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An hour and 20 minutes to flip a switch.
Aug. 24th, 2007 10:31 amSorry I took so long with this last part, but we had so much stuff crammed in, and I was so directionally disoriented that I couldn't keep everything straight in my head. Things happened on Wednesday that actually didn't happen till Thursday. So, a quick update:
Wedensday, August 8th
Dinner at Cait's was actually Kraft Dinner. yes, it's just the same Kraft Macaroni and Cheese you can get in the US, but dammit, IT'S A CANADIAN LABEL!
We also did NOT see Corner Gas and that movie until Thursday, which is why you'll see them again here:
Thursday, August 9th
We woke up bright and early for what would end up being a jammed packed day. Emily and I were going to have the day to ourselves, as Cait wanted us to have some time together for ourselves.
Our first stop was Emily's house, and meeting Debbie. It was a wierd feeling looking at this house, which I'd seen in pictures hundreds of times, in honest to god real life. Pieces of pictures kinda merged and became a whole wonderful (and well decorated) house.
I finally got to see Emily's room/Hobbit Hole and meet all the cats. A few months ago, I recorded a cancer special that was only showing in the US for her. For my troubles I got a lovely thank you card. We also shared some celebratory sangria cola. She can't drink alcohol, so we got the next best thing - soda that tastes and smells alcoholic. Good stuff.
After getting situated back home, we headed to downtown Victoria.
The Austin State Capital may be a larger carbon copy of the US Capitol (and pink), but the gigantic parliament building whomps it. That place is HUGE. When you're standing between the parliament building and then right next to the gigantic Empress hotel, too, you feel like you're just a tiny little Playmobil guy in the middle of a huge massive ornate playset. Especially when you're standing next to the hugemongous gigantic Queen's door.
While there were guided tours, we decided to tour the building ourselves. looking around and seeing the beautiful stained glass windows and then the actual legislative room.
I don't understand how exactly National/Provincial Parliaments work (being brought up with the The Three Ring Circus that is the US Government), but I have a feeling that The Senate and Congress would get a lot more done if they were arguing in a cramped room sitting only two swordlengths apart.
We walked around the Inner Harbor area, checking out the Empress and the actual harbor area. Emily pointed out where I'd be leaving for Seattle (The Coho Ferry, whihc leaves from the Inner Harbor), and we then ran off for a whirwind tour of her stomping grounds.
Twisting and turning through the mountains we found ourselves at the Caleb Pike, where, about a quarter mile up a steep trail we were greeted with a gorgeous view of Finlayson Arm, and the really strange looking Arbeutus Trees. Imagine mesquite trees, with paper thin bark, and bright red wood that feels like steel.
We then drove from there down Finlayson Arm road, going from the top of a small mountain to sealevel and all the twists and turns and trees and hills and valleys that come with that kind of trip. As a nature lover's it really was a delight. Something about the whole pacific northwest area - I kept feeling like I was suddenly on Endor, and an Ewok was about to pop out and sing a yub nub song to us. :)
We then made our way (well, Emily made her way - I sorta stumbled around) to Niagra Falls at Goldstream Park. It wasn't THAT Niagra falls, but consdering I live in Texas, where our waterfalls can be easily climbed, I was impressed. It was like a miniature Angel Falls, at only 150 feet and what looked like a cave on top. If I could have gotten up there, it would have been The Cave of Treasures I'm planning for AWFW.
We made our way through the woods down tiny backroads (and if you know me, you know I'm thoroughly enjoying this), as we made her way closer and closer to where she grew up. The area here is just damned gorgeous. It's not exactly rural, but at the same time, there are trees and mountains EVERYWHERE. She grew up in an amazing area.
We made our way to Linholm and the galloping Goose trail (an old rail line that's been converted to a Hike and Bike trail. We got out and searched for some wild blackberries. It took some time, and in fact, we ended up finding a frog before we found the blackberries, but we found them. They were EXCELLENT. :9
We headed into MEtchosin to visit Witty's Beach, where I got my feet wet and sandy and enjoyed every minute of it. And I took some time to draw in the sand:
It was getting late again, so we made our way back to Cait's, where she'd ordered Swiss Chalet (think Canadian Kenny Roger's Roasters). I like rotisserie chicken...but, and I hate to say it, Swiss Chalet was terrible. Emily said it's usually good, but this batch wasn't, prolly because it was take-out. Better lick next time, guys.
NOW is when we saw our movies and TV. Emily slept while I packed up and chatted with Cait. I fell asleep to the strains of Brett Butt talking about how flat Seskatchewan is....
Friday, August 10th
I didn't sleep long (although long enough to have a picture sketched of us asleep). She made me look good for having mmy ass half hanging out. I got my shower, got dressed in my traveling clothes.
I said my goodbyes to Cait, and had a nice sweet long goodbye with Emily. I love her terribly, and I'm still feeling that hurt that she's not with me. I don't think I've said enough how much she's meant to me on this trip. I've talking abotu Jessie and Jean, and Erin and Cait. This was all for Emily, and in the end, I don't think I've mentioned her enough, but only because she was always at my side, with me.
I miss her terribly...but plans are already afoot to have her back here for Thanksgiving. :)
I got to the Victoria/Port Angeles ferry in the Inner Harbor at 4AM or so, and went through half of customs wherethey DID check my ID, but nothing more. I napped till it was time to get on the ferry.
The Coho isn't nearly as nice as the Victoria/Vancouver ferry, not at all. Not dingy, but it was smaller, more cramped, and less pristine. The trip out from Inner Harbor is beautiful, with Victoria literally holding her arms around the harbor as you leave. I got out and tried to take a 360 view but the highwinds and billowy skirt simply didn't mix well.
After a more snacky less traditional breakfast I settled in and napped for the rest of the voyage.
The second part of customs was a breeze, and I was waved through after a few questions. Port Angeles is a little sleepy town with a great view of the mountains behind it. Heck the whole Olympic Penninsula can be summed up as Sleepy Towns with Gorgeous Scenery. The Texas Hill Country on a grander scale.
The grandeur and the beauty couldnt' stop me from getting REALLY drowsy on the road, though. We'd planned a LOT of time for going back, expecting to have a problem with customs. When that didn't happen, I had a LOT time to kill. I pulled into a gas station at Pulsbo, parked in the back and slept for about an hour, before making my way to Tacoma.
The only real "touristy" thing this trip was that I went over the new Tacoma Narrows bridge, the old one being famous for swaying around like an accordion in high winds. Not much of a tourist thing, but I AM a roadgeek.
I got to Sea-Tac airport about three hours before my flight left. I checked in, got my boarding pass, went through search and went to the Sbarros. I don't like eating eirport food, but I hadn't seen a Sbarro's since I left San Antonio. I made calls to everyone, let them know I was coming home.
I didn't fly on Shamu, but it was neat to actually see it again. :)
The trip home was fairly boring. I didn't get a window seat and the guy next to me closed the window and slept. Taking my cue, I decided to sleep too.
The Phoenix to Austin flight was a bit nicer with a window seat, but it was night. I liked being able to recognize Texas cities JUST by their lights (Midland-Odessa and San Angelo are REALLY distinctive), but it wasn't the same as seeing Mt Ranier poking through the clouds.
I landed, got my bags and left. And the emergency credit card that was supposed to get me out of the airport? Well, it paid for my ferry trip, paid for breakfast, paid for lunch...but wouldn't pay to get me out of the airport (it simply couldn't read my card). Go figure. I overdrew my debit card, took a scenic way home, and sat down in my bedroom just before midnight.
It was a good trip. :)
Wedensday, August 8th
Dinner at Cait's was actually Kraft Dinner. yes, it's just the same Kraft Macaroni and Cheese you can get in the US, but dammit, IT'S A CANADIAN LABEL!
We also did NOT see Corner Gas and that movie until Thursday, which is why you'll see them again here:
Thursday, August 9th
We woke up bright and early for what would end up being a jammed packed day. Emily and I were going to have the day to ourselves, as Cait wanted us to have some time together for ourselves.
Our first stop was Emily's house, and meeting Debbie. It was a wierd feeling looking at this house, which I'd seen in pictures hundreds of times, in honest to god real life. Pieces of pictures kinda merged and became a whole wonderful (and well decorated) house.
I finally got to see Emily's room/Hobbit Hole and meet all the cats. A few months ago, I recorded a cancer special that was only showing in the US for her. For my troubles I got a lovely thank you card. We also shared some celebratory sangria cola. She can't drink alcohol, so we got the next best thing - soda that tastes and smells alcoholic. Good stuff.
After getting situated back home, we headed to downtown Victoria.
The Austin State Capital may be a larger carbon copy of the US Capitol (and pink), but the gigantic parliament building whomps it. That place is HUGE. When you're standing between the parliament building and then right next to the gigantic Empress hotel, too, you feel like you're just a tiny little Playmobil guy in the middle of a huge massive ornate playset. Especially when you're standing next to the hugemongous gigantic Queen's door.
While there were guided tours, we decided to tour the building ourselves. looking around and seeing the beautiful stained glass windows and then the actual legislative room.
I don't understand how exactly National/Provincial Parliaments work (being brought up with the The Three Ring Circus that is the US Government), but I have a feeling that The Senate and Congress would get a lot more done if they were arguing in a cramped room sitting only two swordlengths apart.
We walked around the Inner Harbor area, checking out the Empress and the actual harbor area. Emily pointed out where I'd be leaving for Seattle (The Coho Ferry, whihc leaves from the Inner Harbor), and we then ran off for a whirwind tour of her stomping grounds.
Twisting and turning through the mountains we found ourselves at the Caleb Pike, where, about a quarter mile up a steep trail we were greeted with a gorgeous view of Finlayson Arm, and the really strange looking Arbeutus Trees. Imagine mesquite trees, with paper thin bark, and bright red wood that feels like steel.
We then drove from there down Finlayson Arm road, going from the top of a small mountain to sealevel and all the twists and turns and trees and hills and valleys that come with that kind of trip. As a nature lover's it really was a delight. Something about the whole pacific northwest area - I kept feeling like I was suddenly on Endor, and an Ewok was about to pop out and sing a yub nub song to us. :)
We then made our way (well, Emily made her way - I sorta stumbled around) to Niagra Falls at Goldstream Park. It wasn't THAT Niagra falls, but consdering I live in Texas, where our waterfalls can be easily climbed, I was impressed. It was like a miniature Angel Falls, at only 150 feet and what looked like a cave on top. If I could have gotten up there, it would have been The Cave of Treasures I'm planning for AWFW.
We made our way through the woods down tiny backroads (and if you know me, you know I'm thoroughly enjoying this), as we made her way closer and closer to where she grew up. The area here is just damned gorgeous. It's not exactly rural, but at the same time, there are trees and mountains EVERYWHERE. She grew up in an amazing area.
We made our way to Linholm and the galloping Goose trail (an old rail line that's been converted to a Hike and Bike trail. We got out and searched for some wild blackberries. It took some time, and in fact, we ended up finding a frog before we found the blackberries, but we found them. They were EXCELLENT. :9
We headed into MEtchosin to visit Witty's Beach, where I got my feet wet and sandy and enjoyed every minute of it. And I took some time to draw in the sand:
It was getting late again, so we made our way back to Cait's, where she'd ordered Swiss Chalet (think Canadian Kenny Roger's Roasters). I like rotisserie chicken...but, and I hate to say it, Swiss Chalet was terrible. Emily said it's usually good, but this batch wasn't, prolly because it was take-out. Better lick next time, guys.
NOW is when we saw our movies and TV. Emily slept while I packed up and chatted with Cait. I fell asleep to the strains of Brett Butt talking about how flat Seskatchewan is....
Friday, August 10th
I didn't sleep long (although long enough to have a picture sketched of us asleep). She made me look good for having mmy ass half hanging out. I got my shower, got dressed in my traveling clothes.
I said my goodbyes to Cait, and had a nice sweet long goodbye with Emily. I love her terribly, and I'm still feeling that hurt that she's not with me. I don't think I've said enough how much she's meant to me on this trip. I've talking abotu Jessie and Jean, and Erin and Cait. This was all for Emily, and in the end, I don't think I've mentioned her enough, but only because she was always at my side, with me.
I miss her terribly...but plans are already afoot to have her back here for Thanksgiving. :)
I got to the Victoria/Port Angeles ferry in the Inner Harbor at 4AM or so, and went through half of customs wherethey DID check my ID, but nothing more. I napped till it was time to get on the ferry.
The Coho isn't nearly as nice as the Victoria/Vancouver ferry, not at all. Not dingy, but it was smaller, more cramped, and less pristine. The trip out from Inner Harbor is beautiful, with Victoria literally holding her arms around the harbor as you leave. I got out and tried to take a 360 view but the highwinds and billowy skirt simply didn't mix well.
After a more snacky less traditional breakfast I settled in and napped for the rest of the voyage.
The second part of customs was a breeze, and I was waved through after a few questions. Port Angeles is a little sleepy town with a great view of the mountains behind it. Heck the whole Olympic Penninsula can be summed up as Sleepy Towns with Gorgeous Scenery. The Texas Hill Country on a grander scale.
The grandeur and the beauty couldnt' stop me from getting REALLY drowsy on the road, though. We'd planned a LOT of time for going back, expecting to have a problem with customs. When that didn't happen, I had a LOT time to kill. I pulled into a gas station at Pulsbo, parked in the back and slept for about an hour, before making my way to Tacoma.
The only real "touristy" thing this trip was that I went over the new Tacoma Narrows bridge, the old one being famous for swaying around like an accordion in high winds. Not much of a tourist thing, but I AM a roadgeek.
I got to Sea-Tac airport about three hours before my flight left. I checked in, got my boarding pass, went through search and went to the Sbarros. I don't like eating eirport food, but I hadn't seen a Sbarro's since I left San Antonio. I made calls to everyone, let them know I was coming home.
I didn't fly on Shamu, but it was neat to actually see it again. :)
The trip home was fairly boring. I didn't get a window seat and the guy next to me closed the window and slept. Taking my cue, I decided to sleep too.
The Phoenix to Austin flight was a bit nicer with a window seat, but it was night. I liked being able to recognize Texas cities JUST by their lights (Midland-Odessa and San Angelo are REALLY distinctive), but it wasn't the same as seeing Mt Ranier poking through the clouds.
I landed, got my bags and left. And the emergency credit card that was supposed to get me out of the airport? Well, it paid for my ferry trip, paid for breakfast, paid for lunch...but wouldn't pay to get me out of the airport (it simply couldn't read my card). Go figure. I overdrew my debit card, took a scenic way home, and sat down in my bedroom just before midnight.
It was a good trip. :)
