South America without a clue – Part 14
Episode 14
12th June 1986
There’s nothing like a great nights sleep after solid physical activity, namely hiking up hill all day. Despite that jaguar that turned out to be a chicken scratching around my tent, I had a great night’s sleep. Poking my head out of the cocoon that is my tent I see misty sunlight lighting up the canopy far above. I smile, its not raining.
South America without a clue – Part 13
Episode 13
11th June 1986
After passing a solid bridge over a challenging set of rapids I look up and it’s not pretty. The trail rises alarmingly and I can’t see the end. Roland aptly names this section the Thermometer. “If you make this bit, you will complete the trek”, says Roland. It is overcast and fine, the humidity thick as pea soup.