In this Island Treasures Podcast adventure, we head out to explore another remarkable gem on Vancouver Island: the Malahat SkyWalk. Perched just off the Malahat Highway, this stunning architectural spiral rises above the treetops and offers sweeping, unforgettable views over the Salish Sea and along the rugged Pacific Coast.

I’m joined by my travel companion, Grace Block, as we share our experiences of wandering the elevated walkways, taking in the breathtaking, panoramic scenery, and talk about our impressions of this unique destination. Grace slid down the iconic spiral slide—yes, the one that sends you swirling down the center of the tower—so we dive into that experience too, along with the surprises and delights we discovered along the way.

Whether you’re planning a visit or simply love hearing about special places across Vancouver Island, this episode brings you along for a scenic, joy‑filled outing to one of the island’s most spectacular treasures.

Some of the details we share about the Malahat SkyWalk come from information provided on the Malahat Skywalk Website and from Trip Advisor - Malahat Skywalk.

Click here to watch the video version of the podcast - complete with extra footage at the end of the video that you won't want to miss!

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Caregiving often arrives without warning, and for many families, the weight of responsibility is compounded by not knowing where to turn. In this episode, we sit down with Lance A Slatton, whose plan to help his father recover from a fall turned into a nearly three‑year caregiving journey. His experience revealed just how many resources go undiscovered—and how isolating caregiving can feel when you don’t know what support exists.

Lance shares how that journey inspired him and his wife to build a business called Enriched Life Home Care Services dedicated to guiding caregivers toward the services, tools, and information that can make the road easier.

We also explore the importance of making decisions before circumstances make them for you, and how conversations about future care don’t have to be heavy or ominous—they can be empowering, practical, and rooted in love.

Lance A. Slatton is a Senior Case Manager at Enriched Life Home Care Services in Livonia, MI. He is also host of the award-winning podcast & YouTube channel All Home Care Matters & President of AlzAuthors. Through AlzAuthors Lance is helping expand access to a rich library of resources for families navigating dementia. This episode offers clarity, encouragement, and a reminder that no caregiver should have to walk this path alone and they can learn about the resources they may need during their caregiving journey.

(Thank you to Pixabay Folk Acoustic Guitar 138361)

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In this episode, we welcome back a familiar voice from Season 5, Episode 1 — Grace Block returns to share what life looks like after caregiving.

She opens up about the transition from being a full‑time caregiver for her mom, who lived with dementia, to stepping into her next chapter. Grace reflects on the privilege of being able to take early retirement so she could be fully present during her mom’s final months, and how working part‑time in a casual role helped her stay connected to her own identity along the way.

After her mom passed, Grace found herself holding something she hadn’t had in years: time. A gift, yes — but also overwhelming and tinged with guilt. She talks about how the busyness of planning her mom's celebration of life, managing executor duties, and hosting family delayed the arrival of grief… and how she’s now allowing it in.

Grace shares the beautiful ways she keeps her mom close, especially through what she calls her “heart memories” — the photos she regularly sends to family, and the ones they send back.

With caregiving behind her and full retirement ahead, Grace is learning to fill her days with things that bring her joy: volunteering, painting, cross‑country skiing, and spending time with her new pup.

This is a conversation about identity, healing, and rediscovering yourself when the role that once defined your days suddenly falls away. Grace’s story is a gentle reminder that life after caregiving has much to offer as long as we're open to the possibilities.

(Thank you to Pixabay Folk Acoustic Guitar 138361)

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