Great Place To Hang Out!

Vancouver finally has Happy Hours, and last night we indulged.  Blackbird is this great place, with an amazing atmosphere in the heart of the financial district.  With great food and $1.50 oysters between 3-6pm, how could we not check it out? 

I will admit I had two plates and could have had a third, they were so delicious.  We had a good turnout, brand new members, some that had been missing in action for a bit and even a member from Atlanta Georgia visiting for the week.  Great conversation and even a local musician that played the saxophone, bass guitar and sang!!  What a treat!!  Totally a great place to hang out and relax for a midweek mingle.  We will for sure be going back! Events and Adventures Vancouver

Making Good Friends!

I always talk about the great relationships that are formed through the club, while I know of many solid relationships that have been sparked by Events & Adventures, I also know of other amazing friendships and “fast friends”.  While we live in different areas of the city it is amazing how liking the same activities bring people together, in the most natural way.  Last week someone I consider a brother came to visit and even wanted me to meet his mom.  I have met so many amazing people that I would consider closer than some family through this club, and although I don’t need to be serenaded on a road trip by really bad vocals,  the thought of going on the next road trip with a couple of people is always on my mind.  AS we approach thanksgiving here in Canada, there is a bunch of us going stateside to celebrate with our ‘Merican friends that we have also met through E&A events.  It’s a time to really be thankful that we have stepped out of comfort zones and really met people that we are supposed to have surrounding us.  Well how cheesy does that sound...It’s all true!!!  I can’t wait for another epic weekend.  Let another road trip begin.
Events and Adventures Vancouver

Summer Salsa Cruise

Many  of us in Vancouver love the feeling of always feeling like tourists in our own city.  Enjoying the fact that almost everywhere we go something is always changing and there are new sights to see.  Saturday was one of those days when a group of 30 of us were able to board the MV Brittania for the last summer salsa cruise of the season.  On the water with the goegeous lights of our city.  Three levels of Music and dancing and surrounded by friends.   It was incredible. New friendships made and so many laughs. Cant wait to do it again next summer:)
Events and Adventures Vancouver
 

A Wicked Good Labour Day Weekend.

What do you get when you take two hosts, and almost forty members from Seattle and Vancouver?  A wicked good Labour Day Weekend.  We camped our hearts out just this past weekend, and despite some early morning showers, we had the most excellent time possible.  With great people, lots of food, and a serene camping ground just for us, the possibilities were endless.  Local Wineries, Whale Watching, Electricity Museum with a voltage cage, Volleyball, Horseshoes, & campfires of course!  We had a blast and more!  The most peaceful of areas in the middle of both cities in Skagit County.  I have never played the telephone game with so many people, there were laughs and games all night long around many fires and the last night one giant, newly made firepit!  It was truly an awesome send off to an awesome summer of new and old friends, and much more fun to come!
Events and Adventures Vancouver

Another Amazing E&A Grand Canyon Trip!

Where to start.  A saying I  use often when explaining the relationships that happen with Events & Adventures, is “fast friends”.  We meet people everyday but when you get to live and experience like things with a small group of people, it’s amazing the bond that develops. Meeting amazing new friends in Vegas, who knew that we would grow close and never want the trip to end.   We cruised the strip on Thursday night and then headed for an unforgettable charter plane ride to the Bar 10 Ranch. Horseback rides, skeet shooting, an ATV adventure, literally I rode back at night with no headlights...a cowboy show and sleeping under the stars. Up early for a helicopter ride into the canyon to catch our raft.  In just 24 hours some of us had so many firsts.  A true testament to the trip of a lifetime, “bucket list” adventure.  3 days in the magnificent canyon with the greatest people, hiking and taking rapids, with endless laughter and friendship.  It’s been a shock to come  back to the lives that we live after such an awesome trip and vacation that was only 5 days long but a lifetime of conversation and memories.  ...AMAZEBALLS IS AN UNDERSTATEMENT!!

 Events and Adventures Vancouver

Another Amazing Weekend With Events and Adventures Vancouver!

What an amazing long weekend we just had in Vancouver.  Starting with a terrific Icebreaker & Games night turnout.  We played board games and laughed the night away, even though we are in the middle of a glorious weather streak.  Saturday was RAD, as a bunch of us got suited up in our whitest clothes, to get them covered in coloured cornstarch at one of the funnest 5k’s ever!!  Color Me Rad, is a charity run that helps local charities, today was just a blast!! Covered from head to toe in Colour some of us even went to the next event, for a potluck and a day on the beach to wash it off in the ocean & take in the fireworks. The friends, food & fireworks were an awesome way to spend a beautiful Saturday Night in the the city!
Events and Adventures Vancouver

We Got To Run Off A Perfectly Good Mountain!

Last Sunday marked a milestone for a small group of member’s from our Vancouver club.  Despite waiting for the clouds to dissipate while building anticipation, we all got to run off a perfectly good mountain, to soar like eagles.  It’s pretty amazing getting to see people burst through personal boundaries and see them do things they never thought they would ever be able to.  Standing atop Mt Woodside on the weekend, and waiting for those perfect winds, we all did just that.  The last two flights of the day weren’t the most perfect landings, but we made it, and flying over the Fraser river and taking in the sights, even doing some crazy aerobatics, made the day all worth it.  I can’t wait to fly again! Events and Adventures Vancouver

Beautiful Hike to the Top of Chief Mountain!

Just last weekend some of our members got a beautiful Hiking bug to the top of Chief Mountain in Squamish They braved the giant granite rock and even a downpour of rain but the views at the top were a remarkable reward for the time investment. The fun part starts about halfway to the peak when some of them stopped having to huff and puff.  Looking around at the beautiful surroundings of the beautiful forest only took their breath away again.  They ended up about 4 hour round trip with quite a few photo stops and a pretty solid lunch break on the top of the peak, just a  great time spent with friends to make you realize how amazing our Province really is. Beautiful BC! Events And Adventures Vancouver

Ready to Ramp It Up With Some Big Rapids?

 Our overnight camping along the Chilliwack river was fun. Enjoying tasty meals, campfire and camaraderie was terrific . On the Chilliwack Classic , you always have the option to walk around the biggest rapids. The Chilliwack Canyon is 14 km of nonstop Mild action ( Classic ) or the Extreme rafters with its monster rapid waves for hard core rafters. So many ways to get wet and have fun. Of course we needed to camp overnight and get our party on after a hard day on the river, so why not have a Toga party?  We weren’t the only ones camping over so there was lots of milling about and great campfires all over the resort .....Nothing makes you more tolerant of a neighbors noisy party than being there.  Fun had by all on three different rafting trips.  A mild and hard core group on Saturday and another group conquered the class 4 waves on Sunday!!  Amazing as always was the Staff at Chiliwack River Rafting and of course the amazing group of members we had from both the Seattle and Vancouver Clubs!Events And Adventures Vancouver

Canada Day!

While the rest of our E&A clubs get to enjoy a long weekend for July 4^th, we had our holiday smack in the middle of the week.  Most had to work on the Monday, but some were lucky enough to take an extra long weekend.  Canada Day was however just beautiful in Vancouver.  Sun beating down and festivities all around us, our group had an amazing day along the seawall, in Harbour Green Park.  Some of us took a walk around to the food trucks that were up the hill, others had lunch or dinner at the nearby restaurant, while some of us just say and enjoyed the sun and each others’ company all day, playing Croquet, cards, and even running through the water sprinklers. 

Ending the night with fireworks, it was a great day to celebrate Canada! Events and Adventures Vancouver

A New Experience...Spamalot!

I’ve personally always been a fan of Monty Python, but Tuesday was a first for me and many others as we headed to a local theatre to watch Spamalot.  The local talent that we have is amazing and seeing a couple different performances by the Art’s Club theatre, at two different locations in as many months has really brought that fact home.  Unlike any other theatre presentation I have been too, our Seats for Spamalot were right next to the Orchestra.  Annoying to some but they truly brought a whole other experience to the performance.  Not only were they involved in the show for music, but the characters, as Monty Python would have had it, were acknowledged from time to time by the actors, and they even cracked up at the jokes and sometimes even the laughter of us the audience.  Topping it all off was the search for the Holy grail...of course...and it being found under the seat of one of our members...Yep she hid it for sure!!  Lol.. The actors even pulled her on stage for a picture, and she got a certificate too... The show was terrific, with lots of laughs and of course the group was great as usual..
Events And Adventures Vancouver

You Can Dress Us Up But You Can’t Take Us Out!

Of course we go out on the town every night of the week, and we always have the most fun.  Recess for grownups is what it is all about at Events & Adventures.  No matter how serious your day has been, & how much stress we have in our everyday lives, somehow the fun we have at events, makes it all wash away.  We act like goofballs and there is continuous laughter, the jokes are never put aside, and it makes for the best friendships and relationships.  Here’s just a couple of our goofy moments at bowling Saturday 

night.. If you need some laughs & more friends to hang out with, come and play with us.  There’s something fun happening every SINGLE day !!

Getting Out Of The City....

One of my favourite things to do is get out of the city and the hustle of it, leave the noise behind, and just enjoy nature.  It’s pretty awesome that we are able to do just that within the city during the week as well.  Last night a group of almost 20 of us, ignored the rain clouds and headed to Deer Lake in Burnaby to do just that.  Situated low in the city, surrounded by highways and high rises, this lake is the ultimate inner city getaway.  Last night we even had some friendly ducks swim along with our boats, even a scary moment for one as they flew overhead and almost right into one member... talk about being close to nature...  Yes, there were some dark clouds, and we did get rained on, but as always those clouds break and out comes the sunshine.  Not too much of it but just enough to brighten the sky as we headed in and to a nearby pub, for some drinks, more conversation and much needed nourishment, after our hour and a half paddle.  Sure we tend to gather in the same little area of the lake and chat about all kinds of things, laugh and enjoy the sights, but there certainly is a little exercise happening.  It’s a great place to chill with great company on any day and last night certainly didn’t disappoint.  If you haven’t come out with us yet, join us next month when we head out on the water!! Hope to see you all there! Events And Adventures Vancouver

Camping On Gambier Island With Good Friends......

I hope everyone had fun

weekend. Mine was filled with some productive and relaxing Camping on Gambier Island with great friends. Nothing beats good food and great company !! I have to say we started off with Rum Punch which was STRONG and tasty. Latona is an island summer camp within easy reach from Vancouver and Squamish.
Activities like Kayaking , Zip-lining , swimming offers fun progressive initiatives filled with challenges and confidence. Our hike was great with interesting view of lake Gambier below the mountain. This was achieved through teamwork , increase decision-making and problem solving skills to locate our position. We later joined friends at the camp-fire with laughs getting to know each other. Engaging in active conversations improves our communication skills with friends. Ambrea lead the way by self introduction and welcoming everybody..... Job well done !!!
Our fun trip sadly came to an end when we boarded our Boat With Captain Chris in the cockpit. We wanted to stay longer on the Island but it was time to go home.....
Events And Adventures Vancouver

A Magical Place For Adults To Enjoy Science.....

Science World is a non-profit organization that engages British Columbians in science and inspires future science and technology leadership in our province.  However it is also a magical place for adults to enjoy science while there are no children in the building.  While After Dark happens almost bi-monthly, last Friday night they had max capacity of 1200 “big kids”  running amuck!!

Such an amazing time, our numbers just keep increasing each time we go.  Over 40 of us played with Lego (featured exhibit), crashed towers we just made, posed for silly pictures, played with balls on the water tables, and air walls and even played giant Jenga.  Everything is new again and t

e fun is endless.  There were also a couple of our members that participated in the shows, throwing balls to break a giant tower of blocks, and volunteered to be electrocuted, with the Static ball.  Watch for this on Calendars in the future, and be sure not to miss out on all of the FUN!! 

Events And Adventures Vancover

I Had The Chance To Go Ziplining.....It Was A Blast!

There's nothing like hanging a few hundred feet above the ground, suspended in the sky by only a cable, and soaring over treetops and river bends with the wind in your face. 

I had the chance to go ziplining. It wasn't something that I would normally do, but since I had the opportunity, I wasn't going to give it up. I'll try anything fun. I was nervous at first, stepping onto the platform, but once I jumped off, it was over so quickly I don't really remember thinking anything more than, "Wow". I did scream, but you know what? I made it. And it was a beautiful day with my friends on the mountain. 
Events And Adventures Vancouver

Pub Jump Fun!

On Saturday night a group of us set out for a Commercial Drive Pub Jump.  With the first location and time emailed to all those that signed up, we indulged in some great appies at Havana and received a bonus 10% off our bills before heading to our next stop.  The Charlatan was only a block away so we all walked up together and they sat us in two long booths with mirrors surrounding us and the fun began to escalate...great conversation and so many laughs, and then even a drinking contest...we won’t say who won, but girl you did us proud!! Since  I only disclosed our next place as we were getting ready to leave, I figured it was a great time to play a round of the telephone game...So I started it...”Time for one last drink and then we are off to Falconetti’s”  What was said in between, I have no idea, but by the time it got back to me it was much shorter...” One more drink and we're gettin dirty”...What  a blast, it was a great group as usual, the venues were very accommodating, service and specials awesome, we even had a special drink made just for us a Falconetti’s which we rightfully names Pirate Love..way too much fun, thanks everybody for an amazing night!! Events And Adventures Vancouver

Who Wants To Join The Circus?

So much laughter and a little screaming...A super fun event was held at Circus West where we all got to try things that we never thought we could do!  Flying high on the trapeze and putting complete trust in our coach and each other, sounds easier than it actually is.  Adrenaline and using muscles that we never knew we had, climbing on top of each other and trying not to break.  Bouncing like popcorn on a tumble trampoline, climbing arial silks, juggling, and a human log roll were just some of things that had the group in fits of laughter and diving into position so that others wouldn’t fall.  So much fun, with another great group!! Events And Adventures Vancouver

Getting Pelted With Paintballs!

Getting pelted with paintballs and running and dodging from them isn’t everyone’s idea of a good time...but our members just have nothing bad to say about our event last week.  Richmond indoor paintball was the place to be last Thursday night and wowed our attendees.  We had 2 hours of great exercise, tonnes of fun and all the laughs you can imagine.  Adorned with matching coveralls each member grinned the whole time and even bought extra paintballs so that the fun wouldn’t end.  Thanks to the friendly staff and Sharon for hosting such a great event, it had been awhile since we had gone, but we won’t wait as long for the next one...In fact there will be more fun and shooting in April, so be sure to sign up and join in the FUN!!
Events And Adventures Vancouver

10 Ways E&A Will Change Your Life....#1

New Blog Series ” 10 Ways E&A Will Change Your Life”

1. FEEL LIKE A KID

        When you are a kid making friends is easy.  You are constantly around other people in sports, school, your neighborhood, summer camp, cousins/family, band, church etc… that you constantly are able to talk and meet and play with people your age and of similar interests.  We take that, along with a million other things, for granted when we are young.  When we are adults and we move cities or become suddenly single for the first time in a long time we can feel very alone; sometimes for the first time ever.  Commute, work, eat, sleep-repeat becomes “life.”  That isn’t LIFE as we know it in E&A.  Every day offers a new adventure to us.  Every weekend is new chance to explore, be creative, to love people, to like, to fail, to get back up, to test my limits, to find my strengths, to face my weaknesses to meet new people and most importantly find out new things about ourselves.  E&A might make you feel like a kid again when we do fun things like Trampoline Dodgeball, Cosmic Bowling, High Ropes Course, Go Karting and other things…you might feel like a kid again but you will most certainly FEEL ALIVE again.

Stay tuned for 2-10 in Future Blog Posts, in the meantime lets get out there and have some fun! 

Events And Adventures Vancouver

Trying To Curl......

While our Canadian Women’s Curling team is rocking it in Sochi this week, our group got a chance to see how much skill is needed in the sport over the weekend.  While we play for the fun of it and try our best, some of us that hadn’t tried Curling before, found out just how hard it really is to get those points!!  What a fun time, trying to learn how to take off on the right foot, and let go at the right time, and of course all the slipping on the ice.  While the pictures don’t give our gracefulness justice, we had a lot of laughs and a really great time, “trying” to curl.  Don’t get me wrong we have some really skillful curlers in the group.  It’s awesome that no matter the skill level, we all have fun and each of us bring something different to the table.  After our couple of hours were up at the rink we all headed to a local pub to enjoy a bite to eat and more of each other’s company while we watched some of the Olympic couples skating. Good times!! Events And Adventures Vancouver

Snowshoeing Dog Mountain

The Dog Mountain Trail is a short, easy hike from Mount Seymour that offers a spectacular view of Vancouver on a clear day. While the trail has minimal elevation gain and is only about 5km return it was just spectacular for snowshoeing on a Saturday.  A little windy at the end but just awesome to get out and see the views and experience a good day on the mountain.  Check out how much fun we had!!  Events And Adventures Vancouver

Biggest Turnout For A Movie Night!

Friday night was our biggest turnout ever, for our almost monthly late night movie event.  It was great to see so many out for our mingle earlier in the evening and then we headed to the theatre for a movie at the Rio Theatre.  I’m a sucker for fresh popcorn and real butter topping, and there were others in the group that opted for the ultimate bag of the late night snack.  The Rio shows retro movies on Friday nights and the house was almost packed for the showing of The Shining.  It’s always funny to watch a movie that was so scary when it was release, to then noticing all the cheesy parts we wouldn’t have even noticed back then.  Hoping we have the same numbers and maybe even more for the Showing of Clockwork Orange in February. Events And Adventures Vancouver

What A Beautiful Day...Sun Shining For Our Walk Then Up To The White Stuff!

We had just a beautiful day here on Saturday.  Sun shining for our walk around the serene Deer Lake, made us realize just how lucky we are here in Vancouver.  When the rest of the country and most of the continent are dealing with the most unpleasant cold, we get the best of both worlds.

While there may be no snow in the city we are so fortunate to be able to drive up the mountain and enjoy the white stuff when we please.   Saturday evening we were able to enjoy clear skies and an amazing snowshoe hike up to a warming hut, where our guides prepared chocolate fondue for us until we were completely stuffed.  We warmed up with hot chocolate and cider and a  ton

of laughs before we got our snowshoes back on and headed down to our cars. Guides Kim and Kelvin gave us some educational info about the mountains and the trees we were walking through and even shared the 11^th essential of hiking... always bring a plastic bag.... for some impromptu sliding when there is snow.   Just like kids again, forget the magic carpets, plastic bags are easier to carry and work just as well. Events And Adventures Vancouver