Kamloops Thrive Festival and Revi Again

O'Hara is the greatest. I'd bank on him to rescue me for sure!

They won the BC Provincial Mines Rescue Competition a few weekends ago, which means they're going to Fernie in September. Of course it meant O'Hara had to change his flights back to Australia, but don't worry Aussies it's only a few days less in the Mother Country.

Go Hubby Go!

Since going to Revelstoke we've been taken it pretty easy in the rain. June Gloom exists in Kamloops as well, and I'd be sad if it didn't mean we'll get lovely green grass. Unfortunately it also means we get bazillions of mosquitoes. It's actually out of control. I went for a "walk" at work the other week out in a field and the air was thick with mozzies. I think I was only outside for about 5min, I was running and had RIDIC helicopter arms and still had 9 bites. It was like Jamanji!! When we ran inside the little sh*#s were banging against the window. Probably my worst experience in Canada so far!

Last weekend Kamloops had it's first ever Thrive Festival, which is hopefully going to be an annual arts festival. Unfortunately I don't think enough people knew about it, as it wasn't as busy as I expected. We only really knew about it because work sponsored the event. O'Hara did a sausage and jerky making course and I did a portrait photography course. We both really enjoyed them and would likely do a course again next year! Though O'Hara smelt like meat for hours. It was kinda nasty. Also, now I want a better camera.... These things make me miss Hobart, as Tasmanians seem to be awesome at getting involved with local events.

We've also been growing stuff on our balcony. It's so cool, Chrystal gave us some wild strawberry plants and these things are delish!

Two extremely beautiful things!

We're off the Chicago and Madison this weekend for Connor and Karen's wedding. So excited!! Then the parentals and little brother get here!!!!!!!! AAAHHHHHHHHH!!!! It's the first time any of my family has visited (aside from big bro O'Hara and Leonie). Cannot WAIT!

Yuma and LA is Work and Fun

I got lucky and got to go on a work trip to Yuma, Arizona last week. We had an Environmental Managers Meeting with all the different mines and I did an ISO14001 presentation. It was really fun times, and a great experience for me. It was also incredible to catch up with my old boss from Cobar, and another friend from there who moved to Yuma.

In Yuma we went for dinner at this place called Burgers and Beer. It was about as delicious as you would expect. I had a burger with mushrooms and beer battered chips. WOW. Apparently it's a locally owned "chain" with only a few restaurants around Arizona. The guy has been approached multiple times with offers to franchise but he's kept it local. Respect to that man! I also managed to embarrass myself by crying in front of EVERYONE. The Director of Environment is retiring, and Dennis made a small speech and got everyone around the table to do the same.... I opened my mouth, and that somehow opened the flood gates. I have no control! I owe that man A LOT. He's someone that is super personal, even as a Director. I first met him as a grad, and even though I was a minion he was always willing to listen to my ideas. He also was a major player in getting me to Canada so I'm forever grateful!

Having a cheeky rest by the pool and late night In 'n' Out

Tears aside (4 times on a work trip, too much??), Yuma "The Sunniest Place in the World", Arizona was a pretty cool place to visit. We got to swim in the pool between meetings and in the afternoon and it was awesome to be able to site outside at night for the first time in about 7 months!

After Yuma, Higgo (one of my Australian friends) and I went to LA where I got to catch up with Rachel and Andy. Times like these I am so thankful to be living in North America. I love that I get to see my American friends more regularly!

Santa Monica

Higgo and I did a bike ride along the beach from Santa Monica to just after Venice. I'd never made it that far along as we'd previously left from Manhattan Beach. I miss beachside living when I'm in California. A lot! After the bike we stopped for sparkling and oysters at a rooftop wine bar. It couldn't have been nicer.

Such a good day and night!

After sufficient morning sun, I had a nap on the beach before Rachel and Andy's BBQ. I got to catch up with some of their friends who we've gotten to know over the last few years which was lovely. Also Rachel makes delicious cocktails! They were deadly but amazing and I'm inspired for summer drinks. I'm looking forward to our next visit!!

While the husband works hard, the wife plays

I have the greatest husband in the word, I'm sure none of my non-married friends would disagree. Over the last few months O'Hara has put in hours and hours of overtime to ensure New Afton will actually start making money. A lot of people obviously made this happen but I love O'Hara the most and I'm super proud of him!

YAY to O'Hara and money!!

So what have I been doing while he's slaving away? Fun things. Lots and lots of fun things.

A friend had her hens/bachelorette party on a cruise. To Mexico! It was amazing and I was so lucky to be living in Canada and therefore be able to justify a cheeky trip to LA for the party. It was a 3 nighter and I think we spent ~1hour in Mexico. We ate street tacos and sampled tequila so that was a success. Her family is hilarious and I spent much of my time with stomach pains from laughing too much. This ended in stomach pains from cruise flu, but aside from that was awesome!

The beautiful people I got to cruise with!

My favourite Safety Manager is making the trip down under to Peak, which means we sadly have to say goodbye to him. There was however, a pretty sweet farewell that included teaching my boss to shotgun a beer and Two-Step (no not Tassie Two-Step. It's a real dance).

Who wouldn't want a cake with all your workmates giving you the finger? (Or "fingering you" in Canadian. Dirty bastards)

I spent a Sunday on a lake out at Barriere, on a supposedly cold overcast day that turned out to be a balmy 27 and sunny. A friend at work has a wake boarding boat which I'm pretty jealous of. We cooked up a delicious feast of cheese smokies and spent the day on the water. The lake was pretty much empty as well due to the shitty forecast. Double win!

First time tubing in a long long time. My face says it all

 An interesting side note, the Canadians jumped in the water and hopped straight out saying "ooohh it's a bit brisk in there". I jumped in a floated about for about 10min noting how warm the water was. It appears they don't breed them as tough as they do in Tasmania!

Smokies are a delicious version of hot dog that you cook on a BBQ

Finally, I had a work trip to Blackwater which is a New Gold mine in the exploration stage. It's basically in the middle of nowhere in northern BC. Helicopter or a 4 hour bus trip from Prince George is the only way in. I didn't see a single Moose though which was a bit devastating, but the scenery is beautiful and it's really interesting to see a mine in this stage.


I wouldn't mind commuting so much if this is always how it was!

Unfortunately, I have a 9 hour layover at Prince George airport waiting for my flight home. This is NOT what you want to see when stuck somewhere for 9 hours (this is the only food stop)....

To all the Kenso College kids... it says Eurest down the bottom there

O'Hara is now on a 7/7 roster which means he gets every second week off. Now it's his turn to relax!!