It's all over!

This is my last post about Canada; I cannot believe how quickly the trip went, and that I'm back home, having been at work for two days.

So let's go to the beginning. How did Gail and I meet? I found out on holiday that she remembers seeing me for the first time. I walked into the maths class on the first day of senior school - I'd just had a test to 'set' me (I hadn't been planning to go to Longford so was late being tested). It was September 1976. We'd had a serious heatwave and drought - I'd fainted in Hounslow High Street in fact buying my school uniform. I walked into the classroom in that uniform - including tie and blazer - and that's what Gail noticed: full uniform on a tall girl with blonde hair. I just wish I'd been warned that no one would be wearing a blazer and tie! In fact, Gail wasn't even in school uniform - just school colours! Gail was very good at maths - I wasn't. Yes I was in top set, but it was through a lot tears and pure slog. I still have nightmares about senior school, but I did make some great friends there. Gail and I kept in touch over the years, and whenever she's visited the UK (having emigrated about 18 years ago) we try to meet up - London, Bristol, Cotswolds, Wales. Gail had hoped I'd visit a lot sooner than I did, but finally in 2024 I got there - and now it's all over!

I had a nice chicken salad, preceded by a blueberry bluster (gin cocktail) and accompanied by a large glass of red wine at Kelowna airport, and the trip back to the UK went smoothly - until I arrived at Heathrow. I rang Meet and Greet to let them know to meet me with my car, and was told 'you'll have to come to us, here's the postcode'! What the hell? Funny Meet and Greet! I had to get a taxi to a Heathrow hotel, and then walk to an area behind the hotel, to get my car. I was not impressed and made a formal complaint by email. Already, I've received a part refund, so that's good.

Anyway, I've been thinking about what a wonderful time I had in Canada with my good friend. She's a great planner - she sorted out the whole itinerary and everything worked out well. She drove 1,600 miles. She looked after me - making sure I didn't walk too far on my dodgy knees, and that I drank enough water! She showed me lots, and made sure I appeared in at least a few photos (I hate my photo being taken). Talking of photos - they're all on Instagram; there are a lot!

So what were the highlights?

Being picked up from Kelowna in the huge red truck by Gail

Seeing whales on the ferry to Vancouver Island (I saw a spurt, and we rushed outside, and there were two whales playing; magical)

Killing ourselves laughing in the Victoria hotel and being told to be quiet by our neighbour banging on the wall at 8.26pm (hilarious)

Fish and chips overlooking the harbour, with the sun glistening on the sea, watching the sea planes land

Seeing Fisherman's Wharf - the colourful houses and restaurants

Everything about Vancouver Island - the coastline as we left Victoria, the islands that we passed on the ferries, the wide tree-lined streets, a lot of the houses, the beaches (all so different), the amazing sunsets, the lighthouse walk...

Being made to feel so welcome at Gail's home in Peachland plus the tasty meals Gail cooked, meeting Maggie, and using the jacuzzi whenever I wanted. A big thank you to Paul for driving us around too.

The road trips - in the blue sporty little number for Vancouver Island (we were Thelma and Louise [nearly]), and the big red truck for the Rockies. The changing scenery; the scary signs - tsunami evacuation area (Ucluelet and Tofino), avalanche area (Rockies); the music (Harry Styles, 'happy' soundtrack, Meatloaf...); the different mountains and lakes; our snacks {nuts, mint imperials - that went on the floor twice due to stopping sharply to see bears, pretzels}; the animal bridges; the loos with the windows (so funny) ; our chats - the hours went by so quickly (mostly)

A lovely time in Banff and Canmore (excluding the warnings about bears and cougars on our creek hike - what is it with danger and Canada?!)

Spending time with Gail's two girls; seeing how they've grown into beautiful, high achieving women; plus meeting Barkley the dog

Our delicious meal at the vineyard finishing of with my pinkety dinkety

I have some jet lag, but it was worth it.

Now I need to plan my next trip!