Alberta

After deciding to pack up camp and head east, Greg and I spent time thinking about the mementos we'd like to carry back to Newfoundland and Labrador with us before departing Edmonton. We decided that we'd like to carry back memories of our weekend trips to Banff and Jasper National Parks, the mid-century modern buildings around Edmonton and the neon signs on Whyte Avenue.

Banff welcomed us on Saturday afternoons when we headed due south-west of Calgary for a break from the glitz. Jasper was our getaway for Thanksgiving 2008 and Victoria Day 2009. Scattered in gift shops around the parks are vintage and replica 'vintage' posters of the parks and the Canadian Pacific rail lines that crawl through them. To remember our weekends away, we purchased one such 'vintage' poster and framed it in an ever-popular Ikea Ribba frame. It now welcomes visitors in our foyer.

We also chose to keep guests informed, and visually stimulated, by adding to our collection of coffee table books with the Art Gallery of Alberta's Capital Modern. A flick through the pages of this picture book reminds me of the long walks Greg and I weaved during our first months together in the city. The history of buildings that I walked past daily was largely unknown to me until making this purchase. I'm always fascinated to learn more about the history of seemingly common-folk places in my very neighbourhood.

Finally, we purchased a yet-to-be-assembled picture rack that will eventually hold photos Greg took of neon signs in the neighbourhoods of Strathcona and Garneau, and across British Columbia on our summer vacation. I've long had a soft spot for neon signs and look forward to expanding on our collection as the list of our past travel destinations continues to expand.

Dress

If this blog were a wedding dress, it would look like this Ouma confection.

Attached is a song for your listening pleasure that combines the whimsy of this dress' skirt with the southern Alberta country roots that Greg and I soaked up on the bookends of our road trip (I would like to take this opportunity to note I am not normally a fan of modern country, but living in Edmonton is bound to rub off on a girl). Please expect a full road trip update, complete with tonnes of neon photos, later in the week.

Guten Tag Edmonton. Wie geht's? Your rain showers have kept you lush in our absence. This fact is appreciated.

Road Trip

This week Greg and I have decided to plunge head first into planning our summer vacation. Our plan is to take a road trip from Edmonton to Vancouver Island. Greg grew up in Qualicum Beach and Victoria, so I am looking forward to checking out the places where he spent his early years.

As for specifics, we know the dates (June 26-July 12), definite pit stops (Calgary, Radium Hot Springs, Vancouver) and must-have meal locations (Shima on Denman in Vancouver for sushi and Bibo in Nelson to check out Culina's BC sister). We're mixing camping with hotels like the Empress in Victoria and on-the-beach hospitality suites like The Captain's Inn in Qualicum. I'm hoping to take in some hiking and campfires, the Calgary Stampede and Canada Day in Vancouver with the Robson Street festival and fireworks in Burrard Inlet. I'd also like to head to Seattle for a day trip if possible. Beyond these broad strokes, we're still in the planning phase.

Image via Sasuke GR.

Mom

As wonderful coincidence might have it, my mother arrived in Edmonton last night for a work conference. Though she's busy with executive meetings for a few days, she's scheduled a longer foray in the City of Champions so we can catch up. We're planning to check out the delicious Culina Highlands! Greg and I are also travelling to Vancouver with my mom to introduce our mothers. 

My mom lived in Vancouver for four years in the mid to late 1970s, so I'm excited to check out the town with someone who has a distinct past but scant recent recollection of the city. I believe her last visit there was in 1990 on a stopover to Hawaii.  Expo '86, the revitalization of Granville Island, the population boom of the 1990s, the shiny condo trend and now the construction of the 2010 Winter Olympics have all had a major impact on the footprint of the city. I'm curious if she'll recognise the town at all. 

It will be fun to stroll Kits Beach where my mom celebrated her 19th birthday and take in the breathtaking Sea Wall in Stanley Park. Apparently there are also plans (mother dictated) to walk across a suspension bridge in North Vancouver (though not the Capilano, rather the Lynn Canyon). 

I'm super happy to have these few weeks to spend together. Image via Le Love. 

Mountains

A long weekend in the fantastic Jasper National Park requires no wordy recap; instead, here is our photo diary of Victoria Day Weekend 2009.

Jasper

Greg and I are off early tomorrow morning on an impromptu road trip to Jasper for the long weekend. We debated tents and backpacks and coolers and Coleman stoves; the low temps and possible flurries made a hotel more attractive. A fire ban banished dreams of teaching Greg to love marshmallows. We'll have a fantastic time nonetheless relaxing at the hot springs, drinking in the mountain air, taking day hikes and eating delicious dinners.

Merry wishes for a happy and safe long weekend.

Image via Ynusfogan Jack.