Skutz Falls, Horseshoe Bend, December 14, 2019

 This section of the Cowichan Valley Trail and The Great Trail is a go-to for me and Ann.  It's a good distance with interesting terrain and it's along the river. This was my first trip out there and I fell in love.

Holt Creek, December 7, 2019

 Ann and I had been swimming regularly and really enjoying it.  Then I had to have some periodontal work done and swimming was off the list for a month.  So I suggested to Ann that we could do a few hikes.  A year later, it is our passion to be out in the woods and finding new and beautiful locations.

Located in Glenora in the Cowichan Valley, the Holt Creek Loop is a favourite.  This was my first time on this path with my wonderful hiking buddy, Ann.  5.6km

This bridge washed out over the winter. This photo is the only time we were able to cross it.

A favourite landmark, the tree roots.  

Rowing St. Petersburg 2019

In 2019, I had a long summer in front of me and no real plans, so I made a snap decision to sign up for a rowing tour to St. Petersburg, Russia.  Arranging passports and travel was a whirlwind - I was sure my visa wouldn't get to me in time. Everything worked out just fine, and I took off for Amsterdam at the beginning of August.  After three days solo in Amsterdam, I met up with my crew in Russia. Each day we rowed on a different section of the canals of St. Petersburg and the Neva River.  Our final day was spent in the country on the Volkov River - a real contrast to the big city.

Long days of rowing 20+km a day and then site seeing by foot in the afternoon led to really great nights of sleep and wonderful memories.  My new friends from Britain, Australia, Sweden, and Russia jumped into coastal quads and rowed through what may be the most scenic city I've been to.  Amazing.

I highly recommend Rowing the World.  Ruth is a fantastic organizer and offers well-researched trips with expert guides.

On the Fontanka with St. Isaac's cupola in the background.

On the Volkov.