Whistling

[jay]

I'm waiting on laundry. This hotel in Vancouver, in addition to having the world's cheapest continental breakfast (tiny muffins, dry cereal and... toast. People actually lined up to make toast... jokes about bread lines. This would be laughed away on the Continent... where's the jam? Boiled egg or cold cuts or cheese? Or at least bagels? And there is a guest laundry with one key. Someone checked it out a dinner yesterday... and didn't do laundry until this morning. Grr. So my plans are screwed up, we won't leave until 1-2pm and won't camp on the Columbia River, all because of someone's thoughtlessness. Probably another guest from the US, as Canadians seem to be generally more considerate.

Anyway, I'm still reeling from Wednesday's news. I thought about checking airline tickets to Edmonton (WestJet?) but have no idea what the arrangements are.

Yesterday... we stopped in a group in Stanley Park, rode a miniature train, then drove up route 99 across the Lion's Gate Bridge and on to Whistler, BC. The town itself is just another ski center, but the drive... breathtaking. Like a 40-mile long Yosemite, with the ocean filling the valley. Then we rode a gondola up the mountain, and myself and some of the kids spent an hour hiking up to a glacier (6100' base, 800' increase in 0.9 mile). I was able to describe flow lines and glacial features and point out crevasses.

An incredibly-beautiful drive back, as the sun was setting...



A couple of swans, from the train in Stanley Park...


Pat wanted this picture -- heh.


Note Kevin climbing on the boulder on the glacier, above Whistler...

Comments

You're taunting me

[tenacious-snail.livejournal.com]

with descriptions of the beauty, followed by photos of swans.

The Salmon crossing reminds me of a park in Hawai'i which had a "quiet...trees at work" sign. And lots and lots of feral cats. (wouldn't surprise me if those congregated near salmon crossings, too).

Re: You're taunting me

[brian1789.livejournal.com]

Probably... especially after spawning, when the fish are easy prey.

[dancing-star.livejournal.com]

Lovely pictures thank you for sharing.

[deedeebythebay.livejournal.com]

Man, you're making me itchy for Canada.

And, I wanted to say, I'm sorry for the loss of your friend. I've read about him in many people's journals now. I know this must be hard for you. You're blessed, in a way, that you are able to have some contemplation time while being on vacation. *blessings*

[brian1789.livejournal.com]

Thanks. Quite a lot of contemplation while driving, yes... were you from somewhere in Canada originally, or just like visiting? :)

[deedeebythebay.livejournal.com]

We've visited several times and always loved it there. It's been too long since the last visit. Again, soon, I hope.

[brian1789.livejournal.com]

I brought you back something sweet. ;)

Aw gee

[deedeebythebay.livejournal.com]

Thanks, that was thoughtful of you!

Re: Aw gee

[brian1789.livejournal.com]

Sorry that I was out of town and couldn't pitch in with your move...

Re: Iain

[boubabe.livejournal.com]

All that I know is that the memorial will be on Sunday. Time and place haven't been confirmed, at when I last spoke with C and J last night.

Westjet would have lots of flights from Vancouver to Edmonton.

Re: Iain

[boubabe.livejournal.com]

We're holding a service for Iain at the University of Alberta's Alumni House. The address is 11515 Saskatchewan Drive. This will be on Sunday (August 22) from 2pm until 4pm. Sandwiches, squares, fruit, and beverages will be provided by a cappella catering.

Re: Iain

[brian1789.livejournal.com]

If I was travelling alone, I'd delay my return and go back to Vancouver to Edmonton... with patgreene and the kids, I just didn't feel comfortable leaving them to drive home on their own.