You really don’t need too many reasons to visit Canada. Here are just a few:
Some weeks ago I met fellow Cancer Council Ambassador – Cathy Hankin. She like me, is a breast cancer survivor. A strong woman who has had to endure more than anyone should have to cope with. She was diagnosed with breast cancer over 10 years ago, she fought it well and then put it behind her. Only to have a recurrence within the last year. Again she underwent numerous tests, hospital visits, x-rays, doctor appointments and surgeries. She is a very resilient lady whom I have gained an immense amount of respect. When I asked if I could interview her for Pink Travels she was more than happy to help out and in turn spread the word of Pink Travels. She gave up a job she loved, but instead of sitting back relaxing she now volunteers for the Cancer Council of South Australia on a weekly basis. It is because of people like Cathy I started Pink Travels. Together we can make a difference – I love being able to help out in some small way fellow cancer survivors. Take a look at the website to find out more about Pink Travels and how I can help you.
My journey to connect with Heidi is a story within itself. I was recovering from bilateral masectomy and reconstructive surgery a number of years ago and I had trouble finding a suitable Practitioner. I asked my Physiotherapist if he could recommend anyone and he came up with a couple of names. I tried these people, while they were very good I didn’t connect with them. I continued to search and came across Bodylogic on Brighton Road. I wanted to start seeing Heidi but she was away, I started with another Practitioner but then she retired! I persisted and waited till Heidi returned at a new location that was nearly two years ago. She has been a god send to me. I now visit her on a monthly basis where she works on whatever area needs work. Sometimes she spends more time on my back releasing the pressure from my bilateral scars or sometimes she works on my arms or neck. Having a massage is a regular complimentary therapy that I treat myself to now and I look forward to her cheerful disposition and knowledge. We are forever exchanging ideas and growing our business knowledge. She is very open and helpful with hints for Pink Travels which I am truely grateful. The morale of the story? Keep looking for the right person to help you through this sometimes trying and difficult time – I certainly have found my ideal Natural Health Therapist! Massage is not a therapy that many Surgeons suggest. It is usually something as a survivor we research for ourselves. Take a look at her website www.heidihadley.com
This week I met Fran Tann a fellow breast cancer survivor, she gave up an hour of her busy family and volunteering schedule to talk to me about her cancer journey. Fran volunteers for the Cancer Council, runs a playgroup at the local council and volunteers for Save the Children every Saturday morning. Fran & her family have had quite the journey with cancer and they have certainly weathered the storm. Fran was first diagnosed with breast cancer in 1997, she was again diagnosed with breast cancer in 2003. Fran thought that maybe it was genetic so she was referred with her children and sister to be tested. Her suspicions were confirmed when she was diagnosed with Cowden syndrome. The family was to be further challenged with two more cancer diagnoses. Her beloved husband was diagnosed with prostate cancer in 2012 then her adored grandson was diagnosed with a brain tumour in 2013. Nothing was going to keep Fran down, with the support of her husband and family she has overcome obstacles that she thought she would never have to climb. She, like many survivors has suffered from depression but to her credit she has worked her way through everything that has been thrust upon her. Fran, her husband and grandson are living life to the fullest and embracing each day.
I have travelled the Icefields Parkway on several occasions and it never disappoints. Along the Icefields Parkway (Hwy 93) jaw-dropping scenery is punctuated by more than 100 ancient glaciers, waterfalls cascading from dramatic rock spires and turquoise lakes set in sweeping valleys. There are so many places where you can pull over to take spectacular photos or find a trailhead to hike. You’ll want to take your time, with many must-see stops along the way.
“It’s all about me” What a wonderful day I had last Sunday. I was invited to be an exhibitor at a “Wellness Day” in Mildura. The day was all about the pampering of women and an opportunity to raise much needed funds for the Sunraysia Young Women’s Cancer Support Group. This was also an chance to spread the word of Pink Travels and connect with like minded people. I talked with many women and was able to get the word out to the beautiful women of Mildura. They raised a staggering $7k, much more than expected. I was very humbled and pleased to be apart of this wonderful event.
I have travelled to Banff on a number of occasions and found it to be an absolutely beautiful town. Whether it’s the enormous mountains surrounding the town or the vast array of restaurants to choose from. It’s the place to visit any time of the year. There are so many interesting attractions. You can enjoy a meal at the famous Banff Springs Hotel or you may prefer to dine at The Balkan Restaurant on Banff Avenue. You may like to indulge in a Spa Treatment at the Rimrock Hotel nestled back in the mountains. I know you will find the stunning town of Banff one of your favourites.
I have just returned from promoting Pink Travels at Adelaide’s Mother’s Day Classic. It reminded me of my very first Mother’s Day walk, which was in Ontario Canada in 2006. I can’t believe how far I have come since my first breast cancer diagnosis. The initial shock, multiple surgeries, Doctors appointments, x-rays, numerous mammograms, hospitals visits just to name a few. I have always tried to maintain a positive attitude and encourage others where I can. I am very fortunate to have supportive family and friends. I hope through Pink Travels I can spread the word of hope and support fellow cancer survivors.
Despite seeming like a remnant of the Victorian era and being located in Vancouver’s “Gastown” (which was the original townsite from which Vancouver grew in the 1870s) the Steam Clock is actually from a hundred years later, built in 1977 by horologist Raymond Saunders and metalwork specialist Doug Smith. Every quarter hour, the two-ton Steam Clock shows off a bit, whistling and shooting steam from its five whistles in its version of the Westminster Chime. On the hour it marks each hour with a toot from each whistle.
The Canadian Rocky Mountains offer some of the most beautiful scenery in the world from towering glacier covered mountains to landscapes full of lakes, rivers, waterfalls and wildlife. It’s a photographer’s paradise; depending on the season you can see turquoise coloured lakes, the warm autumn colours of the trees or glistening blankets of snow.
The southern part of the Canadian Rockies is where most visitors spend their time, this includes Banff, Jasper, Yoho and Kootenay National Parks. In any of these areas it would be difficult to find a poor location, you could randomly press the shutter button on your camera and get a beautiful scene. There are a number of classic locations to photograph, hopefully you can try to capture something a little different by putting your own creative spin on them. Enjoy!
