Canadian Buffoon's Exhausted Vacation - Update 09/01 - New TR link!

[docsoliday1]

And there's more to come!

Great.

This is not really up for debate, you know

I know...you like(err tolerate) me. Case closed.

Pong is life.

As is Atari 2600.

No. True.
Exhibit number one

So many layers you can barely move and if you fall, you can't get up, so die from starvation instead of exposure.

If I fall down in shorts and t-shirt, I can still get back up.

Also...I can lick my flagpole all winter (well, if I WANTED to)

At least you have your digits.
I knew a guy who... did not.

Thankful for that since I'm an IT guy, kind need my digits.

Poor guy.

I'm not 100% sure which
danger they're referring to.
The chance of loose snow
sliding and you getting buried,
or large equipment working
in the area and...
you getting buried.

I think the former it is less likely to get buried, but hurt. The latter more likely to be buried, but unless you can't hear you should be able to get out of the way, but yeah I guess both have the potential for harm.

Hmmm...
I've certainly been in those
same temps and don't recall
that happening.
Don't doubt it could.
Just never seen/heard it.

I'm not sure what the conditions have to be, but when we drove the Al-can and my in-laws met us and drove over the mountain, he was driving and explained the phenomenon. I don't know if it was colder on the mountain or dryer or what. I could literally hear them tinging on the windshield...it was wierd.

 

[vamassey1]

So she brought some cool
Pacific Northwest weather,
did she?

It came a few days behind but I was thankful she brought it.

It's funny...
I like cheese.
I like cheese on most things.
I like lots of stuff on a hot dog.

But cheese is definitely not.

That is strange, but as I child I didn't like cheese on my burgers. I would order a Big Mac with no cheese.

That place sounds good.
Pickled purple onions...
Intriguing. How was that?

It was really good.

And that feeling didn’t last overly long
as right off the hop, I ran into trouble.

Of course you did. I will expect nothing less.

That's so cute!

Lovely.

I had dinner at a nearby restaurant,
played a little bit of blackjack
at the casino (won $30-$50,
better than losing),
and called it a night.

Winning is always better.

Instead, I headed over to Lynn Canyon
where for free I got to cross a slightly
more modest (150’) suspension bridge
as well as hike some far less crowded trails.

Great idea and lots of beautiful sights.

It's so charming.

Love this photo, especially the sky.

You can almost smell this photo, can’t you?

I find it a bit overwhelming.

Some of the sights along the way.

So much to see!

And I was glad I did.
Stanley Park’s only ice cream shop was there!

The perfect reward for going uphill.

 

[docsoliday1]

That is strange, but as I child I didn't like cheese on my burgers. I would order a Big Mac with no cheese.

Just doesn't sound the same...two all beef patties, special sauce, lettuce, pickles, onions on a sesame seed bun. I don't know if it was a local thing or more broad, but if you could say that in X seconds(3? 4?) They'd give you a free one.

I prefer without cheese unless bacon cheeseburger.

They used to have quarter pounder and quarter pounder without cheese. One of my pet peeves...
If I order without cheese, do I save any money? Nope.
But add cheese on a sandwich that doesn't have it or get extra, they'll sure be quick to charge (used to be) 55 cents more.

 

[vamassey1]

Just doesn't sound the same...two all beef patties, special sauce, lettuce, pickles, onions on a sesame seed bun. I don't know if it was a local thing or more broad, but if you could say that in X seconds(3? 4?) They'd give you a free one.

I have that little chant stuck in my head. I don't remember them offering a free one.

I prefer without cheese unless bacon cheeseburger.

I want the cheese now. Can't imagine why I didn't when I was a child.

They used to have quarter pounder and quarter pounder without cheese. One of my pet peeves...
If I order without cheese, do I save any money? Nope.
But add cheese on a sandwich that doesn't have it or get extra, they'll sure be quick to charge (used to be) 55 cents more.

You have a valid point.

 

[franandaj]

Just doesn't sound the same...two all beef patties, special sauce, lettuce, pickles, onions on a sesame seed bun. I don't know if it was a local thing or more broad, but if you could say that in X seconds(3? 4?) They'd give you a free one.

I have that little chant stuck in my head. I don't remember them offering a free one

I remember something to the effect of a free one for rapid reciting, but I was still on cheeseburgers at that time and hadn't graduated to Big Mac status as of yet.

I do remember my best friend's brother being able to eat a Big Mac in four bites by cutting it into quarters. Don't think it won him much of anything though.

 

[pkondz]

Great.

You in the peanut gallery,
pipe down.

I know...you like(err tolerate) me. Case closed.

I've been found out!

So many layers you can barely move and if you fall, you can't get up, so die from starvation instead of exposure.

But at least you're warm
as you slowly starve to death.

If I fall down in shorts and t-shirt, I can still get back up.

Not up here.
You'll freeze to death first.

Also...I can lick my flagpole all winter (well, if I WANTED to)

I am so glad you clarified!

Thankful for that since I'm an IT guy, kind need my digits.

Poor guy.

He was pretty bitter about it, too.

I think the former it is less likely to get buried, but hurt. The latter more likely to be buried, but unless you can't hear you should be able to get out of the way, but yeah I guess both have the potential for harm.

Yeah.
The heavy equipment running
you over is probably the
bigger risk/problem.

I'm not sure what the conditions have to be, but when we drove the Al-can and my in-laws met us and drove over the mountain, he was driving and explained the phenomenon. I don't know if it was colder on the mountain or dryer or what. I could literally hear them tinging on the windshield...it was wierd.

Huh!

 

[pkondz]

It came a few days behind but I was thankful she brought it.

Would be nice if you could
gift people with weather.

That is strange, but as I child I didn't like cheese on my burgers. I would order a Big Mac with no cheese.

My youngest DD doesn't like
cheese on her burgers.
I take it you do, now?

It was really good.

I was hoping you'd say that.

Of course you did. I will expect nothing less.

Airports... Always something.

Winning is always better.

Great idea and lots of beautiful sights.

I was really pleased with
how nice it was in there.

Love this photo, especially the sky.

Thanks!

I find it a bit overwhelming.

Oh? How so?

So much to see!

The perfect reward for going uphill.

Definitely!
Ice cream!!!!!

 

[pkondz]

Just doesn't sound the same...two all beef patties, special sauce, lettuce, pickles, onions on a sesame seed bun. I don't know if it was a local thing or more broad, but if you could say that in X seconds(3? 4?) They'd give you a free one.

I still say that in my head (with the cheese)
when I see a billboard for Big Mac.

I don't remember the free one, though.
Hmmm... maybe?
Not sure.
I was in grade 4 or so at the time
I first started hearing the song.

I have that little chant stuck in my head. I don't remember them offering a free one.

I want the cheese now. Can't imagine why I didn't when I was a child.

Ah. That question answered.

 

[docsoliday1]

I have that little chant stuck in my head. I don't remember them offering a free one.

Got stuck in my head as I was trying ro type it out. Skipping cheese typing while it kept ringing in my head was challenging.

I remember something to the effect of a free one for rapid reciting, but I was still on cheeseburgers at that time and hadn't graduated to Big Mac status as of yet

Good. Wasn't just me. I think it was a promotion to get more people to try them shortly after they came out because they weren't selling enough.

I do remember my best friend's brother being able to eat a Big Mac in four bites by cutting it into quarters. Don't think it won him much of anything though.

It won him the severe heartburn title.

You in the peanut gallery,
pipe down

Like this?


Or like this?


Actually, when I was searching....that is now supposedly racist. Un bleeping believable.

I've been found out!

I knew all along. You were one the few I didn't have to bribe to meet me. It's more so the rest of your readers know now

But at least you're warm
as you slowly starve to death

Oh sure...soooo much better to starve over months than to die withing hours.

Not up here.
You'll freeze to death first

Is there some part of I ain't coming up there in winter I've failed to make clear?

I am so glad you clarified!

I know you well enough

I still say that in my head (with the cheese)
when I see a billboard for Big Mac.

Me too. I can still say it very fast from back in the day, but that gets me nothing now...except strange looks. Wait! I get those all the time.

 

[pkondz]

Got stuck in my head as I was trying ro type it out. Skipping cheese typing while it kept ringing in my head was challenging.

I don't think I could say it easily
without the cheese.
It'd be:
"Two all beef patties, special sauce,
lettuce...<long pause>... pickles,
onions on a sesame seed bun."

Like this?

Actually, when I was searching....that is now supposedly racist. Un bleeping believable.

I saw that too not long ago.
I disregarded it and moved on.
Ridiculous.

You can let yourself be offended
by anything if you try hard enough.

I knew all along. You were one the few I didn't have to bribe to meet me. It's more so the rest of your readers know now

Oh sure...soooo much better to starve over months than to die withing hours.

Always a chance some animal
will freeze to death beside you first.
Then you can eat it...


Like a popsicle.

Is there some part of I ain't coming up there in winter I've failed to make clear?

No, no. That was quite clear.

Me too. I can still say it very fast feom back in the day, but that gets me nothing now...except strange looks.

Ditto

Wait! I get those all the time.

I won't try to contradict you!

 

[docsoliday1]

"No, I think this is gonna be big. We're gonna be locked down completely. Things are gonna be different for a long time. This thing is gonna be around for...like...I'm thinking, like, MONTHS...YEARS..." and I seemed ridiculous at the time. Now here we are, and for once the negative Nancy was actually right. But I wish I hadn't been!

I wish you had been wrong, but then again I also wish I hit the lottery....
Which is really difficult if you don't play

I've heard that calling out "Heeeeyyyyy big boooyyy" in a low monotone is a good defence...

I've heard a 44 magnum is a better defense.

I just kept nodding and chuckling through this update.

And I kept shaking my head and sobbing

What's on second?

I don't know

I've thought of trying caramilk! Will next time.

Hmmm...I might have to give this a try. Caramel instead of marshmallow. I like them as a kid, but not now....except in rice krispy treats.

Here too. And it bugs the heck out of me every year.
"Why are you driving 50 in an 80 zone? It's just a light dusting! Go!!!"

When I was in Alaska, all the idiots with a 4wd pickup going significantly faster than they should and I kept shaking my head....obviously they did not understand that 4wd doesn't change braking distance or ability.

 

[Captain_Oblivious]

Saw you were desperatly
trying to catch up everywhere.

So many updates lately...and so little time to read them.

It's enough to fill a book, surely?

Sorry. Didn't mean to call you that.

I bet it could fill a book. I'm still working on backing everything up.

And don't call me...oh, sorry, you corrected yourself.

I ain't no average, everyday paddler, mister.
I know I gotta be in the boat too!

Gotta get up early to pull one over on you.

Some sunscreen may have been applied.
Both prior and during.

Always a good idea.

It was touch and go there for a while
as the deer gently stood very still
while she petted it.

But you could feel the tension in her
like a coiled spring, ready to lie down.

I would have been nervous, for sure. Don't mess with wild animals!

Camping vs Glamping.
I try to cover all the bases
for my readers.

Very versatile.

"Which ones are discounted?"
"The ones with all the flies!"

Ever see that Simpsons episode where Homer gets sick after buying spoiled meat at the Quickie Mart?

Really? Never?
Huh!
Bit surprised by that.

I don't have to deal with snow vehicles too often.

Know any Orvilles now?

There ya go.

Just Reddenbacher.

Don't get ahead of me.
That's in 2 updates.

 

[pkondz]

I've heard a 44 magnum is a better defense.

I don't know

He's on third.

Hmmm...I might have to give this a try. Caramel instead of marshmallow. I like them as a kid, but not now....except in rice krispy treats.

No, no, no!
Not instead...
In addition to!

When I was in Alaska, all the idiots with a 4wd pickup going significantly faster than they should and I kept shaking my head....obviously they did not understand that 4wd doesn't change braking distance or ability.

Ice doesn't care how many
tires have drive.

 

[pkondz]

So many updates lately...and so little time to read them.

And I'm just about to post another.

I bet it could fill a book. I'm still working on backing everything up.

You really should.
I'd hate for all that writing
to be lost.

And don't call me...oh, sorry, you corrected yourself.

I would have been nervous, for sure. Don't mess with wild animals!

We did see a local
saying hi to it.
We figured we were safe.

Very versatile.

Darn!
Is Captain_Versatile available
as a screen name??

Ever see that Simpsons episode where Homer gets sick after buying spoiled meat at the Quickie Mart?

Not sure... but probably? Possibly?

I don't have to deal with snow vehicles too often.

Well, no...
But thought you might have
seen one in a movie, maybe.

Just Reddenbacher.

And he looks like a whiner, right?

 

[pkondz]

Summer's Last Gasp (2)

Okay… I’ve already spent a
whole day in Vancouver,
so, it’s time to leave, right?

I made the short, 25-minute
drive over to the Tsawwassen
ferry terminal.
(The ‘T’ is silent. You’re welcome.)
I had reserved in advance and
I’m glad I had as there was a long
line of cars (that I subsequently
passed.)


See ya, suckahs.


I had a bit of spare time,
so, I strolled around the small
shopping area at the terminal.
I did not buy either a candy apple
nor any fudge.

I don’t know why.
Maybe I was feeling particularly
stupid that morning.

I mean more than normal.


Soon enough, it was time to board.

(Credit BC Ferries)

The approximately two-hour
crossing was both scenic and
(again) uneventful.

You want uneventful on planes
and boats.
Actually, I’m thinking you want
it on most forms of transportation.


Arriving on Vancouver Island,
I made my way to the beautiful
capital of British Columbia, Victoria.
I was in a city named after a
British monarch, sooo…
I decided that tea was in order.

I drove over to the Teahouse
overlooking the Abkhazi Gardens

I sat back and admired the view.

I ordered a pot of tea, which,
surprisingly, I enjoyed.

I say “surprisingly” because
I don’t really care for tea all that
much, unless it’s cold and
ridiculously sweet.
And has lemon in it.
Or some other flavour like
raspberry or peach.
And doesn’t really taste like… tea.

But I didn’t really come for the tea.
I came for the grub
(and the view.)
And I couldn’t decide which
plate of snicky snacks I wanted…
There were two that sounded good…

So, I ordered both.
Hey, I was hungry.

Yeah, despite being hungry,
it was way too much
food for one person.
I left the table with a serious
dent in the presentation, however!

The following morning was just about
perfect, weather-wise.
Sunny. High of 23C/73F. No wind.
That last one was especially important.

I drove out from Victoria in the morning
and made my way over towards the
West coast.

After checking in and receiving
a brief safety lesson, we set out
on a 3-hour kayak tour.
(A 3-hour tour.)


So, sit right back and I’ll tell a tale
A tale of a kayak trip.
It started from this coastal port,
Aboard this tiny kayak.
My tour-mates seemed quite competent
The tour guide knowledgeable.
Four people set out in kayaks,
For a three hour tour.
A three hour tour.


Okay, I’ll stop.
Is there anyone here who
isn’t familiar with the theme
song to Gilligan’s Island?

Gilligan's Island - Theme Song. - YouTube

Hard to believe that only
Tina Louise (Ginger) is left.


But I digress.

We set out on the smooth
as glass waters of Sooke Basin.

Our first stop was a derelict,
surplus WWII mine-sweeper.
The story goes that it was bought
by an intrepid fellow who was
thrilled to get it for a bargain
basement price.
He planned to strip it down
and sell it for scrap metal.
He’d make a killing!

Except… WWII mines had
magnetic triggers…
This mine-sweeper was made of… wood.

Whoopsie!

We cut across a section of water,
and approached a building
located on the shore.
Apparently, back in the
Hollywood heyday, the likes
of John Wayne and the Rat Pack
would vacation here.

Our guide kept regaling us
with tales of the area all the
while pointing out sea life.
We saw seals (but never got
close enough to photograph them),
as well as tons of jellyfish, starfish
and sea cucumbers.

After 3 hours of kayaking,
I was in the mood for a bite.
I headed back to Victoria and
drove over to Fisherman’s Wharf.

Victoria’s best seafood chowder title
is a moving target.
But I’d heard good things about
Barb’s Fish & Chips and it had
been voted Victoria’s best by
at least one contest.

And the long line spoke well
as to its popularity.
I got in line and dreamed of
delicious chowder.
The line barely moved, but
eventually, after about 30-40
minutes, I got to the front of the line.
Oh boy!
“One seafood chowder, please!”
“Sorry, we’re out.”

Definitely worth the wait.


Luckily, there was another shop
just a stone’s throw away.
And they had a salmon chowder.
And it was quite good,
so, it all worked out in the end.

And that was pretty much the
end of that day, too.
I did go out for dinner,
but no idea where.
Mostly just relaxed the rest
of the day.


The next day, however…

A few years ago, I’d come to
Victoria with the fam
and we visited Butchart Gardens.
DW and I were touring on our own
And we’d barely scratched the
surface when she started to not
feel too well and we cut our visit short.

I was very disappointed, but…
what are ya gonna do?

You come back years later
by yourself. That’s what!


All I’m going to say is that
the gardens are spectacular.
If you ever get a chance to
visit Victoria, I highly recommend it.
There’s a reason why the gardens at the
Canada Pavilion in Epcot are modeled after it.

I’ll let the photos do the talking
for the most part…

The famous Sunken Garden
portion of the gardens:

The original owner, Bob Butchart would
clap his hands and carp would swim
up to him here:

Butchart Gardens are tended by
50 groundskeepers.
That number swells seasonally to 70.

So… if you like what you see
and want a similar garden…
Just hire 50-70 people to work
on it every day.

See? No problem!

The Ross fountains are named after
the second owner of the gardens,
Ian Ross, the Butchart’s grandson.
To this day, the gardens remain
in the Butchart family’s hands.

The gardens are filled with
a dizzying array of flowers
in all shapes and sizes.

As well as being dotted here
and there with topiaries and
whimsical fountains.

And even though I’d seen it before
(indeed, it was pretty much the only
thing I’d seen before)
I couldn’t pass up a stroll through
the Japanese garden

And that was the highlight
of that day.


The following morning,
after packing up and
loading up the car,
I headed north to the
town of Nanaimo.

It’s possible you’ve never
heard of Nanaimo Bars,
but if you have…
this is where they’re from.

And if you haven’t,
this is what they look like:

Look delicious, right?
Well… you wouldn’t be wrong.
The only problem is…
That bottom layer has coconut
in it, and I just can’t do coconut.

I used to take a knife, slice off
the top two (best!) layers
and either donate or toss
the bottom bit.

I don’t do that anymore.
I got shamed for it.

I’m older now, what do I care
what other people think about
my Nanaimo Bar dining methods???
I really need to start doing this again!

Kay (my youngest DD) is a
complete Nanaimo Bar nut.
She goes crazy for them and
has hunted down the best
ones in and around Winnipeg.
When she found out I was going
to BC, and I told her I was
in the vicinity (sort of) of Nanaimo…
She demanded that I bring some
back for her.
I made no promises, but…

Nanaimo is a two-hour drive
north of Victoria.
I really didn’t have any reason
to head up there, but…
With Kay’s request, a thought
formed.

“If I drive up to Nanaimo,
I can catch the ferry from there
and cross the channel north
of Vancouver. That would save
me from driving through Vancouver
to drive the Sea to Sky Highway.”

Yes, like Disney math, it made sense
to drive two plus hours to avoid
a one-hour drive.

I eventually arrived at
Hearthstone Artisan Bakery
in Nanaimo.
This bakery has won “Best Nanaimo Bar”
several years running (5? 7?)
I figured that would be good enough
for Kay.
I had brought a small cooler with me.
Before I left my hotel, I filled it
1/3 of the way with a Ziploc bag of ice.
I asked if they could fill the cooler
the rest of the way with Nanaimo Bars.
They complied and I was able bring
Kay back about 10 bars.
(Which, a couple days later,
when I got back home,
she stated “Oh. My. God. Best ever!!!”
So, mission accomplished. )

Note: I did not have one for myself.
I was still under the “No cutting!”
rule of Nanaimo Bar etiquette.
I did however get a lemon bar.
And that sucker was so rich and sweet
that it took me two days to finish!

Continued Next Post​

 

[pkondz]

Continued From Previous Post​

Arriving back on the mainland,
I was very much looking forward
to the drive up to Whistler.

The Sea to Sky highway has been
named by no less illustrious institutions
such as Conde Nast and National Geographic
as one of the top ten drives in the world.



And…

It was completely fogged and rained in.
I couldn’t see anything except for a few
feet of road!


Great. Another two-hour drive…

This time with nothing to see.



As it was, it began to clear up somewhat
as I neared my overnight destination of Whistler.


Enough so that I felt I could chance stopping
at one of my chosen sights.


I exited the highway and parked the car.
The walk through the woods to the
viewing area was beautiful and crossed
an old railway track.

I felt motivated to get a little artsy-fartsy.

A short walk later brought me to
Brandywine Falls.

The photo really doesn’t do it justice.
The falls have cut a huge gash in
the land and created a massive gorge.
The falls themselves were (supposedly)
named by two surveyors who wagered
a bottle of brandy over who’s estimate
of the falls’ height came closest.

I can get behind that naming convention.

I overnighted in Whistler, hoping that
the weather would improve for
my journey back to Vancouver
for my flight home.


And… it did.


Leaving Whistler, I stopped on
the side of the road to photograph
a rushing stream as it tumbled by.

Yes, the water really is that colour.


I continued my drive south
to Vancouver, admiring the scenery
and stopping to photograph same
as the mood struck me.

I did have one scheduled stop, however.
I pulled into a parking lot and had
to jockey a bit for a spot.
There were a lot of cars there that day.

Shannon Falls is located only a short
drive north of Vancouver and as such
is a quite popular place to visit.
(Apparently, it’s the Sea to Sky’s most
popular place to picnic.)

The third highest falls in BC
are named for the person who
settled the area back in 1889.


Happy from my successful traverse
of the Sea to Sky highway,
I arrived back in Vancouver
and settled in to my hotel.


The next morning, I made my
way to the airport, and headed home.

The Vancouver airport was not
uncrowded like Winnipeg had been.
Quite the opposite.

<sigh>
This is taking the joy out
of flying ya know.
They really need to have
a pkondz only line set up,
don’t you think?

One last thing.
I did upgrade myself to a
“Plus” seat for my flight.
That comes with a complimentary
meal.

Here you go @franandaj,
my one and only food porn photo
of the trip!

And that concludes my
summertime excursions for 2021
I sure hope 2022 brings just a bit
more normalcy and a chance
to travel a tad farther abroad.





Coming soon, a freezing cold,
true north, update.

 

[docsoliday1]

No, no, no!
Not instead...
In addition to!

Well, not nearly as bad as you with coconut, but I do not like them Sam, I am.

Instead of for me.

Ice doesn't care how many
tires have drive.

THIS!

 

[docsoliday1]

I will say, however, that she sure knows
how to pick… and get a nice campsite.

Very nice. I could.handle that

Without your feet in the way


And without you in the tent with me. I like you, but not THAT much.

Is a camping trip really a camping trip
if there’s no fire???

Nope. No camp fire, no camp.

Hot Dogs… ketchup. Yes or no???

Yes or no.
If I'm doing keto, no because ketchup has a lot of carbs. If not doing keto, yes.
Saw @MeghanEmily post also and I have to say...if you're Canadian and you'll eat the ketchup chips, but not on a hotdog, I don't care how politely you say no, something is wrong with you..

Actually.... chipmunk.

Glad you said something...I was gonna.tell you that's not a squirrel.

switched to marshmallows

Blech

As I was saying, as the sun dipped
towards the horizon,
the view just kept getting better and better.
(Albeit aided by smoke from forest fires…
which aren’t so great, even if the view is.)

Very nice.

Unfortunately, they were stuck in transit
and had yet to arrive at the rental place.

I thought when you showed them before, they were yours.

We put ourselves in the kayak, too.
Otherwise, it just floats away and
you lose your deposit.

Good plan. You're smarter than you look

Or was it Kay that made that decision?

We grabbed our rental tubes
and headed for the water.

Hopefully, Kay reminded you to get in the tubes also.

Don’t get me wrong, it was fun
and it was relaxing.
But it was long.
Three hours sitting with your butt
in the water… was more than enough.

Yeah, no.

Although I enjoy relaxing...3 hours???

Actually, really close…

Yep

Okay… ridiculously close…

Wow.
That's a young buck....literally. Still has velvet on his horns. Quite surprising he didn't get spooked. I can only presume many people have fed him

Even though it might be used to people,
I was pretty surprised when it let Kay pet it.

Very surprising. See above.

Kay called it the highlight of the trip.

Understandable.

At first, I thought it might be some dried seaweed.
Kay went to poke it with a stick.

HEY! Don't do that, it's a w....

wasp nest

Yeah that. Tried to warn you.

They were not happy.

Really? If you had someone stab a tree through your house, would you be?

 

[docsoliday1]

That would be just about perfect for me too!
Maybe not the baked beans.
I'm not saying no... I'm saying I've
never had any that I've really liked.
But!!! I've only had it from a can, so...
Hardly a fair evaluation.

Next time you visit, I need to make you biscuits (and sausage gravy if you're not like Darcy and think the only gravy is brown poutine gravy) and my baked beans...
Not necessarily for the same meal.

A butt feeling?

Are you back to feeling up people's tushes AGAIN???

Definitely getting better looking.

Nah

Or my eyesight is fading.

Yeah, that.

Just my speed! Gives some credibility to my former TR title "PeopleMover is my kind of thrill ride"

Send me link please. I think I only have 4 other TRs to catch up on.
My grandson was that way.....at first. Didn't want to go fast and then he kept asking me to go faster.

Or maybe... I can force you to dream of me!

The night ranger song popped into my head
"When you close your eyes, do you dream about me?"

We survived.

Well duh. Pretty hard to be doing this TR if not.

We pulled her out and she was happy

Yay!

And beet red.

Ruh roh.

I had bought a pizza stone
and some Applewood chips.
I planned to smoke a pizza
in a charcoal BBQ.

And.you didn't invite me???

Well… I guess maybe I was too impatient.
1. I didn’t wait for the stone to get really hot.
Mistake number one.
2. I added the wood chips way too soon.
The pizza was cooked, but… the crust
could’ve been crisper and… it was way
too smoky! Kay said it was like she was
eating nothing but smoke.

Okay, maybe it's okay you didn't invite me.
Sorry...that stinks.

The next day was perfect.
Perfect for a day at the beach.
The temperature hovered
Around 86F (30C).

Nice!

For me the water has to be at least 86 so I'm not shivering in 5-10 minutes. :laugh:

Lastly, we visited a one-room
schoolhouse, complete with desks
that still showed kids’ graffiti
from the 1930s.
Reminded me of Walt’s desk.

And you didn't try to buy it? That could be very valuable.

Oh, "reminded". Never mind

This time I refrained from
regaling the kids with tales
of oversized grizzly bears.

Missed opportunity. You're slipping in your old age.

 

[docsoliday1]

And my writing has gone steadily downhill.

Far from the case.
Downhill.
You keep using that word. I do not think it means what you think it means.

Wisdom is relative

Must be a relative that never visited me.

We had to wait for our server.
Then we had to wait for her
to take our order.
Then we had to wait for our food.

Normally, three strikes your out, but...
I tipped very well.

This happened a few weeks ago when I took my DS, DDIL and DGS to dinner. Guy was busting his butt to handle a bunch (at least 8) tables. I gave him a great tip and also told the manager what a great job he did.

And for the first time in a very
long while, I was going to be flying.

Woot!

I eventually got to the front of the line.
“Where’s your baggage tag?” She asked.

Umm...in the computer(s) that wouldn't give it to me.

schmucks enough that next time
we’d use the kiosks.

Well yeah...if they work.

Of course, flying in Canada
does have its differences.

I'm sorry, but if you're that close to a polar bear, COVID would be the LAST thing on your mind.

After an uneventful flight
(which is always a good thing…
you do not want events)

Truth

And I’m going to take this opportunity
to apologize in advance.
I wasn’t really planning on writing
about this, so there’s not going to be much
in the way of food porn, or hotel shots.
Indeed, I need to apologize for the
shots that you will see.
They’re all done with the phone,
and not the good camera.

That's, it. I'm outta here.
No, wait. That's what you were hoping for. Okay, I'm staying.

won $30-$50,
better than losing

Captain Obvious reporting for TR duty.

And at $60 for a ticket (combined with
the fact I’d been there before)
I figured there was no way in heck

To walk across a bridge?????

Instead, I headed over to Lynn Canyon
where for free I got to cross a slightly
more modest (150’) suspension bridge
as well as hike some far less crowded trails.

1/3 the length but infinitely less expensive.
Good call.

Gastown itself is named after
a loquacious saloon keeper whose
nickname was Gassy Jack.)

I thought he was the nemesis of the beast.

The clock is either the first
or second steam clock ever built.
It’s a bit of a misnomer, however,

Never heard of a steam clock before. Interesting.

Ah well, it's just so much hot air, after all.

At least it's not a small world, after all.
THANKFULLY!!!

Girl in a Wetsuit” is a bronze
sculpture that was created in 1972.

When I first glanced at it, I thought it was a real person...the different panels of starkly different shades of green did not look like the typical patina of a statue.

And I was glad I did.
Stanley Park’s only ice cream shop was there!

So...pigged out on dim sum
Got bike to exercise
Got to ice cream and pigged out again

Sounds about right