Living the Dream...: Thursday and Friday, July 18 and 19, 2019 (Qualicum First Nations Campround, Qualicum Bay, BC)

We had our suitcase packed, along with a backpack and were ready to head down to North Saanich shortly after 10:00. After ensuring everything with the trailer was locked and the water turned off, we hit the road. We are on our way to Steve's youngest brother's wedding in Winnipeg, Manitoba.

After a quick stop in Mill Bay to grab a bite to eat, we continued onto Saanichton and Steve's appointment for a haircut. It didn't take long, and soon we were continuing to Rob and Angie's house. Another wonderful greeting from our grandsons Conner and Bryce...and, of course, Angie!

Shortly after 3:30, I borrowed Angie's car to go into Sidney for my haircut appointment. By the time I got home, Rob was home from work and everyone was out on the deck. After sitting out for a bit, it was time to go inside and put the finishing touches on dinner...they out did themselves again! Delicious roast beef and Yorkshire pudding...

After dinner, Rob, Steve and the boys went outside while Angie and I sat at the kitchen table chatting and doing our nails. Conner, on the left, with his new bike, and Bryce on the right...

Followed by a little archery demonstration...

Friday morning, I was up by 5:00, getting showered before Rob got up for his. After that, it was Steve's turn. Steve's sister, Nadine, and her husband, Mike, arrived just before 6:30...and a few minutes later, the taxi arrived to take us all to the Victoria airport.

We had intentionally gone to the airport early so that we could get checked-in and then have a relaxing breakfast in the restaurant...only to find that it wasn't open yet! So we were left to either Tim Horton's or Starbucks for coffee and a muffin.

Taking off from Victoria International over Saanich Inlet as we head to our first stop in Calgary, Alberta...

The community of Mill Bay across the inlet...

We did a 360 turn back over Saanich Peninsula...Rob and Angie's place is located by the white mark on the left, and the airport is the white mark on the right...

Salt Spring Island in the distance, Rob and Angie's place again...the white mark...

The Gulf Islands...scraped out by glaciers...

Leaving the Rocky Mountains in Alberta...

The Foot Hills between the Rockies and Calgary...

Over Glenmore Reservoir as we near Calgary, AB...

I had requested assistance at the airports...why not take advantage of being wheeled around rather than putting undue stress on my already sore knee? And I must say, I felt like a princess being wheeled around everywhere! Besides, you get early boarding onto the aircraft! Here we are in the Calgary airport...Nadine is pushing me...

After just over an hour layover, we were on our way to our destination...arriving at Winnipeg, Manitoba...

The Westjet Airlines flight arrived on time, just before 2:00. For those not familiar with Canada, this map will give you an idea of the distance we flew...from Victoria International Airport...to Calgary...to Winnipeg International Airport...

We retrieved our suitcase and headed to the exit. I had called the Four Points by Sheraton a couple of days ago to confirm a shuttle to the hotel, and was told that they do have a shuttle but the hotel is only a 1 to 2 minute walk. And sure enough, we exited the airport to find the Grand Hotel...and the walkway through it to the Four Points Sheraton. Perfect!

After checking in, we made arrangements to meet back down in the bar just off the lobby...and went up to our rooms to unpack and freshen up. Let the fun begin! Left to right...me, Nadine, Mike and Steve...

A little while later, Steve's uncle and aunt, Gordon and Esther, arrived...joining us for a drink and dinner...(unfortunately the waiter wasn't very good at getting us all in the picture LOL!) Left to right around the table...me, Steve, Gord, Esther, Mike and Nadine...

After drinks and dinner, the wedding couple, Steve and Nadine's youngest brother, Dave, and his bride to be, Kerry, came to pick Steve and I up...Mike and Nadine went with Gordon and Esther. We all headed over to Kerry's sister's (Tara) house for a little pre-wedding gathering. Uncle Gord talking to Kerry's dad Don...

Gordon, Dave (groom), Esther, and Kerry (bride). Some of you may recall that the four of us had a fabulous time fishing last summer at Dave and Kerry's camp at Reed Lake last summer...