starting another year

yesterday, i cashed in one of my birthday presents.

a day hike at east sooke park on vancouver island's west coast.

it had been a weekend full of little celebrations already

but this day was my favourite.

we got up early and were at the trail head by 9 am.

the early start was possible because we let our two sleeping teens slumber on 

(they were up waaaay too late with friends the night before)

the trail was rigorous (lots of hills and uneven pathways)

but we have done this one a thousand times before so we knew what we were up against.

 the most exciting part of the morning were the orcas...

yes, yes, yes...a pod of five (with their blow holes and all)

 came swimming through the strait,

just to make our day!!!

i tried to snap a shot but i was too much in awe of the moment (sorry...)

with all the orca excitement, 

it took us under two hours to make it to beechy head summit

but just over an hour to get back to the car.

yup....a spectacular start to another year of life !!!

wishing you all a wonderful start to your week...

erica

xoxo