West Coast Welcome — From City Lights to Mountain Heights (and the Work That Never Sleeps)

I thought I’d better put a few posts about latest oversea trip.

There’s something uniquely poignant about leaving home for a long trip, especially when your Nan, despite not feeling well, makes the effort to see you off at Devonport Airport. That little twin-prop Qantas plane taking us to Melbourne, then on to Fiji, felt like the start of something truly expansive — a journey that was much more than just a holiday.

Our stopover in Fiji was an awesome break, a necessary decompression from the intensity of work before diving into the vastness of Canada. A bit of swimming, some touring, and those first few relaxing meals under Fijian skies were the perfect transition.

Then, it was on to Vancouver. For a couple of days, we soaked up the city’s vibrant energy. We zipped around on a little boat tour, caught a football game in a massive stadium, and even witnessed the spectacle of a Dragon Yacht Race. It was a whirlwind of new sights and sounds, but what truly mattered was the quality time with the kids. We had some truly memorable dinners: a beautiful Indian feast on the first night, a fantastic Mexican spread on the second, and then the unforgettable experience of Teppanyaki for the third — a first for Archie, Grace, Peter and Kate, sparking joy and laughter as the chefs performed their magic. We also spent a full day at Science World, captivated by an awesome Tyrannosaurus Rex skeleton and diving into countless interactive games. It was pure, unadulterated fun, seeing the world through their excited eyes. Oh, and a cool modern touch? Spotting about nine Cybertrucks cruising around Vancouver — that definitely caught my eye!

Our hire cars, a little van for us and another for Ben’s and Bec’s family, were packed to the brim — a comical struggle to fit all the luggage, but we made it work. And then, the real adventure began.

The Grouse Grind: A Brutal Welcome

Our first major challenge was Grouse Mountain. I’d read about it, but nothing prepares you for an 800-meter elevation gain in just 2 kilometers. It’s essentially a vertical staircase, relentlessly climbing up the mountain. I was pouring sweat, my legs felt like jelly by the top, utterly worn out. But the kids? They flew up it. Their energy was boundless, their spirits unflagging. I was immensely proud watching them conquer such a demanding climb — a testament to their own budding resilience and determination.

At the summit, we caught a Lumberjack show, which, surprisingly, was far more entertaining than seeing the captive bear (though we did manage to spot one). While seeing animals in captivity always gives me a hint of discomfort — especially those not born into it — the Lumberjack show was genuinely awesome and really funny. It’s a must-see if you’re in the area! Janenna and I then took Roy and Archie on a chairlift ride up into the fog. It was a little bit scary, shrouded in mist, with limited visibility, but it added a touch of exhilarating mystery to the experience. We eventually descended in the gondola, taking in the impressive view back over Vancouver, before continuing our drive to Whistler.

Whistler’s Wonders: Scaling New Heights

Whistler itself is a stunning, vibrant place. We settled in for a couple of nights, and our main mission was to conquer both mountains. This meant riding the Peak 2 Peak Gondola — a true marvel of engineering. You can actually research this, it holds world records for the longest unsupported span at 3.024 kilometers (1.88 miles) and the highest lift of its kind above ground at 436 meters (1,427 ft) above the valley floor. When you’re suspended over 400 meters in the air, traversing a 3-kilometer gap between mountain peaks, it’s pretty scary! I was incredibly proud of everyone in the family for facing that fear and doing it.

We then ventured further up Whistler Mountain to what’s aptly named “The Top of the World.” Here, a wobbly suspension bridge stretched out, adding another thrilling element to the experience. The scenery was nothing short of epic — soaring mountain peaks and breathtaking vistas. It was surreal, being so high up, literally in the clouds, yet seeing our accommodation and the entire town directly below. Grandma and Pa opted out of this particular adventure, finding it a bit too scary, but everyone else truly embraced the challenge.

Whistler town itself is beautiful. Even in summer, it was bustling with mountain bikers everywhere. I could easily spend a couple of weeks there, just soaking in the atmosphere, exploring the shops, enjoying the architecture, and mountain biking. There was even still snow and ice lingering on top of the mountain, probably about 4 meters deep, which was pretty cool to see in summer!

The Quiet Work of Building a Future

As a business owner, the journey never truly stops. Even amidst the stunning landscapes and family adventures, my mind often shifts to Future Builder Co. During the Vancouver and Whistler leg of the trip, I’ve been dedicating significant time each night after the kids go to bed to review our Basecamp program and map out a whole new onboarding process for our Future Builder members. This involves creating interactive scorecards and analysis tools, categorising businesses, and refining our platform to ensure a seamless experience for every builder joining our community. It’s a constant juggle, but seeing these ideas come to life, even from afar, is incredibly motivating.

The first part of our Canadian journey was a powerful blend of awe-inspiring nature, exhilarating challenges, precious family moments, and the quiet, persistent work of building the future of Future Builder Co. We’ve embraced new experiences, pushed our comfort zones, and gathered countless memories.

Cheers Luke

Stay tuned for Part 2, where we leave the West Coast behind and venture deeper into the Canadian wilderness, heading towards Jasper and the majestic Columbia Icefield!