Whistler Train Wreck

I’m not going to lie; I’m constantly trying to one-up my travel journal. 
Seeing as I travel quite a bit, I learned early on to stay away from mainstream tourist attractions and I most definitely don’t do anything organized unless it’s a rad festival. I love art, untouched discoveries and can’t get enough of Mother Nature. So when I first heard about the Whistler train wrecks, I will admit, it sounded too good to be true. Are you telling me that several train carts were actually left on an embankment of the Cheakamus River, and… they are now covered in beautiful local graffiti? It’s like a dream come true. My curiousity (and hope) got the better of me. So when I traveled to Whistler for the first time last August, I made it a point to find this ‘beautiful work of art’ even if it killed me. Thankfully, all it took was buying a pint of beer for my local friend in return for his guiding skills – wow, that was easy.

Unfortunately, like all West-coast weather, it was pouring rain the first time I went. But I was so excited, I didn’t even notice. With a mass of wet hair, I battled branches, slippery paths and even tempted my fate by walking along active railway tracks. Nothing was going to stop me. In fact, I was a little thankful it was raining, as a steady stream of water dripped from my rain jacket into my hiking shoes – it kept the bugs down, and most importantly, everything was glowing with colour. Green moss covered logs were stunning. The river was a crystal clear, Tiffany blue. The trees were ominously dark, which made the graffiti pop with vividness. I couldn’t believe my eyes. Call me crazy, maybe it was the colour, or maybe it was the fact that I had been staring at the ground the entire way there, as not to let another slippery rock get the better of me, but it was a magnificent sight of twisted metal among a growing forest. There are several carts scattered among the site. Yet, it doesn’t look like chaos, in fact, it’s rather peaceful. As you walk through the site, which is spread out given the fact that it is a real crash site, you can hear the Cheakamus river running (or rushing, depending on the time of year you visit) and the trees are not disrupted in the slightest. It’s amazing seeing how nature has adopted these carts as one of their own, growing into them and molding around them. The graffiti, if you can even call it that, is beautiful artwork. It restores my faith in humanity as individuals have truly taken the time to make something worth seeing, and not just tagging the crap out of it. 

What’s even more eerie, is the fact that you can climb in, on top of and explore this once horrific disaster. Some brave soles even built an impressive bike ramp using the carts as jumps, which is now in poor condition, but worth a check out. And if you’re starting to think these carts were placed here strategically, take a look at some of the rock surfaces near a few of the box carts - you can see scratch marks.

Searching for information on the wreck, which supposedly happened around the 1950’s, is nearly impossible. But if you ask the locals, they’ll all tell you the same. “After the trains derailed,” which wasn’t uncommon for the Sea to Sky Corridor back then, “ It was deemed too expensive for them to clean up the mess,” therefore, leaving the carts as they were to rest next to the Cheakamus river, just south of Whistler. 

The trail itself is a little hidden, but thanks to its slowly growing recognition there are now a few small markers, which guide you to its hidden location. I say ‘slowly growing reputation’ with a loving heart because, well… we all know what happens to a hidden gem once tourism marketing gets a hold of it – and I can say this honestly given my career. Say goodbye to the untouched surroundings I pine after so deeply. As it sits now, there are already bits of garbage creeping up, and random fire pits next to flattened tenting grounds.

How to get there

Park in Function Junction, behind the Olive Market and enter the trail-head here.
Follow it under the bridge (where highway 99 runs over top) and to the railway. Please remember, this is an active railway, so use extreme caution.
Shortly after reaching the rail bed, you duck in to the left (look for the yellow arrows that say ‘Train Wreck’ on them throughout the entire hike).
The main trail winds along the Cheakamus river, which is glacier fed.
You will hop back out onto the rail bed a few times throughout your walk (technically you could follow it most of the way, but it’s not as beautiful, or as safe).
Eventually the trail leads you straight to the train wreck.
Overall the walk from the road is roughly 25mins, at 1.5kms. Most class this as an easy hike, with little elevation, and it is. Just be leery of slippery rocks and roots if you are heading out after a rainfall.
Can’t find it? Ask a local, or me. I am always looking for an excuse to go out there.

Moving across Canada

Well, I did it. 

I packed up my entire life into four bags in less then two days - we won't talk about the things I couldn't pack, it's still a sensitive subject. And it wasn't until I strategically packed it into my Chevrolet that I realized for the first time in a long time, I didn't know when I would be home again. 

Deciding to move across the country wasn't a hard choice for me. Ever since my first visit to BC I knew it was a matter of when, not if. And I did, for a summer. It was exciting, exhilarating and I learned more about myself there then I have anywhere else in the world. So when the opportunity arose to move back, my heart fluttered with joy. Only this time I had more of a life I was leaving behind, compared to other times. My cat, my dog, countless commitments that crept into my schedule having stayed in one place for a few years, and most importantly, my family. 

Considering my family was finally together again for the first time in 10+ years, this was more of a deal breaker then it had been in the past. I love my family and change isn't something I take easily so I constantly suffer from what I like to call FOMO, fear of missing out. While I have always marched to the beat of my own drum, traveling to me was no different. I would go my own way and always knew that sooner or later I would return home and once again things would go back to the way they were. We'd all wake up on Saturday morning, coffee (and Baileys) in hand and catch up as we relaxed in the hot tub. At days end, we would have a long dinner, typically started and followed by good conversation and wine, our beverage of choice. 

But this isn't just another trip, it's a life change. Or an adventure with no expiry date, as I like to call it (it doesn't sound as intimidating this way). I don't know when I will be home again for dinner, or when I will be able to take my dog Hunter for a run to our favourite spot. I won't have summer trips to the cottage and meeting up with my sisters for drinks will now be done via FaceTime. 

The only thing I know is, I can't win- I'm missing out if I go and I'm missing out if I stay. "You're only young once,"  was the deciding factor in this cross-Canada trek. So when the time came to say goodbye to my parents, they once again stood there with smiles on their faces, the same one that often matched mine as I was about to set off on the yachts. Only this time, those smiles were hidden behind tears, once again matching my own. Which quickly turned into a full on waterfall. What can I say, hearing your dad tell your boyfriend "you take care of her for me" is an emotional and literal change that hit me like a Mac truck. I know I have used this term before, but this has truly been an emotional roller coaster and it won't fully hit me until I arrive at our place in Whistler next Monday. Until then, I'm going to enjoy my second drive across the county, only this time it's with my boyfriend, best friend, partner in crime and, my new Saturday morning routine. 

Apple iPhone Emoticons

Apple, what do you have against tacos?

I know this seems ridiculous, but after an iMessage conversation, and the need to use a taco emoticon, I am seriously questioning my iPhones beliefs.

Why a taco, you’re asking? I was trying to be funny [side note: I always think I’m funny] and answer my boyfriends question of “Have you done any writing yet” with a “Nooo… and I don’t wanna taco 'bout it,” only to come to the realization that this would be a perfect place to put a taco emoticon. I’m not an avid emoticon user, in fact I hardly venture outside my standard five that I use all the time. But hey, it was a Wednesday night and I was feeling adventurous. So I went searching. And searching. When I came to the two and a half pages of food emoticon options, what I found was disappointing. There were roughly eight images having to do with sushi and Asian cuisine, several to do with fast food, lots of desserts and the weirdest and most redundant fruits and vegetables.Why would I ever need to use an eggplant, or better yet, the half eaten eggplant that sits to the left of it. You give us the option of selecting a red or green apple, and two different meats with bones sticking out of it; one shaped like a chickens drumstick, and one like a square drumstick (also questionable). I guess they're there for those dire situations when your friends really need to know you had a red apple, and not a green one. In that case, what about a yellow apple – Golden Delicious apples still exist you know. And what about your logo, a white apple, to represent your company? This isn't very good cross promotion on your part. You even have a cup of green tea, and a sake container complete with its shot glass. Yet, no taco.

Snowshoeing in Ontario

How often do you see the sun this time of year? No, seriously. While the people on the West Coast are laughing at my question, anyone east of Saskatchewan is seriously considering how to answer. Was it two weeks ago? A month? We don’t get diagnosed with Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) because we want to stay home from work and watch hockey – although, I’m sure this excuse was used during the Winter Games a time or two. In all honesty, in the last few weeks, I have only experienced a full day of sunshine twice. Yesterday was one of them. And today is another. Dare we try for three in a row? I won’t push my luck.

Noting this good fortune on day numero uno of the sunshine, I did what any winter lover would do; I grabbed my camera, two dogs (don’t worry, they’re mine - I didn’t just steal them) and my snowshoes. Together Hunter, my Husky, and Jack, my German shepherd, and I set off for a trek around the mountain. Now, before you think I set out and climbed Mt. Everest yesterday, let me explain. The ‘Mountain’ as the locals call it, is actually more of a giant hill, a flat mount on top of a valley, if you will. Depending on how bold I feel, I even describe this ‘mountain’ as a lookout, because on a clear day you can see all the way to the next city. It is anything but a mountain, says this girl who loves British Columbia mostly for its landscape. But seeing as I don’t permanently live there yet, it is the closest thing to a mountain I have. In reality, and to the non-imaginative locals, it is known as the East Coulson Swamp - yet another reason why I refer to this place by about any other name I can think of. This name leads you to believe that this land is smelly, rotten and just plain unattractive – meanwhile, it is a thing of beauty. Every time I go, I discover something new. It has sneaky trails, creeks, wildlife galore and the list goes on and on. In the summer I regulate this land twice a week, at least. I have even camped on top of the mountain, blatantly going against all the signs wishes (sorry!). It’s my quiet place, and on day one of the sunshine, it was a sight to be seen. 

Day numero duo of sunshine tempted me to go back to my mountain for more winter discovery, but as with all things involved with travel, there are more things waiting to be explored. That being said, I forced myself to go a bit further down the road to wander around part of the old Simcoe County Forest. If you’ve never been and you’re an outdoor adventurist, you best be packing your bags. Mountain bikers from all over come here in the summer to ride its vastly growing number of trails – all of which make great cross country ski and snowshoe trails in the winter. I will admit, even as a local I still get lost in its winding map of pathways, but whenever I go somewhere it’s like this. I’m happy to say I did make it out alive, even if I did get turned around a couple times – thank god those mountain bikers colour-code their trails on the trees is all I have to say.

Today’s snowshoe was a bit on the chillier side, so my picture creativity was lacking due in fact to the fear that my fingers would freeze and fall off. With a wind chill of -29 even the sunshine doesn’t take the Jack Frost nip from your nose, but I’m not complaining.

As I write this cozily sitting on my couch with a cup of tea, the sun has set. Do I dare ask that it return tomorrow?  

I'm a hopeless romantic...

I don’t know about you, but I’m over the commercialized Valentine’s Day crap gifts. But before I choke on heart candies, and die surrounded with teddy bears holding hearts and a chocolate mustache, there is one thing I love about this day – all the love. I blame social media for our lack of human interaction and the fact that nothing is a secret anymore. But Valentine’s Day, that is the one day you share between you and the one you love -  after your Facebook status update, of course. But when you cut out all the commercial crap, what’s left for a gift? AH – don’t freak out! All of these suggestions are easy to incorporate into your last minute Valentine's Day plans – because, let's be honest, the only people who have time to pine over every detail of this romantic day are tweeny high school girls and Nicholas Sparks.

Time for Two

That’s right – not every V-day plan has to start with lux gifts, involve champagne and end with a $200 dinner bill. I know a couple that practically go bankrupt buying gifts for one another at every special occasion, and you wanna know what I’ve learned? Couples who spend more on flashy gifts and post them on facebook are superficial, and in a relationship for all the wrong reasons. It’s probably not scientific, but hey – it’s something I’ve picked up on. So, spend some quality time together this Valentine’s Day, gift-free. Draw a bubble bath pour deux, light some candles and pour some rose. Grab the hats and mittens and go for an ice skate under the stars – bring some hot chocolate to warm you up, or better yet, warm up each other. Even something as simple as cooking a nice meal together will be sure to provide you memories that will last longer than any tacky, superficial gift. It’s a day about love after all, you might as utilize it because the other 364 days are long ones.

Write a Love Letter

Awe, oui! – nothing speaks true romance like a love letter. It is something you can cherish forever, read a million times and if it's done right, it's the only gift they'll boast about. And even though it doesn't cost a cent, it goes miles in terms of the love you feel for your significant other. My advice – don't complicate it. Words work best when they come from the heart. We know you're not Lord Byron or Ludwig so just go with what you've got. As a writer, here are some tips that will help you write the best love letter you've ever read.

Answer these questions: How does she make you feel? How do you see him/her in your future? What do you like/love most about him/her?

Try incorporating these things in: a moment/time/memory that you cherish the most with him/her. And this is where my advice comes in; don't complicate it. It doesn't have to be a big moment of a trip, in fact, the smaller the better. Remember the saying 'It's the little things that count'. Perhaps it was a time you laid in bed for hours on a Saturday morning watching funny YouTube videos, or the time you took a walk through the park on a snowy afternoon...as long as its something you cherish, tell him/her about it. Tell them why you think of this moment, and tell them something that this moment made you realize about him/her.

Really drawing a blank when it comes to the memory­ part? Let them know of a song that makes you think of him/her and write out a few lines that really nail it home for that thought.

As long as it's hand­written and not typed, it's going to be the best thing they've ever received. Love letters are all about the time you took to make your thoughts and feelings for your significant other come true on an otherwise plain piece of paper. It's a true art.

Simple Set­up

It's not all about rose pedal trails leading to a bed with impossibly crisp, clean white linens. Sure, while we appreciate seeing this 'commercial' scene in our favourite movie, it's pretty much off our check­list unless its our honeymoon. My advice – don't try to be outrageous.

Planning a night in? Make the space a little bit more romantic!

Set up some candles to have in the background, lay out the blanket, set up a bottle of wine, two glasses and some dark chocolate to nibble on (it's like an at home wine tasting, paired with a chocolate aphrodisiac!). Just because your plans are simple, doesn't mean you don't have to put any effort into them.

Going out? Set out his/her clothes. Or, have something new that you picked up for them to wear (jewellery, panties, perfume) laid out on the dressing table. Hint: Add a little note so they understand it's a cute gift, not a bash at their wardrobe choice! Does she take time putting her makeup on? Bring her a drink to enjoy while she gets all dolled up for you. Does he always warm the car up for you? Leave a little note on the seat.

The truth is, there are several little things that you can do that speak much louder in terms of love than any gift in a store. Get creative, and if all else fails – go to Pinterest!

DIY Coconut Oil Body Scrub

Okay, so I’m a sucker for expensive body scrub as much as the next girl, but with their prices slowly creeping up, my debit card is starting to talk back to me. So, I needed a solution that kept my skin silky smooth [not to mention, gleaming] and my going-out fund in check. Wah-la!

With six ingredients this body scrub not only smells delicious, but it’s very affordable; getting supplies to make 3+ jars only set me back $12.
The Coconut Oil keeps my skin soft and moisturized, which in the Canadian winters and my fair-skinned-burning summers it’s desperately needed. The oats/salt/sugar help rid my body of dry skin and if you’re the tanning type, this same step helps insure you get a deeper tan. And finally, the almond + vanilla extract make it smell incredible enough to eat - but trust me, I've tried it and lets just say,...it's better left a mystery. 

What you’ll need:

Rolled Oats [roughly ½ cup]
Granulated Sugar [roughly ¼ cup]

Kosher Salt [roughly ¼ cup]

Coconut Oil [roughly ½ cup]

Almost Extract + Vanilla Extract [optional]

Jar/Container 

 

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Baby steps

Perhaps it's because I'm more anxious on Sunday's or maybe it's due to my often overload of thoughts, but I always feel the need for an 'out' on the 7th day. Blame it on sadness, loss or just my terrible habit of keeping things to myself - I've had enough. I'm tired of waking up and faking a smile, hiding the tears the prick up at the most inconvenient of times or simply responding incorrectly to your morning 'How are you'. I'm not good. I haven't been for quite sometime now and I'm sorry if I was too afraid to say otherwise. Asking for help is not my strong suit. I can handle things on my own and would argue like a true feminist if you begged to differ. I'm also not a 'whoa is me' preacher as I truly believe and know that people have it worse off than I. Having said that, I'm also aware that what I have been through, my family has been through, in the last little while has won. I'm broken. It feels like an eternity since I've been myself. So long so that I don't know how to get her back. Everything that use to work has failed, everything I think will work does not and everything I have not thought of yet won't come. Even my creative mind has abandoned me. My eyes are forever a word away from shedding a tear and my throat is sore from clenching them back. Tylenol is now my drug of choice in hopes it will cure my constant aching head - it does not. I head to bed early in hopes of making the sadness of nighttime disappear but am far too often woken by daunting, daunting nightmares. My days are spent craving the sleep I now lack and before I know it the circle starts again. I could go on for hours, but out of everything that has happened, I still lack the selfishness to dump this on an innocent by-stander. If I could however, it would be in a package that says 'handle with care', it would be broken up into small boxes as to not overwhelm just one single person and it would be most certainly delivered at the weeks end.