Summer Camping in Logan Lake

 
What makes me appreciate life most is finding time to travel long distances and create beautiful memories. It's when I learn new things, gain new perspectives about a place, and ponder on things that add value to living. 

It was my first long trip to British Columbia, Canada, at the beginning of summer. This new season is full of fun under the sun, discovery, and adventure as we transition from excellent to warm.

Embarking on a 3-hour journey from Vancouver, we found ourselves in the heart of the Highland Valley, in the charming town of Logan Lake. The anticipation of what we would discover in this once quiet town, now bustling with life, added an element of intrigue to our trip.

Once a quiet town reserved for miners and their families, Logan Lake has transformed into a serene haven for thousands of residents and visitors alike. The tranquility of nature here offers a peaceful escape from the hustle and bustle of city life, inviting you to relax and unwind.

Logan Lake offers many activities during the summer season. Visitors may enjoy swimming, boating, fishing, kayaking, biking, and hiking. It's an ideal time to unwind, take a deep breath, and appreciate the lake's natural beauty and nature. 

Camping at Mile High Resort in Logan Lake was an awe-inspiring experience. Surrounded by lush forests and with breathtaking views of the lake, it was a perfect escape from reality and a source of inspiration.  

The deluxe log cabin offers a comfortable and relaxing vibe while you hear the sound of nature and watch the galaxies and bright stars. Stargazing is just mesmerizing. It's an incredible experience to look up into the night sky and wish upon a star. 

What makes this summer season memorable are the stories, smiles, and laughter shared in a pristine setting. This romantic destination is perfect for a weekend getaway, where imagination sparks and ideas are born.

This summer getaway is genuinely unforgettable. Logan Lake is a great camping destination, and the Mile High Resort experience is worth reminiscing about during your holiday vacation.

©️ Del Cusay

Surrey Fusion Festival Returns at Holland Park

The largest and most diverse festival in Western Canada returns in its 15th year. We celebrated and enjoyed a weekend of multicultural understanding and experiencing diversity in food, culture, live music, and entertainment.

British Columbians and Surrey residents once again gathered at Holland Park, a symbol of our resilience and the return to normalcy, two years after the pandemic. It had the largest crowd since it started in 2008, a hopeful sign of a more lively scene where everyone could enjoy various cultural offerings from different countries worldwide.

This year's Surrey Fusion Festival theme is COMMUNITY. A single word that describes how the world must be in difficult times where global health threats have affected us to live, interact, and socialize. The theme of 'COMMUNITY' was chosen to emphasize the importance of coming together and supporting each other during these challenging times, and to celebrate the strength and resilience of our diverse community.

The 40 pavilions, a vibrant tapestry of cultures, included the Latin countries of Bolivia, Argentina, and Columbia; Asian countries like India, Vietnam, and Indonesia; African countries like Ghana, Kenya, and Nigeria; European countries like Germany, France, and the Netherlands; Southwestern Pacific countries like Tonga and Fiji, and Caribbean countries like Barbados and the Cayman Islands. Each pavilion was a unique window into their food, culture, arts, music, and dance.

The pandemic seems over as the crowd cheers for fun and a manic vibe. The delicious authentic food, arts, dance, and music draw people to taste and experience world cultures in one venue.

Other features include a wellness garden, a serene space where people can learn and experience yoga and meditation, and an Indigenous Village where visitors can learn about Indigenous culture through traditional cultural sharing. Global beer and wine tasting offers the chance to sip some cold beverages from around the world, and a cultural cooking arena hosts a cooking competition. Also, there are stages where world-class performers share their talents with the crowd.

It was a great experience to have celebrated the Surrey Fusion Festival for the first time, and I would be glad to make it a yearly event to celebrate and have fun. Community is about the spirit of camaraderie that builds bridges for multicultural understanding and inclusivity. We unite to bring peace, love, and compassion to make our world a better place to live in and for the next generations to preserve and enrich their own culture for the world to see and embrace.

©️ 2022 Del Cusay

White Rock Gallery: Beyond the Frame

To appreciate art, one must understand the most profound emotion, its meaningful realization, and the validation of purpose and intention.

That's the uplifting lesson I learned from a visit to an art gallery in White Rock, British Columbia. It's a city by the sea where arts, history, and culture thrive amidst the test of time and where I discovered the joy of art appreciation.

An art gallery may be different from the usual place to visit today. It may not be welcoming but intimidating to others interested in or appreciating fine arts.

Since 2012, I've learned to admire and appreciate works of art and masterpieces in the Cultural Center in my home country, the Philippines. I've carried the same passion and admiration whenever I visit another country or place with a high regard for culture and the arts.

In Metro Vancouver, British Columbia, every city has a public art gallery open to everyone, and the White Rock Gallery is one of the most beautiful places to be. It was my first Art Gallery experience in Canada and was a profound realization of the value of art galleries.

Nowadays, people choose modern forms of entertainment and have yet to discover and learn about the joys of visiting an art gallery or exhibit. However, fine artists and art enthusiasts have devoted their time, resources, and money to making art more relevant in today's generation.

What makes art galleries intimidating to others is that we need to appreciate and decode their meaning from the artists' perspective or point of view. We couldn't interpret abstract paintings or even find meaning in realistic images.

With our smartphones, we can take a raw picture of a place, edit it, and call it art. It's the most accessible form of art we can do. However, fine art demands time, energy, emotion, and soul to create a more valuable masterpiece, so paintings and sculptures are expensive. 

We tend to ignore or snub expensive things because we can't afford them. Like fine arts, some wouldn't appreciate its value because they can't relate to and find meaning in a painting. But to afford it isn't just about owning it. It's also about enriching our life experience and worth as human beings just by visiting an art gallery, even once in a lifetime.

Art is part of our culture, and a deep appreciation and admiration give us a particular connection with our community. Art evokes various emotions, from joy to sorrow, awe to puzzlement. It moves us, touches our souls, and makes us love at first sight, creating a deep sense of empathy and connection.

As I viewed the gallery, some paintings attracted my attention, drew me closer to scrutinizing, and finally gave meaning to them. It gave me happiness and a sense of belonging to a community of artistic people who have the desire for understanding, passion, and motivation for self-expression.

©️  2022 Del Cusay

The Krause Berry Farms and Estate Winery in Langley

 

The summer season in Canada is fast approaching, but the cool temperate climate prevails just before the end of spring.

In Langley, British Columbia, farm tourism draws many families for a weekend of pure fun and relaxation in a naturally beautiful outdoor setting. This setting is characterized by [specific natural features], providing the perfect backdrop for al-fresco dining and a variety of outdoor activities.

Many family-owned and operated farm destinations exist in Langley and the Fraser Valley. Still, I was fascinated by the countryside ambiance of Krause Berry Farms and Estate Winery.

The Berry Farm, a 200-acre property that opened to the public in 1974, is a true embodiment of the farm-to-table experience. The owners have enjoyed their bountiful harvest and served it to their guests and visitors, creating a unique bond between the food and the people who enjoy it. 

Just half an hour's travel from home, we indulged in their famous waffle with fresh strawberry toppings and cream for breakfast. The thrill of picking a fresh strawberry from their field and having our own U-pick experience in the vast area was an experience like no other.

Depending on the season, Krause Berry Farms also offers a variety of other berries like blueberries, blackberries, and raspberries. These are not just fruits, but a gateway to the best culinary offerings and U-pick experiences that their loyal customers can't get enough of.

The beautifully landscaped lawn and garden are perfect for an outdoor dining experience, and a raspberry field as a backdrop adds to the berry farm vibe.

Then fresh strawberry picking followed, which was a wonderful experience since their berries were sweet and delicious. We carefully picked the big and ripened strawberries for takeaway. Parents and their little kids enjoy picking experiences, and everyone seems happy to touch the soil and the earth-grounding experience.

Krause Berry Farms produces over a hundred products on the farm and sells them in its home and garden market. It also has a bakery that makes freshly baked products like berry custard pies and cookies. 

Fresh berry waffles are served in their waffle bar indoors, and you can enjoy them in their garden or on a patio for a beautiful outdoor ambiance.  

The best farm experience happens when the owner cares a lot about making sustainable farming enjoyable and shared with the public. Krause Berry Farms has been producing crops sustainably and supporting and serving communities for several years, making it influential and a leader in the farm tourism industry.

A great week starts with envigorating thoughts, nourished by healthy food and enriched with a soulful experience. That's how we do it as we journey to the valley at the Krause Berry Farms and Estate Winery.

©️ 2022 Del Cusay

Seafood Celebration in Steveston

It's getting warmer in Canada in the second half of the Spring season, and this is an ideal time to get out and enjoy the sunshine on the waterfront and patio.

Many people are eagerly anticipating the return of outdoor fun in the Steveston, British Columbia, fisherman's wharf. The fishing village is coming back to life after a two-year hiatus due to the pandemic, and the air is filled with excitement for the much-awaited Spot prawn and seafood celebration from May 6 to June 5. 

For seafood lovers, this is a unique opportunity to witness and purchase the freshest catch of spot prawns and other seafood, all sold directly from the fishing vessel in a floating seafood market. It's an experience that's sure to pique your interest.

This is a chance for seafood lovers to see and buy fresh catch spot prawns and other seafood sold directly from the fishing vessel in a floating seafood market.

Located just a stone's throw away from Garry Point Park, the fisherman's wharf offers a delightful stroll along the promenade up to the restaurant patio, providing a perfect setting to relax and bask in the rejuvenating sea breeze. 

The take-home fresh spot prawn is the star of the show, and for good reason. It's one of the best varieties, with a crispier, firmer texture and a superior taste. Its popularity is evident as people eagerly line up to purchase a pound or more, making it a must-try for seafood enthusiasts.

The good thing about the fishing industry in Canada is that the Government actively regulates product quality, public health, and safety. The fishermen can only sell a specific variety of seafood they're licensed to harvest. They need to hold and display a license on their stall and display a whiteboard that lists the species they're selling, the area of harvest, and the name of the vessel used for harvesting. That information safeguards the public that they only sell the highest quality products at the fish sales float.

A visit to Steveston Harbour celebrates reviving the fishing industry and supporting local fishermen in British Columbia. This place has plenty of marine life, vendors selling the highest quality products, and abides by the fishing industry's laws and regulations. 

©️ 2022 Del Cusay

The Birchwood Dairy Farm in Abbotsford

The weekend has never been this fun in a valley and a farm. That's how we spend time unwinding in the beautiful and relaxing ambiance of the Birchwood Dairy Farm. 

 

In Abbotsford, British Columbia, there are many farm destinations to choose from since the city is located in the fertile Fraser Valley, where Agritourism is promoted and becoming a lifestyle.

The Krahn family owns the farm. They've been in the dairy farm business for several decades in the Fraser Valley. The family manages the 22 acres of the farm, caring for hundreds of cows and producing dairy milk and other dairy products.

What makes this dairy farm a favorite destination is its gourmet ice cream, which is rich and creamy from the fresh milk produced by its happy and healthy cows. There are about 50 flavors to choose from, including maple walnut, raspberry, blueberry, strawberry, and cookies and cream, which we've bought in a cone and taken home in a liter bucket. That's a relief during sunny and warmer days just before the summer begins.

The dairy farm is also a favorite stop among partners and families who want to explore more and learn about how dairy milk and products are produced on the farm. On an educational tour, it's also a popular stop among cyclists, motorcyclists, and students. This dairy farm is family-friendly and just for anyone who's into 

uncrowded, fresh air, and a great view of a natural environment.

I've learned that Canadian livestock is free from growth hormones, and antibiotics and other medications are strictly regulated. Birchwood Dairy Farm takes good care of its cows, is always healthy, and produces the tastiest and creamiest milk. That makes their gourmet ice cream one of the best premium-quality I've ever tasted.

Exposure to the dairy farm for a brief period gives a perspective on how the cows are ethically raised, dairy products are produced, and the products are sold and patronized by people who know the real taste of a quality dairy product. 

At Birchwood Dairy Farm, we see happy families, playful young kids, and everyone who radiates the calm and positive energy of the dairy farm. It's on my farm destination lists, and I'll always be happy to return and create beautiful memories to cherish and reminisce.

©️ 2022 Del Cusay

The Tulip Festival in Chilliwack

It's Springtime in Canada, and other flowers take their turns to bloom just when the cherry blossoms start to fall off.

It's time to see the 30 colorful varieties of tulips and other flowers like daffodils and Hyacinths for this year's re-opening of British Columbia's largest flower festival.

The Tulip Festival in Chilliwack, the largest flower festival in British Columbia and Western Canada, is a unique spectacle. This is the time of the year when millions of bulbs of Tulips are blooming on a 20-acre flower farm, creating a breathtaking sight that is not to be missed. 

This year marks the 16th edition of the Tulip Festival in Chilliwack. Tens of thousands of people from the lower mainland and nearby cities flock to witness the breathtaking blossoming of tulips, reminiscent of the famous tulip farms in the Netherlands.

The Tulip Festival in Chilliwack boasts a Dutch-inspired tulip farm, complete with a windmill, a chapel, a swing, and benches for perfect photo opportunities. It's an ideal setting for families and couples to enjoy a romantic stroll against a stunning mountain backdrop.

In these times of transition, a visit to a Tulip farm can be a truly uplifting experience. It's a chance to appreciate the natural wonders, see each other's faces and smiles without barriers, and be reminded of the beauty and joy that life has to offer.

Life is more beautiful when people bloom like a flower, radiating purity, serenity, and positivity. When life seems blue, these flowers remind us that we can stand tall, create abundance, and experience pure joy and peace in our hearts. 

©️ 2022 Del Cusay

Holy Week 2022: A Journey to Paradise

The earth is healing. That's the message of hope and love this Holy Week. As we witness the signs of nature's rejuvenation, we are reminded of the healing power of God's love. While the pandemic may not have ended, we can take comfort in the fact that we are not living in fear and prolonging the agony. This is a time for spiritual healing and renewal.

We desire to travel this Lenten season. This way, we get a new perspective on life. We cross borders and travel across the sea—a hundred miles of the journey, with immeasurable faith in Thee. 

We journey to a paradise to see and feel God's heavenly creation, this time in Victoria, the capital of British Columbia. With its natural beauty and rich history, Victoria is a perfect backdrop for our spiritual journey. It's a charming city rich in history—a story from the First Nations passed down from generation to generation.

A walk around downtown Victoria envelops me in a sense of tranquility, reminiscent of a distant past where laidback living thrives even in the present. I feel the calmness, serenity, and relaxed vibe I'm eager to experience. It's a place to explore, find meaning, and start a new beginning.

The message of God is evident; beyond suffering is a promised land where we live a heavenly experience. We walk with unwavering faith and allow suffering as we carry the cross toward our destination and salvation. We do not fear, but we trust God's will. 

©️ 2022 Del Cusay

Taking a Leap from Hope to Faith

Despite our fears and doubts, the transformative power of belief can change our lives. When we transition from mere thoughts to complete surrender, we open ourselves to the possibility of transformation. 

Our hopes are idle wishes and potential pathways to achieving our heart's desires. When we believe in the power of our higher hopes, we pave the way for tremendous success and fulfillment.

When we hope for something, we say, "It can happen." However, we're dealing with the possibility of keeping our fingers crossed. It may or may not happen. When we don't get our hopes, we slow down and may easily give up. 

Transitioning from hope to faith is more than just a change in mindset. It's a shift from uncertainty to unwavering belief. When we have faith, we remove the doubts that hinder us from achieving our goals. With confidence, even the most daunting tasks become possible. This is the power of faith-it can work miracles in our lives, making the seemingly impossible possible.

When things go wrong, or we're behind in the race of life, we may pause for a moment, get energized, and take a giant leap from hope to faith. Then, the universe conspires to make things happen. It shifts our mindset from probability to greater possibility, and our dreams and desires take a quantum leap of faith to eternity. 

©️ 2022 Del Cusay

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The Cherry Blossoms at David Lam Park

Spring has sprung. At this time of year, we experience a renewed season filled with joy as we see flowers blossoming.

Springtime reminds me of rebirth and reinvigoration. We become alive as days become more temperate and people enjoy the outdoors. 

This beautiful season is only complete with witnessing the cherry blossoms festival in Vancouver. And so we visit the charming district of Yaletown to celebrate the "Big Picnic" event. It's the best time to see the flowers in full bloom, a sight that never fails to inspire awe, and when many people gather as friends under the cherry trees. There are no strangers, but just friends and lovers.

The Big Picnic and the Cherry Blossoms Festival aim to bring people from Metro Vancouver together for fun and excitement. There will be programs, art exhibits, and workshops for everyone to participate in, learn from, and enjoy.

This year's event may have been more significant as people move freely without restrictions. The mask mandate is no longer mandatory; people see each other's faces. But beyond looks are beautiful smiles, laughter, and joy that brighten the day and lift the mood. 

David Lam Park is a magical experience when people enjoy the hundreds of Akebono cherry trees donated by the 25th Lieutenant Governor of British Columbia, Dr. David Lam, named in his honor.

Physical fitness activities like yoga are available. They're a great way of becoming one with nature while relaxing the body and clearing the mind. There are also winning haiku and haiku installations that connect poems to cherry trees.  

It's good to see families and children enjoy various programs and activities. It's also good to see more people outdoors and appreciate the wonderful nature in the city's heart.

As the clock springs forward, we show the world how we're progressing despite the situation, making joyful cherry blossom experiences and incredible memories. The Big Picnic is a unique event that brings people from different places in British Columbia to see the magical cherry blossoms and to experience "why there are no strangers under the cherry tree." We're all united; we believe we can be. The joy of the event is palpable, and we can't wait to share it with you.

©️ 2022 Del Cusay

A day trip in White Rock: City by the Sea

What makes British Columbia beautiful is its stunning views of landscapes and seascapes. In Metro Vancouver, there's a place to see the natural grandeur of a city by the sea.

It's the City of White Rock, about 45 km south of downtown Vancouver and just 10 10-minute drive from the Peace Arch, where the US-Canada border is located.

What sets this place apart is its captivating history as a fishing village, and the intriguing story behind its name. It's a literal white rock! Glaciers carried away a massive rock to the South of the metro during the last glacial age period. And let's not forget, it's home to Canada's longest pier, a unique wooden structure that has stood since 1914.

Walking down the steep hill to the main street, you will be rewarded with a magnificent view of Semiahmoo Bay. There, you can see beautiful houses on a hill overlooking the sea—such a scenic view of the horizon on a sunny weekend. 

As you approach the main street, you'll find an ideal promenade for fitness and sightseeing. It's a place where people walk, jog, dine at a table, sit on benches, and simply take a deep breath to rejuvenate the body, mind, and soul. The fresh sea breeze and the stunning views make it a truly relaxing experience. 

Just a few meters walk, and you'll be welcomed to enter the elevated wooden structure of the pier, a fantastic landmark about 470 meters long. It's where individuals, couples, and families stroll and enjoy the natural scenery. The majestic mountains, the flying seagulls, and the long stretch of beaches make it a relaxing place to unwind.

The pier bridge, a symbol of resilience, underwent restoration in 1977 and was rebuilt and re-opened in 2019 after a wind storm hit the place at the year-end of 2018. They restored the pier to weather the storm and withstand natural calamities this time, a testament to the enduring spirit of White Rock.

Visitors must get down the wooden lane structure to be on the shore at its low tide, walking towards the 'white rock' visible even far away. This rock, a significant landmark worth seeing, is a unique geological formation that adds to the charm of White Rock. 

On the main strip of the town center, you can see a long stretch of restaurants offering al fresco dining while enjoying the sunshine, the blue waters, and the cool sea breeze. The local cuisine, featuring fresh seafood and international flavors, is a must-try. Sunlight is fantastic as it gives a good vibe and a pleasant experience.

And whenever the sun shines so brightly, we shouldn't miss the outdoors and have some fun. That's what the city of White Rock has to offer -- simply the sunniest place in the metro.

A trip to the White Rock pier and promenade is a great way to experience living in a city by the sea, even for a day. They have preserved history and culture where peace and serenity are enjoyed by many. 

White Rock is undoubtedly a wonderful place to visit and live. The local community is known for its friendly and laid-back nature, adding to the city's charm. It is a vivid memory worth reminiscing about and a fantastic destination worth revisiting. 

©️ 2022 Del Cusay

The Labyrinth in Fleetwood Gardens

The winter season has finally ended in Canada. Gone are the snows, frosts, and unbearable coldness for a newcomer like me. 

Finally, here comes the much-awaited season of all: spring. It's a time when flowers and tree leaves are blossoming everywhere, painting the world with vibrant colors. I can't wait to see the cherry blossoms in different places on the metro, as they give a naturally stunning view of a picture-perfect scene. 

As we welcome spring, it's the best time to visit a nearby park on a lovely sunny day. Enjoy the fun moment and relax, strolling and seeing people around. 

Fleetwood Gardens is the best place due to its proximity to our home. It's in a vast park where cherry blossoms are waiting to bloom. The pergola gives the feeling of a romantic walk for a couple, and the benches are perfect for soulful conversations.

The most impressive feature is the presence of a labyrinth. It's an ancient pattern found in many places and cultures worldwide. A maze has only a single path and no dead ends. As we walk inside, it winds throughout and mirrors our current state in life. We walk in peace with an open heart and a clear mind. 

The labyrinth in Fleetwood Gardens is a classical 7-circuit or path. It's now installed in many places, such as wellness centers, churches, and community parks, as an alternative for healing the body, mind, and soul. It symbolizes hope and rejuvenation, offering a path to inner peace and clarity. 

As we walk the path, we become more mindful of the sensation of walking. And as we go along, we develop a strong sense of concentration and awareness needed to gain insights. 

A labyrinth walk has three stages and beautiful healing benefits. The first stage is releasing or purgation. This is when we remove all unwanted thoughts and mental distractions, quiet the mind, and open our hearts. It's a cleansing process, allowing us to let go of our burdens and prepare ourselves for the journey ahead. 

The second stage is receiving or illumination. As we reach the center, we stay for a moment to sit and stand as we meditate, offer prayer, and allow ourselves to receive guidance from a higher power source. 

The final stage is returning or union. As we're about to exit, we follow the same path back out. We then experience a stronger sense of well-being and clarity of mind. This journey through the labyrinth leaves us feeling more empowered, ready to pursue our life purpose and heart's desire with confidence and motivation. 

It feels good to welcome spring with an open heart and a clear mind. Like the spring season, we're about to bloom like colorful, fragrant flowers. We are incredible beings with beautiful souls who live daily to find meaning and purpose. We live our best lives, give back, and be generous. 

©️ 2022 Del Cusay