Two Suitcases and a Missing Passport Blues: Tuesday, October 13th!

Life is just a short walk from the cradle to the grave and it sure behooves us to be kind to one another along the way. -Alice Childress, playwright, author, and actor (12 Oct 1916-1994) 

Hi Patrice, I know Colleen has been in touch re a visit hopefully before you head out of town. Just wanted to pass along this blurb from my quarterly West world magazine cycling around B.C. in case you don’t get it. Cheers, Al

http://digital.canadawide.com/i/566243-fall-2015/12?utm_source=eNewsletter&utm_medium=email2014&utm_campaign=eWWFall2015%20-%20eMail

Hi Marilyn and Big Al! Sorry I've not replied to you sooner, Marilyn. [Thanks for biking article Big Al. Kettle Valley is on my list once back from India. Have made a number of friends in hiking group who know various parts of it quite well. Plan to put larger, mountain "knobblies" on one of my Brodies to handle some of the rougher terrain.] We enjoyed a truly wonderful Thanksgiving weekend with Chloë and her friend, Krissy, market going, wine-tasting, wood-stacking and fabulous meals every night from a new, wonderful cabbage hash, by Mme Coriandre, on Thursday, (when goils arrived), to designer pizza on Friday, ribs on Saturday, then a full blown turkey spread on Sunday, along with Lynne and Peter, in Summerland, as Lee, another friend of C's/K's was staying at her parent's incredible home. Even more delicious overlefts since! 
 
Louise and Henryk, couple who will house-sit for us while we are away, have been staying near Vernon for past week or so and we had invited them to join us for Thanksgiving dinner. They arrived around 4:30 pm and we started to go over house details and work which we had agreed that they would do: more shelving in garage, installation of in-house vacuum system, etc., all the tasks Big Al and Ragin' didn't accomplish! They stayed overnight and left around noon, after we finalized more renno details. Chloë left a few hours later, (Krissy stayed with Lee, in Summerland, and was to drive back with her and her two children today, I believe.),  and after we waved goodbye, I re-stacked some of the firewood that had been delivered around noon on Sunday. Set for the winter now so will be able to sit in front of the fire reading and sipping malt! Henryk brought me a fantastic bottle, (1L!), of Jura, Turas Mara, 42%, one I'd never tasted before, from duty -free. He was just in Scotland.

As I mentioned, I have Shanghaied Henryk into installing the in-house system we bought this past summer. Yesterday, finally got around to trying the hose to see how far it would reach, based on where we'd like to have outlet and it is everyone's opinion that the 50' length would be the one we'd like. The 40' length just barely reaches into the far corners of our master bedroom so Corinne's shoes will be covered in dust if we don't have the extra 10 '!

Must away as after dropping off 40' hose, [I will return it, via Greyhound, (I have some of the mailing labels from earlier shipments.), and have already heard from dealer that he will ship us the 50' hose. Not even charging us the difference so that is rather nice!], I have to run scads of errands, (last minute house details), and then start packing for India when back home.

Looking at our schedule, once in Vancouver, Monday, October 19th looks like the only time we have free, given everyone's busy lives. Also the one evening we were hoping to visit with Chloë so I assume you wouldn't mind if she joined us, wherever we plan to get together, as I trust we will be able to do. Let us know what you think and we'll plan accordingly. Fondestos and Cheers, Patrizzio!

Pics: Pizza; wine-tasting; Gilliana, (great biker!), and Philipo; Thanksgiving dinner; Henryk delivering malt; firewood!

Hi Patrick, A belated Happy Thanksgiving to you and Corinne as well. We will be happy to exchange the 40’ HH hose for a 50’ and there will be no additional charge to do so other than the associated shipping costs. You can send the 40’ hose back via bus and we will do the same with a 50’. Val will ensure that Henryk’s cell number is on the package as well and please give him my cell number if he has questions on how to install it. He can call me at anytime. Have a great trip to India and be safe in the process. Regards, Alan

Hi again, Al and Val! Thanks so much for the speedy reply! Appreciate everything. I'll be taking the 40' HH to the Greyhound depot shortly. I will make sure that Henryk has your cell number, (He has been copied on all these messages so I assume he will note it down.), for "technical support" should he require it. Thanks for that, as well, of course. Furthermore, his last name is Marchinkowski so I think Val should address the package to him at our address as he will be picking it up.

Must away as after dropping off hose I have to run scads of errands, (last minute house details), and then start packing for India when back home. Thanks again for the considerate help and the good wishes on our coming trip. All the best to you and Val. Cheers, Patrizzio!

thx Patrick for cc'ing me on these emails, Henryk A note to say thanks for your hospitality. It was a pleasure spending Thanksgiving with you all! Hopefully you received your passports today and are able to peacefully prepare for your trip.

Henryk said that he rec'd an email from Patrick this AM concerning the Vacuum cleaner hose with the contact email. Please let us know about the kitchen island chair, and if you decide to get that fridge for the garage, we will need the name and number of the delivery guy you know Patrick....thanks again, Louise and Henryk

Spent much of the morning, early afternoon, running around like the numerous Quail one sees almost everywhere, hereabouts, (I just took out the compost as Cora Lee was pickling beets today, and counted at least 16 or 17, fat, juicy ones, in the back lane, not overly bothered by me, although obviously ready to explode away if necessary!), running errandos of one sort or another. Mission successful, I was back home by 1;30 pm. Had a bite to eat, (a bowl of super-delish turkey bits with gravy), then suited/lubed up to head out for first ride since this past Friday.

Day was unbelievably glorious, bright and sunny, although the wind, out of the north, was brisk and cool. Since I didn't want to fight it on the leg home I decided I'd head to The Naramata. Started off with my route regulare, (PTC/Lakeshore/Riverside), and then up Van Ave to Upper Bench. Soon on Naramata Rd and whistling along even though I was bucking the decent head wind. On a day like today, Okanagan Lake is simply spectacular. It's surface looked like a giant, burnished, warrior's shield, mottled, hammered metal, glinting and sparkling in the late afternoon sun. The surrounding hills were breathtaking in their dark green and tan beauty. Looking north the lake disappeared into the distance, the hills on each side disappearing beneath the quasi-horizon, shrouded in an almost indescribable blue haze that literally stunned me as I've not seen this particular expression of the light before.

Went as far as the first cattle guard, (I had decided I'd only do my basic 51 km outing), as I knew I'd have the distance I wanted by turning around here. Vistas on way home were even better as one is able to see more of the vineyard carpeted benches which cloak the landscape west of Naramata Rd. Wind wasn't entirely behind me as I headed south but the cross-wind did help on some of the modest inclines so I had not a jot nor tittle to complain about. Needed a few km worth of dipsy-doodling by the time I was back on Government but it was all downhill here and on Ellis as well. Slight climb back from Lakeside but now the wind was helping me so I "raced" home, thanking my ever so lucky stars to be blessed with such scenery and sunshine, and the scrumptious turkey which fueled this more than memorable ride. Stats for ride:

https://connect.garmin.com/modern/activity/927308767#.Vh2xQoTisig.email 

I have been reluctantly dragged, kicking and screaming, into the 21st Century. I have a cell phone. Face Time and Skype on the iPad. Smoke signals must be visible from my balcony. And I still maintain there is too damned much communication in this world! Best, Doug

Hello Kicking Screaming Luddite! Trust you and David are otherwise well! Not sure if I sent along the snaps below. If so, please forgive! After beet production line, Madame Coriandre went to volunteer at Richard Cannings' campaign office so not quite sure when she will be home. I've made a salad and we'll heave more overlefts while we watch Indian Summers, part of our homework for Inja! Scads more to do before we hit the road for Vancouver on Friday. Take care of each other. Fondestos and Cheers, Patrizzio! Pics: Freeloaders' Visit! Lady Mary's home pickling results!

Hello Almost Vernonites/Not Kelownates! Trust you are both well! We enjoyed a truly wonderful Thanksgiving weekend, thanks in great part to you and Henryk. Hope we didn't scare you off but looking forward to returning to a mansion! Have been enjoying all the delicious overlefts ever since we waved goodbye! Thanks again, Henryk, for the more than fantastic bottle of Jura, Turas Mara, 42%, one I'd never tasted before, as I think I mentioned. Unfortunately, I think it will be gone when you arrive!

As you know, the 50' hose will be shipped at some point, with your name, Henryk, on the package when delivered to Penticton. Greyhound will call to let you know when it has arrived. I have yet to call Ray Janko, the chap who delivered the wood. I will call him tomorrow to make sure he will be able to help out with his pick-up for fridge.

I went over to Karl Lane's place today to see the fridge and I think it will work well. It is 65" high, 30" wide but I neglected to measure depth. Have to make him an offer tomorrow and if he accepts I'll ask him for that measurement. I have a few ideas about placement in garage, relative to freezer, but will wait until deal goes through before I outline my thoughts. Here is Karl's number and he felt the new fridge would arrive in two weeks or so.

With respect to bar stool, Rooms-to-Go phoned and we can pick it up tomorrow so one less errand for you! Perhaps more importantly, our visas arrived this afternoon! Hip Hip Hooray! Cora Lee called Lynne to let her know and she told her that Peter had driven into Vancouver this morning to see about their visas in person. He was staying overnight and Lynne had not heard from him when Mme Coriandre called. Hope he can obtain them as the clock is really ticking for him!

Will leave a list about where to find various things around the house, (garbage bags, recycling tips, etc.), as well as any other things that come to mind that we might not have already discussed. Take care of each other. Will be in touch tomorrow, regarding fridge. Fondestos and Cheers, Patrizzio! Pics: Lady Mary's home pickling results! Thanksgiving in Summerland!

Hello Wood-Providers! Trust you are both well! We certainly enjoyed Saturday evening so glad you did also. Chloë was delighted to meet you both and said how much fun she had with all of us. Thanks, again, for wood. Much appreciated. Did you go on Monday's hike?  I went over to Karl Lane's place today to see the fridge he wants to sell and he mentioned the hike was terrific, about 20 people or more, I think he said.

I'm hoping to hike on Thursday. And you? If we don't see you then, thanks for the offer of more wood. Probably have to wait until we are back from India and you are back from your world travels. Take care of each other in Sedona and enjoy New Zealand. Will probably be in touch, via email, over the course of everyone's trips. Fondestos and Cheers, Patrizzio! Pics: Saturday evening

 

Vacuflo Hide-a-Hose Blues: Monday, October 12th!

Life is a four-letter word. -Lenny Bruce, comedian and social critic (13 Oct 1925-1966)

Hi Val and Al! Trust you both enjoyed the Thanksgiving weekend. We certainly did. We are now scrambling to ready ourselves for our coming trip to India. We fly out of Vancouver on October 27th, (back on December 11th), but will drive into city this coming Friday as we will be volunteering at the Vancouver Writers Festival, the week before we take off.

This being the case, very close friends of Pam and Greg, Louise and Henryk, have very kindly agreed to house-sit while we are away and I have Shanghaied Henryk into installing the in-house system we bought from you this past summer. Finally got around to trying the hose to see how far it would reach, based on where we'd like to have outlet and it is everyone's opinion that the 50' length would be the one we'd like. The 40' length just barely reaches into the far corners of our master bedroom so Corinne's shoes will be covered in dust if we don't have the extra 10'!

I'm hoping that I can return, via Greyhound, the 40' hose which has not been used, other than on the layout tryout today, and have you send us the 50' hose. Of course, we will pay the additional cost of the longer hose and any applicable re-stocking fee. I have some of the mailing labels from earlier shipments and assume this is the mailing address to use with Greyhound. I hope this arrangement is fine with you. Let me know, at your earliest convenience, and we'll plan accordingly. The carton is ready to be taken to the bus depot so we'll ship it as soon as we've heard how to proceed. Thanks, in advance. Cheers, Patrizzio!

PS: While Henryk and Louise will be checking our home voice mail, you should also give Greyhound Henryk's cell number.

Thanksgiving Turkey Blues: Sunday, October 11th!

Language is more fashion than science, and matters of usage, spelling, and pronunciation tend to wander around like hemlines. -Bill Bryson, author (b. 1951) 

I did get the email in junk mail. A big thank you to you both for a super evening. Certainly better than my cooking and great as I ate quite a bit!! We'll definitely have to do more bike rides next year as it was good for me with the break and didn't even realize I was doing any drafting. I was working harder than I would if went out on my own.
 
You are more than welcome to come get some more wood - just call us before you come. bye for now and have a great time in India cheers Gill 

Patriçio, I picked up up some of that nuun stuff at mec, and, since Juan & I are cycling to Whitecap's games in the dark, I also bit the bullet and got an awesome light for my bike. The cheapos like the one was using ($20-$30) are all of maybe a max of 15 lumens. The one I got (same size - mounts on handlebars) is 550 lumens. Ok, $80, but … it works.

Might be an idea for you in case you get caught in the Penticton night. Like, it’s bright enough to blind a werewolf! seeyasoon//bjp

Barrel Tasting Blues: Saturday, October 10th!

The devil can cite Scripture for his purpose. -William Shakespeare, poet and dramatist (1564-1616) 

hi Patrick, thank you for the lovely pictures of last Thursdays hike, great shots and a awesome day on the mountain. it's always nice to see new faces and meet new folks who share a passion for hiking and photography. 

i mention to you that we ordered new appliances from sears and it will be approx. 2 weeks before we receive them. after putting some thought into the fridge we decided to let it go instead of keeping it for a beer fridge and a few times a year around holiday times when a extra fridge can come in handy. if you are interested come by some time, check it out, make us a offer and haul it away as i only have a small car. this fridge has a ice maker approx 20 qu. ft. white - Kenmore. excellent condition. hope to see you Monday morning. karl

Hi All--FYI details re pick-up at airport in Chennai. Cheers, Lynnie On 2015-10-05, Radisson Blu Hotel GRT, Chennai wrote:Additional Arrival Details:We have updated the arrival flight details accordingly we confirm the complimentary airport pickup.  Our hotel chauffeur will hold the name placard at the arrival terminal exit area of the airport. Hi Pat, thanks for your email, just learning how to send an email. All family at lake for Thanksgiving dinner.  Had the doors and windows open at 9:00 pm, was a beautiful day.  Great food and wine. Have a great Thanksgiving, love to all. Clara

Reminder of your upcoming shifts that occur between Sunday, October 11, 2015 and Sunday, October 25, 2015 Tuesday, October 20, 2015 4:30 PM - 7:30 PM Food & Beverage - 2015 Food & Beverage - Studio 1398 Vancouver Writers Fest Tuesday, October 20, 2015 7:30 PM - 10:30 PM Food & Beverage - 2015 Food & Beverage - Studio 1398 Vancouver Writers Fest Wednesday, October 21, 2015 4:30 PM - 7:30 PM Food & Beverage - 2015 Food & Beverage - Studio 1398 Vancouver Writers Fest Wednesday, October 21, 2015 7:30 PM - 10:30 PM Food & Beverage - 2015 Food & Beverage - Studio 1398 Vancouver Writers Fest Thursday, October 22, 2015 4:30 PM - 7:30 PM Food & Beverage - 2015 Food & Beverage - Studio 1398 Vancouver Writers Fest Thursday, October 22, 2015 7:30 PM - 10:30 PM Food & Beverage - 2015 Food & Beverage - Studio 1398 Vancouver Writers Fest Friday, October 23, 2015 4:30 PM - 7:30 PM Food & Beverage - 2015 Food & Beverage - Studio 1398 Vancouver Writers Fest Friday, October 23, 2015 7:30 PM - 10:30 PM Food & Beverage - 2015 Food & Beverage - Studio 1398 Vancouver Writers Fest Saturday, October 24, 2015 3:30 PM - 6:30 PM Food & Beverage - 2015 Food & Beverage - Studio 1398 Vancouver Writers Fest Saturday, October 24, 2015 7:00 PM - 10:00 PM Food & Beverage - 2015 Food & Beverage - Studio 1398 Vancouver Writers Fest Sunday, October 25, 2015 7:45 AM - 11:00 AM Food & Beverage - 2015 Crew Captain - PW Events Vancouver Writers Fest Sunday, October 25, 2015 12:00 PM - 3:30 PM Food & Beverage - 2015 Crew Captain - PW Events Vancouver Writers Fest Sunday, October 25, 2015 4:30 PM - 9:00 PM Food & Beverage - 2015 Crew Captain - PW Events Vancouver Writers Fest

Gilliana Naramata Road Blues: Friday, October 9th!

My idea of education is to unsettle the minds of the young and inflame their intellects. -Robert Maynard Hutchins

We need two more people to fill a Production shift to help set-up for Festival Week. 9 am to 2 pm Monday Oct 19 Can you help? If so, let me know ASAP, many thanks! Kathryn Filled the shift! Thanks for your phone call. Kathryn! Hi Chain of Fools Mama! Groovy! Now I can enjoy life in Vancouver before start of VWF!

Had arranged to go for a ride with Gilliana, one of the hikers in the group I've joined. She does a lot of mountain biking but also some road work so I was delighted when she suggested we should plan an outing. Since she lives up above Naramata Road we decided to meet in the parking lot of Township 7 at 1:30 pm. The Sisterhood, (Cora Lee, Chloë and Krissy, both up for Thanksgiving weekend), left around 12:30 pm to buy needed groceries for some of the dishes planned for turkey dinner on Sunday and then to a late afternoon film. I suited  up around 1:00 pm and then set off for Penticton Tennis Club before heading up Vancouver Ave to rendezvous with Dynamo Woman.

I could see that she was circling in the lot at the winery as soon as I came around the corner of Upper Bench Road where it intersects with McMillan Avenue. I waved her on to the road so that she would be ahead of me. In earlier discussions, she maintained that she was a much slower rider than she imagined I was. I told her that I really didn't think this was the case but thought I should ride behind, the better to gauge her pace. (As it turned out, she is a very, very strong rider and I certainly rode more quickly, with her, than I perhaps would otherwise have done if I'd been by myself.) At any rate, we had a wonderful ride along Naramata Road, chatting when we could. I knew, from hiking experience, that she often stopped, for one reason or another, and we agreed that when this happened I would simply ride ahead, usually a tad slower than comfortable pace we had quickly fallen into, and she would catch up. This only happened once, en route to Indian Rock.

I knew that Gilliana had no intention of riding right to Indian Rock, (She has had each knee replaced and doesn't like to put too, too much stress on these joints on long, steep climbs.), so we agreed that she would stop near the intersection where one can either go to Chute Lake or IR. There is a fairly flat stretch of road here and Gilliana planned to dipsy-doodle away some of her time here, (Approximately 30 minutes, overall, time it would take me to descend to IR and then climb back up.), until I rejoined her. Love the dizzying descent, around a number of hairpin turns, into the small lakeside community, enjoying the spectacular vistas on both descent and ascent. We were back at the intersection at the appointed time, 2:45 pm, and then set off on the return leg. Faced a fairly nasty head wind so Gilliana decided not to take off her riding jacket. Normally, she gets a bit too, too warm on this roller-coaster stretch of Naramata Road, but stiff breeze was cool enough to make her want to keep it on.

Fair bit of holiday traffic so not really able to chat much once we were past Naramata Village. When I did have the chance I invited her and Phillipo, her husband, also a very strong hiker, to join us for dinner that night, or on Saturday. Jill wasn't sure what their plans were for those two evenings so she said she would call once back home. Just past Lock & Worth, she wanted to stop to use a roadside toilet so I thanked her for great ride and waved goodbye, confirming she would call later. Struggled against the fierce wind all the way along Naramata Road as well as on Upper Bench Road. Didn't let up until I was back on Government and heading towards Lakeshore. Needed another 10 km to give me the distance I wanted so knew I would need to dipsy-doodle my way around the route I traditionally take at the start of most rides, PTC/Lakeshore/Riverside and then back home, threading my way through the small streets east of Penticton Creek before hitting Government for the last time. Down a few blocks, past White, before turning up Papineau and then but a block to go before pulling into our back lane and I was  home. Terrific to ride with such a congenial, fit, energetic companion! Stats for ride:

https://connect.garmin.com/modern/activity/923142462#.Vhhb-_4mHB0.email

Hello Gilliana and Fast Phil! Just a quick note to thank you for the more than delightful ride. I enjoyed your company immensely, as always, since you are a tremendous delight to be with, (in spite of Philipo's snide carping!), and I must say that I was rather glad that you were "hurtin'", [Not that I was pleased to learn that you were suffering but under the circumstances...!], as I suspect you'd have left me in the dust of Naramata Road had you been in full cycling mode! At any rate, I trust we have many, many more cycling outings ahead of us in 2016 and beyond.

After we parted company, near Lock & Worth, I believe, I struggled against the fierce wind, [Where were you when I needed to draft! Thanks, by the way, for doing just that for all of the ride together. I felt guilty but not guilty enough to take the lead!], all the way home. Terrific to ride with such a congenial, fit, energetic, "non-talkative" companion! See you both at around 6:00ish tomorrow. Cheers, Patrizzio!

PS: Philipo, please don't bring any beer as I'd like you to try some Cannery Brewing product. If you feel guilty, bring more seasoned firewood! Hic, Patrizzio!

PPS: Gilliana, we have a 10 year membership in the Breatharian Society for you. In case you are not familiar with this cult, Breatharianism is the belief that it is possible for a person to live without consuming food. Breatharians claim that food, and in some cases water, are not necessary for survival, and that humans can be sustained solely by prana, the vital life force in Hinduism.
Pics: Krissy, [aka Joe Btfsplk, a character in the satirical comic strip Li'l Abner by cartoonist Al Capp (1909–1979). He is well-meaning, but is the world's worst jinx, bringing disastrous misfortune to everyone around him. A small, dark rain cloud perpetually hovers over his head to symbolize his bad luck. Hapless Btfsplk and his ever-present cloud became one of the most iconic images in Li'l Abner.], and the home-made pizzas you missed this evening!

Dearest St Hildegard! How delighted to know you, Von B, enjoy the snapolas. Great good fun BUT sometimes, some folk take exception to what is only meant to be great good fun. Happy Thanksgiving! Onward!! Fight!!! Cheers, Patrizzio!PS: If interested, read on. If not, delete! On way or another, Fondestos, Patrizzio!

thanks Patrick, always entertaining! Happy Thanksgiving! Hanneke 
Hi Hanneke! Happy Thanksgiving to you and Doug! Delighted to know you enjoyed the snapolas. Great good fun BUT sometimes, some folk take exception to what is only meant to be pranks and games. Cheers, Patrizzio!

What a creative mind and photographic talent you have. Thanks for sharing your albums with us, and bringing lots of smiles on our faces. Happy Thanksgiving, we'll see you soon. Jos Fantasticum! Ave Arturum

 

 

 

Skaha Bluff Blues: Thursday, October 8th!

It is chiefly through books that we enjoy intercourse with superior minds. -William Ellery Channing, clergyman and writer (1780-1842)

Hello Extreme Trekkers! Trust you are both well and completely over The Monsoon Mud Altitude Blues! Congratulations on the birth of Riley! What simply wonderful news. Please pass along our best wishes to Laura and James as well. Delighted that all went so well with birth, etc.
 

[Aunt Leah's Trees
November 27- December 22, 2015

Happy Thanksgiving! It may only be October, but Aunt Leah's Trees is right around the corner. We would love to have you join us again this season. Last year, thanks to volunteers like yourself, we raised over $100,000 for youth in foster care and young mothers.  In a few weeks we will be sending a link to register online, in the meantime learn about the roles that you can play at one of our 4 Tree Lots.]

[Pic from lunch with the birthday boy xoxo Love to all xoxo]

Thank you again for allowing us to stay. We will be delighted to see everyone and Nana Corinne has offered to take care of Riley for the entire time of our stay so Famiglia Keating/Anderson need not worry about child care!!!

Just to remind you, we leave for Inja on October 27th but we will drive to Vancouver on Friday, October 16th. Chloë has a fund raiser for Aunt Leah's on the 17th and we will volunteer for VWF  from the 20th-25th. Busy time as you well know, especially coming shortly for being away for six weeks. If we won't overstay our welcome we'd like to stay at The Bayswater Bee Hive until either Monday or Tuesday morning. After that we will be we will be trekking to Jo-Anne's, (former neighbour at Harbour Terrace, until we fly to Chennai), as it is most convenient for us to attend sessions and get to our shifts at Festival, etc. Hope this is fine but let us know if you'd like us to de-camp earlier. Let us know what you think about our "pushy reservations" and we'll plan accordingly! Again, congratulations of Riley's arrival!!! Fondestos and Cheers, Nail-Driving Patrizzio! Pics: new wine storage shelves!

Hadn't seen a message about today's hike so I had sent Aarturo a message last night to inquire. He phoned this morning to say we were Skaha Bluffs bound so Cora lee dropped me off at Home Hardware as she needed the Equinox. Shopping for the busy Thanksgiving weekend. Car pooled with Phillipo and Gilliana, along with Aarturo. Had been to Skaha Bluffs once before so was somewhat familiar with the start of the hike. Rick McKelvey was today's leader and so we all followed him like the good sheep we are, Bad Boy not being along today!

Followed an old, sandy logging road for a bit and then creative blundering, cross-country after that. Some fairly steep slopes to be negotiated and many extremely slippery, rocky sections to negotiate, needing to be ultra  careful of one's footing at all times. More than once we came across some wonderful, majestic cliff faces and often found ourselves skirting the base of these monolithic outcroppings. Hiked for almost two hours and a bit before stopping for a bite of lunch. After the break we did another hour or so to reach the highest point of the day's trek. Not much of a view as the mist shrouded the surrounding hills and a chilly wind blew quite strongly.

Way down was pretty easy going most of the time but shortly after descent began we had a number of very steep rock faces to clamber down, some of us preferring to slide over one drop, on our bottoms, as footing below was just enough out of reach to make landing dicey indeed. Nevertheless, no mishaps and we were soon back on a series of mountain bike trails, interspersed with having to dipsy-doodle through reasonably thick dead-fall. Last hour or so was really very easy going as underbrush, whenever we needed to take a short-cut, was quite open with fairly sure footing. Closer to parking lot where we'd left our vehicles path itself was sandy and well worn so no need for hiking poles at all. Hike itself was closer to 5 hours and 45 minutes as I didn't have satellite reception for first half hour of outing. Day was wonderfully comfortable, most of the time, for hiking but so overcast that I never wore my sun-glasses. Another wonderful outing with a grand collection of individuals. Stats for hike:

https://connect.garmin.com/modern/activity/922328039#.Vhb6x_dMlk4.email
 
Good Morning Patrizzio, Thanks for the newsy update....how exciting that you will be off to India soon. We are available either Monday or Wed.that week if either of those evenings work for you. I am at school Tues and Thurs until 9:30 so not able to make any plans on those nights.  Please check your schedules and see if we can make either of those nights work...Al is working 7am-6:30  right now so days wont really work for us at all...hate to miss seeing you
though so if those dates do not work please send some others ie. Possibly Saturday or Sunday during the day.
 
I am saving all my news for when I see you...I am doing plenty enough writing for school and need to reserve my strength for my academics lol. We will be spending Thanksgiving at the Valley...Als aunt Bernice will drive in from Mission on Saturday to share turkey with us...the weather looks like it is going to be horrendous so I anticipate lots of indoor activities over the weekend. Have a fabulous Thanksgiving...give our love to Peter and Linny as well as Chloe and the gang. Cheers! Love Marilyn

Sitting in the Hong Kong airport on our way home with time to share the rest of our trip. After our trek from Paro to Thimpu, we began the cultural tour of Bhutan. There is only 1 highway through Bhutan which they call the #l1 hwy going one direction and the #2 hwy heading back. With all the rain, several sections of the hwy were washed out so the going was pretty slow. Warning signs along the highway included: "deep, deep, real steep", "if you are married divorce speed", "be gentle on my curves", "driving and drinking is a fatal cock tale.

We crossed the spectacular Dochula Pass at 3100 meters. So much easier travelling by bus rather than on foot. In clear weather we could have seen the eastern Himalayan ranges but no such luck. We then drove down to the lower and much warmer valleys of Lobesa and on to Punakha and Wangduephodrang. We have visited some amazing Dzongs and monasteries, many that could only be reached by foot. Beautiful country and their claim to have the highest "gross national happiness" seems pretty accurate. On our drive back to the Paro airport we could see the area we trekked, and we are all still amazed we did it. Finally, on the plane to India, our first glimpse of the Himalayan peaks including Mount Everest. How different the trek would have been if the weather had been clear.

We arrived in Delhi airport and drove straight to Agra. Visited the awe inspiring Taj Mahal at dusk and again in the early morning. It really is so much more spectacular to stand in front of the Taj than to see it in pictures. A definite high point of our trip. After the tranquility of Bhutan, India has taken some getting used to. The colours, the sounds, the smells, the pollution, the crowds, the rubbish, the cows, goats and pigs crowding you off the streets, the vendors all offering the cheapest price and the oppressive heat - all add to the shock and yet ambience of India.

We have visited the Agra Red Fort which is surrounded by a 70 feet high wall, Bharatpur, a fortress city founded in the 18th century, and Deeg Palace, an opulent palace built in the mid-18th century. In Bharatpur we stayed at Laxmi Vilas Palace (Heritage) where we met the royal family who still resides in the palace. Took a rickshaw through the Bharatpur Bird Sanctuary, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. In Ranthambhore National Park we took a jeep looking for the elusive Bengal tiger but no sightings that day. Rode an elephant up to Amber Fort in Jaipur and later visited the city palace Hawa Mahal or "Palace of Winds," one of the major landmarks of Jaipur where the royal family still lives. Adjacent to the City Palace is Jantar Mantar, the ancient astronomical observatory. After a long, hot day of touring we had dinner at a restaurant called Barbeque Nation Restaurant where we were served copious amounts of various meats before the massive buffet was open. And just before dessert, all the servers got together and performed a couple of Bollywood dances for us.

Next day we drove to Pushkar and visited more temples and were blessed at a sacred lake that is second to the Ganges. The lake is said to be fed from underground springs, but is actually rain water from the monsoons and is controlled by the state. We were blessed by a Brahmin at the lake, but later found out he was a fraud that we each paid $100 rupees to, and the water was so putrid that we couldn't bear the smell on our hands. Not sure if it was that water or the restaurant we chose that night, but Ted got violently ill and was up all night. Luckily we had brought prescription medication for travellers illnesses and Ted was only laid up for the whole of the next day - unfortunately we were on the bus for most of the day to Ranakpur. Visited Ranakpur Jain Temples complex, one of the biggest and the most important clusters of Jain temples in India. Truly impressive.

Last day was spent in Udaipur, the lovely lakeside capital of Mewar - The City of Dreams which is perhaps the most romantic city in Rajasthan. Visited City Palace - the largest palace complex in Rajasthan towering over Lake Pichola. To see such wealth and opulence in a country where there is still so much poverty, one can only wonder how this could be. We had a serene boat ride on Lake Pichola at sunset and ate our last dinner at the hotel rooftop overlooking the lake.

An incredible trip we've had with both old and new-found lasting friends. We have shared so many hours of discovering ourselves and others, of seeing world wonders, temples, Dzongs, palaces, forests, etc. We've learned to appreciate how lucky we are to have the family and friends we have. To know that there is constant support and love when we are in need. And the laughter, warmth and kindness. Can't wait to see you all. Lots of love Elaine & Ted 

Hello Skaha Bluffs People! Thanks to Rick for leading such a terrific outing. Wonderful time with simpatico companions. Cheers, Patrizzio! PS: Thanks, Hildegard von Bingen, for being such a gracious chauffeur!

Patrick: What great photos.........AND I LOVE THE CAPTIONS. Keep it up. Cheers from Hildegard von Bingen Thanks Patrick, always entertaining! Happy Thanksgiving! Hanneke

Wine Shelf Blues: Wednesday, October 7th!

Writing is thinking on paper. -William Zinsser, writer and editor (7 Oct 1922-2015) 

Hi Corinne and Pat, We are going to miss toasting the bounty of the season, the people we love and the bird and/or squash or whatever it was going to be with you!

Dodo (center) among Indian birds

Art: Ustad Mansur, c. 1625

I read a little story called 'Waking Up' with a boy named Alfie in grade one yesterday, and he made me laugh. Each page introduces a new farm animal and what they say. We got to the turkey page and he said " The roaster wakes up and says Gobble, Gobble!!" I cracked up! He's obviously been listening to chat about what's going on with the strange looking bird this weekend.

It sounds like you are going to have a very eventful and riotous Thanksgiving weekend! I look forward to hearing all the details. Keep the dog away from the dessert. We once lost all the pies to a big lab who busted into the cold room.

George and I really look forward to sharing dinner with you here! So glad you can come. Take good care and have a terrific Thanksgiving weekend. Cheers, Jane

Hi Calamity and Whirling Dervish! Thanks for warning about the pie-loving lab! Since Cora Lee thinks the entire Burns Street Watering Hole is a "cold room", we'll have to be on high alert all weekend! Had been meaning to forward the snippet below. You might well already know about this latest jazz development, from Cory Weeds, but in case not:
 

Jazz Fans! Well, I'm excited to announce that Vancouver has a new hub of live music starting October 8!  Frankie's Italian Kitchen will be hosting live music 4 days a week to start (Thursday - Sunday) under the Coastal Jazz banner. This has been in the works for many months and I'm so excited to finally see it come to fruition.

Once we get all hopped up on porch cleaner, on the 16th, we can weave our way to Frankie's and groove! Fondestos to one and all. Trust your Thanksgiving, although what will obviously be a somewhat sombe weekend, will be a time to celebrate your family's love, care and concern for one another. Cheers, Chain Cleaner Quaffer Conduttore!

Hello Duhlink! I assume you are back home, safely and soundly! Trust all went well in Toronto. Did you receive snaps of your visit. I sent them along a week or so ago? Sorry I haven't asked sooner. Fondestos, and Cheers, Patrizzio!
 

Hi Patricio No we didn't receive any pics but saw some on Facebook.could you resend please. Thanks again for a wonderful stay - Toronto and Creemore were great but exhausting. We lost our passports and had to arrange to meet British consul butcher's God they were found in safe at Hilton Fallsview! Heather kindly drove us there in evening after feeding students and luckily won $800! We didn't feel so bad after that. We were therefore delayed getting to Creemore but had wonderful time for last two days. Jim took us up in his microfiber which Mike found exciting but I found scary! Will send as Many pics as poss. Just realised most pics on iPhone so will send from there. Love from us both xx

His name us Riley. We're home tomorrow. yay! Hope you are planning on staying with us when you are in Van. Love Elaine  Welcome to the world Riley Edward Anderson. Born October 6th and 7.2lbs. 10/10 on the cuteness scale. Mom (Laura insists it's spelt this way!) and Riley both doing really well and we should be taking him home tomorrow. He's a good sleeper and not much of a crier so hoping that continues. Laura and I are absolutely smitten! Can't wait for you all to meet him. Lots of love, L&J&R xox

Hello Beleaguered Volunteer Manager! Trust you were able to fill the necessary shifts. Sorry I didn't respond sooner but we've been choc-a-block with visitors and more to come this weekend. Will pop by on Friday, October 16th, when we arrive in Vancouver, to see if there are other shifts we might help with, should you still require volunteers. Trust you will be able to enjoy the Thanksgiving weekend, being "under the gun", so to speak. Fondestos, Patrizzio!  

Hi Lynne, et al! Thanks for confirming hotel arrangements in Chennai. Much appreciated. Sorry I haven't respond sooner but we've been choc-a-block with visitors, (as your towel-wrapped body knows!), and more to come this weekend. (Orchardist/ Gardener Pete, we've been enjoying your apples and garlic so thanks so much!) Look forward to catching up with you both over the weekend. Must away as I'm starting on more shelving. relocating wine storage to give us much needed space for towels, sheets and the like. Fondestos and Cheers, Nail-Driving Patrizzio!

Patri Pooh! YOU ARE A  HULKORAMBO!! When I read your great emails I get depressed. I am attaching a great photo I took from you and Chuck and plastered a Patriciozo style remark on it, but I do not want to make it public (like you do all the time :)) just send it to you and Mdm Coriandre personally. I really thought when I made it, it is right on!

Anyways, we spoke to the kids and they would prefer to spend the first evening together as a family. Barend has a very early flight, Bodil comes a lot later, so both will be tired and a lot of positive stuff has happened, so there is a lot to talk about. Hope you understand. If we would have been alone, we would have come of course. And, now that we love each other sooooo much, no doubt we will get to know each others kids sooner or later. We would really like Bodil and Barend to meet you. Talk soon! Aarturo Bartolomeo Dronokerso  

Hi Aarturo! Thanks for letting us know about not being able to get together this weekend, at least on the evening when Bodil and Barendt arrive. Understand completely. If it might work out, later on, over the course of their stay, let us know.

On another matter, is there a hike tomorrow? Unless I missed an email I haven't heard anything. If you read this by 8:00 am Thursday morning, please give me a shout: 250-493-0092. Plenty to do here so not a big deal if nothing is planned as far as hiking goes. I'll just become even angrier at not being able to talk while hiking. Great cartoon bubble! Cheers, Patrizzio!

Hi Jake and Virginia! Wonderful to have enjoyed your company on Sunday. Thank you, both, so much, for lovely gifts, the plants and delish apple juice! Very generous and much appreciated. Nancy and David certainly enjoyed meeting you two and it was great to hear more of everyone's stories. Cora Lee is busy editing some hack's local history book and I must away as I'm about to start shelf building shortly. Cheers, Patrizzio!


Hello Sunshine Valley People! Trust you are both well and over The Goat Curry Blues! We leave for Inja on October 27th but we will drive to Vancouver on Friday, October 16th. Chloë has a fund raiser for Aunt Leah's on the 17th and we will volunteer for VWF  from the 20th-25th. Busy time but perhaps we might be able to arrange a time to see you, depending on your busy schedules. We will be staying at Jo-Anne's, (former neighbour at Harbour Terrace, until we fly to Chennai), as it is most convenient for us to attend sessions and get to our shifts at Festival, etc. Let us know what you think about seeing each other over the time we are in Vancouver. Fondestos and Cheers, Nail-Driving Patrizzio!