Thoughts of a Traveller

Wandering ideas from a human being, heading always into the unknown for the search of a new experience

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Sometimes you just need to get away from everything to refocus on what is important. A last minute overnight in the city to look at some gorgeous cherry blossoms in full bloom, sit in a spa, have a rare selfie with my absolute best friend and heart melting floof, finished with a fancy meal at @kamei_royale for posh sushi rolls has proven to be exactly what was needed. Winter has been hard this year for tonnes of reasons, but I'm so thankful for this bastion and complete rock of support that stands alongside me everyday. I'm so proud to call myself his partner everyday ❤️ #canada2022 #vancouver #whenyouknowyouknow #cherryblossom #tourist #minibreak #citybreak #findingourhappy #smiles #sushi #soppy #handholdingtime (at Downtown Vancouver) https://www.instagram.com/p/Cb9LqCDuYY7/?utm_medium=tumblr

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We were having so much fun on Whistler Blackcomb's #openingday2021 that we forgot to take photos until putting our feet up with peppermint tea. Riding with skiers is super fun, thanks @aj_nesquik and Spud for the freshest of laps! It's GREAT to be back (but my feet are sore 😅). Happy winter! #canada2021 #toomuchfun #notimeforphotos #toomuchpowder #mybackyard #newseason #newchapter #timefortea #itssnowingoutside #warmerinside #findingmyhappy #happyfriends (at Whistler, Canada) https://www.instagram.com/p/CWtyAenPmYH/?utm_medium=tumblr

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Decided to go climbing today at The Core today with @aj_nesquik for a health challenge set by @beaconwhistler for dead season. 1) I haven't climbed in a LONG time and it definitely showed. 2) AJ is much better at this than I am. 3) I want to be a climber now. 4) I don't know what the challenge was for, but apparently if I'm challenged to do something then I'll give it a fair whack. Getting ready for winter season wasn't this hard last year, was it? 😅 Excited to be back into the physical sports again! Rocking my favourite @endurapparel socks for this too, the only comfortable part of my feet in this photo ❤️ (at Whistler Core) https://www.instagram.com/p/CWmoGdylRUw/?utm_medium=tumblr

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I'm thankful for my beautiful, wonderful, colourful, smiling, laughing, odd, vertically varied, silly and downright brilliant family. They are my favourite people, my biggest supporters, my strongest allies, my warmest hugs and the people I most hope to embody as I continue to grow. I am forever thankful that I got the chance to visit this year after two long years apart, and have still more of them to see. I am incredibly thankful for my wonderful mum and stepdad for doing a day trip with me to the seaside today too - a perfect way to spend a sunny, late summer (right?!) day <3 #home2021 #happyheart #thanksgiving #thankful #familytime #smilesformiles #canttellwererelated #butweare #beach #welshcoast #homeholiday #immigrantbackhome #awkwardfamilyphotos #nahtheyregood #england #takeabreath #feelgood (at Shrewsbury, Shropshire) https://www.instagram.com/p/CU6FQvkodR3/?utm_medium=tumblr

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For two seasons I've been wanting to try Schleyer in the #whistlerbikepark and have visualised the success of it. I've historically been often made to feel like I'm not good enough yet, not skilled enough for some of our more prestigious trails. But with thanks to training from #zepmtbcamps and #womensnight at the park (@ppmountainbax you're an awesome coach) and ESPECIALLY the forever wonderful @jodawson__ (you're the best sneaky 📷 ever and the most thoroughly encouraging rider to shred with), I can finally say that I rode (and not just survived) this trail. All the drops, all the hype. Stoked doesn't come close to explaining the elation of this, and watching these videos makes me really reflect on how much development has happened in my riding over three seasons. Sure this was scary as heck, but this is a braver Laura than I've ever known - and she just keeps finding more courage the deeper she digs. #canada2021 #whistler #dayoff #drop #dropcliffsnotbombs #dropitlikearock #seasongoals #findingmyhappy #findingmybraveheart #ridewithfriends #hypewithfriends #selfbelief #progressnotperfection #lookmumicanfly #dothething #didthething #biggerthanitlooks #doubleblackdiamond #downhillmtb #mountainbiking #takeabreath (at Whistler Mountain Bike Park) https://www.instagram.com/p/CT32Pa6rtme/?utm_medium=tumblr

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This summer I've been really able to test my bravery and push hard to manage and control my fears. Thanks to the rather lovely @aj_nesquik I got to try a pretty big challenge - backflipping off a bungee bridge! The video and cheesy grins say it all, we had a killer day. Recently I've come to realise that for the longest time my energy was being spent in some pretty useless and toxic places, and I'm so glad that I'm able to focus now on days like this with the most wonderful of humans - like this guy <3 There's definitely more to life than riding a bike and snowboarding (but they're still pretty good fun). #canada2021 #whistlerbungee #flip #nailedit #noscream #sortofscared #braveheart #whistler #dayoff #notexactlyrelaxing #dothething #nexttimeinwinter #backflip #jump #leapoffaith #yesyoucan #recovery #findingmyhappy #gettingthere (at Whistler Bungee) https://www.instagram.com/p/CTN_D6UJJgi/?utm_medium=tumblr

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Second post with some portraits (I can't seem to figure out how to show both on one post off this handset). I didn't want to filter these, as they actually showcase just how breathtaking of a place we rode this weekend. Also, a massive thanks to @t_bastian_ and Neena for your friendliness and laughter throughout. You two completed a perfect weekend getaway, and I'm highly glad to have experienced this with you ❤️ #canada2021 #makenewfriends #wildernessweekend #mountaintop #forgeteverythingelse #peace #tranquility #mountainbiking #whatelsedoyouneed #nofilter #nostress #justbikes (at Chilcotin Mountains) https://www.instagram.com/p/CS5nwxkHc8D/?utm_medium=tumblr

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Huge post (maybe with a second one for the portrait shots) from the EPIC bike trip I was honoured to be invited onto. We ventured by float plane out to the back of the #chilcotin mountains, set off and spent a weekend wild camping (take note of the backcountry packs we rode with!), riding a collective 43km with over 1800m of elevation gain with massive descents. The second day was ten hours of riding! I'm absolutely stoked over having this opportunity, and it's all thanks to the stunner of a lady jamming out next to me in the shots. Rachel, you're fabulous and I'm so lucky to have had the chance to become friends with you this summer. You're the wildest, calmest, sometimes craziest chick I know, and your wisdom and analogies have stuck with me to repair some major damage internally. Thank you for being you, and helping me fall in love with #adventurebiking in its truest sense. Also thank you for spending the summer with me as the #zepmtbcamps women's team, and repping the amazing @endurapparel socks together like queens! #canada2021 #beautifulbritishcolumbia #explorewhereyoulive #backcountrybiking #ladiesonly #womensmtb #lifebehindbars #zepmtb #endurapparel #norcobikes #ridetosurvive #ridetothrive #ridewithfriends #ridetorecover #appreciationpost #sheshreds #shesakeeper #mountainbiking #pedalpower #earnyourdescent #floatplane #tyaxadventures (at Chilcotin Mountains) https://www.instagram.com/p/CS5k11andnG/?utm_medium=tumblr

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Another #appreciationpost - this time for @aj_nesquik . We spent a sunny afternoon doing the least amount of exercise we could think of in the wildfire smoke, wandering the #sunflowerfield up in Pemby. Turns out that when we both have a camera in hand neither of us are that excellent at using them, but we're not entirely rubbish either (until we both end up in the same frame). Thank you AJ for making me laugh - honestly it's all the time with you. They're the kind of laughs that I feel right down in the bottom of my lungs, and make my cheeks hurt (but that's not a bad thing) - I appreciate you so much for it. Thank you for being an #adventurepal with me, putting up with my near constant talking and keeping a cheesy grin on my face. These photos give me proof that it's still there <3 #canada2021 #toohottobike #beautifulbritishcolumbia #adventuretime #findingmyhappy #mentalhealthawareness #slowdown #pointandshoot #artsy #notreally #diditforthebeer #colours #thegreatoutdoors #goofball (at The Beer Farmers) https://www.instagram.com/p/CSkMDBnpg4z/?utm_medium=tumblr

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Sometimes, just sometimes, it can take a completely unexpected moment to silence the tempest in one's head even momentarily. Thank you so much @bluemonday_85 for a fraction of solace in a particularly difficult time. Your persistence and friendship is something I value immensely right now, even if I am completely unreliable and often unavailable. You are appreciated so much, and these photos are perfect reminders to keep searching for peace - because it IS out there, even if I can't always see that. #canada2021 #sup #sooriver #solace #mentalhealth #recovery #findingmyhappy #friendswhosupport #quietplace #beautifulbritishcolumbia #timeoffbikesisntsobad #summer #bluebird #appreciationpost (at Soo River) https://www.instagram.com/p/CSgM518rYmh/?utm_medium=tumblr

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This is a huge moment of my season - I crushed a double black sized drop first go with the best coach ever @ppmountainbax 🔥 if you'd told me at the start of my day that I'd be finishing it doing this, I'd have said 'nah, maybe next time'. But the conditions were right, the bike felt good and the company was exquisite. Riding with positive, supportive and enthusiastic friends has allowed me to find the strength and courage I knew I had deep down. I'm starting to understand now the concept of doing what makes you happy and surrounding yourself with good, encouraging company that allows you to flourish. Thanks team (and my other rider buddies who put up with me who weren't present for this moment) ❤️ and thanks @rosamund_amelia for the 🎥 ! #canada2021 #ridenowsleeplater #rideforyourlife #dropitlikeitshot #gettinglow #putastamponit #felthigher #lookmum #dothething #progressthroughpractice #youarebetterthanyouthink #listentoyourbody #dontlistentoanythingelse #physicaltherapy #getoutside #whistlerbikepark #justanothermanicmonday #womensnight #mountainbiking #norcobikes #takeabreath #fly (at Whistler Mountain Bike Park) https://www.instagram.com/p/CSGf0e0ArXt/?utm_medium=tumblr

[ixyan]

Today I got to achieve an ENORMOUS goal of park riding - I cleaned the Top Of The World trail of #whistlerbikepark without stopping, without walking, without panicking. For the last two years I've had a voice telling me I'm not good enough inside my head, that I'm not experienced enough to do such a trail, not worthy of it. But today, with the support of my wonderful friend @stephlussier I smashed it out and proved to myself that I am stronger than my demons ever made me feel. One small step at a time. #canada2021 #selfcare #journeyoflife #onestepatatime #yesyoucan #ridewithfriends #ridenowsleeplater #takeabreath #topoftheworld #seasongoals #ridetosurvive #ridetothrive #rideforyourlife #mountainbiking #norcobikes #evolutionwhistler #lifebehindbars #nofilter (at Top of the World, Whistler Blackcomb) https://www.instagram.com/p/CRvgQ7dBThN/?utm_medium=tumblr

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Tonight I got to spend a whole two hours with my favourite new hobby and the best instructor, Miss @kat_loveday ❤️ pole dancing is something I never thought I'd vibe with so much. But just like being on my bike or being on my board, this lets me focus. It clears the dark storms in my head, if only for a few hours. It tests me, motivates me, and for tonight has brought out the most genuine smile I've had in weeks. I feel blessed to have fallen into this activity, and thankful for the support of @treelineaerial with their continuation of the classes. Always appreciate the little things in life, sometimes they'll pick you up when you need it most ❤️ #canada2021 #treelineaerial #poledance #acrobatics #physicaltherapy #pushyourbody #takeabreath #flex #bend #dontbreak #findingmyhappy #neverstopmoving #betterwithoutamask #calminastorm (at Treeline Aerial) https://www.instagram.com/p/CRVnVsoBAgb/?utm_medium=tumblr

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This one is a family post. It's not perfect, and I haven't tried one of these in a year. But I love recalling the story my mum told me about my grandad. He's a lovely, sweet man that tans like a date in the sun and has a smile that can light up a room with his pearly whites. When he was younger, he could backflip from standing on flat ground. One day, he did a flip but almost didn't land it. He said that day that it was the last one he would do, and apparently it was. I never got the chance to see my grandad backflip, but I want to practise mine so he can see that it runs in the family still :-) this video is for him, and I hope one day I can do it standing on flat ground so he can see his influence on me. #canada2021 #lakeside #backflip #practisemakesprogress #stillscary #onedayonasnowboard #onedayonabike #familyskills #familyheritage #whataview #whistlersummer #lakeday #takeabreath #doaflip (at Lakeside Park Beach) https://www.instagram.com/p/CQsRysahYws/?utm_medium=tumblr

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This photo is from a camping trip with two lovely lady amigos a week or two ago. No prizes for guessing which one I am in the photo... I totally forgot to put this amazing shot up, but every time I look at it I get the same feeling of freedom. Freedom in a few ways - freedom from my clothes. Freedom from my phone (no signal area). Freedom from electricity. Freedom from schedules. Freedom from messages. Freedom from worries. Freedom from my demons. Freedom to be my truest self, in the presence of two people I can be that with, without judgement. I'm already looking forward to the next time we get out together <3 Thanks for not hating me on calling your bluff of a skinny dip @laura_julie_kelly (I'll ALWAYS get naked if socially acceptable to do so) and for joining me, and thank you for capturing a beautiful moment in my summer @maisieelizabethe - you're due a dip next time! #canada2021 #camping #lillooetlake #nofilter #freedom #getyourpeaksoutforthepeaks #exposure #birthdaysuit #womenwhowill #natureatitsbest #megababes #thankful (at Lillooet Lake) https://www.instagram.com/p/CQnQF0Chvmm/?utm_medium=tumblr

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So this week, I've had a bit of an emotional crisis of confidence. A human in my life told me fairly bluntly that I am guilty of bragging and boasting commonly, which sent my self-confidence back into the dark ages and skyrocketed my insecurity to the stratosphere. I have never wanted to come across as arrogant and boastful to my friends and family, and so first and foremost I apologise sincerely to any who agree with that humans view. It took me a lot of thought as to whether I could post this or not, but my raging insecurity demanded that I face up to it. These photos are not intended as a brag or boast. I really like pole dancing, @kat_loveday is a wonderful instructor and @treelineaerial is a really happy place for me. Over the winter and summer I've been loving learning more about this neat acrobatic activity, but it's been a painful one due to the severe varicose veins in my zombie legs. It took a lot of work to get these leg anchors right, and a lot of frustration of my current limitations (having an incompetent vascular system in both my legs is the worst). I wanted to post these so that 1) my family can see I'm still alive out here in Canada 2) I can continue trying to feel ok to show my exposed legs in public and 3) I can try and show that even with physical ailments hindering you, mental focus and determination can still help you achieve. #canada2021 #poledance #stillhurts #dothething #invert #doyourbest #appreciatemycoach #grimaceunderthemask #nohands #varicosesucks #wontstopme #happyplace (at Treeline Aerial) https://www.instagram.com/p/CQhRBVBhV-M/?utm_medium=tumblr

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Merry #whistmas from the @whistlerbikeprk and all of us here! Been waiting patiently for this day again this year, and it's been everything we all needed to go out and blast down a mountain on our machines. Wonderful to be joined by @laura_julie_kelly and @mr_aeejaydigby (not photoed unfortunately) and share some furious laps. BIKES ARE THE BEST (especially with top notch buddies). #canada2021 #ridenowsleeplater #mountainbiking #whistler #bikewithbuds #happyday #partyshirt #sortmyjumpfaceout #airborne #zoomies #openingday #summer #thisislife (at Whistler Mountain Bike Park) https://www.instagram.com/p/CPjx2k2hKzw/?utm_medium=tumblr