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

[suse66]

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.

Your pictures are still stunning. I particularly like the one of the waterfall.

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.

Good tip! Will remember that for my next visit west.

After breathing in some fresh air
and encountering very few people,
(Perfect. On both counts)
it was time to see a couple more
touristy/kitschy sites.

Nothing like quiet time in nature.

There were several bike-rental companies
in the area, and no surprise there.
For nearby was Vancouver’s famous
Stanley Park.
This park is listed by many respected
travel guides as one of the best city
parks in the world.
No less than Condé Nast, Far and Wide,
Travel & Leisure, Fodors, and a multitude
of others all proclaim Stanley Park
to be one of the world’s best.

Now I am really missing Vancouver. It is far too long since I visited last.

Climbing the steep road was not easy.
But after one or two stops,
I arrived safely, if a bit winded, at the top.

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

I've walked up that hill but can't imagine biking up it. Or down it for that matter!

 

[pkondz]

Nice...I've seen one where you must stay a moose away from others, very Canadian indeed.

This is a good tip. I do love the Capilano suspension bridge and all the kitch that goes along with it, but in covid times your idea is much better!!

I was in no mood
to fight with crowds...
and pay for the privilege!

Been there, seen that clock...but did not know that history. Interesting.

So now you can toot all about it!

There's one place in Toronto we used to go to with the carts...but again...darn covid I don't know if they will come back. I like being able to see the food, even pictures on a menu is not the same.

There's a place here that I go to,
but I haven't been since the
pandemic started, so have no idea
if they are still doing it or not.

 

[pkondz]

Your pictures are still stunning. I particularly like the one of the waterfall.

Thanks!

Good tip! Will remember that for my next visit west.

You're welcome.
Word of advice...
The parking lot there is small
and fills up, but there's plenty
of parking nearby on the streets.

Nothing like quiet time in nature.

Ahhhhhhh...

Now I am really missing Vancouver. It is far too long since I visited last.

Time to head back!

I've walked up that hill but can't imagine biking up it. Or down it for that matter!

Down was much better/faster!

 

[franandaj]

It felt great to be back at an airport.

Wait? Don't you work at an airport?

An agent approached me.
“Do you need some help?”
“Yeah, it won’t print off the baggage tag.”
“Then you’ll have to see customer service.”

Yeah. Thanks. I got that.

Did anyone figure out why the kiosk didn't work?

Stand with arms raised in the
device whose sole purpose
is to let hidden agents snicker
at your virtually nude body
as your pants inexorably begin
their descent to your ankles.
Hold onto your pants while
you wait for your belt to show up.

Why don't you just wear pants that fit you?

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.

Well dangit......I'm outta here.











Except I don't have much else to do....sooooo.....

(((((Sigh)))))

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),

Is this that same Casino Hotel you stayed at last time? I have pictures from when I stayed there...five years ago...

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.

This is a good travel hack tip!

Nevertheless, every quarter-hour,
the four steam pipes at the top of the clock,
whistle out a merry tune much to the
enjoyment of the crowd that gathers
in anticipation… and then immediately
disperses as the last note fades.

I've never really seen the appeal of this clock.

Turning away from the now silent clock,
I made my way just a couple of blocks west
where Gastown’s iconic Hotel Europe resides.

Is this your picture? It's very nice.

it’s always just a little
disappointing when I go for dim sum
and I have to order off the menu.

I've never been for Dim Sum, off the menu or the cart.

There was a detour, that I had just passed
that took you up a steep, winding road
to Prospect Point, the highest point in the park.
Climbing the steep road was not easy.
But after one or two stops,
I arrived safely, if a bit winded, at the top.

I've only done Stanley Park in a car. I don't think I'd make it past the sea wall or lady statue riding.

And with that, I returned the bike,
reclaimed the car, returned to the
hotel and called it a night.

No dinner? I'd be famished after that bike ride!

 

[pkondz]

Wait? Don't you work at an airport?

Nope.
Although the building where
I work is fairly close to one.

Did anyone figure out why the kiosk didn't work?

Not that I know of

Why don't you just wear pants that fit you?

Wellll...
Because I've lost a bit of weight.
And a belt notch is cheaper
than a new pair of pants.

Well dangit......I'm outta here.

I expected that!

Sorry!

Except I don't have much else to do....sooooo.....

(((((Sigh)))))

Cat's got ya trapped, huh?

Is this that same Casino Hotel you stayed at last time? I have pictures from when I stayed there...five years ago...

This is a good travel hack tip!

Worked for me.

I've never really seen the appeal of this clock.

It was okay.
Interesting...
But I wouldn't insist that
you had to see it.
It was on the way.

Is this your picture? It's very nice.

It is, yes.
If I'd had a bit more time,
I would've taken a few more
and gotten rid of the people
and cars.

I've never been for Dim Sum, off the menu or the cart.

You should!
I think you guys would like
the experience.

I've only done Stanley Park in a car. I don't think I'd make it past the sea wall or lady statue riding.

You can rent electric
scooters and bikes.

No dinner? I'd be famished after that bike ride!

I'm pretty sure... not.
I was still pretty full from
the dim sum.

 

[docsoliday1]

Did you see it?

As with Liesa's and Mark's, I have a long way to catch up.

I was wondering what Kay was eating(can't zoom in enough on the phone). You can keep the celery....I'll find something GOOD to get the peanut butter or cheese whiz to my mouth.

So, on your Smores, you do peanut butter cup too? Mmmm.

Pkondz. Not only did he survive covid, but he also survived the great squirrel attack of 2020. The stuff legends are made of.

Mmm wiener schnitzel. Don't think I've ever had camel or kangaroo. Would be willing to try.

The guy in the tunnel was obviously not Canadian. To quote Jar Jar --- how wude.

So many other things, but multi quoting on phone is sooo difficult.

Did I see it? Not even close...too many nice pictures, can't zoom in well with phone and well, so far behind, rather read more than search.

 

[docsoliday1]

You should see the head chef!

I've seen the head chef. They're waaaay cuter.

We didn't stay in very long!

Supposedly that's prime swimming temp for y'all not to mention shorts and tshirt weather.

App: "Begin walking."
Me: "Oh, thank you. I thought I was about to..."
App: "Begin running."
Me: "What? Are you kidding me?????"

I can totally see you saying this too.

And you didn't have to replace your phone. Good restraint.

We like our bacon

Mmmmmm bacon.

They are so beautiful... and fluffy!

Every time I hear the word fluffy, it reminds me of despicable me and (Agnus?) Saying it's so fluffy I'm gonna die. My youngest loved that movie and used to say that about stuffed (or real) animals.

 

[pkondz]

As with Liesa's and Mark's, I have a long way to catch up.

Then get crackin', mister.

I was wondering what Kay was eating(can't zoom in enough on the phone). You can keep the celery....I'll find something GOOD to get the peanut butter or cheese whiz to my mouth.

Oddly...
that's pretty much the
only way I'll eat cheese whiz.

So, on your Smores, you do peanut butter cup too? Mmmm.

Just that once.

Pkondz. Not only did he survive covid, but he also survived the great squirrel attack of 2020. The stuff legends are made of.

Mmm wiener schnitzel. Don't think I've ever had camel or kangaroo. Would be willing to try.

The camel was just okay.
Wouldn't go out of my
way for it.

The guy in the tunnel was obviously not Canadian. To quote Jar Jar --- how wude.

That must've been it!

Supposedly that's prime swimming temp for y'all not to mention shorts and tshirt weather.

Well... that's true.

I can totally see you saying this too.

And you didn't have to replace your phone. Good restraint.

It was a close thing, though.

Every time I hear the word fluffy, it reminds me of despicable me and (Agnus?) Saying it's so fluffy I'm gonna die. My youngest loved that movie and used to say that about stuffed (or real) animals.

 

[docsoliday1]

"Almost"... there's that whole first couple years of
puppyness where they're cute as heck, but...
the house training!!!

Just as with the term getting and animal fixed in opposite of what you're doing, so is house training. It's yard training.

(Unsolved Mysteries first airing 1987, WWW invented 1989.)

I was about to debate that and then saw you said WWW and not Internet.

Actually...
When I started running, my back was hurting from it.
But as I continued, I gradually noticed that my back
hurt less all the time.
Unexpected and welcome development

Hmm...good for you (and your back)

Excellent! And in the summer, if it gets hot enough, I can have steamed mussels!!

I thought something similar.

A small plane took off from St. Andrews airport.
(A small airport located 14 miles NE of Winnipeg airport.)
The pilot radioed that he was going to land... but then
(I believe after an attempt or two... but I could be wrong about that.)
said that he needed a longer runway.
Which is extremely puzzling as the runways there are all
about 3,000'... more than long enough.
Anyway, he landed at Winnipeg instead (11,000').
Turns out he had never flown before... except on his computer.

NO WAY!!!!! How the heck was he able to get a plane and get clearance to take off???

No, that part of my job diminished.
But I do a lot more than just looking for
lost aircraft. That's probably... 1% of my job.

Sure you do....you do a LOT more, mmm hmmm.

You must be a city girl!
They get a lot bigger than that.

A LOT bigger.

I guess we did. We brought him back to our campsite.
Which would've been a lifetime trip for him!

Poor guy. Now he's going to spend the rest of his life trying to find his family you took him away deom.

To be spoken of here, it can not.

Too bad. It's something that bears a lot of talking about.

That's okay... even my own family don't know what I do

I do. He sits at work and photoshops Marvin into pictures. That's his job.

A lot of people just don't enjoy it.
I mean... it's not as nice as a 5 star hotel.
And you do have to do set up and tear down and all the packing and unpacking and...

Now I'm wondering why I do it!

I love camping, although I confess, it's been a while. Nothing as relaxing as sitting around the fire, relaxing in hammock and camp food just always seems to taste better. Especially a cherry, peach or apple cobbler in a dutch oven.

 

[franandaj]

Wellll...
Because I've lost a bit of weight.
And a belt notch is cheaper
than a new pair of pants.

How can you have lost weight? You were already a skinny little thing!

It is, yes.
If I'd had a bit more time,
I would've taken a few more
and gotten rid of the people
and cars.

I hear ya, I keep forgetting to remove extra people from my pics and just resize them for the web.

You should!
I think you guys would like
the experience.

I know I would. I just can't find a place locally. So many have scary reviews and Fran isn't super motivated to try it.

 

[docsoliday1]

Being from Delaware, I REALLY love explaining scrapple to people, though

Easy. Feed someone spam, hotdogs, corned beef. Have them regurgitate it. Press it into a loaf. Voila! Scrapple

So there is an end date.

Sweet.

I guess you missed the "or so" part.

 

[docsoliday1]

Hey Allison @franandaj

Great pictures! Thanks! Way to take over @pkondz TR.

At least now it's interesting and didn't even need exploding helicopters.

 

[orangecats2]

Why don't you just wear pants that fit you?

I'm at work...had just taken a drink, so much lol on that one.
I have also lost weight, twenty pounds. Mine was from a hysterectomy. I bet that's not how you lost weight. I've been buying some new pants for my new job. We just got told that we can wear jeans. We're also getting a raise.

I also loved the waterfall pic. It's cool how you can see where the water carved through the rock.
We have a dim sum place in Cleveland. I wonder if they're not doing it because of covid?
Was there a purpose to this trip?
When can I come to visit the great Ponzi in his native country?

 

[docsoliday1]

OH WOW THE BIG THING THAT HAPPENED IN 2020, Ally and I got engaged after only 7 and a half years together! August 27th!

Congratulations!!!!

I presume that means she said yes. :

 

[franandaj]

Hey Allison @franandaj

Great pictures! Thanks! Way to take over @pkondz TR.

At least now it's interesting and didn't even need exploding helicopters.

But there were exploding muskets and gatling guns, so we had that going for us, which is nice...

 

[pkondz]

I was about to debate that and then saw you said WWW and not Internet.

I did my research.

I thought something similar.

NO WAY!!!!! How the heck was he able to get a plane and get clearance to take off???

Well... he stole it.
As for clearance...
You probably wouldn't know, but...
there's no reason why he wouldn't
give a clearance.

Poor guy. Now he's going to spend the rest of his life trying to find his family you took him away deom.

Not me. Evil DD did that.

Too bad. It's something that bears a lot of talking about.

Nicely done.

I do. He sits at work and photoshops Marvin into pictures. That's his job.

That's it!

I love camping, although I confess, it's been a while. Nothing as relaxing as sitting around the fire, relaxing in hammock and camp food just always seems to taste better.

Especially a cherry, peach or apple cobbler in a dutch oven.

Oooohhh... that sounds good.
Do you put it on the fire?
(On a grate, I presume?)

Easy. Feed someone spam, hotdogs, corned beef. Have them regurgitate it. Press it into a loaf. Voila! Scrapple

 

[pkondz]

How can you have lost weight? You were already a skinny little thing!

Covid 20.
Stress eating.
Depression eating.
Shall I go on?
I can certainly expand...

I hear ya, I keep forgetting to remove extra people from my pics and just resize them for the web.

Depends on my mood
and how much time I have.

I know I would. I just can't find a place locally. So many have scary reviews and Fran isn't super motivated to try it.

That's too bad.
I would've thought you'd have
some place that served decent
dim sum down there!

 

[pkondz]

I have also lost weight, twenty pounds. Mine was from a hysterectomy. I bet that's not how you lost weight.

No... not like that.

Hope you're recovered?

I've been buying some new pants for my new job. We just got told that we can wear jeans. We're also getting a raise.

Nice! Twice!

I also loved the waterfall pic. It's cool how you can see where the water carved through the rock.

I love waterfalls.

In case you hadn't noticed.

Was there a purpose to this trip?

Does there have to be one??

When can I come to visit the great Ponzi in his native country?

Well you can visit me anytime you want.
It's just a wee bit tougher for me to visit you!

 

[docsoliday1]

Well... he stole it.

I hope he's in jail for a long time.
Not for stealing, but endangering so many people and airport safety. If he had died, that would have been poetic justice.

Not me. Evil DD did that

Mmm hmmm. You expect me to believe that?
I'm too lazy to go back, but if it was Elle, I know better.

Oooohhh... that sounds good.
Do you put it on the fire?
(On a grate, I presume?)

Can put in coals, hang over fire or on a grate. For whatever reason, in the dutch oven, it's just better.

I love waterfalls.

Even those with a drop of 30,000-40,000...err...micrometers like the one you showed us.

 

[pkondz]

I hope he's in jail for a long time.
Not for stealing, but endangering so many people and airport safety. If he had died, that would have been poetic justice.

Too long ago now,
so I have no idea if he wound
up in prison or not.
I do know he was arrested.
What happened after that...

Mmm hmmm. You expect me to believe that?
I'm too lazy to go back, but if it was Elle, I know better.

It was Elle.

Definitely evil.

Can put in coals, hang over fire or on a grate. For whatever reason, in the dutch oven, it's just better.

Sounds awesome.
But...
1. I don't have the right cookware.
2. Kay wouldn't like it at all. She hates almost all fruit.

Even those with a drop of 30,000-40,000...err...micrometers like the one you showed us.

You measured???