Tag Archives: Canada

September 17, 2026

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Today was moving day. Time to head back home. I have some students to teach, and I’m going to bet Dan will have some garden work to do.

First, though, coffee, showering, packing (easy peasy when you do “COO” — Carry On Only), and a bit of wandering. Our flight wasn’t scheduled until after 5:00 PM.

When we were ready to fly, so to speak (or write), we headed downstairs to see if we could have one extra hour of time in our room: that would allow us to leave our packs there as we spent a bit of time out and about.

Sure enough … one extra hour and we were set! So off we went, in search of “just coffee” where we had coffee and scones. We just couldn’t resist. I was being extra good and had a savory scone. Dan had blueberry. I think that means I win.

After that we thought to wander in a direction we hadn’t gone. We were surprised to see these homes (or whatever they are used for now) among all the skyscrapers and modern buildings.

And then … um … well … we encountered a fire in an alley, some people clearly a bit out of sorts, and some questionable establishments. I suspect if I’d researched I would have found this was an area to be avoided.

After that we just figured we’d go back to our hotel and veg a while. We did more reading and relaxing until it was time to check out.

From there we took the train to the airport. It was a short walk to the station, and once we realized we couldn’t tap on with our watches we managed to get in. Dan used the credit card first (the one we normally use for travel) and it wouldn’t let me tag in with the same one. I wonder if they’ll ever realize more than one person has the same card?! No biggie — I just used our other travel card. We managed to get seats (gotta love the “save for disabled and seniors” seats that were actually empty for once). About thirty minutes later we were at the airport.

Security was a breeze. Global entry made things easy too. Then we went to the Maple Leaf Lounge and … surprise, surprise … we lounged. And ate. We had at least two hours to take it easy.

After a bit of food (a chicken wrap, cole slaw and guacamole … yes, a bit of a funny mix) I busied myself with reading and searching for that perfect sling bag (realizing the one I am using is just a bit too small).

Dan had thought he saw someone eating ice cream so I went to look around. Nope, saw no ice cream at all (probably a good thing) but I did see Nanaimo bars. (Probably a bad thing.) Being as those are Canadian I think I was obligated to try one. Begrudgingly, knowing I owed it to Canada, I took one to our table. And I ate it. All. Because I’m good that way.

But YUM.

After a rather long time (getting to the airport was so quick) we went to the elevator to then get to our gate. As we were in the elevator we received a text: we had an hour and five minute delay. So back to the lounge we went, and had something for dinner.

About an hour later and off we went. Then we had the joy of waiting longer before they boarded (they had said 5:50 boarding and we didn’t board until 6:05. Clearly these people don’t know about me and TIME!!

When we got to our seats we were pleasantly surprised: while we were in the first row of our section and thought we’d have no under seat storage, we actually did. Nice!

When we finally started taxiing (close to 7 PM) it was quite a long journey. On the way I saw two coyotes out in a small grassy area quite close to the plane. Then I spotted a heron. Apparently this airport is known for some wildlife.

Our flight was pretty uneventful. It was nice to be able to see outside for a change, so I took a few not-so-great iPhone photos.

And then we were over the Bay Area.

Back on the ground it again took a bit of time to taxi to our gate, and then we were asked to wait if we didn’t have a connection to make because forty-seven (I think) people did. I think nearly everyone — perhaps even 100% — who had no connection waited while others raced off the plane. (I’m always happy to have direct flights and we are fortunate in that that is nearly always the case.)

Then it was the drive home, hitting one extremely slow spot due to the five lanes narrowing to two, but home did eventually happen. No unpacking tonight (it’s just too darn late!), but it’s nice to be back in our big bed. Sleeping on smaller beds is a challenge for me. I’m picky that way.

Goodnight!

September 16, 2026

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Today, as I mentioned in the last blog, we planned to go to the Stanley Park, so after our hotel room coffees and a shower for me we eventually got out the door. (We are slow!)

Our walk quickly stopped: there was a coffee place with very good coffee and it was calling our name. One must obey a coffee call.

Then we continued on our way. We soon walked past a place called Meat & Bread. I’d heard that it was a great spot to get sandwiches, and they had a sign that said breakfast was served until 11:00 AM. It was 10:45. So what could we do? It was sort of a requirement to go in. I ordered the maple chicken sandwich. Dan ordered some sort of bacon thing. My sandwich was delicious … and very messy! But just YUM.

More walking was done on a rather busy section of the city.

We did finally get to the park. A lot of people rent bikes to do a large loop, but we opted to just walk some of it. It was quite lovely, and we spotted a heron that, right after I took a photo or two, caught a fish. Sadly I missed getting a shot of that. I saw some cosmos flowers I’d not seen before, and saw the totem pole area. There was a very cute spot, too, with water play things for kids. Or maybe adults too. I mean, why not? And of course a rainbow.

Lastly, we ended up at the garden area. It was lovely, although the roses were pretty much done.

Then we walked out of the park and walked right along the water. Our intention was to get to the “Fly Over Canada” spot where we would decide to go on that ride or not. When we were near the location for the ride we walked by a cruise ship. Not being cruise sorts we marveled at the huge thing but agreed it just isn’t of interest to us.

Yes. We went. It was quite fun and while it was costly I’d say it was worth it. Would I do it again? Probably not. But once was definitely a fun thing to do! I told Dan I wasn’t going to take photos … I lied. I just couldn’t help myself! (And yes, they told us we could take non-flash photos.) We did both movies.

After that we needed to spend the $10 in Canadian money that we had so Dan had to buy an espresso and lava cake. I mean, what choice did he have? (He did share the cake.)

At that point we opted to walk to our hotel and put our feet up for a short time, which allowed me to start this blog entry. (I found the “church: untitled” to be … um … puzzling.)

We walked back to the area where we had our other two dinners, this time choosing Yaletown Brewing. Seemed appropriate, as we are staying in “Yaletown” — whatever that means. I had BBQ chicken pizza, Dan had a chicken burger. My pizza gets to star in this instance. Dan’s burger is … well … it’s just a burger, after all. Who cares?!

When we got back to the hotel I checked today’s mileage: 8.77 miles. Finally a decent day for walking! Whew!

So that’s it for now. Time to relax and read more of my current George Cross book (#7) by Tim Sullivan. (I recommend these books. George Cross is so darn orderly. He’s smart, too. Oh, and he’s on the spectrum. I love that while the first books talked about his having Asperger syndrome, the author eventually changed to refer his issue to Autism since, as we all know, there is a nazi connection to Asperger that is rather horrendous.)

Enough eduction. I’m off to read and sleep!

Until tomorrow ….

September 15, 2026

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What a leisurely start to our day. (Doesn’t “leisurely” sound more admirable than “lazy”?) But after my not great sleep I was okay with that. (But what do you do if you can’t sleep? You take a night photo of the lights.)

After that somewhat less-than-stellar sleep we woke and made our Keurig “meh” coffees. Better than nothing, after all. Then it was a lot of screen time and sitting around, with a shower, eventually, for the other occupant of this huge place. (I realized last night that not only do we have two bedrooms, but the sofa in the living room is actually a sofa bed! Guess we should have invited guests, eh?) Gee, if someone slept in the bathtub we could have had seven in this place. 😉

Our server last night recommended two things to do here in Vancouver, and one thing not to do (He said not to bother with the swinging bridge for $27 — saying it wasn’t worth the cost.) I looked up the “Fly Over Canada” — which he highly recommended — and saw that it, too, was pretty costly (as in $36 for one film and $54 for the two). We could choose between Awaken Canada and Call of the Canadian Rockies. But should we bother? Something we had to ponder considering the cost. Do keep in mind, of course, that these are Canadian dollars so it isn’t quite as bad as the US dollar. The other recommendation was one I’d already read about — take a ferry or other water transport to Granville Island and visit the market. That, of course, is much less money.

Once we were both ready to go out we opted for a water ferry to Granville Island. We can decide on the more expensive option for tomorrow. So off we went.

The walk to the ferry was quite short, and Dan bought our round trip tickets. Then on to the boat we went. I’m pretty amazed by all the buildings here.

We disembarked and pretty much immediately went into the market to find real coffee.

Then we strolled. The market is pretty darn cool. So much to see (and eat). Beautiful flowers as well, along with crafts.

Eventually we opted to get lunch there. I had a maple salmon burger and Dan had poutine with sausages. You’ll probably be astounded that I will now write that I ate too much! But hey, I opted for salad rather than fries. Guess I’m on a health kick!

We sat for quite a while, and then walked a wee bit more. Someone here thought a bite of something sweet might be nice. I had mini-cookies (of which I could only eat one), and Dan got an oatmeal chocolate chip cookie. No photos, though.

We ambled a bit more, but eventually went back to the dock to catch our ferry. SO many boats on our walk back. How they get out from the crowded area I haven’t a clue.

Then back we went … on the water and then a short walk back to the hotel.

It was feet up time for a bit. Plus blogging and reading. Oh, and breathing too. Both in and out. We are special that way. It took a while, but we did eventually go back outside. In search of dinner.

As if I even needed it.

We went just a short bit away to a spot that had lots of restaurants, and walked around a bit to investigate. Dan, at one point, simply glowed. Or was in the pink. Or something.

Thai? Italian? A pub? Indian? What to do, what to do?

Oh … Greek!

We shared olives and I ordered a small plate of spanikopita with NO sides. Dan had souvlaki. For me that small plate was more than enough and quite yummy.

As has been the case everywhere we’ve been, our server was a delight and agreed that California could become part of Canada.

Works for me!

We then walked back to our hotel where I pulled out my remaining two tiny cookies which served as dessert. As if I needed one. Heh.

Tomorrow perhaps we will head to Stanley park. Stay tuned.

G’night!

September 14, 2026

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The alarm went off at 7 AM. Time to move on, but first it was time to shower, dress, pack my luggage, and clean up the house. Oh, and have mediocre coffee.

At nearly 10:00 AM (the checkout time) we said our goodbyes. What a wonderful visit we had, and getting to spend a good amount of time with Erika, Stewart, and their sweet kiddos was a real treat!

Thank you, Ruth Ann, for including us! 🩷

Then Richard drove Diane, Dan, and I to a new city. Or, really, he drove Dan and I to our next destination … he and Diane were continuing on. (Thank you, Richard and Diane, for the rides and hospitality.)

HELLO VANCOUVER!

(The photos above are through windows — thus the odd colors.)

Our check-in time wasn’t until 4:00 PM, but we assumed we could drop luggage off and wander. It was about noon when we checked in and not only did they have a room for us, but they upgraded us! I had originally reserved a room with two double beds because that was the cheapest route, so they did give us two rooms now rather than a king size bed. As Dan said, we should have thought and asked if they had a one room place with the large bed. Oh well, too late! We also were given a bottle of wine and two chocolates. Sweet! (Literally, when it comes to the chocolates.)

Two rooms with a Vancouver view, plus wine and chocolate:

After getting settled it was wander time. We had no plans for today, so we just headed out. We knew we wanted to find a bite for lunch, but otherwise we didn’t care what we would do. While I’ve done a lot of research for the next trip, I did very little for this one. So it’s a bit of a mystery trip, I suppose.

We walked a short bit and wound up eating lunch at a “whatever” place. Then a quick cup of real coffee!

We walked down to the water, right at the train station, and then walked through that station.

We did the obligatory gazing at the Steam Clock. Quite the tourist stop.

We then ended up going into an actual souvenir shop — we wanted some Canada caps for our next trip. (Gee, I wonder why?!) Those were purchased and then it was back to the hotel. Passing by the park that had this memorial, I noticed it seemed to be a spot for some rather sad looking men. I think it’s most likely a spot for drug addicts, but maybe I’m just being “judgy”. There do seem to be a number of homeless here, but that’s a big city for you.

Back at the hotel I continued writing this entry and someone else napped. I’ll let you figure out who that might be.

Okay, okay … then I, too, just might have dozed for a minute or two. Maybe.

After opening my eyes — surely I wasn’t really sleeping?! — I mentioned that we could do dinner at the one place nearby that was nicer, but maybe we’d wait and do that tomorrow and do Original Joe’s, which was located right below us. In looking at the nicer place, though, I saw that tonight was the only day that allowed us to get a reservation earlier and dine inside. So that was the deciding factor, and we went off to the Blue Water Cafe, which was a whopping eight or so minute walk.

We were seated and our server came and chatted for a bit. When he heard we were from California and made a bit of our feelings clear about the state of our country he talked for quite a while. It was pretty funny because he said he wasn’t going to talk about politics but then could barely stop. Needless to say, he thought a particular person in power was nuts, but was clear that he only felt bad for those of us stuck in our circumstances. I won’t go on and on (contrary to him!) but it cracked me up that he “wasn’t going to talk about politics” and proceeded to several times when he came to our table.

We ordered the sushi appetizer and, sadly, I neglected to take a photo but the sushi was wonderful. Then I ordered the halibut and Dan ordered the salmon and … well … YUM! Our server saw me take a photo of my meal and offered to take a photo of the two of us, which you can see between our two plates. (Obviously … hardly needed to tell you that, right?) The fish is brought in daily so it was incredibly fresh.

We had a lovely time. Food was great, and I’m glad we could make it work. Our next two dinners (for we only have two more here) will definitely be smaller and less costly, but it was fun to have this treat.

We took our little walk back to our hotel and here we are, stuffed but happy. We’ll see what tomorrow brings.

Goodnight!

September 13, 2026

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While I didn’t sleep well (too much food!), I did sleep long. I finally got out of bed around 8:45. I was grateful I finally did fall asleep and slept better.

When we came out to the kitchen most people were awake, but not all. I had my morning coffee, and Dan enjoyed his eggs. (The thought of food was less than appealing to me!)

Today was a day where some were experiencing something I would never do — well, unless you held a gun to my head! It was bungee jumping day. I wasn’t even sure I’d be able to watch, but we did decide to go, so Richard drove and Diane, Dan, and I went along.

When we reached the area, I saw a green metal bridge high above. Well gosh, guess what I get to walk over!?

But walk over I did, and honestly it wasn’t all that bad. I held on to the rail, of course, but I just looked forward and walked.

After crossing the bridge we walked along to find a good spot for taking photos. We saw several do the jump, but we were much earlier than the wedding gang, so we just stood around waiting (and taking videos).

Finally we saw Kirsten and Steve. She was in a very cute outfit that looked like an ice skating outfit, and Steve was in a t-shirt tux. Too darn cute.

And yes, they did it! Bravo to the pair!

Kirsten happily said she’d do it again.

After sitting around (or, for some, standing) we went back to the car and headed to lunch, and then proceeded to head back to the house.

We were all to meet at a place to go “hike” to Rainbow Falls, so that’s just what we did. There must have been at least twenty of us as we started out.

We first reached the spot where we thought was the falls location and some people took a steep route down. Me? I stayed above and took a photo.

Then I thought, “I’ll just continue on this trail,” as I thought it would take me back to the loop trail. Um. No. It took me to the actual Rainbow Falls. How ‘bout that?

After taking a few photos I went back to find the loop trail, sitting on a log to wait for the others to return from the falls.

It was more uphill, but not to crazy hard. There wasn’t much to shoot, though. But hey, we got some steps in!

After saying goodbye to Kirsten and Steve we went back to our house. We have one last night here, and lots of leftovers from yesterday’s wedding to devour. For a time we just hung out, and Berlyn and Dakota did entertain us a bit. Such cute kids. (Holly must have been upstairs, so I did miss her.) Erika and Stewart have adorable children and I love seeing how wonderful they are as parents.

Then it was “clear this food out” time, and dinner and conversation was enjoyed.

Eventually we said our goodbyes to Betty (Don must have already gone up to the room), as they leave quite early. (They are Ruth Ann’s neighbors and a truly lovely couple.)

UPDATE: went back out for a moment and there was Don, so I got to say goodbye to him as well!

Tomorrow we pack up and head out. Check out time is 10 AM, so we have to be up and ready to go rather early.

Goodnight for now!

September 12, 2026

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Today began with a shower and then coffee. An absolutely thrilling start, I know. Then much conversation.

Heading back to our room I continued reading my latest Gamache book. I was so near the end I thought I just might finish it, but no … eventually I decided I just had to get out and move. I’m not very good at sitting around too long. Even when I’m reading a book that I know is nearly finished!

Dan and I opted to head out on our own — probably wise since it appeared everyone else had already left! So off we went. We had a lovely walk: this area is just beautiful, full of trees, a lovely lake, along with plenty of bicycles, including e-bikes. It’s a bit scary for me when they pass by, as I can’t always hear them. (Too bad these people don’t think that someone might be partially deaf, if not completely so!)

We saw some of these little guys on the walk as well. I believe it’s a spotted tussock moth caterpillar. I thought perhaps they sting, but I’ve read that they don’t.

We continued to walk, with our goal being a place to get coffee. When we reached the main busy street it took quite a while to cross the street, as there was a bicycle ride going on. TONS of cyclists and they had the right-of-way. Finally we were allowed to cross and we did find our good coffee!

While having our coffee (I also had my first meal of the day: some sort of oats with fruit and nuts) I pulled out the map I was given yesterday when I bought our gondola tickets. Too funny to see the music references on it … including oboe!

Then back to the house we walked, and all told we did four miles. Better than nothing at least!

Going to our room I did finish my book, only to find it was one that nearly demands you move to the next. Ack! I’m not good with those: I like things to be complete at the end of a book, similar to how I like my TV shows. (HAH! I typed “TV shoes” at first. I think I now need TV shoes!) But that sequel book (in the Gamache series) will have to wait: I want to move back to George Cross (by Tim Sullivan) for now. Those are a bit less stressful for me.

We learned that 3:45 was our departure time for the wedding. So I thought I’d have a very light snack (hello thin little ginger snaps! Surely you must be low calorie, yes?) before getting dressed, knowing I had 45 minutes of time to spare. I should have snapped a shot of Erika, Stewart, and the kids. They were dressed and ready to go, and the kids were adorable! But of course I didn’t think to do that, nor did I even bring my phone out to the kitchen with me.

And then it was time to go to the wedding venue. What a lovely spot, and what a sweet ceremony. I will leave you with these photos and write no more … truth is I got back home, read a bit, and went to sleep but suddenly woke and remembered I’d forgotten to post this. So have some photos and I’ll say goodnight!

September 11, 2026

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For some reason I’m sleeping better than both at home and on past trips. I haven’t a clue why, but I’ll take it! So after a good night’s sleep I woke, posted my daily flora, and after dressing went to the living room to find most people up.

Dan was in charge of cooking a scramble, so he began doing that. We all sat around and … well … okay … we yakked some more! (You knew I’d have to write that, right?)

Breakfast was slow in coming, but coffee was had. No cappuccino or latte here, but a cuppa with a bit of milk sufficed.

Eventually Ruth Ann said that the gondola we had talked about taking would work for today: the sky was clearing and we’d have some good views. So we all got ready and got into cars to head to the village.

I hadn’t realized that Whistler was an Olympic site, and so was rather astounded at the “village”. When I think village I guess I’m thinking tiny area. But nope. Loads of fancy lodges, tons of restaurants, and famous label shops. (But I had yet to see those … I’m getting ahead of myself!)

Richard parked the car and the six of us in his car headed toward that “village” and went toward the place to purchase our tickets. When we got to that area I looked up and saw cyclists racing down hills. It’s a rather amazing thing to see them.

And then I saw Kirstin (the bride-to-be). She and I talked a short while and finally the other five joined us, as did Steve (the husband-to-be). I hadn’t met him before so it was great to finally connect.

After chatting we went to purchase our gondola tickets. Now I have a tremendous fear of heights, as many know, but somehow a gondola just feels different and as long as I’m facing the right directly (looking up when going up, looking up again, when going down!) I’m pretty much fine. Most of the time.

We reached the top and walked around a bit. I took some photos that included the Olympic rings. (Too bad I didn’t think of getting one with Dan and me. Oh well!)

Then we all went for a short walk, which began by spotting a hoary marmot.

I saw a flower of interest (surprise, surprise). Ruth Ann later identified it for the both of us. This is Dwarf Fireweed.

Then we reached a lovely view so many photos were taken.

And more a bit further …

Finally I also spotted lupine! I will forever think of Ruth Ann’s Scott when I see lupine. It’s like a memory blessing.

We had a light lunch (well, some of us did — others sat and watched us eat), and then took the gondola back down.

We did a bit of a walk in the village and walked back to the car.

Then back to our vacation home it was. Time to chat … um … I mean yak … read, and rest, and eventually get some dinner. Tonight we opted for Italian and also opted to order it online in order to pick it up, and eat at the house. Not all of us ate that meal: a few headed off to a “rehearsal dinner” (although I don’t believe a rehearsal took place), so I went out to see those three (Ruth Ann, Erika, and Berlyn) who looked so very lovely!

Again, I neglected to take photos. The dinner wasn’t all that picturesque, but I’m sorry I didn’t take a photo of the three heading out. Sigh. I guess I’m just a girl of little brain these days.

After dinner it was more conversation, along with Reese’s peanut butter cups. The latter might mean I won’t score as high with my sleep tonight, but time will tell.

Now, at 9:37, I will send this off and do a bit of reading and then attempt sleep.

Goodnight!

September 10, 2026

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After a relaxed morning and some coffee (well, breakfast for the others), we eventually said goodbye to Scott (Richard and Diane’s son) and off we went.

We had a four hour drive ahead of us. Plus a border crossing.

Hello Canada!

I’ve never been to Canada, so I’m very much looking forward to our time here.

We stopped once for lunch at a British Pub. But not in England, obviously. Readers here will just be shocked to read that I ate too much. (Stop laughing!)

From there we continued on. The scenery was getting very lovely as we neared our final location. Did I think to take photos? Well … mostly it was because we were driving and car photos aren’t thrilling. But I did grab a bridge shot and one other. That was it.


And then we arrived. We are staying in Whistler in a large place that easily houses all of us with room to spare!

After we got settled and sat around yakking, (Really … more yakking? but of course!) we went out for dinner to a Mexican place. Well, seven of us adults did.

Now don’t laugh.

I ate too much.

Okay. Go ahead and laugh.

Unfortunately I’ve been so distracted I am neglecting taking photos of our meals. Oops!

Back to the house we went, where I wrote this more than thrilling entry that I am sure had you on the edge of your seats.

Now tomorrow I’m pretty darn sure I’ll have more photos to share. I do believe we have an adventure ahead of us.