Canadian Buffoon's Hi Low Vacation - South Central Musings

[MeghanEmily]

I did it! I did it! I made it through my first Pkondz Trip Report! ...what a waste of time! ...But of course, I kid, I kid. So nice to get a peek into your trips and your life/family!

Of course, in over a dozen updates, I had SO much to quote and comment on...so naturally I quoted nothing. I'm sorry. I have failed. I promise to be better from hereon out.

However, a few things stand out in my memory. Your depiction of going through customs from Canada to the US (i.e. Am I a known criminal and/or in possession of a banana?) left me laughing at how very real that felt to me. Fortunately I usually remember to leave my fruit-based weapons in the country when we travel to the states.

I'm going to tell you something you've probably never heard before: your pictures are lovely!

Looking forward to more updates! I'm far too late to the party to jump on your contest now, but next time for sure.

 

[Captain_Oblivious]

I prefer horizontal too.
Usually, when I shoot vertical
(except for portraits)
I think I need to... but...
then realize it'd be better horizontal.

Julie likes to switch it up. I only got annoyed once, when she did the vast majority of our photos of the Yellowstone Lower Falls framed vertically.

Don't forget Gatorland!

How could I forget?

My car is less than $1.3 million too.

Oops. Meant to compare to the price of a tire.

What kind of coverage would you need
for being swallowed by a crevasse?

"I'm sorry sir, but if you read the fine print, a giant crevasse is clearly stated as being exempt from coverage."

Traction? You did see those tires, right?
Plus they use grind up geckos for extra grip.

The gecko doesn't bother me too much. But if they could take care of those Geico cavemen...

Normal cycle of the planet.
Ice comes. Ice goes.
Could just as easily be
"When I was here last, we had to walk a ways
to get to the ice.
Now it's up to the highway and will soon
force construction of an alternate road.

Very true. In the 70's most scientists were worried about a global cooling trend.

I can't wait until I see a sign
for "spaghetti strap falls".

Now I want spaghetti...

I'd probably skip the falls and head straight for the restaurant.

If only!
But how long would it take?

Who knows, but it would be totally worth it!

 

[franandaj]

Maybe you could sell it on ebay!

Hah! Shipping would be more than I'd get for the thing!

No? But that's where all the flavour is!!

 

[pkondz]

Yes, we call them bergy bits too.

Really! I thought that was only us.
I'll be darned...

I keep forgetting that you lived up north in Manitoba at one time, so I presume you would have been on the coast there and seen plenty of sea ice.

Got some nice photos....
Somewhere.

Should dig those out.

But that would involve that horrible thing.


You know... effort.

 

[pkondz]

Well, I do have the advantage of mine being out of the house for most of the year.
Oh, but once they go off to school they’ll still call home regularly to ask for money.
So you will have that going for you.

Which is… nice?

They can ask all they want...

You do that, and let me know what he says about it.

He said "Stuff it".
Or something very similar.

I’ve been trying to talk to that guy for years and all I’ve ever gotten was stunning amounts of total silence.

Hmm..... Think I'll send a PM on that one.

So, tell us what it is that you like about one over the other.
It’s generally more interesting to hear the artist’s point of view over that of the critics.

I prefer the second.
I too prefer horizontal to vertical.
I prefer the framing and I actually
like the photographers on the right.
Adds scale and an interest point.
Helps draw the eye in.

Sounds like quite the business model.
That might do near as well as Backhoe Skiing.
You should consider bankrolling that venture.

Okay, that was pretty funny.

But doing that in the Everglades adds
the fun of being eaten when you fall.
Either by a snake or a croc.

Or both.

Given that I stay mad at folks it would certainly result in my not speaking to you again.
So yeah, I can see that strategy a guaranteed win for you.

Win win!!!

That’s at Canaveral and yes you need to visit it at some point (actually I need to get to the complex in Houston as well). My first trip there, the place consisted of a quonset hut and just a couple of outdoor exhibits.
Now it’s an entire complex, including several distinct museums, dozens of full scale artifacts and a National Memorial.

Last time I was there... in 1978...
they had a Saturn V
lying on its side in a field.
Out in the open.
We drove by and never did get that close so
didn't get a sense of the scale of the thing.

Regret that, but...
I wasn't the one doing the driving.

Mark did a nice chapter on the place in his last TR and I’ve got a ton of stuff I intend to talk about if I ever get to that point on my disaster of a TR.

Read that.
Enjoyed it a lot, too!

Or I could just post a bunch of pictures here instead.

Wouldn't say no to that!

Typical…
Always taking the punchbowl away just as the party is really getting started.

And I had some vodka to spike it with, too!

Once you cross the 49th they start working more like incubators.

I have a story about that, too.

Excellent!
Just make sure that they send the fund transfers through a Russian Bank.
Those are the most reliable when it comes to handling these types of transactions.

I was thinking of Putin all my
money in there.
Should be safe, right?

My faith in you has been restored.

You have been seriously mis-lead.

Of course not…
Unsubstantiated conjecture and wild suppositions will do nicely.
It’s the standard used by consultants the world over.

In that case....

Yes! Or... No!

Whichever.

 

[pkondz]

Of course not, she would bite me. I mean she isn't a dog, she's the alpha cat.

Shouldn't she scratch then?

Well that's what they said on Scorpion when the team was in Antarctica and two of the members were trapped outside the facility in a storm. They climbed into the same sleeping bag to conserve heat. They may or may not be planning their wedding on the show now.

You can't tell?

I thought I felt a little something.

But it's so much fun!

Well... then carry on.

You forgot a zero in there. I can drive to Disneyland in under 3-0 (thirty) minutes.

Huh!
I'll be darned.
I'm exactly the same.
It takes me 30 to get to WDW.

Actually, what's interesting
is that, according to Google Maps,
it takes exactly 29 hours
to get from Winnipeg
to WDW and 29 hours
to DL.

One reason I can get away with my DIS time is that I no longer subject my friends and family to "hostage" viewing of my photo albums. I love that there are people here who like to hear about my trips.

Well I'm one of those people.

I can understand that approach. I miss the banter. I have a friend here on the DIS who loves to write PTRs, but hasn't finished a TR in the last 5 years. I love her to death so I follow along anyways, but it is frustrating not to have that closure.

I can see that.

 

[pkondz]

1. alt rock/alterntive mostly.. but I also love the Beatles, Elvis, Led Zepplin, Pink Floyd, broadway, classical, some country.
lol I love music.

2.Sick kiddo
AND discovery Centre to check if ipod can be found

3. burgers

Noted.

yes I saw
I PM'd you

Got it!

*I like the 2nd photo that was a zoom in.

I think that's most peoples pick.

*That lake, even with the fog and clouds, is so beautiful!!!

Not bad, right???

*I am super jealous of this trip! I really REALLY need to visit all Canada has to offer!!!!

Come on up!
It's a big place.
Lots to see.

 

[pkondz]

Man, look at how much I missed out! Serves me right for being mopey and pouty about my bum ankle - MRI somewhere in the nebulous future to see how far I should be pushing myself in physio. I've only cried once during physio, and my physiotherapist knows my ultimate goal is getting back into shape for Disney - I told her that I need to be up to walking 10 miles per day for 10 days in a row!

Ouch.
No date yet on the MRI?

And... yeah.
Disney walking.

Actually not a bad goal
to strive for!

I'm going with photo #1!

Mind if I ask why?

Generally my Disney playlist or easy listening.

Elle and The Icefields Discovery Centre to beg for your iPod's life...

Steaks!

Noted.

 

[pkondz]

I did it! I did it! I made it through my first Pkondz Trip Report!

Congratulations! And you survived it!
Not many do.

And to the TR!

...what a waste of time! ...But of course, I kid, I kid.

Nah. That's just refreshingly honest.

You're right.
It's a horrible waste of time.

I need to step up my game.
Have balloons.
Confetti too.

Wait! Cake.... yesssss.... cake.....

So nice to get a peek into your trips and your life/family!

OMG! You're a stalker!

Well... join the rest of the gang.

Of course, in over a dozen updates, I had SO much to quote and comment on...so naturally I quoted nothing. I'm sorry. I have failed. I promise to be better from hereon out.

Fail!!!! This deserves punishment!

However, a few things stand out in my memory. Your depiction of going through customs from Canada to the US (i.e. Am I a known criminal and/or in possession of a banana?) left me laughing at how very real that felt to me. Fortunately I usually remember to leave my fruit-based weapons in the country when we travel to the states.

Never travel with a loaded banana.

You've been warned.

I'm going to tell you something you've probably never heard before: your pictures are lovely!

Thank you!!

Looking forward to more updates!

Have a few TRs to catch up on,
but then will start writing the next update.

I'm far too late to the party to jump on your contest now, but next time for sure.

Okay!

 

[pkondz]

Julie likes to switch it up. I only got annoyed once, when she did the vast majority of our photos of the Yellowstone Lower Falls framed vertically.

That's what Photoshop
and cropping tools are for.

How could I forget?

One does not simply forget Gatorland.

Oops. Meant to compare to the price of a tire.

Your car's tires are $1.3 million?????

"I'm sorry sir, but if you read the fine print, a giant crevasse is clearly stated as being exempt from coverage."

You can fit a lot into fine print.

The gecko doesn't bother me too much. But if they could take care of those Geico cavemen...

I'm not sure if I've ever seen them.
I mean... I must have?

Very true. In the 70's most scientists were worried about a global cooling trend.

I do remember that.

I'd probably skip the falls and head straight for the restaurant.

Good idea.
I'll join you.

You're buying.

 

[pkondz]

Hah! Shipping would be more than I'd get for the thing!

Oh, no problem. Gotcha covered.

For sale! Cat wheel! Only $5!*



*Shipping and handling extra.**






**Shipping is $20. Handling is much, much more.

What would you know?
You don't get snow!

 

[franandaj]

Oh, no problem. Gotcha covered.

For sale! Cat wheel! Only $5!*



*Shipping and handling extra.**






**Shipping is $20. Handling is much, much more.

First off, cat wheel, $200. I'm willing to try and teach them eventually for that price. Tesla has done a few rounds, but only because I put treats on there. I don’t think he has a desire to run, at least not with his pudgy belly!

What would you know?
You don't get snow!

Yeah but I'm guessing that the yellow snow doesn't taste nearly as good as the untouched snow.

 

[pkondz]

First off, cat wheel, $200. I'm willing to try and teach them eventually for that price. Tesla has done a few rounds, but only because I put treats on there. I don’t think he has a desire to run, at least not with his pudgy belly!

That's why the wheel is $5... but handling is $250.

Yeah but I'm guessing that the yellow snow doesn't taste nearly as good as the untouched snow.

Well, if you're going to be picky.

 

[Tracy161]

We're Canadian.
You can never have enough mitts.

I need to live somewhere that I can never have enough flips... as in flops. Flip flops.

The injustice still stings.

I can imagine!

2. Me. I'm pouting in the van.

Well I certainly can't blame you there. Injustice had occurred after all.

(I kinda wished I'd brought
my kids with me.
I would've picked one at random
and yelled at her.
Circle of life.)

And I knew what I'd done.

OH NO!!!!!!!!!

 

[pkondz]

I need to live somewhere that I can never have enough flips... as in flops. Flip flops.

I don't have that problem.

I flip flop all the time.

I can imagine!

Funny thing...
I just talked about it
a few minutes ago
with my Dad.

He did what Dad's have done
since time immemorial...

Blamed Mom.

Well I certainly can't blame you there. Injustice had occurred after all.

OH NO!!!!!!!!!

Yep.

Just wait...

 

[Steppesister]

"Oh my poor baby!
I'm coming right now!
I'll make chicken soup! From scratch!
I'll get you a hot toddy!
I'll get you a heating pad!
I'll get you all sorts of medicine,
all of which will taste wonderful!
I'll rub your feet! Your back! Your temples!
My life is not complete unless I can serve you!!!"

Sheesh, I want someone to do that for me when I'm NOT sick. Just once.

ambled over for breakfast

you were off your game. No sashaying?

Guess what we had!

Something you enjoyed.

(Well. You said to guess; you made it easy and posted the answer!)

OMG! We can't leave Jasper!!
We're stuck here forever!!

I can think of better places to get stuck.

Tell me which one you like for
free and easy bonus points.

The top one. I think it shows perspective better, draws the eye upward to my favorite part... the avalanche trails.

Anyways, I got scolded.

Just me.


The injustice still stings.

WE parents can do some pretty stupid stuff sometimes.

"There are no restrooms
on the glacier! Please use
the restrooms before boarding."

We always told our kids to just find a high place and go behind it.

crawled

You really WERE off your game. Still no sashaying going on.

PREACH IT!

I don't normally like plain water.
But this stuff was amazing!

Hmmm...
I wonder if that has anything
to do with the dude
pouring the bags of sugar
on the ice.

Nah.

... or the fact that you paid $85 for it.

For bonus points...
Which one of the above
buggies is the one we rode in?

PM coming...

Yes. We actually ate
some of the food
we had purchased
a couple days earlier.
(Happy now?)

Yes. Finally. Your lucky you didn't get food poisoning from how long it took. Sheesh.

Eventually we arrived at Lake Louise.
After a quick bathroom break
we walked over and saw
this iconic view.

Huh? There was a whole lake to pee in.

Once again, I'm not sure
which I prefer.

The top one. I like the logs in it that point toward the reflection. YOu didn't ask, but there ya have it.

I'd left it on the TP holder.
In the restroom...
Two hours drive north...
At the Icefields Discovery Centre.

Well, lookie here....




















Yes, indeed.

WHO in the fuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuge does that?!?!!!

Buhahaha!

OMG, dying here.

franandaj - 449 points
Steppesister - 449 points

Hmmm, how to steppe up one's game here..... <thinks up creative ways to bribe, manipulate, and otherwise sway the game host>

1. Next update's a short one so...
Favourite music genre?
(i.e. Rock, Pop, Country, Jazz... )

Everything but opera and rap. I enjoy Broadway style, Classic Country, Classical (Debussy and Tchaikovsky are up there), Indie, you name it. Depends on my mood, what I"m doing, who I'm with, where I'm at.....

2. I make two phone calls before
the day is done.
Who to? (hints were left.)

Kids and Icefields Disco. Center.

3. What did we eat for dinner?
Chicken, burgers or steaks.

Burgers.

Did you see it?
You saw it, yes?
PM me the answer for bonus points.
Posting the answer will result in a massive deduction.

PM coming...

 

[pkondz]

Sheesh, I want someone to do that for me when I'm NOT sick. Just once.

Well, okay... but it'll cost you
a piece of strawberry rhubarb crisp.

you were off your game. No sashaying?

I don't sashay with Ruby.
It'd just make her feel self-conscious.

Something you enjoyed.

(Well. You said to guess; you made it easy and posted the answer!)

I can think of better places to get stuck.

Oh? Okay...
Name five.

The top one. I think it shows perspective better, draws the eye upward to my favorite part... the avalanche trails.

Interesting.

I'm not sure if those are
avalanche trails or ski trails.
Seriously... I don't know.

WE parents can do some pretty stupid stuff sometimes.

Yep. We definitely can.

There are some things
that I definitely regret.

We always told our kids to just find a high place and go behind it.

It's a glacier.
There are no high places.

I suppose you could wander
off the marked path
and tumble into a crevasse.

You'd be dead....
but you could pee unseen.

You really WERE off your game. Still no sashaying going on.

The buggy cannot sashay.

... or the fact that you paid $85 for it.

Yes.
$85 water, by definition
tastes amazing.

PM coming...

Got it!

Yes. Finally. Your lucky you didn't get food poisoning from how long it took. Sheesh.

Food goes bad in two days
in your refrigerator?

You're doing it wrong.

Huh? There was a whole lake to pee in.

You have to be in it to do that.

Care to guess how cold this
glacier fed lake is?

Hmmmmm?

Well.... I don't know exactly...

But it's cold!

The top one. I like the logs in it that point toward the reflection. YOu didn't ask, but there ya have it.

Me too.

Well, lookie here....




















Yes, indeed.

WHO in the fuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuge does that?!?!!!

Buhahaha!

OMG, dying here.

You're having far too much fun here.



Okay, so now you know why I
was so hard on you!

Dumb minds think alike!

Hmmm, how to steppe up one's game here..... <thinks up creative ways to bribe, manipulate, and otherwise sway the game host>

Bribe?
Strawberry rhubarb kinda bribe?

1. Next update's a short one so...
Favourite music genre?
(i.e. Rock, Pop, Country, Jazz... )

Everything but opera and rap. I enjoy Broadway style, Classic Country, Classical (Debussy and Tchaikovsky are up there), Indie, you name it. Depends on my mood, what I"m doing, who I'm with, where I'm at.....

2. I make two phone calls before
the day is done.
Who to? (hints were left.)

Kids and Icefields Disco. Center.

3. What did we eat for dinner?
Chicken, burgers or steaks.

Burgers.

Noted.

PM coming...

Got that too!

 

[franandaj]

Shouldn't she scratch then?

Clearly you're not familiar with feline behavior...actually they bite first and scratch in the process. Giving you a double whammy. Luckily I know which ones like their bellies rubbed. The hard way.

I thought I felt a little something.

Well... then carry on.

Okey dokey!

Huh!
I'll be darned.
I'm exactly the same.
It takes me 30 to get to WDW.

Actually, what's interesting
is that, according to Google Maps,
it takes exactly 29 hours
to get from Winnipeg
to WDW and 29 hours
to DL.

So you should come to Disneyland then! California likes foreigners!

Well I'm one of those people.

And I appreciate it!

I can see that.

Yeah and pretty soon she'll be my neighbor (not literally) but their family is moving back here and I'll have a park buddy when Fran doesn't want to go!

 

[pkondz]

Clearly you're not familiar with feline behavior...actually they bite first and scratch in the process. Giving you a double whammy. Luckily I know which ones like their bellies rubbed. The hard way.

Ah, but I do.
We had cats for about the first
20 years or so of my life.

(And had the scars to prove it.)

Then I married Ruby.
She's a dog person
and doesn't understand cats.

Cats are far more complex.

So you should come to Disneyland then! California likes foreigners!

I am! Next year!

And I appreciate it!

Yeah and pretty soon she'll be my neighbor (not literally) but their family is moving back here and I'll have a park buddy when Fran doesn't want to go!

Good! Then you can bug her
in person to finish her TRs!

 

[franandaj]

Ah, but I do.
We had cats for about the first
20 years or so of my life.

(And had the scars to prove it.)

Then I married Ruby.
She's a dog person
and doesn't understand cats.

Cats are far more complex.

Well then you get it. I have two boys (new to me, I mostly had girl cats) vying for my affection. Tesla and Milo, they're both relatively young but Tesla is the young brat 4 years old, Milo is about 3 years older. They both now join me in the bathroom and want the spot at my feet in the bedroom in the morning. It's rather nice to have two gentlemen vying for my affection$

I am! Next year!

Good! Then you can bug her
in person to finish her TRs!

I wouldn't do that, I find out first hand how most end so I don't need to!