TravelStream™ news feed for member msting on TravelPod's free travel blogs service http://www.travelpod.com/syndication/rss/msting en-us Copyright ©2009 TravelPod.com Sun, 05 Jul 2009 21:15:43 -0400 http://www.travelpod.com http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/msting/5/1217628240/tpod.html http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/msting/5/1217628240/tpod.html#comments Travel Blogs http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/msting/5/1217628240/tpod.html Sun, 05 Jul 2009 21:15:43 -0400 Vancouver or BUST! - 12 days, 3 companions, 1 monster drive from Toronto to Vancouver

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Drumheller, Alberta, Canada

Before leaving Regina, we had to do one more thing ... take a picture of the Big Moose.

We arrived in Calgary, AB around 10pm where we were graciously accommodated by Patrick McClean (& his wife, Estrella with their daughter, Aisha) - a contact graciously introduced to me by our friend, Matt Macmillan. They recently moved into their suburban home and were still settling in ... however, we had the basement, complete with sleeping bags, to ourselves.

What did we do along the way, you ask?

We went to Drumheller, AB - Dinosaur Capital of the World (hey, that was the brochure info, not me). This place is in the heart of the Canadian Badlands.

A naturally occurring "cool" feature in the Badlands are Hoodoos - which are shaped through erosion. Here, I'll copy the tourism description: "Hoodoos take millions of years to form and stand 5 to 7 metres tall. Each hoodoo is a sandstone pillar resting on a thick base of shale that is capped by a large stone. Hoodoos are very fragile and can erode completely if their capstone is dislodged."

Another cool place to visit here is the Royal Tyrrell Museum which house displays and reconstructions of some of the richest deposits and dinosaur bones in North America. I was quite impressed by the displays.

Last stop, before leaving for Calgary, was the Little Church ... tiny ... seats 6 worshipers and 1 priest ... 7'x11' ... cute.

Photos, of our day today, - including the CHEESY 86' tall World's Tallest Dinosaur monstrosity - tell a better story than I will. There are LOTS of photos & I don't have an editor :)

Even though we were pretty tired when we got into Calgary (& Patrick's home), we did re-charge via showers and "pretty-ing" up in order to pay a visit to Tony, Uncle Irving's 2nd son, his wife, Leslie and their children, Alex (daughter) and Ben. They had a huge house party (pretty much died down by the time we got there) where his famous slow-roast pork, complete with crackling skin, was divine! Tony is a salesman (and I'm sure that I forgot what he sells) and is well connected. He has offered to keep our company tomorrow so that we get a really good introduction to all things Stampede.
]]> http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/msting/5/1215199800/tpod.html http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/msting/5/1215199800/tpod.html#comments Travel Blogs http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/msting/5/1215199800/tpod.html Sat, 04 Jul 2009 15:23:55 -0400 Vancouver or BUST! - 12 days, 3 companions, 1 monster drive from Toronto to Vancouver

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Moose Jaw, Saskatchewan, Canada

After seeing Desiree, we thought that our only other highlights would be the "Welcome" sign to Saskatchewan (SK) and the continuous beautiful scenery, but, boy, were we in for a surprise.

After crossing the border and taking photos by the welcome sign, plus one of me in the softest grasses I have ever felt (it was like touching feathers!), we got back on the road. Saw a sign for Moosomin, SK and Reyanne asked Renee to find out what CAA had to say about the place. There was no information. Onward ... about 98km west, we pulled over to a gas station to spend a penny or two. This was a dusty, by-the-roadside gas station with nothing else there. All that was missing was a tumbleweed rolling by. Reyanne waits in the car with all of the doors open ... it was a scorching hot day.

As I left the facilities at the back of the store, I noticed a tall (about 6' 4"), strong man in a dark jeans, white t-shirt, & a really white stetson standing at the counter. Hmmmm ... no bad (in that appealing rugged way)! I engaged my periphery vision to see if I got his attention as I passed by ... I think so, but not really sure.

As I got to the car, Reyanne intercepts me and asks me if I checked out the cowboy in the store - "Yes" - and did I speak to him - "No". The woman was practically bubbling over ... I'm not used to her in this state ... we have to do something! "How about if we asked his permission to photograph his horses?" I said - by this time I had noticed the horse trailer and the most beautiful brown horse looking out. I had to insist that Rey joined me in the talking ... we walked into the store & "Mr. Cowboy" looked up ... he is really cute ... did I mention that already? ... whew ...

Reyanne, looking up whilst shielding her eyes with her 'non-ringed' left hand: "Excuse me, may we take a photo by your horse?"

- He glances at me, standing by with large camera in hand.

Mr. Cowboy smiles with brilliant white teeth: "Sure. Would you like to take a photo riding the horse?"

We were confused (but appeared composed). Did he mean that he would ride the horse or one of us could ride the horse? *Shrug* Who cares? Contact was established!

Mr. Cowboy: "Where are you from?"

"Toronto"

Mr. Cowboy takes us to the trailer and took out one of his 3 horses, - a white one - calmly put a rope on and handed the rope to Reyanne. I took a photo. Rey just glowed ... she looked more relaxed with that horse than I've ever seen her! Of course, I had to make sure that the cowboy was also in the photo ... I mean who am I fooling? :-) Whilst this was happening, another horse - that gorgeous brown one - walked out of the trailer. No provocation, just thought that he'd hang out. Mr. Cowboy did not flinch. In fact, no one at the gas station flinched. It was, like, normal for horses to randomly walk out of their trailers. He simply got another rope and harnessed that horse. Third horse - a black one - simply followed suit. I was ecstatic! I had to be near that brown horse. He was stunning! Renee accommodated my wish to have my photo taken with this horse.

All the time, we are having some conversation with the cowboy. He tells us that he is a rodeo cowboy. He shows us a professional photo (purchased from a photographer) of him in a rodeo, hauling down a bull by the horns (we later learned the correct term - 'Steer Wrestler'). The black horse was running alongside on the left of the steer, he had jumped off the horse, held on to the steer by the horns, his legs were off the ground, and mud was splashing up. It was the perfect action shot! He was very proud of that photo and we were 'ooohing & aaaahhhing' so much (like real city girls) it was all that was left to make our eyelashes "go flutter, flutter". :)

I introduced myself and asked his name. It was Fred. He told us that he was going to a rodeo in Moosomin (remember, the place that had nothing in the CAA guide!) and wouldn't we like to come - 3 beautiful women. There is a dance afterward and we are also invited ... *sigh* this is the time where you really need to let sensibility OUT the window ... we didn't. *Double sigh!*

Fred asked us (in a realllllly shy, humble, "shucks, ma'am" sorta way) if we would be willing to send him copies of the photos. I agreed & Renee took his address. He was still saying stuff like, "Are you sure? It'll be too much of a bother. I don't want you to go to all of that trouble. You probably don't want to go to that trouble." I'm stunned. In my mind, I'm saying, "but you are a big, strapping, macho-looking man who is easily 16" taller than me and you are talking to me like I have all of the power in the world!" Oh my gosh, well ... that only added to the appeal. ... And we still didn't accept that invitation to the rodeo & dance! We did, however, drive to Regina babbling and "high" on Cowboy Fred.

(I have to check on whether the girls actually sent the photos and, if not, coordinate for it to happen. We are, after all, only as good as our word.)

When we got to Regina, I pretty much hung out with the car while Reyanne & Renee toured the Legislative building and took a few photos. Then it was on to Moose Jaw for some much needed sleep.
]]> http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/msting/5/1215174600/tpod.html http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/msting/5/1215174600/tpod.html#comments Travel Blogs http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/msting/5/1215174600/tpod.html Sat, 04 Jul 2009 15:19:32 -0400 Vancouver or BUST! - 12 days, 3 companions, 1 monster drive from Toronto to Vancouver

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Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada

Seriously ... we blew in and, with the same speed, blew out ...

The only activity that we had time for this morning was to fulfill Reyanne's goal of photographing the parliament buildings in the city centre and exchange the briefest "hellos" to her friend, Adrian as he just moved here like 1-2 days ago.

As I was navigating through the city to get to the parliament buildings, we stopped at a traffic light. The driver next to me called out, "you call THAT a camera?" (Reyanne was using my SLR-looking camera) ... "this is a camera!" and he pulled out his smaller one. He asked where we were from and, upon our reply of Toronto, he said, "I'm so sorry". He continued, "I spent a week there ... in one afternoon!" Really funny, but a foreshadowing of perceptions to come.

After photos in Winnipeg, we stopped in Brandon, MB. I had to visit my cousin, Desiree. We missed each other on her morning break, but I waited around until she was available for lunch. It was the absolute quickest of visits, but it was good to see both her and her home.

The destination goal today is Moose Jaw, SK.

Enjoy the pictures!
]]> http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/msting/5/1215108540/tpod.html http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/msting/5/1215108540/tpod.html#comments Travel Blogs http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/msting/5/1215108540/tpod.html Fri, 03 Jul 2009 07:23:40 -0400 Vancouver or BUST! - 12 days, 3 companions, 1 monster drive from Toronto to Vancouver

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Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada

This entry holds information in both the story and the photos ... .

We left Thunder Bay this morning in rush hour traffic at 8:45am - Reyanne mentions that Dundas & Pacific (Toronto) is busier ... haha. We've added a new habit: sequence of packing and unpacking the car with nightly hotel stops. The last planned stop before "heading for the border" (of Manitoba, that is) is Kakabecka Falls. History about this provincial park can be found in the photos:

An interesting unexpected stop came next. The demarcation of the Arctic and Atlantic Watersheds. Explanations are in the photos & the definition of watershed reads, "the land area that drains into a particular lake, river, or ocean". If this is not clear, we have evidence of a live demo.

Next stop was also unexpected as we weren't prepared for signs marking the change in time zones. We are leaving the Eastern Time zone and entering the Central Time zone.

Crazy Incident: Renee is driving. We are on a 2-lane hwy (1 lane for each direction) travelling slightly uphill. 4 trucks (big ones) travelling in the opposite direction. One is attempting to overtake and is in our lane. Although he had the right of way (by virtue of the dotted centre line), he won't make it. Does he sound his horn? ... NO! Did the lead truck slow down to allow the other to pass? NO! Fortunately (for my irate & cussing mind), Renee calmly moved over to the shoulder to let the fools by. You know, normally, I am the defender of truck drivers, but THAT was just pure foolishness!!! Arrrrrggggghhhh!

Reclaiming my chi ... the roadside looked more cheerful with colourful floral carpets abound.

Lunchtime! A Pepsi Picnic to be precise. We pulled over in a town called Ignace. Shopped at the local (tiny) grocer's to supplement the cooler with crackers and yogurt. Found a beach front called Agimah & enjoyed a smorgasbord that included flavoured tuna (lemon pepper and thai chili) on crackers, sliced veggies - cucumbers, peppers, & carrots - pepsi, and yogurt + fruit for dessert. It was fun especially the baywatch moments that followed and the photos in the flower fields (actually, they were patches, but perspective is everything!).

One more gas & fluid-check stop ...where the very young attendant was falling over himself to provide the most thorough service ... I don't think that he's seen the likes of us (ie: lovely, YOUNG women) in a very long time. :)

Note: It takes 2 full days to leave the province of Ontario when you are going around the northern shores of the Great Lakes. The Great Lakes are freakin' ... um ... GREAT! =>

*******************************************************************

Entering Manitoba ... took photo of the sign at the border and discovered another sign (seen, but not photographed). It read: Longitudinal Centre of Canada. 96* 48' 35" ... who knew! Kinda cool.

The landscape began to change from the tall birch with accompanying shorter pine trees and the roadside carpets of white, yellow, & burnt-orange flowers to a sandy, desertlike surface that was covered in fern and lichen covered rock. The trees became shorter and the as we continued into Manitoba, they gave way to vast flat terrain. The surfaces went on as far as the eye could see in any direction! There was rich green and bright yellows and brilliant blues and puffy clouds and the sky was BIG!

We would spend the night with Uncle Irving and Aunt Phyllis.

Uncle Irving is Reyanne & Renee's great uncle, on their maternal grandmother's side, of whom they were unaware until they mentioned to an aunt that they are travelling across Canada with me. Introductions were made via telephone and hospitality extended. Trini chicken stew followed with bake and salad and sweet bread and homemade apple wine ... rubbing of the belly was the only thing that we didn't do ... ah know is family, but, oh gosh! we have to show some manners. This couple has 3 sons - Ernest, Tony, & Andre. Ernest lives in Winnipeg (and was just tickled to meet his cousins); Tony lives in Calgary (we got his contact info); and Andre lives in Vancouver (but I'm not sure that we got his contact info). Really pleasant evening ...

]]> http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/msting/5/1215043200/tpod.html http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/msting/5/1215043200/tpod.html#comments Travel Blogs http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/msting/5/1215043200/tpod.html Thu, 02 Jul 2009 09:53:21 -0400 Vancouver or BUST! - 12 days, 3 companions, 1 monster drive from Toronto to Vancouver

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Thunder Bay, Ontario, Canada

We are starting to develop some fun habits.
--- Whenever we stop for gas, 1 person is on window washing duty, I check the car fluids, & 3rd person fills up.
--- Renee pulls out the "gi-normous" CAA book to look up all places that we are passing for interesting detours.

With the 2nd habit in mind, [from Reyanne's notes] we stopped at a waterfall lookout - Aguasabon River Gorge. The water rushes down the gorge with the power tat could rival Niagara Falls and, in the distance, empties into Lake Superior. Enjoy these photos & a video clip:

Back on the road, somewhere east of Dorian, along Hwy 17, the name changes to Courage Highway in honour of Terry Fox ...

Just outside of Dorion, we went to Eagle Canyon & did a small hike to cross 2 bridges: The longest suspension bridge in Ontario at 300' and the longest suspension bridge in Canada at 600'. I have not validated these claims, I'm just recounting what was read. We crossed both bridges. It was really windy. Reyanne was reminded of an Indiana Jones' scene where a suspension bridge starts to collapse as the 'bad' guys were at one end. Hence the signage .

We were silly - "Strike A Pose" - and it's reflected in the photos.



Enter Thunder Bay, ON aka "The Sleeping Giant" and "Superior by Nature" - a reference to it's proximity to Lake Superior

We checked into the Prince Arthur Waterfront Hotel (dad's namesake? property that I don't know about??) & I was ready to crash. Reyanne & Renee were a bit haunted so they went off to check out the local casino. To keep a secret, I'll just say that they "won".

Of note: The sun had not set before 10pm!


]]> http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/msting/5/1215021840/tpod.html http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/msting/5/1215021840/tpod.html#comments Travel Blogs http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/msting/5/1215021840/tpod.html Thu, 02 Jul 2009 09:48:15 -0400 Vancouver or BUST! - 12 days, 3 companions, 1 monster drive from Toronto to Vancouver

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Wawa, Ontario, Canada

Today we were greeted by some heavy rain which lightened by the time we left the hotel, but had me a tad apprehensive. There were some severe storm cells both north and east of us. Thankfully, they stayed away from our path.

Goals for the day:
1) Take a photo of the Big Goose in Wawa
2) Visit the Terry Fox memorial
3) Sleep on the "Sleeping Giant" aka Thunder Bay tonight

We experienced drizzle along with sun breaks for about 200 kms. Arrived in Wawa with no reason to stop other than to buy some motor oil and give Reyanne a chance to photograph her goose.








Surprise discovery:
Lunch growls prompted a stop in White River, ON only to discover that this is the home of the ORIGINAL Winne the Pooh! Does anyone know the real story of Winnie the Pooh ... all of us Canadians should :-)


Synopsis: the character,Winnie was an inspiration from a real bear named Winnipeg (named after the buyer's home town). The purchase actually happened in White River, Ontario. That bear ended up in the London Zoo and inspired the Pooh stories. A few fun photos are included.

Reyanne noted the changes of scenery on the Canadian Shield. The rock has turned red, the birch are abundant, and the evergreens are spectacular along the lake and rivers. Which leads to our next stop ...
]]> http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/msting/5/1214949600/tpod.html http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/msting/5/1214949600/tpod.html#comments Travel Blogs http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/msting/5/1214949600/tpod.html Wed, 01 Jul 2009 15:26:13 -0400 Vancouver or BUST! - 12 days, 3 companions, 1 monster drive from Toronto to Vancouver

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Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario, Canada

We arrived in Sault Ste Marie around dinner time. I set off bravely to drive from Sudbury to Sault, but I was too exhausted. Didn't sleep more than 4 hrs the night before, so Renee brought us in. We checked into the Travelodge which was about 2 streets from the waterfront of the St Mary River ... nice enough location. We learnt about the waterfront's only restaurant - Docks - and headed there for dinner. Lucked out on patio seating and, therefore, prime fireworks viewing.

A tasty dinner & sharing a litre of Pelee Island white wine, embraced by a magnificent sunset and a really good quality fireworks show ended a really nice day. I'm pooped!

btw ... this was a good people watching activity b/c it seems like the entire population of Sault was at the waterfront. Only fireworks location!
]]> http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/msting/5/1214928060/tpod.html http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/msting/5/1214928060/tpod.html#comments Travel Blogs http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/msting/5/1214928060/tpod.html Wed, 01 Jul 2009 15:25:20 -0400 Vancouver or BUST! - 12 days, 3 companions, 1 monster drive from Toronto to Vancouver

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Sudbury, Ontario, Canada

We have 2 goals today:
1) To sleep in Sault (pronounced 'Soo' like 'soon') Sainte (abbrev. Ste) Marie tonight
2) To visit the Big Nickel in Sudbury before getting to the Sault.

Exciting encounter along the way: 1st gas stop, saw a couple of bikers (male & female) where the woman was about my size and she was riding her own Harley! I had to ask Reyanne to take the photo for inspiration. Arrived in Sudbury in time for lunch. Bellies dictated that food would be 1st before finding the Big Nickel. Spied a place called Gonga's Grill in a small plaza along the "main" drag through Sudbury. It looked like a diner - stools at the counter and everything - naturally, we were a curiousity to the locals. Ordered simple fare: Western sandwich, fish sandwich, chef salads, & fries. Gentleman at the counter, Leo, started friendly conversation. He is francophone and just humourous. When told that we were heading for Sault Ste Marie, he replies, "look for the sign that says 'Smile, you're the first" ... hehehee. Apparently Sudbury & Sault are rival cities. More humour: apparently this mining city goes through a 5-yr boom & a 10-yr bust. During the boom years, young ppl have work a-plenty and show off by buying the most expensive homes, trucks, SUVs, trailers, etc. They tend to poke fun at the older folk (for being more conservative). However, when the 'bust' years are abound, these young ppl are laid off. Suddenly, all of the expensive toys are being pawned away for peanuts. My response to the story, "So, Leo, can you let me know when the next mining strike happens? I can do with some outdoor toys! All in all, pleasant conversation.

Off to Dynamic Earth (the new name for the Big Nickel) ... seriously, who would be motivated by curiousity with this new name? Hmmmph! ... it's like calling the Sky Dome, the Rogers Centre ... it just doesn't fit! So, off to the Big Nickel. What is it? Sudbury is most famous for being a Nickel mining town. The biggest (pun intended) symbol of the wealth that Sudbury has contributed to the Canadian economy is the exact replica of a 1951 Canadian Nickel (like $0.05 or 5 cents)
- aside: ever noticed that there is no "cents" symbol on the QWERTY keyboard? hmmmm.

Facts about this structure:

The Big Nickel is the largest coin in the world.
It was constructed in 1964.
It is an identical, enlarged replica of the 1951 Canadian nickel.
Heads is King George VI, Canada's monarch in 1951.
Tails is a stylized nickel refinery with one large stack.
The Big Nickel weighs close to 13,000 kilograms (approximately 13 tons).
It stands nine metres (30 feet) high.
It is 61 centimetres (24 inches) thick.
It is about 64,607,747 times the size of a Canadian nickel.

More humble fact: Reyanne got her "Five Cents" photo ... heeheehee ... check!
]]> http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/msting/5/1214910000/tpod.html http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/msting/5/1214910000/tpod.html#comments Travel Blogs http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/msting/5/1214910000/tpod.html Wed, 01 Jul 2009 15:15:18 -0400 Vancouver or BUST! - 12 days, 3 companions, 1 monster drive from Toronto to Vancouver

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Toronto, Ontario, Canada

... because ... you know ... I'm a wanderlust. People often think that I'm joking when I say, "Just give me an excuse to travel & I will". Voila!

This journey is a bit more stable than the last (Africa) insofar as I did not quit my job, rather, I relocated my desk. That means that I am on the same team at Telus, under the same leadership, but sitting at a different desk.

I have spent the past 2 weeks re-categorizing my stuff (and I have a lot of it) into 3 categories: 1) go with me now b/c it's summer and I do have to live while looking cute in the process; 2) ship later in time for the 'winter' months; 3) leave behind as I cannot forsee needing within 1 yr. First category got loaded into a roof carrier, piled on top of the car, & off we go.

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

To preface, you should know that once I decided the dates for the journey and the approximate route, Renee went to CAA (AAA to the Americans) and got the TripTix, the maps, and the "gi-normous" guide of all interesting things along that route. Between she & her sister, Reyanne, they pretty much had all of the road planning under control - so much so that we only held 1 meeting prior to departure - I was secretly BASKING in the contentment of not planning everything!. At that meeting, the maps were spread across the dining table, the route was highlighted, the atlas' were out and discussion underway to determine what each person would like to accomplish on the journey.

My goals: Make it to Calgary in time for the 1st weekend of Stampede; enjoy the prairies; stop in Brandon, for at least 5 min, to visit cousin Desiree; spend the most time in Jasper & Banff; and make it to my lunch commitment in Chilliwack, BC on Jul 12th.

Reyanne's goals: Visit the Big Nickel in Sudbury, ON; photograph the Big Goose in Wawa, ON; stop at the Terry Fox memorial in Thunder Bay, ON; and photograph all parliamentary buildings/city halls in all provincial capital cities enroute (Ontario is the exception).

Renee's goals: Photograph all "Welcome to <insert province>" signs as we crossed provincial borders.

Through the atlas' we learnt other cool things like "be at the Forks in Winnipeg, MB b/c that is essentially where the fur trade started - at the juncture of the Red and Assiniboine Rivers" and Drumheller, AB was the home of dinosaur findings in Canada, etc. It will be an interesting journey.

Odometer reads: 229,573 kms to start.
]]> http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/msting/6/1239940800/tpod.html http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/msting/6/1239940800/tpod.html#comments Travel Blogs http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/msting/6/1239940800/tpod.html Thu, 11 Jun 2009 13:17:30 -0400 A year in the life of British Columbia as seen through the eyes of a curious Easterner

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Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada

Really ... I'm just uploading photos for folks to see. It did take me quite a while to edit the lot of over 200 photos to the ones that you see here. Please consider this a photo summary.

Should time or my mood permits, I could break these out further and add stories.
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