What to do with some free time??

**mlm** · 09-11-2008, 12:32 AM

Well, after doing 2 people's work for the past month and while in the midst of training 2 new staff, I seriously need a break. Actually, my bosses are ordering me to take a week off in the next month or so.

My original plan was to take a train tour through the Rockies. The photo ops would have been amazing. But it's way out of my price range. :(

So, I'm picking everyone's brains for time off ideas that won't cost me a fortune... Any ideas?

**Jacqui** · 09-11-2008, 08:45 AM

Why don't you go hunting for Ogopogo or Sasquatch?? They both live in your neighourhood. ;) ;)

Seriously, just outside Vancouver there are lots of photo ops, the mountains, the island, lots more. Spend a day at the beach looking for Orcas and shore birds.

:cheers:

**Fezz** · 09-11-2008, 08:47 AM

Come Visit Philadelphia, PA!

Harry Chiling and I will show you around SE PA. Heck, we may even show you a few watering holes scattered around all the historic areas!

:cheers::cheers::cheers:

**Johns** · 09-11-2008, 08:49 AM

Originally Posted by Fezz

Come Visit Philadelphia, PA!

Harry Chiling and I will show you around SE PA. Heck, we may even show you a few watering holes scattered around all the historic areas!

:cheers::cheers::cheers:

Talk about photo ops!

**optical24/7** · 09-11-2008, 10:14 AM

Come down to Texas! I got a friend names Ike supposed to show up any day now......

:D:cheers::D

**Dave Nelson** · 09-11-2008, 04:26 PM

Try Jones Lake just this side of Hope. Its only 20 minutes from the highway, and an hour or so out of Vancouver, but you find yourself surrounded by massive peaks and glaciers, and you will swear the Rockies have nothing on these mountains. It is truly a spectacular view. The Highest is Mt. Welch, at 8000 ft, and this range is known as the "cheam range."

**Snitgirl** · 09-11-2008, 04:35 PM

Do some camping in Cindy K's backyard..don't forget to BYOB.. tee hee:cheers:

Originally Posted by Dave Nelson

Try Jones Lake just this side of Hope. Its only 20 minutes from the highway, and an hour or so out of Vancouver, but you find yourself surrounded by massive peaks and glaciers, and you will swear the Rockies have nothing on these mountains. It is truly a spectacular view. The Highest is Mt. Welch, at 8000 ft, and this range is known as the "cheam range."

**Leo Hadley Jr** · 09-11-2008, 04:45 PM

I could find lots to do in Vancouver!!!!
:D

**Jacqui** · 09-11-2008, 05:19 PM

Originally Posted by OpticLabRat

I could find lots to do in Vancouver!!!!
:D

Same here :D :D

**mlm** · 09-11-2008, 06:11 PM

Originally Posted by OpticLabRat

I could find lots to do in Vancouver!!!!
:D

Yeah, but the point is to get away from home for a while. If I stay in town, it's too easy for work to get a hold of me!! (I live 4 blocks away from the clinic.)

**Lulubelle** · 09-11-2008, 06:14 PM

What about the West Coast of Vancouver Island - Ucluelet to Tofino. If you haven't been to Long Beach it's spectacular. Some of the hotels are pricey, but if you check around there are some reasonable B&B's. Or you could splash out at the Wickaninnish Inn! There are also touristy day trips around the Lower Mainland - Shannon Falls at Squamish, Harrison Hot Springs, Minter Gardens, Bowen Island, Gibsons Landing, Sechelt. Depends on how long you want to be gone and how much you want to spend. If you are in the mood for a little driving, go up to Pemberton and take the Duffy Lake Road through the back country to Lillooet. Spectacular scenery.

**DragonLensmanWV** · 09-11-2008, 06:51 PM

1. Find a tree way out in the woods on a mountain overlooking a peaceful valley.
2. Sit at the base of the tree looking out.
3. Don't move for a day.
4. Except the shutter finger of course.

RELAX.

**Jacqui** · 09-11-2008, 07:02 PM

Originally Posted by DragonLensmanWV

1. Find a tree way out in the woods on a mountain overlooking a peaceful valley.
2. Sit at the base of the tree looking out.
3. Don't move for a day.
4. Except the shutter finger of course.

RELAX.

Excellent advice :D

**Cindy K** · 09-12-2008, 08:21 AM

Might I suggest going to the Okanagan- this time of year is beautiful there, and the winery tours will keep you busy for days (hey, you're on holidays so yes you can get sloshed by 11am!). There's an abundance of Bed and Breakfasts there right in the heart of Wine Country and a shutterbug like you would be in heaven! Also, there's a collector car museum there where you can get yourself chauffered around in style through the wineries (Nixdorf Classic Cars).

Here's a couple I took there last year to give you a taste.

(Oh, and btw, I'm two minutes off the freeway on your way there/home: the espresso machine is always on!)

**Lee Prewitt** · 09-12-2008, 10:41 AM

You can always go out of the country and pop down here to Seattle. The weather is fantastic and great day trips all around.

**Dave Nelson** · 09-12-2008, 12:18 PM

Originally Posted by Lulubelle

What about the West Coast of Vancouver Island - Ucluelet to Tofino. If you haven't been to Long Beach it's spectacular. Some of the hotels are pricey, but if you check around there are some reasonable B&B's. Or you could splash out at the Wickaninnish Inn! There are also touristy day trips around the Lower Mainland - Shannon Falls at Squamish, Harrison Hot Springs, Minter Gardens, Bowen Island, Gibsons Landing, Sechelt. Depends on how long you want to be gone and how much you want to spend. If you are in the mood for a little driving, go up to Pemberton and take the Duffy Lake Road through the back country to Lillooet. Spectacular scenery.

Lulubelle- Have you ever tried the Joffre Lakes hike along the Duffy Lake road? Superspectactular. (is that even a word?)

**Lulubelle** · 09-12-2008, 09:19 PM

Hey Dave;

No, but I used to drive the road on a regular basis years ago as a novice sales rep. Had friends in Whistler and a account in Lillooet. Used to leave Whistler on Sunday morning and drive the Duffy Lake Road when it was all gravel and an active logging road. Would meet with my customer Sunday afternoon and then on to Cache Creek. Just can't beat the glamorous life of a sales rep - 1 star hotels in 1 horse towns - on an expense account!! Now people complain about the drive and the road is PAVED!!!

**rbaker** · 09-12-2008, 11:59 PM

We would invite you down here to the Rogue River Valley in Southern Oregon but after finally sending the grandchildren, nieces and nephews back east we need the peace and quiet of our little shack in the woods. This place has resembled a summer camp since the Fourth of July (we had seven brats between the ages of four and thirteen here at one time.) Now, its eerily quiet and we can go to the bathroom anytime we want. We will sleep late, eat well and tease the salmon and steelhead. How sweet it is.