I Think I’m Fallin’ For You

October 12, 2016October 12, 2016Leave a comment

Well, well, well. Here we are. Two weeks shy of our six month anniversary of our Australian hiatus and we’re packing our backpacks to head back home (only for two and a half weeks!).

Yesterday was Canadian thanksgiving, but also the last official day the bike park was open and therefore the last day of the summer season! It was quite fitting for those two things to fall on the same day (ha, Fall – geddit?). It was quite a day of reflection and to feel thankful for this incredible place. I’m feeling so full of joy looking back on our first Canadian summer.

The last few weeks in particular have been a dream, from conquering my goals in the bike park;

to walking into work everyday with a huge smile on my face;

to having Alistair’s girlfriend Ellen visit, having a ball with her and hitting up the train wreck hike again (it doesn’t get old!);

to watching Fall officially hit Whistler, with trees changing into the most vibrant of colours;

and seeing the first snowfall of the season!!!

We’ve also spent a small fortune on winter gear, snowboards and ALL THE LAYERS. I’m getting so pumped for winter and what this new season will bring for us.
But first, to head home and celebrate the wedding of two very dear friends! Can’t wait to see some familiar faces, eat some fresh food and soak up the last of the sunshine. See you all very soon!!!

Hanbel.
x

P.s. I couldn’t pass up this opportunity to wish my love a very, very happy 29th birthday!
I feel like I’ve said a variation of these words a million times since we left, but my goodness I am one lucky duck. To get to explore so many new places, a new way of life and new experiences everyday with your best friend by your side is a dream come true.

We both thought this move might be a bit of a test for us, and I think it’s safe to say we’ve never been happier – individually and together. Bring on the next year and more incredible moments like these! I love you, you crazy kid. x

The Great Outdoors

September 16, 20161 Comment

This past weekend has probably been the best ever. So, so, so much fun. So much sunshine, so many outdoor activities, so many goals ticked off the list.

And the weather has been absolutely glorious! After the first two week of September washing us out and freezing us to the core, we were convinced we’d be in for a rough Autumn. Mother nature had other ideas though, and blessed us with non-stop sunshine and mid-twenty degree days.

This weekend we had planned for our mate Reuben to come up for a visit. He and Jill (this beautiful married couple) have been living in their van, travelling around BC, climbing rocks like crazy folk. Jill is down in Vancouver at the moment, learning how to become a yoga instructor, so Reuben thought he’d pop by to give mountain biking a red hot go.

One lap of Easy Does It (the basic green run on the mountain) and he was bored, which made Andrew and I SO HAPPY. Reubs rode bmx as a kid and picked up mountain biking so quickly. We managed to tick off a tonne of blue runs, snuck in a black and made it to the garbo zone for a full hour long run. Safe to say he was one happy chappy, and I ticked off so many personal goals that day too. It was by far the best day I’ve had on the bike and I have Andrew to thank for being the perfect balance between coach and riding buddy.

I’d also been out with a work mate a couple of days ago (who snapped the below picture you may have seen on my instagram), and the combination of those two days out means that I’ve now ridden every blue and green run on the mountain – happy days!

The next morning, my legs had seen better days but with a day off together we pushed ourselves to head back up the mountain – without a bike this time. Andrew and I hopped in the gondie as soon as it opened, rode it as far as it would take us and set out on an alpine hike.

We took the Harmony Meadows to High Note to Half Note Trail, which would have been around 10km and took us 2 hours, 40 minutes. We had to cut it short due to Andrew’s riding plans, but I was secretly ecstatic about that.

The hike was stunning, alpine hiking is insane and like nothing I’ve ever experienced before. The thinner air and constant uphills made it challenging, but we made it through and still smiled by the end!

We actually started in the opposite direction to what is recommended (the chairlift to take us to the the proper trail head didn’t run until 11am), so we begun in rough, open conditions, full of loose rocks and mediocre scenery.

I’m glad we got that out of the way though, because as we turned the corner an hour in, we were dumbfounded by the sights.

Photos absolutely do not do it justice, because the views of Cheakamus Lake and surrounding mountains were breathtaking.

A couple of tips for long hikes:

Clif bars are the greatest thing in the world
As is water
Don’t buy that last wine at the bar the night before
Wear sunscreen. FML
Have a good hiking buddy and make fun conversation about all the amazing adventures you’ve already been on
When you start climbing steep hills, stop that conversation immediately
Apologise to your knees for the downhill slopes
High-five at the end because you didn’t die!

With all the riding we’d been smashing out, I’d forgotten how great hikes can be. This weekend definitely showed me how incredible Whister is in the summer, and how many activities there are to fill your spare time.

We finished up the weekend with healthy nachos, plenty of guacamole and beginning season four of Scandal. It was grand!

Very tired, but super content.
Hanbel
x

10 Things That Make Me Terribly Happy About Summer

September 1, 2016Leave a comment

Canadian edition, as my seasons this year have been all over the place. But, nevertheless..

Learning how beautiful lakes are, particularly glacier fed ones.
Riding bikes, all day erry day. Anywhere and everywhere!
Every weekend brings a new event to Whistler, from Crankworx to Wanderlust to the free outdoor concert series
Smoothies and overnight oats for breakfast
Grabbing the most delicious and healthy pad thai from the Farmers Markets
The sun staying up until late, giving us long days to fill with activities
Temperatures never reaching above 32 degrees
Cider and beer on our front porch
Menchies frozen yoghurt (I found a Tutti Frutti replacement, hallelujah!)
Denim shorts and a singlet is considered appropriate attire almost everywhere in town

Thanks for an awesome summer Whistler, looking forward to next year already.
Hanbel
x

Let’s Catch Up

August 23, 2016August 23, 2016Leave a comment

Everyday this place is feeling more like home. We live simpler, cheaper and easier, and I have to admit that I’m loving it!

The last couple of weeks have been busy, any time we’re not at work we’re trying to find something else fun to do. There’s a certain guilt that surrounds free time around here; there’s always a hike to be done, more riding to squeeze in, a new lake to hang out at… and therefore not much time for relaxing.

I think we’re managing a good balance between activities and binge watching Scandal though 😉

Here’s a little peek into our summer…

Lake hangs with Blake and Tash, just after the birthday girl celebrated 24!

Breathing in the summer evening air, watching Jose Gonzalez at a free concert; a bunch of mates and a flask full of whiskey included.

“You take chairlift selfies with your clients all the time, it’s my turn!”

Taking the kids to see the Train Wreck hike, and checking out the new suspension bridge for myself. We have big plans to hike Joffre Lake with these two, as soon as they return from their New York adventure!

Helping Chloe ring in her 19th birthday with incredible sushi and continuous sake shots.

And finally spending a day on Alta Lake with Crina and the generous Keith, who drove and brought kayaks for us all to use. Frolicking around the lake, jumping in for a swim, sun-baking on a pontoon, eating sliced watermelon and giggling with these two created the perfect summer afternoon! We finished up the day meeting Andrew for Crankworx action and even more sushi. If any of you come to Whistler and head to Sushi Village, you have to order the Nicole Roll. It’s not listed on the menu, but it will be the best thing you’ve eaten for a long time.

Life is sweet you guys.
Hanbel.
x

This Week…

August 17, 2016August 17, 2016Leave a comment

I am doing … a lot of work, and a lot of exercise.

I am feeling … tired, but content.

I am craving … a weekend!

I am looking forward to … finally getting to see some of the crankworx action.

I am eating … way too many Purebread leftovers.

I am listening to … Folk & Friends on spotify.

I am watching … Scandal – I’m sooo late to the party, but I cannot get enough Olivia Pope in my life!

I am missing … the girls, always.

I am hating … not being able to get to the bike park.

I am loving … the sunshine in Whistler. This week is heaven on earth, I just need to stop working so much and enjoy it!

I hope you’re all having a lovely week 🙂
Hanbel
x

The World of Hanbel

Working on Living that Dream

Category: canada