Ah, what the hell...

In previous posts, I've talked a lot about the practicalities of moving to Canada which are important but let's be honest; if you're the type of person who only considers resale value when you're buying a car, or you won't get a tattoo because it'll hurt, then you're probably not going to up sticks and move to a different country.

People tend to emigrate for one of two underlying reasons; to escape appalling circumstances or for the sheer adventure of it.

I definitely fall into the latter category because, despite what some people might say, living conditions for the majority of people in the UK could hardly be described as appalling.

So, we've been here for just over three years and, in that time, we have had some memorable experiences, moments that we'll always remember and that, in some respects, have justified our decision to move to a new country.

Here are some of the best ones:

Beer at the Cedar House - I originally landed in Canada 2 weeks before the rest of the family because of my job so I had a fortnight on my own. One of my new colleagues (who is now a good friend), took pity on me and invited me to spend a night with his family. Well, nothing could have prepared me for where he lived; a cedar-clad house surrounded by forest. My hosts fed me the biggest steak I'd ever eaten and then we sat on his front porch drinking beer and watching his border-collie chase squirrels. It was a great evening and I really felt like I was somewhere special.

Coming across deer on the pavement (sidewalk). I was walking back to our house in Okotoks one afternoon when two deer came around the corner. I was amazed and a little unsure of deer-human sidewalk-etiquette but they were good enough to cross the street before they reached me.

Sitting in a hottub, looking out on a snow covered forest in the middle of winter. The colder it is, the more fun it is, and this time it was -20 Celcius - your body's warm but your hair freezes!

Finding a young moose in the McLean Creek campsite. The kids freaked! Luckily, he was too young and timid to be dangerous

Listening to the coyotes howl when we're sitting out on the deck in the evenings.

Some of the other wildlife gets even closer...

Skiing at Lake Louise - great skiing and an incredibly beautiful place. Other great skiing close by is Sunshine (Banff), Nakiska (where the 1988 Olympic downhill events were held) and Fernie.

Doing anything in Kananaskis. One of the most beautiful places I've ever been.

Leaving the house one winter's morning and having one of my eyes freeze shut! That was a cold day...

Having lunch at Marv's Diner in Black Diamond (especially when he plays the guitar).

Discovering Vietnamese food.

Making friends. Sounds like a cliche but the people here are really nice.

Having the temperature going from -14C to +14C in one day; got to love those chinook winds...

Drinking beer with my neighbour on his driveway last Thanksgiving. I had bought him some beer to say thanks for helping me lay grass in my garden but he would only accept it if I had one with him. Felt like I was in 'King of the Hill' !

Camping at Crimson Lake. Just fantastic...