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

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

Instead of for me.
Whoops!
Need to cancel your marshmallow
of the month subscription that I

just enrolled you in.
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.
That's not what I heard you say
to the boys around the cooler
the other day.
Nope. No camp fire, no camp.
::yes::
If I'm doing keto, no because ketchup has a lot of carbs. If not doing keto, yes.
Huh. Didn't think of that.
And had no idea!

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..;)
:laughing:
Well... I don't eat Ketchup chips.
Kay likes them, but... not this cowboy.

Actually haven't had any chips since

last year.
Very nice.
I've seen worse. :)
I thought when you showed them before, they were yours.
Nope.
Can't justify the cost for
maybe using them once/twice a year.
Good plan. You're smarter than you look

Or was it Kay that made that decision?
I'm smart.
Hopefully, Kay reminded you to get in the tubes also.
:laughing:
Yeah, no.

Although I enjoy relaxing...3 hours???
Yeah.
Hour 1: This is great!
Hour 2: This is fine.
Hour 2.5: Uhhh... are we almost at the end?

Hour 3: Where the @#$&^ is the end???
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
I presumed so as well.
HEY! Don't do that, it's a w....

Yeah that. Tried to warn you.
I shoulda listened better.
Really? If you had someone stab a tree through your house, would you be?
I'd be upset...
but impressed too.
 
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Wow - loved reading about your trip to Vancouver/Victoria! Beautiful scenery and fabulous gardens. We had a trip planned for May 2020 so I'm sure you know what happened to that. Reading about your trip makes me want to re-book it!
 
The approximately two-hour
crossing was both scenic and
(again) uneventful.

When the sun is shining and it's nice out, this is the most spectacular boat ride ever.

I decided that tea was in order.

But of course!!

I headed back to Victoria and
drove over to Fisherman’s Wharf.

Love the houseboats. I always thought it would be cool to air bnb one for a night or two...not sure you'd get any sleep with all the looky-loos walking by all the time but...would be fun!

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.

I did this with small children in tow as well and definitely hope to go back to linger a bit more!

The only problem is…
That bottom layer has coconut
in it, and I just can’t do coconut.

I'm so with you on that - why did they have to go ruin a great thing with coconut.

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.

This drive is so stunning when it's nice out! Glad you got to see it that way too!! I always think about how treacherous it must be in winter though and that is a little scary. I think if I were to go there to ski...I would not want to be the one driving!

I sure hope 2022 brings just a bit
more normalcy and a chance
to travel a tad farther abroad.

Agreed!!!
 
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.
You know what?
I would love that!

Really!
Are you back to feeling up people's tushes AGAIN???
What do you mean "back"?
Who says I ever stopped????
Hey!

Well... yeah, okay.
Yeah, that.
:duck:
Can't argue when I said it!
The night ranger song popped into my head
"When you close your eyes, do you dream about me?"
Not overly familiar with it.
Playing it now and sounds
vaguely familiar.
Well duh. Pretty hard to be doing this TR if not.
Not at all.
I'm prescient and wrote
it all out beforehand.

Just needed someone to
post it.

Left my login credentials

in a sealed envelope.
And.you didn't invite me???
I did!
We were wondering where you were.

Okay, maybe it's okay you didn't invite me.
Sorry...that stinks.
Very disappointing. :sad2:
For me the water has to be at least 86 so I'm not shivering in 5-10 minutes. :laugh:
Water never gets that warm up here.
Missed opportunity. You're slipping in your old age.
Slipping?
Like my disks???
 


Must be a relative that never visited me.
:laughing:
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.
Good for you.
I suspect we'll see this
for a while.
Umm...in the computer(s) that wouldn't give it to me.
That's pretty much what I told her. ::yes::
I'm sorry, but if you're that close to a polar bear, COVID would be the LAST thing on your mind.
Actually... it depends on the
circumstances.
More info, next post.
That's, it. I'm outta here.
No, wait. That's what you were hoping for. Okay, I'm staying.
Darn!
I was so close!
Captain Obvious reporting for TR duty.
Mark???
To walk across a bridge?????
Yes.
I kid you not.

I thought he was the nemesis of the beast.
Oooohhhh...
:worship:

Very nicely done!
Never heard of a steam clock before. Interesting.
I thought so too.
Why I figured I'd take a look.

At least it's not a small world, after all.
THANKFULLY!!!
LA LA LA!
I can't hear you!

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

Sounds about right
::yes::
 
When the sun is shining and it's nice out, this is the most spectacular boat ride ever.
It really is.
It was very windy, though,
so didn't go outside much.
But plenty of seats inside

with great views.
But of course!!
:laughing:
When in Rome.
Love the houseboats. I always thought it would be cool to air bnb one for a night or two...not sure you'd get any sleep with all the looky-loos walking by all the time but...would be fun!
You can't do that anymore,
looky-loo, that is.
Now the houseboats are

off limits unless you're staying there.
I did this with small children in tow as well and definitely hope to go back to linger a bit more!
Yeah... you're gonna be distracted.
I'm so with you on that - why did they have to go ruin a great thing with coconut.
Preach it sister!!!
This drive is so stunning when it's nice out! Glad you got to see it that way too!! I always think about how treacherous it must be in winter though and that is a little scary. I think if I were to go there to ski...I would not want to be the one driving!
::yes::
Had a similar thought.
 


You know what?
I would love that!

Really!
I would as well. I've missed seeing you, my friend. I have something for you and I've considered mailing it, but I really want to do it in person. Might have to make you my other specialty...I make a killer cheesecake....wait...I think I brought some to you and Elle when you were at OKW.

I have something for @Steppesister as well, but forgot it when I met up with her and Kari and Mik.

Who says I ever stopped???
Good point.

I did!
We were wondering where you were.
Conveniently left the postage off the invite. Plausable deniability.

Slipping?
Like my disks???
Hopefully less since you've been running.

Actually... it depends on the
circumstances.
More info, next post.
Well, I guess if it's at a zoo ot somthing with a very strong Plexiglas sheet between, could be closer.

Darn!
I was so close!
Yeah...I figured out your ploy.

I said obvious not oblivious.

Really! Huh!
Yeah, I thought it was a multi color swimsuit and they'd put on hulk paint. :lmao: just the initial glance.
 
Last edited:
I lost all my quotes, ugh!
It looks like a very nice solo trip
I love the stay a grizzly bear distance from the next person, 😂
I would stay a lot further away if a bear was there :rotfl:

I love all the scenery
I would be afraid riding the bike down hill!
I can’t believe there isn’t any food porn
I thought I would add one for you 🍕
611333

Thanks for sharing your summer adventures, this pizza does not look smoked.:sad2:
 
I lost all my quotes, ugh!
It looks like a very nice solo trip
I love the stay a grizzly bear distance from the next person, 😂
I would stay a lot further away if a bear was there :rotfl:

I love all the scenery
I would be afraid riding the bike down hill!
I can’t believe there isn’t any food porn
I thought I would add one for you 🍕
View attachment 611333

Thanks for sharing your summer adventures, this pizza does not look smoked.:sad2:
Dang. Now I want pizza.
Thanks a lot Caroline. :lmao:
 
I lost all my quotes, ugh!
I hate when that happens! :sad2:
It looks like a very nice solo trip
It was. :)
I love the stay a grizzly bear distance from the next person, 😂
Polar bear.
Polar bear apart. ::yes::

I would stay a lot further away if a bear was there :rotfl:
::yes::
I love all the scenery
BC is just... gorgeous.
I would be afraid riding the bike down hill!
It got a little... fast!
I can’t believe there isn’t any food porn
I thought I would add one for you 🍕
611333
Thanks for sharing your summer adventures, this pizza does not look smoked.:sad2:
You're welcome!
And... no... no it doesn't.
 
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.
Maple fudge is a must!
I drove over to the Teahouse
overlooking the Abkhazi Gardens
This sounds wonderful! Will have to put it on the list for my next Victoria trip.
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.
That looks amazing! But a LOT of food!
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.
Hahaha! Like you, I grew up with Gilligan's as a staple.
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.
Salmon chowder would be yummy. :)
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.
So pretty! I haven't been there for years but really need to get back.
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.
We took the ferry to Nanaimo when we honeymooned in Tofino but never really explored the area.
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. :goodvibes)
You get the "Best Dad Ever" award for that one.
I did however get a lemon bar.
And that sucker was so rich and sweet
that it took me two days to finish!
Love lemon bars!
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.)
Gorgeous!
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! :laughing:
Food on an airplane! What??
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.
2022 has to be better!
Coming soon, a freezing cold,
true north, update.
Freezing cold? Do you live in Winnipeg or something?
 
Last edited:
Maple fudge is a must!
I know! Total fail!
This sounds wonderful! Will have to put it on the list for my next Victoria trip.
::yes::
That looks amazing! But a LOT of food!
Too much.
I don't recommend it.
Thought one wasn't going
to be much.

I learned.
Hahaha! Like you, I grew up with Gilligan's as a staple.
:thumbsup2
Salmon chowder would be yummy. :)
It was much better
than I expected. :)

So pretty! I haven't been there for years but really need to get back.
Yes you should.
I was so glad I went back
to really see it.
We took the ferry to Nanaimo when we honeymooned in Tofino but never really explored the area.
Well, neither did I.
I grabbed the bars,
grabbed a quick bite,

then headed to the ferry.
You get the "Best Dad Ever" award for that one.
:laughing:
Thanks!
Food on an airplane! What??
Perks, baby.
It's all about the perks.

2022 has to be better!
Oh, man.
I sure hope so!

Freezing cold? Do you live in Winnipeg or something?
This will be... a bit different
 
I try another kiosk, just in case…
Nope.

You need a chocolate martini.

(You just know anyone named "Orville"
has gotta be a whiner, right?)

COP comes to mind. He just wants a little privacy.

I told her what happened and she
quickly printed off a tag, stuck it
on the bag and I was on my way.

Which would have saved everyone time in the first place.

Look on with dismay as your
carry-on is once again, selected
for “random” screening.

WORST. FEAR. EVER.

I'm no stranger to this. :sad2: :rolleyes1
And, you don’t have
to take off your shoes.

Good for old farts like me. Wonder what they'd do with someone who throws their back out.
Arriving in Vancouver, I took the
SkyTrain over to my hotel
and got checked in.
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.

Lucky you!! Only took me about 15 minutes to lose $200 last time I tried.


That's pretty cool!
After breathing in some fresh air
and encountering very few people,
(Perfect. On both counts)

But... but... isn't that what we've all been doing for 2 years?! I want to be NEAR people and see smiling faces and interact!!!


Okay, that is SUPER neat!

Love flat iron buildings,
and this one is no exception.
I love this style too but had no idea they had a name. HUH!

The nearby markets provided a feast
for both the eyes and the nose.
You can almost smell this photo, can’t you?

Been to plenty of Asian/Chinese-in-particular markets. Fascinating, but yes.... odiferous to be sure.

Ah well. I nevertheless left quite full.

Dim Sum has a way of doing that.

Sweet! These are even more detailed than the ones in the Can Pav in EPCOT.

“Girl in a Wetsuit” is a bronze
sculpture that was created in 1972.
It is certainly evocative of Copenhagen’s
famous “Little Mermaid” statue,
but the author claims that the idea,
being a girl in a wetsuit, with flippers
and a mask, was “a new idea.”
Judge for yourselves.
The Little Mermaid (statue) - Wikipedia

Interesting. There is certainly quite a resemblance; no wonder it's a bit controversial.

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

Nice coincidence. I take you'd not have come across it if still on the other path?

After a refreshing break, I continued
my journey… at a very rapid pace!
After climbing up to the top…
There was no place to go, but… down!!!
It was with a mixture of terror and exhilaration
that I raced down the hill,
easily passing cars who seemed
to be crawling along at the posted
speed limit of 30km/h (20mph).

I hope you have your organ donor card filled out.
 
I had reserved in advance and
I’m glad I had as there was a long
line of cars (that I subsequently
passed.)

Ferry FiPs!!

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

Wait... you went to tea and don't even like.... tea...??
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!

Tea is deceiving like that. Looks like, "Is this even gonna be enough?!" until you get about halfway done and you're absolutely stuffed.

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

It really is. Makes me feel old as dirt.

So colorful!

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!” :goodvibes
“Sorry, we’re out.” :(

Definitely worth the wait.
Wasn't there a sign? What an unfortunate waste of time!


I went there as a kid and loved it! Always wanted to go back!

It’s possible you’ve never
heard of Nanaimo Bars,
but if you have…
this is where they’re from.
I have! My mom used to make these and I LOVE them! Coconut and all!

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.

You've driven 5 times that for ice cream. This surprises me not.

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.

Sounds like a recent road trip I had. :rolleyes:
I felt motivated to get a little artsy-fartsy.

IMG_4918(1).jpg

This makes it look like it has a dusting of snow. :) I like it!
IMG_4958.jpg


Yes, the water really is that colour.

Glacial water is so incredibly beautiful. Just perfect!! :love:
 
You need a chocolate martini.
I wonder if I'd like that?
I'm not a fan of martinis
although I can drink one.

What's the prevalent taste?
COP comes to mind. He just wants a little privacy.
Oh, so that's it.
Which would have saved everyone time in the first place.
:rolleyes:
WORST. FEAR. EVER.

I'm no stranger to this. :sad2: :rolleyes1
Nah.
I've gotten used to it.
Seems like my bag gets
selected every time now.
I just accept that it's part
of the screening process

and go with it.
Good for old farts like me. Wonder what they'd do with someone who throws their back out.
Good question.

Really good question.
Lucky you!! Only took me about 15 minutes to lose $200 last time I tried.
Whoa.
But... that's happened to me.

And I once saw one guy lose...
Must've been around $600
on just one hand.
(Split 2-3 ways, but still,

all at once.)
That's pretty cool!
I love swinging bridges.
The simplicity of design
combined with the fun

of the bouncy walk. :)
But... but... isn't that what we've all been doing for 2 years?! I want to be NEAR people and see smiling faces and interact!!!
Nope.
For an introvert,
this was perfect.

Zero people. Ahhhhh...

And I can totally see for
an extrovert like yourself,

it's total torture.
I love this style too but had no idea they had a name. HUH!
Yup!
There are several
all over the world.
Been to plenty of Asian/Chinese-in-particular markets. Fascinating, but yes.... odiferous to be sure.
::yes::
Dim Sum has a way of doing that.
::yes::

"I'll have some of that...
and that...
<burp>
and those...
<Lord I'm stuffed>
those look good...
<please make me stop>
some of those, please...
<stop! just stop!>
I'll have that too....

<explodes>
Sweet! These are even more detailed than the ones in the Can Pav in EPCOT.
They do really stand out.
And they all have plaques
with details of when they
were carved and by whom
and what they represent.

Really quite interesting.
Interesting. There is certainly quite a resemblance; no wonder it's a bit controversial.
::yes::
Nice coincidence. I take you'd not have come across it if still on the other path?
I would not.
And... I thought I was going to.
My plan was to stop there.
I had no idea it was at the

top of a flippin' mountain!
I hope you have your organ donor card filled out.
Not a fan of sweet breads.
 
Ferry FiPs!!
:laughing: Yes!
Gorgeous!
And that was just a part of it.
It wasn't Butchart... but it was also
just on a residential street.
Kind of came out of nowhere.

I really liked that.
Wait... you went to tea and don't even like.... tea...??
I like eating.
Tea is deceiving like that. Looks like, "Is this even gonna be enough?!" until you get about halfway done and you're absolutely stuffed.
::yes::

I remember we couldn't finish our tea.
I should have known!

It really is. Makes me feel old as dirt.
I console myself with the
knowledge that I was really young...
really realllly young, when it aired.
So colorful!
It's a really pretty spot. :)
Wasn't there a sign? What an unfortunate waste of time!
I was going to say something like:
"Yeah! There should have been!"
But...
Then I thought.
"Wait... they don't want you to leave...
they want you to order
something else."

I went there as a kid and loved it! Always wanted to go back!
You should!
I know you'd love it.

I have! My mom used to make these and I LOVE them! Coconut and all!
I won't begrudge you your coconut. :)
It is the way they're made.

You've driven 5 times that for ice cream. This surprises me not.
:laughing:
But this time it wasn't
even for me!

Sounds like a recent road trip I had. :rolleyes:
Fog instead of smoke, but... yes.
This makes it look like it has a dusting of snow. :) I like it!
I tried to make it a bit darker
(blacks more dark/vivid)
but didn't want to overdo it.
Glacial water is so incredibly beautiful. Just perfect!! :love:
Love it.
I need to get to Moraine Lake.
With the lost iPod the last time

I was in the area, I never got the chance.
 
I wonder if I'd like that?
I'm not a fan of martinis
although I can drink one.

What's the prevalent taste?
Not a gin fan. Can I get a martini with just olives? :lmao:

Nah.
I've gotten used to it.
Seems like my bag gets
selected every time now.
I just accept that it's part
of the screening process

and go with it.
Hey! Here comes that guy from Winnipeg. He looks constipated and exhausted...check his bag.

And I once saw one guy lose...
Must've been around $600
on just one hand.
(Split 2-3 ways, but still,

all at once.)
I have a sure fire method to win and it's legal...just time consuming....requires patience and discipline.


I love swinging bridges.
The simplicity of design
combined with the fun

of the bouncy walk. :)
Guess it's good you're not afraid of heights.

Nope.
For an introvert,
this was perfect.
As much as you love dismeets, I.would never peg you for an introvert. Compared to Liesa, though.

Yup!
There are several
all over the world.
When I worked in downtown Atlanta, there was one.I regularly walked by and it was simply known as the flat iron building. Didn't realize it was a style...I thought it was THE one
;)

I'll have some of that...
and that...
<burp>
and those...
<Lord I'm stuffed>
those look good...
<please make me stop>
some of those, please...
<stop! just stop!>
I'll have that too....

<explodes>
Is dim sum Chinese for you pig?

They do really stand out.
And they all have plaques
with details of when they
were carved and by whom
and what they represent.

Really quite interesting.
That does sound very interesting.
 

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