Hey,

We just got back from hiking up by the Black Tusk. Wow. There was Warren, Denis, Warren's two Japanese framing students and Ryan, Emily and myself. It's a long 4x4 drive up to the radio tower but we couldn't get all the way as there is too much snow on the 'road' near the top. We had to hike the last click. So we cut cross-country and headed up a 45 degree snow slope. Then we hiked over to the Tusk, crossing many snow fields as well as the fractured rock areas. The rock there is lava that has crystallized and then been shattered by thermal stress.

Our hike took about 4 hours plus the driving time and we got back sunburned from the

Refection off the snow and with wet feet as our running shoes don't keep the snow out very well. Great time. All exhausted.

From up there you can see for a hundred miles, all the way out Howe Sound and across to Vancouver Island. Can't really describe it, you have to see it.

Ryan and Emily had a good week, they were shopping in Vancouver, spent time at Shannon Falls and I climbed the Chief with them. They have hung out 'down town' as well as exploring this area.

I've been eating those blueberries in my back yard, right off the shrub. Very tasty.

Sue was in Vancouver this past week, she will be in Brandon this coming week. The kids are going to take the van and go over to Vancouver Island for several days. There are lots of things there that Ryan has seen and wants to show Emily. I will either have to rent a car or use the bike to commute to Whistler. That's not a bike friendly highway if you have to be some where at a given time.

Think we are going up to Warrens for a barbeque and jam session this evening (Saturday). Should be fun. I'll sleep good tonight.

We are going into Vancouver tomorrow to pick up a headboard that Sue ordered and look at cars. There just hasn't been enough spare time so far to deal with all that stuff. Oh well.

Very sad to hear about Mom's dog, she will miss him.

Later, Doug