Fernie Fun!

Here are some pics from our couple days in Fernie....from snowshoeing adventures to railway riding with our "green" t-shirts... sooo enjoy!

Snow snow snow...

Hurray, it is snowing, the snow dance worked! And we are prayin' for it to continue.  

We ended up heading out on the hill near the end of the day and it was just what we needed.  There is nothing like cruising down the slopes on a beautifully sunny and inspiration-filled day (added bonus:  working off some of the food we have been downing continuously (seriously 24/7).  Today the plan is to go on the trek we promised yesterday.  We had a chance to meet up with Dirty Hairy and he is in the process of getting us some info.  

Our top 10 vacation tips for trying to be a bit more "eco":  

1.  Take big trips into town to get food, and then use the deck outside to refrigerate beer, wine, beverages, food, left-overs, etc.  That's a great bonus of going on a chilly  vacation.

2.  Using reused materials (ie. pizza pans from 2007 to cook and store pizza... great job Pat) to transport, cook, and store food.

3.  Because there are so many of us in the cabin using valuable non-renewable resources, we have an unwritten standard for the bathroom:  when it's yellow let it mellow, and when it's brown... well... you know what to do.

4.  Showers are brief because of a lack of hot water and we're trying really hard to leave more water for the dolphins :P :P :P :P

5.  Even though there is A LOT of us together, we have not used one disposable plate, piece of cutlery, or beverage container.  

6.  Going a step further... we have put masking tape on our own glasses (with our names on it) in order to wash less and drink more... :P  To say the least... our cup is ALWAYS half full!

7.  We have been reusing our towels so as to reduce our number laundry loads.

8.  Stink is the new black...  the smell of teen spirit tells us that we have been working hard!  We haven't been washing our gear everyday, and so far we're all in the same boat, so we haven't noticed a change!

9.  Instead of driving to places that can easily be walked to, we have been taking our sweet time (we are on vacation after all) and leisurely gabbing as we use more renewable and less non-renewable resources.

10.  And last but not least...  we haven't been relying on technology to entertain us.  We have been playing pictionary, charades, and other games with one another!  

We have taken some pics of this oasis and they will be posted later tonight.  We also want to thank you for coming to our site and reading our entries... we LOVE to see our counter movin' up, footprint movin' down!

Stay clean, go green (note: showers optional)!

Chanel and Heather

For the love of Fernie...

HAPPY VALENTINE'S DAY!!!! We are here together with coffee in hand and using the mountains as a source of abundant inspiration!! It seems as though when we are here, all of the trials and tribulations that everyday life brings are dissipated into thin air and we are able to breathe again! We are truly Blessed to have such an incredible outlet to look forward to from year to year.

The relaxed mountain air and the efforts made to preserve this beautiful space is important to the culture here in Fernie. People hitch hike to and from the mountain, there is an abundant source of organic foods and clothing stores in the town, and people choose to walk and bask in the glory of the mountains (we know it's a little more difficult to do that in Saskatchewan where the centres are larger and the air is MUCH colder).

We packed food in our vehicles when making the trek out here, used stainless steel water bottles, and filled our reusable mugs with coffee (more than a few times :P). Now that we are here, we will be making minimal trips into town using the great concept of carpooling. It seems as though the atmosphere makes us want to live better lives for ourselves and for the environment, and although many (including us) do not feel that degree of motivation when we return home, we will be trying to observe the little details that creates this incredible atmosphere in Fernie, B.C. and apply them to our lives in Saskatoon, SK.

Fernie has a variety of accomodations and entertainment venues from hostels to 5-star resorts. We have an "in" with one of the managers at Island Lake Lodge (a cat-skiing resort) who has also been involved in the community for over 15 years. We have asked him to give us some insight into the initiatives that Island Lake Lodge has been doing to fight the footprint.

Today... we are packing our lunches and heading out on our snowshoes into the woods... the deep dark woods (shout out to you guys...). We will be making BIG footprints, but not permanent ones :P Stay tuned for stories and adventures... for we are sure there will be many!

P.S. giving a little love to my husband who proposed to me on this very hill 2 years ago today... love love love, all you need is love!! :P

Lots of love on this cupidous hallmark holiday.... Heather and Chanel