Wordless Wednesday: Tide Pools at Botanical Beach

New to Me: Other Lives, Mind the Gap [EP]

I finally got around to downloading Other Lives' latest offering, their four song EP titled, Mind the Gap, last week. The EP includes three new songs, "Take Us Alive", "Dead Can" and "Dust Bowl" and a version of "Tamer Animals" remixed by Atoms for Peace (Thom Yorke/Flea/Nigel Godrich), all for the cost of a coffee and doughnut.

Other Lives have been one of my favourite bands since I first heard their debut self-titled album, released in 2009, and this EP just helps drive that point home. In particular, the opener, "Take Us Alive", has all the winning ingredients that make their songs so endearing and unique - rich orchestration, dramatic percussion, lots of layers.

It's a mystery why I've waited so long to purchase Mind the Gap - my only guess is that I've been so wrapped up in Other Lives' last full length release, Tamer Animals, that I simply didn't expect there could be more. I'm glad the band has taken the time to put out a little something in advance of their next album, it's been a great addition to my collection and is already in heavy rotation on my playlists.

P.S. I've only had the chance to catch Other Lives in concert once and they sounded just as amazing live as they do on their recorded albums. I'd highly recommend taking in one of their live shows, if you ever get the chance.

Wordless Wednesday: My favourite park bench

SXSW 2013: Day 2

Just wanted to share a couple of pics that I snapped on day 2 at SXSW. Though they might seem somewhat disparate, I think they both reflect the atmosphere that makes SX a second-to-none festival.

I started off the day with Tim Berners-Lee's presentation on Open Web. I was surprised by the number of "Who is Tim Berners-Lee?" inquiries I heard in the lineup going into the presentation. For those who don't know, Berners-Lee is credited with being the inventor of the World Wide Web. You can find my live tweets from his session below. The man talks a mile a minute and every sentence was packed with 2-3 points that I might consider to be the most profound thing I've ever heard.

At the end of the day I came across this fun little scene on Sixth near the conference center (pic below). The sun was setting, the day sessions were winding down, and the parties were just getting started. These dancers and their zombie marching band were wandering up and down the streets getting everyone riled up for the fun night ahead.

SXSW 2013, Day 1

I spent most of the day settling in and getting oriented but I managed to fit in 3 sessions: Bre Pettis (of MakerBot) unveiled his company's new product, the Digitizer, during his opening remarks of the festival; Poynter's presentation on their recent study of news-reading habits of tablet users included some useful insights; and I picked up lots of helpful tips in the Google and Bing session on improving search ranking.

SXSWi 2013 is off to a great start. Though the festival gets bigger every year, the organizers seem to do a bang-up job of making sure things run more smoothly than they did the last time around.

SXSWi 2013 got off to a great start, despite the uncooperative weather.

Wordless Wednesday: Hiking the Arbutus Ridge Trail

Farewell to My Old Backpack

Me (on the left) and my backpack
with friends in Switzerland

I purchased my old backpack with Christmas money I received the year I flew to Europe on a one way ticket with a loose plan to maybe return to Canada in time to go to university in the fall (that was the story I told my parents, anyway).

Money was tight and I had a lot of gear to purchase, so I went for a cheap and cheerful 45L MEC backpack that set me back $42, plus shipping and handling. I entrusted all of my worldly possessions to that backpack. It held everything I needed for a motorcycle trip to the North Cape in Norway, a 3-day hitchhiking journey across Holland, Germany and Denmark, and a hike in the Alps, to name a few of the adventures we enjoyed together.

When I finally made my way back home a year-and-a-half later, I was pleased to find that my trusty backpack had not only held up well, but that it seemed to be ready for more.

Here's a selection of trips I've taken with my backpack since I returned from Europe:

1. Ontario to BC road trip and camping (via the I90)


2. Backpacking in Guatemala and the Yucatan


3. Bruce Peninsula National Park


4. Kouchibouguac National Park/Fundy National Park


5. Canoe trip, Lake Superior Provincial Park/Pukaskwa National Park


6. 46 km in Gros Morne National Park


7. 52 km, Copacabana to Yampupata/Isla Del Sol, Bolivia


8. 46 km on the Juan de Fuca


9. 72 km on the North Coast Trail


10. Summiting Mount Albert Edward, Strathcona Provincial Park

Me and my backpack on the North Coast Trail, Vancouver Island
(with the best looking guy on the Island)

Call me sentimental, but after 20 years of traveling with the same backpack it didn't seem right to retire that old backpack without acknowledging that it was probably the best $42 I've ever spent. This past Christmas I asked Santa for a brand new backpack--the same make and model as it's predecessor, which this year cost $79 (on sale). Looking forward to all the places we'll go to together!

Wordless Wednesday: Arbutus Trail

I Heart Winter Camping

Trip details: One night on the Forbidden Plateau

Day 1: Paradise Meadows trailhead to Lake Helen McKenzie
Day 2: Helen McKenzie to the ranger cabin near Hairtrigger Lake and return to trailhead

Location: Strathcona Provincial Park, Vancouver Island, BC

A few of the things I packed for our
winter overnighter on the Forbidden Plateau

Last weekend we spent a night winter camping on the Forbidden Plateau in Strathcona Provincial Park. When I told my sister about our experience she feigned interest for a few minutes, politely inquiring after a few small details, before finally asking the question that was obviously foremost in her mind, "You don't actually enjoy doing that stuff do you?"

Well, yes, I do enjoy winter camping.

I enjoy it because every winter camping trip I've been on has been a great learning experience. I always pick up a few tips that I can file away for future camping excursions,  cold or fair-weather. I enjoy it because the trails are quiet and we usually have the campground all to ourselves. I enjoy it because at the end of even short, overnight trips I feel like I've accomplished something epic and significant.

Winter camping isn't for everyone, and it's not without its hardships and challenges, but it's definitely one of the most rewarding outdoor experiences there are to be had. If you live on Vancouver Island, or happen to be in the neighbourhood, and are a confident and experienced camper, I'd highly recommend an overnight trip out on the Forbidden Plateau. You won't be disappointed!

View from the Paradise Meadows trailhead

More information about winter camping:

• Outdoor Action Guide to Winter Camping, Rick Curtis


• Winter Camping in Canada, Discover Canadian Outdoors


• Winter Camping, ClubTread, Stephen Sharp

Wordless Wednesday: Squally Reach in Gowlland Tod

Concert Review: Patrick Watson at Alix Goolden Hall - 14/11/12

Before attending last night's Patrick Watson concert at Alix Goolden Hall, I considered their latest release, Adventures in Your Own Backyard to be a front-runner for my favourite album of 2012. Last night's show sealed the deal and, judging from the comments I heard coming out of the theatre, everyone else in attendance would likely say the same.

As most truly incredible experiences go, it's hard to pick highlights; the entire set was a 90-minute long highlight that I wished would never end. Fittingly, opening numbers included the first five songs off of Adventures - a mesmerizing performance of Lighthouse was a particular standout.  We were also treated to a sweet rendition of Into Giants - slightly interrupted by a fits of laughter from the band who struggled to maneuver out of each other's way as they as they performed the piece around a single microphone in a cramped space at the front of the stage.

A neat extended version of Luscious Life was one of my favourite moments - partially because it was one of the songs I was hoping we'd hear. Somewhat surprisingly, Watson also lead the audience in the obligatory sing-along offering. The results were as you might expect. When someone of Patrick Watson's artistic caliber commands you to sing along on one of his best-known songs - in this case, Big Bird in a Small Cage - you might hesitate at first but, once you realize that he's actually serious, you take a leap and give it your all.

The real "pinch me I think I'm dreaming" moment came during the encore. The band performed Cinematic Orchestra's To Build a Home, the original recording of which featured Watson on vocals. If you're familiar with it you'll know it's an epic, emotional roller coaster of a song and it lost none of its hypnotizing drama in a haunting stripped-down rendition.

After the crowd's second standing ovation we were all left wanting more. Remembering the experience now, I believe that had it gone on forever it still wouldn't have been enough. Check out one of their live concerts and you'll see what I mean.

Halloween Playlist for Everday Listening

Every holiday seems to have it's list of if-I-never-hear-this-song-again-it-will-be-too-soon musical "favourites" and Halloween is no exception. "The Monster Mash" makes me cringe, but not in a good way, and I really don't want to listen to "Thriller" again. That said, I thought I'd put together a playlist of songs I currently enjoy listening to that fit the Halloween theme. I also included a few creepy oldies that I expect won't be in any danger of being overplayed by your local classic rock radio station.

Vampire, Pink Mountaintops
Outside Love, 2009

On first listen, Pink Mountaintops' music comes across as light and fun, but don't be fooled. The more familiar you get with their brand of dreamy psychedelia, the more you might start to perceive a discreet twisted quality lurking beneath the surface. Sweet but sinister lyrics drive the point home, "So kiss me, please kiss me...I'm done turning blue."

Additional Halloween bonus: the person who made this video synched the music with clips from the awesome Swedish horror flick, "Let the Right One In".



Mother Mother, Ghosting
O My Heart, 2008

This might be the one song on this list that doesn't quite belong. Yes, it's about a ghost in love with a living person, but he's just too well-adjusted. He's finished with the poltergeist parlor tricks most other ghosts play in order to get noticed. He's getting rid of his sheet and demanding that his love interest recognize him for what he is! Lack of creepiness aside, "Ghosting" is my favourite song from "O My Heart" and always worth a listen.



Bloodflow, Smog
Dongs of Sevotion, 2000

When it comes to being wryly disturbing, Bill Callahan takes the cake. I've noticed many reviews describe his music as vulnerable and melancholy. Really? I mean, I get the warm and intimate quality of his unadorned vocal stylings but doesn't that closeness come across as seeming a little too hot under the collar and bordering on claustrophobic when he starts singing things like, "No time for a tete-a-tete/Can I borrow your machete?"



Ma Meeshka Mow Skwoz, Mr. Bungle
Disco Valonte, 1995

There are some creepy doozies on this list, but this is the creepiest of them all. It starts out on a tame enough note with a retro, Ed Wood-inspired prelude that quickly spirals into madness. We're treated to a Tom and Jerry pandemonium-tinged hook, a manic wild west showdown theme, weird scatting in a made-up language that sounds kinda German and kinda demonic, and a freaky 'gotcha!' fade-out that makes you wonder if the nightmare will ever end. It's fun to listen to, but whatever state of mind Mike Patton was in when he wrote this song, I don't ever want to go there.



Bela Lugosi's Dead, Bauhaus
1979

This is the one song that often makes an appearance on cheesy Halloween playlists that I will make an exception for. After all, this list could use a good dance song. It may not have a catchy beat but I really did enjoy dancing to it back in the day. Going by the release date that was 30 years ago. Now that's scary!



What Halloween themed faves are you listening to these days?

2012 New Music Finds

My Cynic's New Year test press by Horse Feathers. Signed!

I've always been a bit of a music addict. Lately I've been buying a couple of albums a month...okay maybe more than a couple of albums. What can I say? 2012 has been a great year for music.

Of the albums I've purchased so far this year, these are the ones that have made it into heavy rotation in my playlists.

"Lonesome Dreams" by Lord Huron
Released October 9, 2012

"Lonesome Dreams" is the first full-length release by this L.A. based band and I LOVE it. Like many of the new bands I've become interested in over the past couple of years, Lord Huron's music is lush and layered with dreamy harmonies and infectious rhythms.

Note: If you're going to look into this one, I'd also highly recommend their previous two EPs, especially "Mighty".



"Cynic's New Year" by Horse Feathers
Released April 17, 2012

This is the album I most looked forward to at the beginning of 2012. Horse Feathers' previous release, "Thistled Spring" was my favourite album of 2010 and I anxiously awaited more. In fact, if there's anything that I could possibly criticize about this album, it's that it might have fulfilled my desires a little too perfectly. "Cynic's New Year" is filled with the same beautiful and melancholy, richly orchestrated music found on "Thistled Spring". Well, I'm not tired of it yet.

By the way, I finally had the chance to catch these guys in concert this year at the Rifflandia Festival. It was one of the richest and tightest sounding live performances I've ever experienced. Really now, how easy can it be to make a bowed saw sound fabulous in a live setting?



"Adventures in Your Own Back Yard" by Patrick Watson
Released April 16, 2012

It recently came as a shock to me to learn that not everyone loves Patrick Watson. I mean, what's not to like? His soul-piercing falsetto, or the fact that he doesn't write the kind of music you can 'rock out' to, or that he smokes on stage during performances? Whether or not he is an acquired taste, I have to say this, anyone who likes Patrick Watson is a friend of mine.

"Adventures in Your Own Back Yard" is a wonderful album. Every song is stamped with that characteristic gorgeous and graceful je ne sais quoi and yet every song is uniquely its own. It's the current front-runner for my favourite album of 2012.



"The End of That" by Plants and Animals
Released February 28, 2012

The first time I heard of Plants and Animals, I was watching them open for Grizzly Bear. It was one of those great experiences where I ended up liking the opening act more than the band I'd come to see. Plants and Animals are a solid indie rock outfit that puts on the some of the best live performances to be found these days. Though I expect some would not agree, I think "The End of That" is Plants and Animals' most pop-infused, accessible LP to date.



"Vision" by Grimes
Released January 31, 2012

My boyfriend laughs every time I say, "Montreal is on fire these days", but I don't think anyone would argue with the idea that it really is a hotbed of fantastic music as of late. In case you haven't noticed, of the five bands included in this list, three of them are from Montreal: Patrick Watson, Plants and Animals, and Grimes. Even when it comes to genres of music I don't usually like, I end up enjoying what Montreal has to offer.

Grimes' "Vision" is a perfect example. It's electronic, which isn't a genre I'm usually into, but it's also way more. Grimes' music is creative and fresh in a way that you'll just have to listen to to get an idea of.



If you have any suggestions for other new music I should look into, I'd love to hear them!

My Favourite Places on Vancouver Island: Broken Group Islands, PacificRim National Park

Broken Group Islands by kayak

Trip details:

Route: Port Alberni to Seachart Lodge via the MV Lady Rose

• Day 1: Seachart to Hand Island
• Day 2: Hand Island to Clarke Island
• Day 3: Clarke, Wouwer, Gilbert and Effingham Islands, return to Clarke
• Day 4: Clarke Island to Gibralter Island
• Day 5: Gilbert, Reeks and Nettle Islands, return to Gilbert
• Day 6: Gilbert to Seachart, return to Port Alberni via the MV Lady Rose

Location: Pacific Rim National Park, west coast of Vancouver Island

Trip costs:

• Kayak rental, ferry, ferry kayak transport and park fees, $370 per person
• Food: About $45 per person for 6 days

Our ride to Seachart Lodge:
Frances Barkley Ferry, MV Lady Rose

Our Broken Group Islands kayak trip was one of 3 kayaking overnighters we did around Vancouver Island this summer and was by far my favourite (though, I gotta say, they were all pretty spectacular). We were fairly lucky with the weather, crossed paths with seals, sea lions, otters, eagles and humpback whales, and, with the exception of a couple of slightly choppy channel crossings, encountered ideal paddling conditions.

We spent 6 days and 5 nights in the islands staying one night at Hand Beach, 2 nights at Clarke Island and 2 nights at Gibralter. We also toured by the other 4 campsites in the park. The best campsite we encountered was on the westward facing beach on Clarke Island where the sunsets were beyond description, the water was warm enough for swimming and we enjoyed one night of storm watching and one night of meteor viewing (gobsmacked, I tell you!)

Broken Group Island Tips

• We didn't come across any water sources in the park, though we did hear of a possible water source on Benson Island. We brought 4L of water per person per day (about 25L per person for 6 days in total) and found it was just enough.
• Most of the beaches are picked clean of smaller pieces of driftwood for campfires, but you can usually find ample supplies on nearby less busy islands. We would often set up camp and then head out to make a quick stop on a nearby island to load up our kayaks.
• The small beach on the east side of Nettle Island is a great place to stop for lunch or hang out if you've got some time to kill before catching the ferry at Seachart. For whatever reason this beach has the softest sand I've ever encountered in the north-west.
• Most of the culinary offerings in the ferry canteen on the Frances Barkley are pretty okay (from the point of view of someone who has been eating out of a backpack kitchen for close to a week), but steer clear of those hotdogs - unless you happen to enjoy fried baloney sandwiches.

Check out my Broken Group Islands photoset on Flickr.

One last stop before heading to Seachart to catch the ferry. We havethe beach all to ourselves :)

My Favourite Places on Vancouver Island: The Forbidden Plateau,Strathcona Provincial Park

Trail marker on Mount Albert Edward,
Forbidden Plateau, Strathcona Provincial Park

 
Trip details:

• Route: Paradise Meadows Trailhead to Circlet Lake to Mount Albert Edward summit and return
• Distance: Trailhead to Circlet Lake, 10.5km, Circlet Lake to summit, 6km (total 33km round trip)
• Maps and park details: Strathcona Park on BC Parks website
• Location: Strathcona Park, Mount Albert Edward on Google Maps
• Trail difficulty: Easy to moderate
• Our total trip cost:$110 for 2 nights camping and 3 days of hiking
  
  • 2 nights camping ($5 per night, per person), $20
  • Food, $40
  • Gas, $50

Though I wouldn't call a round trip from Paradise Meadows to the summit of Mount Albert Edward an easy hike, it's definitely one I'd recommend to people who have a bit of hiking under their belts and are looking to cut their teeth on a slightly more substantial trip. As summits and backpacking over nighters go, the easy to moderate hike up to the campsite is relatively short - about four hours - and once you're there you can set up basecamp and hike with a lighter pack on the moderately difficult climb to the summit. Depending on the weather, the hike up the mountain can be dangerous in spots and requires a healthy fitness level, but we encountered a few children on the hike this past weekend as well as some very fit light hikers who were completing the entire circuit in one day.

We set out from Victoria after work on Friday and arrived at the trailhead parking lot 3 and half hours later. Facilities at the parking lot are sparse but there is a pit toilet and an information centre open during the day. We camped at the parking lot that night and hit the trail just before 9am the following day.

The hike to Circlet Lake from the trailhead begins with an easy stroll along wide boardwalks past many pretty lakes and flowering meadows. 3km down the trail we reached Lake Helen Mackenzie, where we stopped for a quick break before continuing on to Kwai Lake. From this point on the trail gets a bit more difficult and less well maintained with a few moderate gains in elevation and patches of snow (even in early August).

We arrived at Circlet Lake just before 1pm and were happy to snag the last remaining site by the water. After a quick dip (it was a bit too cold to enjoy a swim) we set up camp and enjoyed an afternoon relaxing by the lake and taking in the views. Our more ambitious neighbours spent the rest of the day checking out the ridge across from the lake which they reported was a great hike though it required a bit of bushwhacking.

The next day we started out on the trail at 9am to summit Mount Albert Edward. The first part of the hike is the most difficult and includes a steep climb up to the first plateau where we were rewarded with a nice view of Moat Lake. With all the snow, we lost the trail a couple of times but it wasn't too hard to spot the rock pile markers as it was a clear day. We did hear reports that navigating the trail can be very difficult in foggy conditions.

After the first plateau there's another short and slightly less steep climb towards the ice fields. If the weather is clear bring your sunscreen because you're going to bake like a potato. Having underestimated the amount of sunscreen required for the trip we both suffered from nasty sunburns by the end of the day. Wear lots - I mean, gallons. A word from the wise, though warm temperatures might temp you to wear a tank top, I'd also recommend loose fitting, light coloured clothing that covers your back and shoulders. One other note, a man we encountered in the campsite the night before had suffered mild heat stroke on the mountain the day before so take it easy if you need to and make sure you drink lots of water on the way up. There are plenty of ponds along the way where you can fill up your water bottle.

The final approach up to the summit is loose gravel and a bit steep. Watch your step! We reached the top shortly after 1pm and spent about an hour resting and marveling at the views before beginning our descent which took another 4 hours. We arrived back at our basecamp around 6pm. Some of the other groups we encountered at the summit spent the afternoon summiting Mount Jutland or Castlecrag returning to the campground just before sunset between 9 and 10pm.

If you're up for a moderately challenging hike with some priceless high altitude views, you'll likely find a trip on the Forbidden Plateau to be just the ticket. We had an unforgettable time and I can't wait to go back. Gobsmacked, I tell you!

Check out my Forbidden Pleateau Flickr set.

What's in my backpack (well, kayak). All set for Portland Island!

Looking forward to this weekend's kayaking adventure. We're planning to do 20km of paddling and a 10km hike around the island. Fingers crossed for good weather!

My Favourite Places on Vancouver Island: Roche Cove and Matheson Lake

Matheson Lake

In my books, Vancouver Island takes the cake when it comes to Canadian hiking experiences for 3 reasons, gorgeous landscapes, an abundance of hiking destinations and, last but not least, a welcome lack of mosquitoes. Until we moved out here I'd never dream of spending extended amounts of time in the outdoors without a healthy supply of Deet, but I soon learned to save some weight and leave the stuff at home. It was one habit I was very happy to break.

Hiking options on the Island include the world-class West Coast Trail, the scenic Juan da Fuca and the technically challenging North Coast Trail (my favourite long distance trail on the Island). Many day hikes are easily accessible within a short drive of the Island's main centres. One of our favourite go-to short hikes is a just a five-minute drive down the street from our place.

Matheson Creek

Even though we've been out here for 4 years and hike on a regular basis, we still often come across new hikes to explore. This past weekend, we spent an afternoon enjoying the trails at Roche Cove and Matheson Lake. The two parks share a border in East Sooke and combined make for a great mid-length hike with trails that range from easy to moderately difficult. Most of the trails wind through a cool and shady rainforest with occasional views of the lake and the cove.

As an added bonus - the kicker that makes this one of my favourite spots on the Island - when you're ready to take a break you can scope out a nice, quiet swimming spot as you make your way around the Matheson Lake loop. Great for cooling off on a hot summer day!

If you still have some energy after the hike, you might want to drive the short distance to close-by Aylard Farm at the trailhead to the East Sooke Coastal Trail and do a little beachcombing before heading home. It's gotta be said that Roche Cove and Matheson Lake's close proximity to East Sooke is the main reason we haven't visited this trail sooner. I won't say anything further about it here, but you can read more about the East Sooke Coastal Trail in this post.

Trip Info

Roche Cove Trailhead on Google Maps
Route: Cedar Grove to Galloping Goose to Matheson Lake Loop Trail, return via Galloping Goose
Hike length: Approximately 8km
Hike duration: 2-3 hours, 4 hours with a swim at Matheson Lake
Roche Cove website
Matheson Lake website

Read more about my favourite places on Vancouver Island.

Summer sky on our evening workout

Never met a bowl of soup I didn't like

We stopped at a restaurant in Chinatown on a rainy afternoon to dry off and have a some soup. Delicious!