Pleased to report we have just enjoyed another long week-end in beautiful British Columbia. Today is BC day and Tumbler Ridge celebrates the long week-end with a music festival – Grizfest (been and got the Tee-shirt). The weekend kicked off with a street parade Saturday morning followed by 2 days of music –Canadian bands both new and old, including newcomer Carley Rae Jepsen (Call me Maybe) performed, as did old timers The Stampeders, Harlequin and Helix. Acid rocker Lee Aaron was also on the bill, but rather tame these days. The show finished with My Darkest Days, but best (in our opinion) was a band originating from Grand Prairie – Emerson Drive. Really worth checking out some of their tracks on iTunes.

Highlight of the weekend for me was getting high Saturday afternoon – that is, I took time out to go on a helicopter flight around Tumbler Ridge to view some of the wilderness areas and waterfalls. It was incredible!!! Now understand the attraction of helicopters. Flying high and suddenly dropping down into valleys and skimming across tree tops, hovering above waterfalls etc. Travelling home we flew below the tree line along the Murray River. What a ride, metres above the rapids and numerous sharp turns as the river meanders upstream towards Tumbler Ridge.

Other highlights this week have included a run (drive) up to Babcock Mountain, near Trend Mine (where I work) for Joan to view the mine and the Boulder Gardens. It was here we spotted our 1st Marmot (see photo). And today we hiked into Tepee falls, about 35klms north of TR. We drove 30klms and walked the last 5klm. Once again a spectacular waterfall and escarpment overlooking the might Murray River. Plenty of bear skat but no wildlife.

Next week off to the Dawson Creek rodeo and covered wagon racing. Until then stay safe and happy.....Peter and Joan