Grant's Pass, Oregon (part II)

On my second full day in Oregon, I set out with my camera to see what the downtown core had to offer. I had only gone a few blocks when a shady-looking man in an even shadier-looking car pulled over. He had spotted my camera and decided to make small talk by asking if I worked for the local newspaper. When I told him no (and backed away a few steps), he asked what I was taking pictures of.
I was a bit leary.

"Oh, ya know, here and there, this and that."

"Oh, a visitor! Where ya from?"

"Canada."

'Canada! Well! Welcome to Grant's Pass! I hope you enjoy your stay!"
and he promptly smiled a huge smile, waved a little, and drove away.

As it turned out, I was the shady one.

America: 4, Canada: 2

Meanwhile, in downtown Grant's pass...

 

By about ten a.m., I found myself here...

...where James introduced me to phosphate soda or "phosphates" which sold for a quarter each and to which you were limited a maximum of four. One was plenty. I could feel my teeth rotting and my insulin levels working overtime. PERFECT. It also allowed us the time and brain power to formulate the plan for the day. Pacific Coast? I think so.

We ended up in a place called Harris Beach. It's on the west coast of Oregon, but to get there involves a drive through northern California. Well... I guess so... if we must... *sigh*

America: 4, Canada: 3

Photography pit stop:

and ta da! Feet in the Pacific Ocean!

It was a bit foggy when we arrived. I was told there was a large rock out there, big enough to be considered an island. Hmm... okay. I'll go with that.

 

A good climb over some rocks...

and out comes the sun!
What it uncovered was absolutely amazing.

 

 

including a large rock, big enough to be considered an island.

America: 5, Canada: 3

 

The road back to Grant's Pass was somehow even more spectacular than it was on the way down. 

"Does this look like a good spot to stop?"

"Yessir, it does!"

Smith River, California

The water was actually that colour. I can't stress it enough. That's not a Photoshop job.

It was breathatking.

That evening, we intended to just lay low. James got his end-game kill on WoW and I chased this pretty lady around the house with my camera until she got sick of me.

Shortly before dark, plans changed, and we were back in the truck, making our way back up into the mountains where, to my absolute delight, this awaited:

I met some new people, tried some new things, and tried to count the millions of stars that were visible from just out of range of the light of the flames. I also got in a bit of mudding with my newly-titled second-favourite Oregonian!

It really was that dark, that dirty, and that bumpy so what you see is the only shot I've got, but it was a ridiculous amount of fun!

The next morning, I woke up early, had breakfast and then promptly fell back asleep until about eleven o'clock. I spent the next little bit foraging for coffee, (Dutch Brothers! I'm taking a point for finding the place by myself this time) and then we went on a (successful) hunt for a souvenir Grant's Pass shot glass. It was threatening to rain so I took a few shots outside...

 ...then we settled in for some WoW, wings, and shenanigans with a USB missile launcher for my last day on the American west coast.

America: 5, Canada: 4

Alberta 2014

I spent the second part of my vacation visiting my cousin Stacey in Alberta. We hit up Build-A-Bear, shopped for shoes, and ate at the coolest little sushi place I'd seen in a while. (Not necessarily in that order) 

I also got to meet her niece, my cousin David's daughter Dylann. With her perpetually-surprised look, that child was a tonne of fun! We all had supper together, provided by my gracious aunt Carol, and it was a rare treat for me to sit around a table with family and enjoy a homecooked meal.

Stacey and I spent a full day touring the Rockies, starting at Lake Minnewanka.
It was a little strange to walk out on the lake, and find myself at a cabin, built on platforms that sat right on the ice. Wow, was it beautiful!

We then made our way to Banff for a dip in the hotsprings, and a walking tour for some photos of this incredibly picturesque town.

We donned some finery and had a little black dress party for two at the Banff Grizzly House. This place was to die for: the decor fantastic, and the food, out of this world. We had fondue: lobster and beef for me, buffalo, wild boar, and venison for Stacey. You could get rattlesnake, alligator, ostrich, and all kinds of other exotic meats, but we stuck with what we knew and it did not disappoint. For dessert? Fruit with melted Toblerone for dipping. 

Because that's how us high-end folks in little black dresses roll. :)

Just driving through the mountains on the way back to Calgary was an experience, and I took this out of a moving car window, with my phone no less!

On my last day, we travelled to Red Deer, where Stacey was officiating a mens roller derby bout that would see the Glenmore Reservoir Dogs face off against the Red Deer Dreadnaughts. I had actually added a day to my stay so I could attend, and couldn't wait to set my lenses on some derby guys in action.

Flustercluck might have been my favourtie derby name ever.

There was a bake sale fundraiser that included a definite reminder that I was back in Canada. Mmm... these cupcakes...

Also worth mentioning were the radical and somewhat questionable wardrobe choices that had me giggling in my seat:

 Yes, those are Superman socks, capes included.

Sparkly disco shorts? Sure, why not?

You have a problem with it? Go ahead, tell them. I dare you.I believe THIS is the complaints department!

Personally, I know I have no complaints at all!

Bye Bye, Winter Blahs

February 22 was one of those magnificent winter days that remind you that spring is just around the corner. It was sandwiched between a couple of snow storms, but with blue skies and the lack of a need for a jacket, my bestie and I were able to forget winter in Canada existed for a few hours... as long as we didn't look down.

Stop one was the Frog Pond Trail, which is a pretty easy stroll in dry weather, but was a wee bit sketchy when covered with ice. Nonetheless, away we went.

 

 

Our travels then took us to the Herring Cove Provincial Park Reserve, where we walked a bit of the shore hike in more mud than snow, still jacket-free despite being literally right at the ocean!

When we'd had our fill of the waves, the cute critters in the rocks, and the birdwatching stranger we struck up conversation with,  we started to make our way toward Crystal Crescent Beach. But first: Stop The Car Moment for a bit of traditional Nova Scotia.

Crystal Crescent was inaccessible that time of year, but across the street from the turn off...

I don't know what it is about this but I thought it was pretty damn cool.

Finally, back in toward the city with one more stop (not gonna lie: I have no idea where I was at this point) for one more walk, and a bit of closure to a beautiful day.

Fisherman's Cove and Salt Marsh Trail

February came in like a lamb this year, prompting people out of hiding and cameras out of cases. In dire need of some fresh air, G and I hopped in the car and headed out on an adventure-seeking mission that took us first to Fisherman's Cove in Eastern Passage.

Once my camera and my feet had had their fill of the boardwalk there, we got back in the car and made our way to the next destination G had pre-chosen to introduce me to: Salt Marsh Trail.

A little cooler with the wind coming off the ocean, but still pretty spectacular for walking.

 

  

The Canada geese were everywhere and when I requested they fly, oh, say, 50-60 feet in front of me, they did,

with no hesitation at all.

Seagulls were actually a little less compliant, but I caught this guy:

Finally, on our way back, there was a quick pitstop: my chance to capture my beautiful tour guide in all her selfie-taking glory!