What's the deal with all of this Arizona rain? Everywhere we have been (first Phoenix and now the Grand Canyon) we have been followed by heavy rain and lightening. It is a total bummer. Much of the scenery that we expected to see has been obscured by clouds and rain.
Though the rain has definitely been a bit annoying we were still able to see a few neat sites today. Our first stop was Montezuma's Castle, a cave-dwelling/castle. Eventually we also made our way through Jerome and Prescott and then up to the Grand Canyon, where we will be spending the night.
In the morning we are scheduled to go on a 3 hour mule ride. Hopefully this experienced isn't damped by more rain, that would be a real bummer. I don't think mules and rain really mix, and it would also likely mean that our view of the Grand Canyon would be obscured, thus undermining much of the justification for this trip north.
We will soon be heading back to our room and out of the lodge, so I will be internet free for a while. This state of affairs probably isn't actually so bad, though I might be nicing out from time to time.
Showing posts with label trips. Show all posts
Showing posts with label trips. Show all posts
Wednesday, October 06, 2010
Monday, October 04, 2010
Arizona - Day 2
Well, I am now in Arizona.
Arizona is definitely not Nova Scotia or Newfoundland. Not only is there basically no grass, but there seems to be a serious cactus infestation. Oh, and the sun is more intense here than anywhere else I have ever been.
After a great trip to Taliesen West, Frank Lloyd Wright's Western retreat. On the tour we took we were able to see quite a number of the buildings and facilities he designed over the years he lived there.
Immediately afterwards we made a trip to Taser International, where I had a few photos taken.
As we walked out of the restaurant where we ate lunch it started to rain, and then it poured. Apparently this is the first time it has rained in months here. It was a somewhat surreal experience.
Anyway, things are going well and we have seen quite a number of local sights, though nothing in Phoenix proper. At some point tomorrow we will be heading to the Grand Canyon for two nights. While there we should have the opportunity to take a mule ride, which should be neat.
Anyway, I should probably try to do at least a little studying before dinner. Though I am on a trip I am still a student with comps fast approaching.
Arizona is definitely not Nova Scotia or Newfoundland. Not only is there basically no grass, but there seems to be a serious cactus infestation. Oh, and the sun is more intense here than anywhere else I have ever been.
After a great trip to Taliesen West, Frank Lloyd Wright's Western retreat. On the tour we took we were able to see quite a number of the buildings and facilities he designed over the years he lived there.
Immediately afterwards we made a trip to Taser International, where I had a few photos taken.
As we walked out of the restaurant where we ate lunch it started to rain, and then it poured. Apparently this is the first time it has rained in months here. It was a somewhat surreal experience.
Anyway, things are going well and we have seen quite a number of local sights, though nothing in Phoenix proper. At some point tomorrow we will be heading to the Grand Canyon for two nights. While there we should have the opportunity to take a mule ride, which should be neat.
Anyway, I should probably try to do at least a little studying before dinner. Though I am on a trip I am still a student with comps fast approaching.
Saturday, October 02, 2010
Getting ready
For the past few days I have been undertaking a variety of tasks with hopes of preparing for my upcoming trip to Phoenix. Not surprisingly, some of these undertakings have been mirrored by Neil and Rebecca.
The most notable instance of this mirroring effect has been in the haircutting realm. As many of you will know, several days ago I had my hair cut. Yesterday afternoon Rebecca went for a haircut and ended up losing a few more inches than she expected to (even though it was shorter than expected I think it was a fine haircut). Neil, last night, asked me if I would be willing to take care of his shaggy locks. So now all three of us have been shorn of our gorgeous locks.
Laundry has been another area that has received attention. Yesterday I did a final load of laundry so that everything I need will be clean. Neil and Rebecca were doing some similar loads today, though I think that due to their later departure date that they may have more to do before they go.
I have also been collecting school work to bring with me. Of course this is likely going to be a waste of time as I suspect that I really won't manage to do much while I am away.
Anyway, the bewitching hour is now very near. Hopefully I am not forgetting anything key.
The most notable instance of this mirroring effect has been in the haircutting realm. As many of you will know, several days ago I had my hair cut. Yesterday afternoon Rebecca went for a haircut and ended up losing a few more inches than she expected to (even though it was shorter than expected I think it was a fine haircut). Neil, last night, asked me if I would be willing to take care of his shaggy locks. So now all three of us have been shorn of our gorgeous locks.
Laundry has been another area that has received attention. Yesterday I did a final load of laundry so that everything I need will be clean. Neil and Rebecca were doing some similar loads today, though I think that due to their later departure date that they may have more to do before they go.
I have also been collecting school work to bring with me. Of course this is likely going to be a waste of time as I suspect that I really won't manage to do much while I am away.
Anyway, the bewitching hour is now very near. Hopefully I am not forgetting anything key.
Tuesday, September 28, 2010
A Few Quick Notes 463
-We had something of an overcast day today in Halifax. As I didn't really spend that much time outdoors the absence or presence of sun had little effect on me.
-It seems that yesterday's election in New Brunswick will result in a change of government. After a few years out of power the Conservatives have been returned to government, of course without Bernard Lord as leader. While I was more aware of the fact that New Brunswick was having an election than I ever have been before, I somehow know next to nothing about what drove this election or what any of the key issues were. Consequently, I have no idea why the voters in New Brunswick opted for such a change (that being said, I have to assume that attempted sale of the power utility may have had something to do loss of support of the Liberals).
-I recently received my new US passport, which means that I got it just in time for my upcoming trip to Phoenix, Arizona. Hopefully my first trip to a place with 'dry heat' will go well.
-I cranked out four loads of laundry today. Wow, that was a fair bit of laundry.
-I made a really sub-par batch of black bean soup this evening. I think that the soup was somewhat undermined by my inclusion of some really bad ham and canned rather than soaked black beans.
-In relation to yesterday's post about strange news article titles, I thought that I should pass along this gem from Newfoundland: Mount Pearl fire drill turns serious.
-It seems that yesterday's election in New Brunswick will result in a change of government. After a few years out of power the Conservatives have been returned to government, of course without Bernard Lord as leader. While I was more aware of the fact that New Brunswick was having an election than I ever have been before, I somehow know next to nothing about what drove this election or what any of the key issues were. Consequently, I have no idea why the voters in New Brunswick opted for such a change (that being said, I have to assume that attempted sale of the power utility may have had something to do loss of support of the Liberals).
-I recently received my new US passport, which means that I got it just in time for my upcoming trip to Phoenix, Arizona. Hopefully my first trip to a place with 'dry heat' will go well.
-I cranked out four loads of laundry today. Wow, that was a fair bit of laundry.
-I made a really sub-par batch of black bean soup this evening. I think that the soup was somewhat undermined by my inclusion of some really bad ham and canned rather than soaked black beans.
-In relation to yesterday's post about strange news article titles, I thought that I should pass along this gem from Newfoundland: Mount Pearl fire drill turns serious.
Saturday, September 25, 2010
Hair cut
I was recently reminded that I will shortly be heading to a wedding. One of the most important aspects of this reminder was that it finally allow me to accept that I would be well served by getting a haircut. At some point yesterday I decided that today should be the day that I get my haircut.
As I am not really into barbershop cuts these days I decided to get a kitchen haircut. Jeannette, somewhat to my surprise, wholeheartedly agreed to provide me with such a haircut. Originally, I also expected Neil's participation.
By the time that I finally got around to sitting down for my haircut I had to rely on Jeannette alone (though this isn't to suggest a lack of confidence in her abilities).
Actually, I am quite impressed with my new haircut. Even though I insisted that Jeannette use the clippers instead of scissors I don't have a haircut that looks as though my head was buzzed. I think that this haircut is one that, if regularly maintained, should last for a while.
Anyway, I now have one of my pre-trip preparations out of the way. Now I have just a few more things to take care of (like packing, the purchasing of a wedding gift, and trip planning) before heading.
As I am not really into barbershop cuts these days I decided to get a kitchen haircut. Jeannette, somewhat to my surprise, wholeheartedly agreed to provide me with such a haircut. Originally, I also expected Neil's participation.
By the time that I finally got around to sitting down for my haircut I had to rely on Jeannette alone (though this isn't to suggest a lack of confidence in her abilities).
Actually, I am quite impressed with my new haircut. Even though I insisted that Jeannette use the clippers instead of scissors I don't have a haircut that looks as though my head was buzzed. I think that this haircut is one that, if regularly maintained, should last for a while.
Anyway, I now have one of my pre-trip preparations out of the way. Now I have just a few more things to take care of (like packing, the purchasing of a wedding gift, and trip planning) before heading.
Wednesday, August 11, 2010
Before I forget
A few days ago Kirsten and I collected most of my grandmother's animated and noisemaking plush toys and had them perform together. The following video is the result of this effort. I think you will agree, it is pretty stomach turning.
[Embedded video]
Enjoy.
[Embedded video]
Enjoy.
On the Train 12
Kirsten and I just arrived in Montreal. After a quick stop at an office supplies store to pick up some headphones for Kirsten we made our way to the special line for passengers taking the sleeper car to Halifax.
That we made our way to this line was something of a coincidence, as I didn’t know that it existed or that we should be on the look out for it. Only because it was next to the first class passenger lounge, which we were looking for, did I happen to see it.
Once we reached the front of the line we had to hand in our tickets, which I found a little strange as we haven’t even seen the train yet. I guess that they do this with the sleeper cars to know what is going on (meaning whether or not every one has arrived) before people board. At this point we were also able select our dinner seating (I chose the late one so that we would have something to do in the evening). Hopefully we have enough food to tide us over until we get to eat at 8:15.
Once we checked in we made our way to the Panorama Lounge, which is where we are now. In about ten minutes, and after we have consumed as many complimentary beverages as we can, we will be able to board our train.
Unfortunately, I don’t think that I will be able to provide many further updates on our trip as it seems likely that we won’t have much internet access once we leave the station. Of course both of us are hoping that are suspicions are incorrect and that we will actually have regular internet access at least as far as Quebec City. I guess I will let you know if this is what we get.
Oh, it turns out that there was a couple from Newfoundland sitting behind us for some period of time. It seems likely that they will be going to Halifax with us as well.
That we made our way to this line was something of a coincidence, as I didn’t know that it existed or that we should be on the look out for it. Only because it was next to the first class passenger lounge, which we were looking for, did I happen to see it.
Once we reached the front of the line we had to hand in our tickets, which I found a little strange as we haven’t even seen the train yet. I guess that they do this with the sleeper cars to know what is going on (meaning whether or not every one has arrived) before people board. At this point we were also able select our dinner seating (I chose the late one so that we would have something to do in the evening). Hopefully we have enough food to tide us over until we get to eat at 8:15.
Once we checked in we made our way to the Panorama Lounge, which is where we are now. In about ten minutes, and after we have consumed as many complimentary beverages as we can, we will be able to board our train.
Unfortunately, I don’t think that I will be able to provide many further updates on our trip as it seems likely that we won’t have much internet access once we leave the station. Of course both of us are hoping that are suspicions are incorrect and that we will actually have regular internet access at least as far as Quebec City. I guess I will let you know if this is what we get.
Oh, it turns out that there was a couple from Newfoundland sitting behind us for some period of time. It seems likely that they will be going to Halifax with us as well.
On the Train 11
Apparently the kid in the back doesn't like pulling into Dorval any more than I do. The main difference seem to be that I don't cry when it happens.
On the Train 10
We are definitely now in Quebec. The announcements have switched to French from English. Strangely they haven't yet been bilingual (a la Air Canada).
Kirsten disagrees with me and says that they have actually been bilingual. I think that is another instance of her young hears picking up interference and translating them into words in her head (even if they were never actually spoken). There is no way that she is right.
Kirsten disagrees with me and says that they have actually been bilingual. I think that is another instance of her young hears picking up interference and translating them into words in her head (even if they were never actually spoken). There is no way that she is right.
On the Train 9
Apparently a few hours of train travel is all the kid a few rows behind us could handle. Hopefully his tolerance for crying and making a scene isn't similar.
On the Train 8
We have now passed a few more stations and must now be quite close to the Quebec border. Actually, Kirsten has just informed me that our next stop will be in Quebec.
I think we are both looking forward to our first leg ending. Not only will we get a chance to spend a few minutes walking around, we may buy a few more things and take advantage of the first class passengers lounge (as for the second leg we will be traveling as first class passengers).
Maybe an hour or two ago I finally got around to buying a coffee from the vending cart. Not surprisingly, it wasn't that great. I think I may try to pick-up a non-train coffee during our layover. I may also suggest that Kirsten try picking up a book. I am getting the sense that she isn't all that interested in reading her only book, Lord of the Flies, on the train.
I think we are both looking forward to our first leg ending. Not only will we get a chance to spend a few minutes walking around, we may buy a few more things and take advantage of the first class passengers lounge (as for the second leg we will be traveling as first class passengers).
Maybe an hour or two ago I finally got around to buying a coffee from the vending cart. Not surprisingly, it wasn't that great. I think I may try to pick-up a non-train coffee during our layover. I may also suggest that Kirsten try picking up a book. I am getting the sense that she isn't all that interested in reading her only book, Lord of the Flies, on the train.
On the Train 7
We are now approaching Kingston, which is where we would de-train if were we going to Ottawa. As we aren't going to Ottawa we will be staying aboard the train for the next few stops.
A few minutes ago Kirsten and I tapped into the snacks we purchased last night at the grocery store. Thus far we have managed to consume an entire package of rice crackers. If we maintain this pace we may be out of food before we even hit Atlantic Canada.
For most of this trip a group seated several rows behind us has been engaged in some sort of card game. While they aren't being particularly annoying, they have been somewhat loud for most of the trip. Kirsten just told me that they are playing Euchre, which I should have been able to figure out based on the banter. I am kind of hoping that at some point they quiet down a little, but if they don't I guess it won't be too bad.
A few minutes ago Kirsten and I tapped into the snacks we purchased last night at the grocery store. Thus far we have managed to consume an entire package of rice crackers. If we maintain this pace we may be out of food before we even hit Atlantic Canada.
For most of this trip a group seated several rows behind us has been engaged in some sort of card game. While they aren't being particularly annoying, they have been somewhat loud for most of the trip. Kirsten just told me that they are playing Euchre, which I should have been able to figure out based on the banter. I am kind of hoping that at some point they quiet down a little, but if they don't I guess it won't be too bad.
On the Train 6
It turns out that I am not quite as forward-thinking as I might like. Instead of using the bathroom stall with the nonfunctional door I broke down and used the handicapped stall. I am a little disappointed with myself.
The internet connection that we have has been quite intermittent for the past hour or so, making it quite difficult to keep our devoted readers up to speed with regards to our progress.
In case you are curious, I don't think that the old guy has barfed since that instance I mentioned a while ago. I presume his seatmate is quite that this is the case.
Though we have been making good progress and are working our way across Ontario, we still have a ways to go before we reach Quebec and Montreal.
The internet connection that we have has been quite intermittent for the past hour or so, making it quite difficult to keep our devoted readers up to speed with regards to our progress.
In case you are curious, I don't think that the old guy has barfed since that instance I mentioned a while ago. I presume his seatmate is quite that this is the case.
Though we have been making good progress and are working our way across Ontario, we still have a ways to go before we reach Quebec and Montreal.
On the Train 4
According to Kirsten the bathrooms are still as progressive as I previously described. Strangely, Kirsten decided to forego a visit because of this fact (how can someone so young be so old-fashioned). I am thinking that I might try them out shortly, if only to prove that I am a forward-thinking type who is not stuck in the past.
The guy across the aisle from us just puked in his coffee cup. Yum. I think his seat-mate is less than impressed.
The guy across the aisle from us just puked in his coffee cup. Yum. I think his seat-mate is less than impressed.
Saturday, August 07, 2010
Michigan +11
Since we arrived in Michigan a almost two weeks ago I have wanted to visit an IHOP (International House of Pancakes). I was finally able to satisfy this urge yesterday when my father, brother, sister, and I all visited such a restaurant for lunch yesterday. As expected, it was a very pleasant and satisfying experience. The only problem with the experience was that I ended up eating a little too much and felt somewhat uncomfortable afterwards.
Later in the day those of us who visited the restaurant also visited a driving range to hit a bucket of balls.
[Embedded video]
I would say that most of us were a little worse at this than we might have hoped.
Our final major event of the evening was a party/BBQ at an uncle's house. It was great to get another chance to socialize with my cousins and aunts and uncles.
In the very near future we will be heading out to our hotel for the evening. Then at about 4:00 we will attend the wedding. The reception will follow almost immediately thereafter.
Later in the day those of us who visited the restaurant also visited a driving range to hit a bucket of balls.
[Embedded video]
I would say that most of us were a little worse at this than we might have hoped.
Our final major event of the evening was a party/BBQ at an uncle's house. It was great to get another chance to socialize with my cousins and aunts and uncles.
In the very near future we will be heading out to our hotel for the evening. Then at about 4:00 we will attend the wedding. The reception will follow almost immediately thereafter.
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