om is where the heart is.

i took an amazing power yoga class this week in kits. before we began, our instructor asked us to focus our practice on gratitude, and to reflect on the path we'd chosen to arrive at that exact moment. as i meditated for a second (ok, yes, i'm back to my yogi roots), i was reminded of how incredibly grateful i am for the support of family and friends. i am so lucky to have an amazing opportunity to learn and grow in vancouver, and it's so exciting to think about the adventures ahead!

this weekend was so awesome that i thought i would double dip with a second post. i mentioned previously that i hiked grouse mountain on saturday morning, and have so many other great pictures i just had to share.

this is what excitement/fear looks like

the hike itself is amazing, trekking straight up the face of the mountain. it gets pretty crowded on the weekends, and it's super fun to run past people on the way up (not as much fun when they catch up to you while you're trying to catch your breath on the side of the trail, but still). it's steep and rocky which requires some focus, so it's completely breathtaking when you remember to look up and notice what's going on around you.

uphill both ways #dontlookdown

first glimpse out over the trees

there are some amazing views at the top of the mountain, and a stomach dropping-ly steep skyride to get you back home. i'm excited to have family visiting this week so i have a chance to go back!

blending in with the trees at the top of the grind

bye bye grouse - see ya next week!

after the grind we grabbed brunch at cafe medina. it's so fun to explore new restaurants in the city, and this one was definitely a keeper. 

post-hike waffle appetizer, of course

on sunday, we rented bikes and rode the seawall! i've been anxious to check out stanley park since i was here interviewing, and this was a great way to see it.  i can't wait to get a bike when i'm settled in permanently.

view of north van over the bridge from stanley park

xo,

caroline