The Michael I Remember

The Michael I Remember

Hope Never Fades

HOPE NEVER FADES

What happens when you feel completely lost and dejected? Most of us turn around and retreat from our path. But, those who continue to walk on the trouble-filled path finally meet success. If you are looking for inspiration, read these quotes of determination. Let nothing stop you from achieving success.

"Anyone can give up, it's the easiest thing in the world to do. But to hold it together when everyone else would understand if you fell apart, that's true strength."

"You just can't beat the person who never gives up."
~Babe Ruth

"When you feel like giving up, remember why you held on for so long in the first place."
~Anonymous

"Those who dare to fail miserably can achieve greatly."
~John F. Kennedy

"A setback is the opportunity to begin again more intelligently."
~Henry Ford

"The probability that we may fail in the struggle ought not deter us from the support of a cause we believe to be just."
~Abraham Lincoln

"There is no such thing as failure. There are only outcomes. The only time you fail is the last time you try."
~Anonymous

"Nobody can make you feel inferior without your consent."
~Eleanor Roosevelt

"Nothing can stop the person with the right mental attitude from achieving their goal; nothing on earth can help the person with the wrong mental attitude."
~Thomas Jefferson

"It's not who you are that holds you back, it's who you think you're not."
~Anonymous

And finally some words on Never Give Up"

Life is how you want it to be
Open your eyes, and you will see
No matter what, you can have fun
And always remember, when it's done
The memories of what has been
The mistakes, so you won't make them again
The good times, but the not-so-good times too
Because these memories will see you through.

Never forget friends who've come and gone
Sing life's praises as a beautiful song
Loving and being loved are the greatest gifts
Close your heart, and these you'll miss
Life is how you want it to be
Open your eyes, and this you'll see...

Just one note: NEVER GIVE UP!
--- Copyright © 2003 Jennifer Michelau

GMR Sonlight Ventures 2009

Life on the Southwest Coast

Southwest Coast of Vancouver Island

Jordan River Area

A third of the way between Sooke and Port Renfrew is the tiny community of Jordan River. The river mouth point provides ideal waves for avid surfers, windsurfing and kayaking. Accommodation in the area includes 2 campgrounds.

The Jordan River campground is ideally situated on the beach looking out over the Strait of Juan de Fuca to the Olympic Peninsula in Washington State and an ideal spot for watching the river otters play while the golden hues of the sunset dance across the sky.

China Beach, a province of British Columbia campsite, is within walking distance of Jordan River and the beginning of the 47 km Juan de Fuca Marine Trail, a hiking trail winding through old growth rain forests, beautiful sandy beaches of China and Mystic, suspension bridges, and along spectacular shorelines ending at the fascinating tidal pools at Botanical Beach near Port Renfrew. Wilderness campsites are located along the trail.

At first glance the ocean around Jordan River in winter looks grey and barren. The surprise, once you get out into it, is how alive it actually is. Seals pop up in the kelp beds to check your style, while black cormorants cruise around outside the takeoff zone. Waves average 2- to 4-foot sets of rights that break off the point.

At nearby China Beach in Juan De Fuca Provincial Park, just west of Jordan River, a 15-minute walk through glorious rainforest leads to a wide sweep of sandy beach and a hidden waterfall. China Beach Campground, offering vehicle accessible campsites, is located in a forested area with open understory just east of the China Beach day-use area.

TheJuan de Fuca Marine Trail:

This wilderness hiking trail winds its way from Botanical Beach in Port Renfrew to China Beach in Jordan River, following 47 km of rugged rainforest coastline and white sand beaches. No matter the reason, this area allows for peace and tranquility amidst the ever changing landscape of the Pacific Northwest.

GMR -Sonlight Ventures 2009

Life in Victoria

Welcome to Victoria - the "City of Gardens" I have returned to live in the city of my youth, Victoria, British Columbia. More about this garden city in a moment, but for now I just want to leave you with an invitation to visit this beatiful spot just a few hours away from Vancouver. This intimate, sophisticated seaside City is the vacation capital of Canada and the premiere tourist spot in the Pacific Northwest. Victoria is situated on the southern tip of Vancouver Island and sparkles in one of Canada's mildest climates. This area is the sunniest spot in the province and the gentlest in the country in terms of climate, environment, and lifestyle. Victoria's unique character is deeply rooted in its 150-year history -- a history full of colourful people and fascinating tales. The city's British colonial heritage is still very much in evidence, but contemporary Victoria has a distinctly Pacific northwest flavour. Today, Victoria is best known as the capital city of British Columbia, and as a world-renowned tourism destination. One of the most visitor-friendly cities anywhere, Victoria is also one of Canada's favourite places to call home. Greater Victoria and its outlying areas now have a population of 300,000, and the one-time colonial outpost is alive with cosmopolitan dining, superb shopping, a colourful nightlife and a full complement of cultural offerings. During my teen years here, I couldn't wait to leave for the big city lights of Vancouver, now I couldn't wait to return. While Victoria certainly has it's big city flavor and big city problems, it still manages to retain the small communtiy roots and hospitality. I have left you with a few pictorial images and an invitation to see this gem of the Northwest that so many call home . . and now fortunately that includes ME! gmr Sonlight Ventures 2009