The Beginning of the End

It's a very bittersweet time in my life right now.  On the one hand, the chaotic month of August is almost at its end and I am preparing to breathe a sigh of relief at the thought of life slowing down again.  On the other hand many beautiful souls in my life are beginning to leave.  Some are headed back to school, some are headed home, others are just moving on to their next adventure.  I, myself am starting to plan ahead for my next course of action.  With the loss of such wonderful friends and the realization that I missed out on many precious memories during the final stretch of summer I can't help but feel a little lonely.

I realize that my last blog post took quite a negative turn so I have resolved to seek optimism.  I refuse to say "goodbye", but rather, "until we meet again."  Since I am striving to see it all in a positive light, I have decided to take this time and reflect on some of my favourite memories this incredible summer has given me:

Stubbs Island
One of my first real adventures in Tofino and I haven't stopped talking about it since.  The entire long weekend was divine.  From the incredible Jayce and Sidney showing up at our house with their new Dutch hitchhiking friend Bob, to downing Growlers and playing hours of Taboo on the patio, to the creation of my newest nickname "Granny Franny."  The day was so much fun from start to finish.  Then the next day getting off work early, booking it down to the dock to find the entire crew (and then some) waiting for me in line for the ferry: everything came together magically to bring us to the unbelievable Stubbs Island.  Jayce got naked in front of little kids, Bob broke the rope swing and traumatized more little kids, and an epic croquet match/wheelbarrow race ensued (all fuelled by portable Old Fashions, of course).  Even now when I think about May Long Weekend, I can't help but smile.

Radar Beach
What started off as a spur-of-the-moment idea became a very reflective time.  When Jordan and I planned to hike down to Radar Beach (as she had never been) the sun was near setting and it was a race against time to make it down and back before nightfall.  Being completely alone on such a secluded and pristine beach made me realize just how small I really am in this crazy universe.  Creating our "Tofino Bucket List" was a great kick off to the summer.

Endless Fun at Staff Accom
From the first Toga Party to the more recent Prom Party, there was never a dull moment in staff accom.  I'll never forget how Brooke organized a "Beer Hunt" for Easter which lead into an intense Beer Olympics with she and Chance donning bunny ears.  It was those wild nights when I truly felt I was among friends and could really be myself and for that I will always be grateful.

Cox Bay Parties
Although fires and camping are expressly forbidden on Cox Bay, that never stopped us from experiencing a bevy of wild nights there.  The insanity of Lilly's birthday, the hilarity of the staff BBQ, the magic of our "hippy" night under the stars and countless other endeavours with incredible friends.  From experiencing the phosphoresce to enjoying the serene view from Cox Peek or Sunset Point, the bay is the most magical spot in Tofino for me and I will always think of it as home.

Countless Good Times at the Hen House
When I made the transition from staff accom to my new living situation, I was nervous for the change in scenery.  Being fortunate enough to find such an amazing living space was awesome in itself.  Getting to live with 4 of the most incredible roommates and friends was more than I could ask for.  Endless laughter, BBQs, potlucks, nonstop visitors and great times chilling in the loft.  Tom, Kyle, Katlyn, Chanel thank you all for the great times this summer.

Canada Day
How could I forget getting completely obliterated in the parking lot at staff accom the night before Canada Day and almost being too hungover to celebrate?  Waking up and stumbling to the lodge for eggs benny with some of my favourite girls (all donning red plaid of course) and having our boss treat us all to breakfast was the best way to start the day.  Going for a refreshing dip in the ocean (which lead to us deciding now was the ideal time to skinny dip, surfers and spectators be damned!) was equally awesome.  Skate park festivities and fun followed.

My Birthday Celebrations
Spending my birthday weekend at Pemberton Music Festival with some of my all time favourite people, watching some of my all time favourite performers was incredible, but then when I returned home to a surprise gathering?  I wanted to cry for joy.  (Finally) walking into my room and seeing hundreds of balloons and a new bike (to replace my stolen one) filled my soul with joy.  Getting dragged to the beach to find so many of my friends waiting there for me with a huge home-made card was more than my heart could handle.  Never in my life has anyone thrown a surprise party for me, every year on my birthday I plan and organize my own party.  I felt so surrounded by love I could barely believe my fortune to meet such incredible friends.  To know they wanted to celebrate this monumental moment in my life, even after knowing me for a short time, is inexpressible.  Listening to Davin create "The Fran Song" on the spot was just icing on the cake.

Kennedy Lake Days
Although there were several amazing days at the lake, there is one that sticks out in particular.  Jordan and I had decided we were headed out to Rainbow Bridge sometime in the afternoon.  After picking up several scragglers and hitting never ending roadblocks on our journey, Jordan, Angus, Joss, JD and I finally arrived at the lake... at like 5 pm.  Nevertheless we spent our time sipping brewery beer and floating on our long boards.  Highlights include: jumping off the bridge, exploring the lake reeds and watching Joss rolling around hammered in the back of the van.

Super Moon Pirate Party on Vargas Island
I felt I was doomed to not attend this themed party on the secluded Vargas Island under the incredible full moon.  Everyone I knew were going on Sunday night and I honestly did not believe I would make the last ferry departing at 10 pm.  But a series of surprising events lead me to the dock at midnight where, on a whim, a group of us asked a random guy named Dale in a tin boat if he would take us to Vargas.  Not only did he agree, but he let me drive the boat.  Upon arriving at the party I was immediately surrounded by all my beautiful friends who were all shouting my name and simultaneously hugging me, shocked by my unexpected entrance.  We celebrated the births of Joss and Phil; we danced our assess off under the crazy light show to some awesome local DJs; and Lilly burst into tears, declaring "This is the best night of my life you guys!"  Totally worth Jordan and I sleeping on the sand and waking up covered in sand flea bites.

Those are just a few of the highlights of my summer, I know there are many other incredible memories to come this fall.

What are some of yours?