Another Snow Shoe - Amazing Day

We spent another amazing day on the

North Shore Mountains 

Once again hiking up the Snow Shoe Grind
for spectacular views.

Then we dashed down over to
Thunderbird Ridge!

Bitter Tasting House

Several of the staff at The Travel Group belongs to the Western Beer Club.

Last night was a meeting to taste some ales at “Bitter tasting house” the newest addition to the Irish Heather group.

Not sure which beer to choose ? Every week at Bitter they offer a selection of flights, ranging from a focus on style, country, season or any other interesting pairing they can think of to enjoy and discover.

On rotation was: left to right

NKOTB (New Kids on the Block)

Steam Whistle, Pilsner
Brewery: Steam Whistle, Toronto ON

Three Eleven, Helles Lager

Brewery: Coal Harbour BC

Dead Guy, Maiboch

Brewery: Oregon USA

From scotch eggs, pretzels and pork scratchings, we tried it all. Nibbled on sausages and Bitter's house sauerkraut.

Epic Hike - BCMC & SSG

Each year we take on the task of doing something a little crazy. 

2010, was the first year trying the Grind twice in a row.
2011, was a hat trick (three) Grind adventure.
2012, BCMC (British Columbia Mountain Club) & SSG (Snow Shoe Grind)

The morning of  day light savings 4 of us got up early, extra early with the time change, to take advantage of the early morning light. Strapping our snowshoes to our packs and started up the BCMC.

Surprised at the number of people on the trail there were lots of hellos as well as an opera singing Hungarian using the acoutics of the forest for his singing practice.


Strapping on our YakTrax at about the 3/4 mark it was like being on a movie set with the hard top layer of undisturbed snow.

Once arriving at the top of the BCMC, we were only half way through our big hike. We had a granola snack and started off again. Switching our YakTrax for our snowshoes we headed up the Snow Shoe Grind. All feeling like slugs and having smaller steps than our usual bounce on the SSG we managed to reach the top in just under an hour.
Unfortunately the view was not spectacular this day. It was overcast and we could not see the chalet or the eye of the needle. But it was well worth it as well bounded our way down in the hill in new snow.

A first for this combo, but we all can way we've done it !

Tee Gee Awards for 2011

Each year The Travel Group honors their employee’s with a dinner out followed by awards. There are serious awards like highest sales, and most insurance sold. But we also have some fun with our photo contest, and best blog.

 

Arriving to canapes and champagne, Pied a Terre was the choice of restaurant this year.  Quickly taking our seats we were all excited for the tastes of the French Bistro.

Starting off with either:

Salade Vert,

Soupe du jour,

Seared rare ahi tuna Nicoise,

Salad of golden beats, blood orange, candied walnuts & watercress with goats cheese pannacotta.






Then onto the main course:

Fresh fish du jour

Crisp roast heritage chicken , garlic mashed potato, preserved lemon and fresh sage,

Certified Angus beef Flat Iron steak, creamed spinach, hand cut frites, black peppercorn jus

Berkshire pork tenderloin wrapped in smoked ham, apple beignet, cauliflower & cheddar puree, apple cider jus

 
AWARD TIME !

Michele took home a few awards this year, with Top Sales, Top Insurance Sales and Account Manager. Regine, Martha, & Annie were also winners in these categories.

Colleen took home, once again the "Groupie of the year", and for the first time winning the "Confucius Award." Both being voted on by her peers.

The photo contest was voted with "likes" on The Travel Group Facebook page. 

Best Photo, Best Caption, and the most Odd or Interesting Photo.  If you would like to enter your photo check out the contest details to see if you quality.

 



A new contest this year was the "best blog" Lindy took home the award with her ongoing travel tips on Lindy's List.





Ending the evening off with an Assortment of French Cheese and a selection of seasonal desserts 

  

  

 

 

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