Saturday, February 13, 2010

hike to the top



This morning we(the parent Perrets)headed to the top of the tallest geographical feature of our region..a big bump in the dirt behind us, Mt. Coolum. It is 200 some meters tall, which correlates to 673 feet. Not a really big mountain, so no packing of provisions required. We heard/read that the hike takes from 30 min to 2 hours. Promptly at 6:30 am we were out the door on our way to the trailhead. Shortly on our way up the trail we became aware we were providing brekkie for thousands of resident mozzies. We didn't have any bug spray/goo/anything but then it would have dripped off us within a few minutes as it was nearly 80 degrees already. The sign said the area was home to the peregrine falcon but the species we saw the most of was homo sapiens. All our fellow hikers were also doing the mozzie dance, which comes down to keep moving or get devoured. The view from the top was fabulous, don't you agree? It was about 30 min to the trail head and 30 min to the top so we were back home in the pool by 8:30. That part felt superb!

Friday morning I was delighted to find a yoga class in my neighborhood. Our excellent yoga instructor at the gym teaches a class at a private home just down the street from us so I was there and Tom is going to come along next week. It was incredible.... 90 minutes of yoga on the veranda, overlooking the wooded front yard, incense and music. A bush turkey foraged nearby. This is my kind of yoga! Sumptuous! I don't plan to miss any of these sessions.

Eli's first soccer practice was Friday, and he came away all smiles and said it was "perfect." He really likes the coach, and feels he is in the middle of the team in terms of ability. Looks like he will get to play goalie and he's happy about that. Around here they actually realize people are going to come watch the games so there are bleachers right next to the field!!! Isn't that an interesting concept? As a bonus the stands are shaded, protection from the sun and the frequent downpours. Yahoo. We will be watching a lot of soccer as the season last until August and then is seems like school soccer may happen after that, but we're a little vague about how that works. He continues to amaze us with his veritable lankiness, and height,he has passed me up now. Yesterday his surfboard crashed into his leg left a honkin' bruise. (didn't knock any of the teen angst out of him though,darn)

Mel is enjoying her cooking class in addition to all the music and dance she is filling her days with. We attempted to get pointe shoes yesterday but didn't come home with them as they have been ordered instead. She made some lovely bruschetta using the basil on the deck a few days ago. She has been surfing on thursdays with all the international students and even as a beginner she is doing great! Being in the ocean without a wetsuit is surely one of the umpteen joys of being in this part of the world.

As promised here is the link with some photos around our place. We'll try to add some every few weeks. g'day mates, good on ya for readin' the blog, and no worries...

http://picasaweb.google.com/TOMARCATA

8 comments:

  1. Hi Stephanie, Hey, Thanks so much for the wonderful friend card I received in the mail. It really was a pick me up during the move. I am loving the blog! Your great at it Steph. Hi Tom! Hi Eli and Melisa. What adventurers! I wanted to give you my new address (although its easier to email) 122 12th St #A, Arcata, Ca 95521 Keep away from those mozzies! Love, Leslie, Izzy and Alina

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  2. thanks leslie.......
    I wish you well as you transition. I can't imagine the all the emotions you must have. stay strong, you a a fabulous friend and nurse and mom and PERSON...know that you have a circle of support to get you through.
    s

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  3. Your little hike sounded terrific. I do like that kind ....hike for an hour and then by 8:30 you are in the pool! Works for me! Are you watching the winter Olympics there?
    What a concept, surfboarding with no wet suit!

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  4. Hi Steph,


    Lovely, lovely place you found there!


    You see whales from your veranda?


    House looks cool & comfortable. Bet it is also nice moving into a place without all the years of accumulated stuff. Melissa enjoying that spacious room?
    So are the kids hopping the bus to all their various activities or do you still chauffeur some? Good transportation there?

    Glad everything going so well for you all. You seem to have really settled in though just a month there! Is time going slower for you? Still flies by here.

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  5. LOVED THIS MORNINGS (AT LEAST THAT'S WHEN I'M READING IT) POST! THE PICTURES ARE GREAT AND MAKES US VERY ANXIOUS TO COME TO SEE YOU ALL.
    BY THE BY - HAPPY VALENTINES DAY TO ALL OF YOU. WE LOVE YOU.
    MOM AND DAD

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  6. I can't tell you how much I am enjoying your blogs. When I read them, I am there...you really make it come alive...actually, I really wish I was there. It sounds so fantastic. I'm so glad the kids are settling in so well.

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  7. >Steph,

    I haven't written to you yet but I've been reading your blogs and enjoying
    your trip vicariously! We have been busy and time as usual is flying by.

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  8. It really pours there when the rains come. You are having a grand time. So glad you did it. We are having a delightful day, sunny and warm. Happy oz.

    Alex

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