Anniversary Weekend

Our 13th Wedding Anniversary was on the 24th of September - we decided back in August that based on the business we had in September that we could actually go away for a short weekend break  so last Friday we drove through a "rain event" to Ucluelet (near Tofino) which is about a 2.5 hr drive from our home to a little cabin by the ocean that we've rented before.  Buddy was along for the ride as well.  The drive was interesting as there was so much rain coming down that waterfalls were literally dropping off the mountain on to the road, a road that has been washed out as recently as last fall and is still under construction to try and repair it.  By the time we got to Ucluelet we were a little worried about whether we would be stuck there but fortunately by our drive back on Sunday the waterfalls had stopped.

Wild Pacific Trail, Ucluelet

 Even in raging rain that coast is spectacular.  We got to the cabin about 330 pm and stayed inside the entire evening as the rain would not let up.  Fortunately, we had a small two burner grill so we made beer infused bratworst on a bun - and it was delicious.  We brought all our own groceries so were well stocked.  We turned on the tv and saw that Ottawa had 2 tornadoes touch down and there was much damage.  My oldest stepson and his girlfriend live in Ottawa so we quickly texted them - they were fine but without power which they didn't get back until 2 days later.

Heron hanging out on the dock out front of our cabin

Saturday morning we woke up to no rain and skies which were trying to clear - fabulous hiking weather.  We took Buddy and went to one of our favorite places on Vancouver Island, the Wild Pacific Trail which is a bunch of trails right above the cliffs on the wild Ucluelet side.

Blue Heron at sunset (same one, he obvbiously likes this area)

 After a couple of hours there we went back to the cabin to relax, the sun had come out and it was beautiful.  Mr Heron switched spots several times but cooperated for some photos.

It was a short but nice relaxing weekend, we've been to the area several times and didn't feel like we had to run run run to see everything, just ate, drank (me cider lol), hiked and relaxed.  We needed the short break although we could have easily used another day there.

Really bad selfie, I cut part of hubby's head off and Buddy chose to lick me at that moment

We are now back at home enjoying some beautiful sunny fall weather.  Early September brought us 10 days of heavy duty rain so now everything is green and our grass is back growing like crazy after going dorment in the hot hot sun and dry conditions.  The leaves are starting to change colour and we are in one of my favorite times of the year.

In other news my stepdaughter, who has had her learners license since she was 15 turns 21 in three weeks.  She has struggled with learning how to drive, we tried to teach her, bought her lessons, then she moved back to Alberta without getting her license.  She was scared to drive, had zero confidence and as a result made scary driving choices.  She suffers from ADD so it is 10 times harder for her to learn how to drive than her brothers.  Anyway, as an adult she was bound and determined to get her license, even bought a car 6 months ago to practice on.  She tried to get her license in July and failed, parallel parking tripped her up.  After several more lessons both paid( by her now) and with her brother yesterday she finally got her license.  I did not think this day would happen for her, she hated driving so much I honestly thought she would never get it.  It just goes to show perseverance pays off, even if you fail the first time.  We are very proud that she actually stuck it out and made it happen.  Now she gets to pay for costly insurance lol.

That's what shaking in our world.  Cheers!