Bringing Sunday Funday to a Whole New Level

When Julie called me and asked what were my plans for the following day, I answered: “Well, it’s Sunday, so something outdoors and fun!” She replied with a smirk in her voice: “Excellent, I’ve got the perfect adventure for us! Just pack a bag with a bathing suit, a towel, and a nice bottle of champagne.”

Julie is one of my closest friends. We met in the mountains of Whistler ten years ago, and shared many adventures since. From snowboarding magnificient terrain, breaking ice canoeing in the winter, backpacking Central America and road tripping Maui, Hawaii, Julie and I are together an adventurous team, always thirsty for new discoveries and experiences.

I was so excited and intrigued by what she could possibly have in mind. It was hard to fall asleep that night. When the next day came, I jumped out of bed overly enthusiastic, and ran over to Julie’s. Indeed, she had the best Sunday Funday plan: “We’re going to the hot springs!’’

-“The ones that are now inaccessible?’’ I questioned.

-“Yes, that’s why we’re gonna take a helicopter!”

OH MY! I’ve been in a couple heli rides before. One in Cayman Islands when I lived there, as part of advertising, and one above the Garibaldi Range to pick up my boyfriend that built a hiking trail there at the time. However, I’ve never flown over my town, and especially not to the hot springs. Last time I went to Meager Creek Hot Springs, it was by snowmobile, before the bridge wiped out in 2009 due to a destructive mudslide, the second largest landslide in Canadian history. The idea to fly above my home mountain range and access secluded hot natural pools exceeded my expectations of this Sunday adventure. It is a privilege to have friends with good connections.

Our two helicopters departed the grounds of Whistler, on a beautiful sunny Sunday morning of March. We elevated above the trees and flew amongst curious birds in a cloudless sky. We headed North-West towards the Meager Creek Hot Springs, flying over the impressive volcanic peaks and expansive ice fields of the Pemberton Ice Cap (no wonder why so many films and TV shows were filmed here). This enchanting and scenic flight above towering mountains made me feel so impossibly small, yet so alive.

As we approached the valley, I could see the heart shape of the main pool.

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We landed on a narrow patch of grass, beside the creek in a midst of a beautiful green forest. We walked the sand path towards the pools. The heat steamed through the grounds as we approached the springs.
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Meager Creek Hot Springs is located in the southern Pacific Ranges of the Coast Mountains of British Columbia, Canada. The beautiful constructed pools are fed from the geothermal vents of the Mount Meager massif on its north side.
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The water was hot, but soothing and revitalizing. We popped the champagne, bottle after bottle. It’s Sunday Funday after all.
As the sun slowly arched down behind the mountains, we packed our belongings and hopped aboard the crafts. We flew over the Pemberton Icefields once more and contemplated the alpenglow, a stunning rosy light suffusing the snow-covered mountain peaks below.
There was one last surprise before returning home: a must stop on a beach to watch the sun set over the ocean.
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We flew South-West towards the water, following a setting sun. As we approached the Strait of Georgia near the head of Jervis Inlet, we flew over the granite walled gorge through the snow-capped mountains erecting sharply from the edge of the water. There we found the gem that is Princess Louisa Inlet. 
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 We landed on the deserted beach and put our toes in the cooling sand.
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We cracked the last bottle of champagne, and as we gazed at the sun shying away behind the Pacific Ocean, we reminisced about our day, our new friends, and our adventure, processing the impressive beauties we’ve seen and the glories of life we fully experienced.
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 We may be tiny grains of sand, but we live a life so significantly grand.

The Return to the Rock

Coming back to the Cayman Islands wasn’t easy. I missed home as soon as I left the Whistler grounds. It was snowing pure white snow. The village was awaking to another epic day on the mountains. I said farewells to my dear friends and off on a plane. I left with pain and fear of longing for home again. But I had to do this, in order to complete the experience I gave myself in the first place.

Sunday Fundays

A beach break at Royal Palms

A couple of months went by and I am back into the island life. I luckily get Sundays off, which is just awesome. ‘’Sunday Funday’’ is a common drinking event that rewards every person that is lucky enough to have the day off. Although Sundays in Grand Cayman are at the origin dedicated to a visit to the church by the locals, it is celebrated in a very festive way both by expats and Caymanians. Perhaps start the day with a ceasar at Billy Bones Pool Bar, followed by a glass of Moet at the poolside of Royal Palms. The afternoonis commonly spent on the blue waters aboard luxurious yachts and fancy leisure 

motorboats. Perhaps a stop at the Sandbar for a swim with the wild but friendly sting rays, or perhaps a race aboard the jetskiis. Drinking is involved and the use of clothing is optional (don’t worry Mom, I still have my dignity). All embarked partyers meet at Rum Point, on the North Side of the island, where boats are corded together, where music is Kaibo Beach Bar for some deep fried seafood and goodies, which helps to soak up the heavy consumption of alcohol circulating in our bodies. A ride back to shores under the shimmering stars and it is already bedtime for our inebriated ones. Maybe a stop at Aquabeach for a last one 😉

Winter Months in the Tropics

The weather has been pleasant, the breeze refreshing and the water… revitalizing! Mostly warm and sunny, we still get some stormy days bringing crashing waves to our front yard.  I even considered wearing a long pair of jeans one night after feeling a rush of goosebumps!

Not to forget to mention the wear of my toque, perhaps for some kind of comfort, a feeling from home. The tourist season has finally started and the restaurants have been pretty busy which fills our pockets with decent money.  Cruise shippers abound the port of Georgetown, hunting for jewelry and island souvenirs. I got a yoga pass at the studio next door and I really enjoy my teacher and her Jivamaktu class. I also managed to commit to a regular visit to the gym (who knew I would actually enjoy it). Plus, I try to go for a swim, a true long time gone habit. I also started my Advanced Open Water Course, finally. A bit of studying and workout will hopefully keep me out of trouble for a little while (with the exception of Sundays, obviously).



The Return to the Rock  

The return on the rock wasn’t actually so bad. It took a little while to transition my mind from cold white snow and pure mountain air to warm sun, blue waters and tropical atmosphere but I realized that I do really like this place. You pick and choose what you need and make the most out of it. Having Sundays off brought up to me a variety of new opportunities and I meet positive minded and ambitious people that brighten this tropical journey. I am working on focusing my energies on my mind and my body by learning new things and staying active.

No matter where your life brings you in this journey, remember to let loose, get scared, and live on the edge. It is okay to have fun, just find the right balance. Don’t live a boring life otherwise you’ll regret it when you die.

Live young. Live wild. Live free.