And the Fun Just Never Stops…

There is no disputing that our tiaras and the ensuing hilarity were a highlight of our vacation, but there is so much more to tell. In fact, it’s remarkable that we managed to pack so much excitement and laughter into four short days, so allow me to elaborate on some of our more meaningful experiences.

Please be assured that no animals were harmed during the following adventures and the safety of others was paramount. All participants shall remain anonymous to protect their identity (we didn’t know their names anyway)

Walk Don’t Run

Because one of our foundational principles is to promote physical fitness, it was of the utmost importance that we incorporate a 5K walk into our itinerary. After what seemed an eternity of driving in circles and taking several wrong turns, we finally reached our ocean side pathway destination. The day was beautifully sunny and calm and our tiaras were sparkling. We were pumped!

Fortunately, we were able to walk three abreast and Middle was the designated “inside walker” which meant that she was the closest to the oncoming walkers. There is a big responsibility attached to that position because you are thus the designated official greeter. You must at the very least smile and if necessary, add a cheery “hello”to every passerby.

Middle is well suited to this position as Little and I are more inclined to ignore people. Other walkers were out in full force but Middle was intrepid. In fact, we think she was channeling Mom because she was determined to greet pretty much everyone. We finally got tired of listening to her exuberant greetings and politely asked her to stop.

The Sisterhood has a considerable medal collection from previous 5K walks and we were determined to continue the tradition, so Little was tasked with sourcing medals for this walk. The Dollar Store proved invaluable for just that purpose. Unfortunately, she forgot to bring tape to attach the ribbon to the medal. Middle came through once again with band aids from the First Aid Kit that she takes everywhere. Problem solved.

Water, Water Everywhere

The Spa at our resort offered a unique experience called the Hydropath and by virtue of its name, we were enthusiastic participants. What will it involve, we wondered? Do we have to wear our bathing suits? Are there any height or age restrictions? All very good questions that were answered in due time.

This experience involves an underground guided tour from water station to water station, each offering immersion in either warm or cold water, with an explanation of the benefits of each. Little thought it was the greatest thing ever, Middle was equally enamored but Big wasn’t so sure, mainly because she almost drowned in the whirlpool deep end. (There should have been height restrictions!)

What’s in a Name?

Perhaps the most compelling experience of our visit occurred as we were settling our bill at the spa reception desk. I was asked for my name and I gave my usual response. “That’s Shauna with a u.” From out of nowhere came a voice exclaiming “That’s my name too.” Now that may be a common occurrence for many people, but I rarely encounter people who not only share my name, but also it’s spelling. (Actually, this had never happened before and was unlikely to ever occur again.)

Little then felt compelled to ask her middle name. When she answered Maureen, I almost fainted….not really, but it was an uncanny coincidence. For years I thought my middle name was also Maureen, but alas my parents had never officially registered it, so I was technically only a “Maureen Wanna Be.” The other “Shauna with a u” patiently listened to my lengthy monologue regarding the emotional pain I had experienced as a result, while Middle and Little just rolled their eyes and pretended to vomit.

Unfortunately, the similarity ended there. She was tall and looked nothing like me, but we were both stunned at our fateful meeting and vowed to keep in touch. Again, I exaggerate. The whole incident lasted no more than a few minutes and we parted with best wishes for each other, but the glow of our encounter lasted for the rest of the day. It was an extraordinary meeting and a testament to the fact that the Universe is unfolding as it should. Life works in mysterious ways my friends.

So Many Smiles, So Many Memories

There is so much more to tell. Working out with the ocean as a backdrop, morning coffee on the patio, the occasional visit to the lounge and evenings around the outdoor fire pit are all treasured memories.

Many Thanks

We would be remiss if we didn’t thank our good friend “Kimbo” for making this adventure possible. It was she who suggested several destinations and ultimately helped us settle on Vancouver Island. She pretty much did all of the work investigating ferry schedules, except pushing the button to finalize the reservations. (She let Little do that.) She also suggested our resort and gave Little Sis tremendous emotional support throughout the planning process.

We are forever grateful and feel it only right that we grant her the prestigious title of “Honorary Sisterhood Travel Agent.” She, Auntie Lana and Biscuit are to date the only recipients of an Honorary Sisterhood Award. As such, she is in distinguished company. This accolade doesn’t come along very often and will no doubt be a treasured keepsake. Thanks Kimbo!

With fond memories of much laughter and frivolity, the sun sets on our “Island Vacation”

Even though we have just had a vacation, we need a vacation. 😎And so dear readers, as is our usual custom, we are temporarily signing off for the summer. Don’t despair. We’ll see you in September. Until then, be good, be kind, keep smiling and above all, have fun. CHEERS! 🌞