We came HOME last night (yes, big letters). The trip to Germany was fun and it was good to see family and friends, but the thing that we call life happens here in Canada, and we are thankful for having the option to chose between two great places to live.
This time we flew from Duesseldorf to Amsterdam to Seattle and drove back to Vancouver. All in all fairly uneventful except for the long line-up at US immigration. Having traveled all over Europe without ever showing my passport, it never ceases to irritate me when the authorities request to take my picture and finger prints every friggin' time I cross the border. Come on, I haven't changed in ten days... Since it usually doesn't serve the process to start arguing with a customs officer I went opportunistic and kept my mouth shut (with a 'but...' on my tongue and a forever digitized 'whatever-look' on my face).
Today I was waiting for the frost covered roads to thaw up but the shadows never left the streets, hence my bike had to stay indoors.
It was foggy with temperatures around minus 3C (26F), so decided to go out for a stroll in the fields and meadows instead.
The hoar frost re-sculptured trees and branches, and made for a slippery walk on the dykes.
Towards noon the fog gave way to Mrs Sun and Mr Blue Sky. Canada has a lot of beautiful places but every time I am in 'my' meadows I feel the most connected to this land.
The ever present Mt. Baker is calling me over for a visit, but this beautiful piece of geomorphology is located in the States and has to wait until I am ready to have my picture taken... again!
Why aren't there more songs and poems about Canadian landscapes?
Even a simple point and shoot camera can create pictures like paintings from this.
The road doesn't show but it is covered with frost from the receding fog.
Icicles hanging from the trees reflect the sunlight.
Pitt Lake landing is abandoned. Although the lake is open there is no boat to be seen.
The bog is in winter mode, frozen solid and waiting for better times to come.
A good walk in familiar places is a great energizer after a long journey. Life is good!
Keep sMiling.
Welcome home!! Nothing quite like your own kitchen, bed, bath and garage (with Nella nestled inside). The pictures from your walk are fantastic!! You captured some real beauty. Happy New Year! -Lori
ReplyDeleteBeautiful!
ReplyDeleteI'm glad you are HOME safe.
~Keith
Fabulous pictures!
ReplyDeleteIt's good to be home isn't it? I really liked the shot of the receding fog.
ReplyDeletedom
Colorado Motorcycle Travel Examiner
Redleg's Rides
Great pics, well done. And welcome home!
ReplyDeleteSonjaM:
ReplyDeletewelcome home. Trust you had a good visit with family and friends. I love that mist with road photo. We have had brunch at Swan-e-set before and we didn't have to be a member, unless things have changed. Perhaps you should check it out and have a meal there.
bob
bobskoot: wet coast scootin
Thanks y'all. It is so good to be back ;-)
ReplyDeleteThose are really nice photos. I especially like the ones showing the frost and ice on the trees. Even though we seem to have a lot of snow and ice around here, I have never tired of seeing it show up on the trees like that.
ReplyDeleteAnd welcome home! I thought you didn't need to have a passport to enter Canada...
Richard
Welcome home. Even if you return to find cold outside it's nice to be in one's own chair...
ReplyDeleteHappy New Year.....better late than never! Great pics, I thin kCanada is very much like NZ, can be just beautiful at times. Only been there once but when ever I see some of your pics they remind me of around here.
ReplyDeleteAwesome photos Sonja. Many happy days of riding to you in 2011.
ReplyDelete@RichardM: Entry to Canada is easy, I only need the PR card, but we came through Seattle and that means US customs clearance.
ReplyDelete@ Raftnn: The impression I got from NZ is that is it a Mini-Me of Canada ;-)
@Troubairitz: Will see what I can do about increasing my mileage in 2011...
Home is always a good place to return to. Never been to Canada but, you photos sure increases my desire to visit.
ReplyDeleteGlad you're home safe and sound. Its nice to be away but there is something sweet about walking in your own front door after you've been gone for a while.
ReplyDeleteWhat a beautiful collection of pics, Sonja! Some of them don't even look real. Great stuff.
Thanks for sharing your view of the frosty left coast :)
Welcome back!
ReplyDeleteBeautiful pictures of a lovely day, even if Nella had to stay home. I love the muted colors on a cold winter day.