Best.... concert.... EVER....

 

Wow. If I were to die without having seen another live music performance, I would be okay with that. I'm dead serious. Ha ha - bad pun, sorry...

You see, last night, I went to the Fleetwood Mac concert in Calgary. That in itself could almost be "nuff said". But I need to elaborate, because they were freakin' incredible!

I have loved Stevie Nicks, and the rest of the crew as well, for as long as I can remember. "Dreams" was the song that initally hooked me, way back when... I must have been about ten years old when I first heard it... heard that voice... I think it was on their 'Rumours' album? That same summer, I bought one of their LP's at a garage sale and took it home and played it on my silly little Sony record player in my bedroom for hours on end. Truth be known, not much changed for me over the years. Any one of their albums/cassettes/CD's was the go-to music for parties, road trips, or just plain chilling out in my living room.

So imagine my delight, when I heard last fall that they were coming to a city near me! I didn't hesitate to scoop up a couple of front-row tickets and I'm telling you, they were worth every penny!!

I touched Lindsey's guitar!!
Watching him play 'Big Love', up close, was indescribable.

Stevie - she's still definitely got it!

Mick - energetic and crazy as ever!

Best concert EVER!

Lindsey Buckingham is an amazingly passionate musician, and talk about a talented guitar player... I was mesmerized by him the entire time! Stevie Nicks has about the most powerful, beautiful, unique voice in all of music history, and it sounded as fabulous last night, live, as it ever has. That gorgeous woman has not missed a beat. Mick Fleetwood.... he's crazy and has energy like you would not believe... he has GOT to be in the top ten drummers of all time - that man LOVES to play! And John McVie is of course just completely cool on the bass, always has been, always will be. Sadly, Christine was not touring with the group. I think I read somewhere that she has fully retired.

I had a most wickedly great evening, with one of my best friends, and it will be a show that resonates within me for quite some time. I loved it, loved every second of it! Yeah!! I am so darn fortunate!!

Me and one of my besties, IN THE FRONT ROW!

Cheers!




Gooseberry!

Few things can beat spending a gorgeous day, climbing in the Rockies!

Can you guess what route we did?

Kirstin did all the leading....

....and I followed and was the belay bee-otch.... LOL!

Other parties were enjoying the day too!

Most excellent views!

It was so much fun - thanks Kirstin!

Yesterday, we climbed a wickedly fun multi-pitch route up the east side of Tunnel Mountain. Today, we wandered up to a crag along Carrot Creek. Wandered being a very loose term.... we bushwhacked a bit, and had a couple of interesting creek crossings.... but it was an awesome day and I loved going somewhere new!

We may or may not have been in a closed area?! Ooops!



Checking out the guidebook - mostly 11's and 12's!! Eeek!

 

Will was the ropegun! Yay Will!

Random tiny pinecone.

Back to the car in the rain....

The sun disappeared by about 3pm, and it started to sprinkle - perfect timing for the walk out. It didn't matter though, because the company was great and it was fabulous just to be outside.

It's back to the grind tomorrow for a few days, but next weekend, I'm hoping for more of the same! Did I mention yet today, how much I heart the mountains? Well I do! Yeah!

Cheers!

Shakakan!

Dear Brent:

Wow.

Two years have gone by, in what seems like the blink of an eye. You were with us.... and then you were not. Things changed forever, in a heartbeat.

I think you know this, but you are forever loved and are missed dearly, every day..... Your amazing aura and energy are felt everywhere, always. I know you are watching over us and are laughing and dancing with us, in spirit.

Shakakan Brother!! Shakakan.

xxoo
Cheryle

So grateful!

Wow! I have so much great stuff to look forward to, not only throughout this upcoming summer, but into next winter, and for sure the following spring as well. Exciting times are ahead!

And, to start it all off, I got me some new hiking boots..... Mmmmm, I do love gear!!



In just a few short months, these puppies are going to take me from sea to sky! Actually, it will be the other way around.... I'm starting in a northern mountain range and finishing up along the Pacific ocean - trekking the Tombstones, followed by rocking the West Coast Trail. August and September are going to be wicked!!

The yummy Yukon!

 

Some West Coast wonderful!

Seriously, I have to step back sometimes and pinch myself and give my head a shake. I am incredibly fortunate, and not a day goes by that I don't recognize and remind myself of that! Look where I live, and look what I get to enjoy on a regular basis!

West End of Rundle - from Tunnel Mtn

One of my bestest friends!! Luv ya Tonska!!

I appreciate and have learned so much from everything I've experienced in my life. I live with no regrets, and I can't envision that changing, ever. As William Wallace (Braveheart) once said: "Every man dies, but not every man really lives."  True story! I need to go to my grave feeling as though I've really lived.

Now, on a completely unrelated note..... this group does an amazing rendition of Gotye's recent hit song. Check it out!




Cheers!

Back for more....

Another day of snowboarding.... and another day of fun was had by all! We went to Lake Louise today, and it was fantastic - everybody left the hill with a smile!

I think she likes it!

Definitely getting the hang of it!

I even got some new duds.... so now I have no excuse! LOL!

Kokanee Cabin - après boarding! 

Too bad the season is almost over - however, I had a great winter and will definitely be trying this snowboarding thing again next year!

Cheers!



Let's try this again....

Oy, oy, oy..... My last experience on a snowboard was not a pretty one.... I ended the day by dragging my carcass off the hill, feeling like somebody worked me over with a Louisville Slugger! Today however, went much much better.... so much better in fact, that I'm going to board again tomorrow!

We took a lesson this morning, and it was super fun! Our instructor was a very cool young fellow named Ryan, and we had lots of laughs. By the end of it, we had acquired some skills and definitely gained confidence - Lindsay especially! She picked it up incredibly quick and can't wait to go back!

Looking good Lindsay!

Havin' fun!

Pro-snowboarder in the making!

Right now it is a toss-up whether we head to Lake Louise or just go back to Sunshine tomorrow, since the snow is so amazing there and the forecast is looking darn fine. No matter where we end up though, it will be a good time! Yeah!

Cheers!

Crater-mania!

Oh, yeah baby! Haleakala is as gorgeous as I remember, and it is definitely my favorite place on Maui. I love everything about it - the colors, the geology, the vastness, being up high, the views, the smells, the history....

Haleakala is over 10,000 feet ASL!

Government observatory

Surreal landscape!

Amazing!

Driving from sea level to 10,000 feet is very cool... the switch-backy road is super fun (at least it is when you're the driver!). and the sights are unbeatable. The variety seen in the landscape in such a short distance is incredible.

After spending the better part of the day touring to and around Haleakala, we chilled in Paia and I enjoyed (in a sad way) my last Maui rum. Then it was off to the airport to catch the red-eye home.

And..... POOF! Another fabulous vacation comes to an end. However, all that really means, is that it's high time to plan the next adventure!

Cheers!