Surrounded by Beauty

Yes, I do have photos, but I can't upload them yet because this PC doesn't have a spare USB port for me. But you all just wait until you see what this place looks like.

It is undoubtedly the most beautiful place I have ever seen. The world has a lot of beauty in it, and I've seen some awesome sights, that really hit the beauty scale. But Gibsons, British Columbia, Canada is nothing short of stunning. The Aussies reading this may remember the John West commercials where the guy goes to buy a salmon only to be told by the Canadian guy that it's a dog salmon, and that John West has bought all the good stuff. Remember what the landscape looked like in that commercial? Well Gibsons looks like that. Massive mountains rising up with snow on their peaks, the blue sky above them allowing the sun to glint off the snowiest bits. Then forested hills to the other side, rolling and folding around the area, with little hamlets and homes tucked away in the trees. In front of that is a beautiful harbour, the water so clean you can see to the bottom right out in the middle, fishermen, yachts, houseboats, lots of bird life. The Pacific Ocean is to another side, shining silver as far as the eye can see. It really is stunning. Anyone who would doubt the presence of God after seeing a place like this must be absolutely soulless.

I went for a walk yesterday around the little old town of Gibsons Landing. It's very cute. A mixture of little restaurants, pubs, boutiques, antique shops, and strange local shops that sell everything from Chinese bowls to fishing gear. It was bloody cold, but a vigorous walk around the steep streets of Gibsons Landing soon warmed up the body, though the nose, cheeks and hands were a bit frosty still! I took STACKS of photos, and as soon as I can I will share some of them with you all.

Absolutely loving being here with Ian, and his lovely partner Kera. I cannot believe it has been 13 years since I have been in Ian's company. Even though they have to work very hard in their bistro/bakery, it's just a pleasure to be in the same place as them and particularly just to hear Ian bustling about in his kitchen or with his customers. As Trish Kelly would say "He's in his elephant doing this!"

I got them to put me to work this morning as they have a busy day scheduled today. I can proudly boast two cut fingers (from slicing potatoes for scalloped potatoes) and a chocolate stain on the front of my cute new sweater (from cutting up yummy slices into bite sized morsels for a catering order). I'm currently keeping out of their way during the lunch time rush, and once things settle down I'll go back and see if they need some more help.

Ahh, now more than ever, I am so glad this trip happened. I have enjoyed myself before, but this is possibly as special as life can get!