Hey everyone!
Jeremy here! So what started out as a simple email with some pictures etc - letting family and friends know how Emily and I's trip went from Edmonton to London - has somehow snowballed into this.
I am by no account - save for this piece - a blogger so bear with me if you have expectations about this kind of stuff. I merely had a dilemma where couldn't stuff everything into an email (planned on zipping the files) but Emily suggested this as a better alternative. (for ordering and labelling pics as well as saving me a ton of time trying to get peoples emails)
I didn't get to see everyone before I left so you may consider the following something-like a treasure map for an obligatory visit. I am the treasure at the end just for clarification - 'cause my booty is damn fine! ; D
Jeremy here! So what started out as a simple email with some pictures etc - letting family and friends know how Emily and I's trip went from Edmonton to London - has somehow snowballed into this.
I am by no account - save for this piece - a blogger so bear with me if you have expectations about this kind of stuff. I merely had a dilemma where couldn't stuff everything into an email (planned on zipping the files) but Emily suggested this as a better alternative. (for ordering and labelling pics as well as saving me a ton of time trying to get peoples emails)
I didn't get to see everyone before I left so you may consider the following something-like a treasure map for an obligatory visit. I am the treasure at the end just for clarification - 'cause my booty is damn fine! ; D
Sidenote: for the videos I've had to add a link to my Facebook page, as this site had limited video size posting capability. Click the link and it should take you to the video for playing. I'm leaving the videos publicly accessible for those family that don't have Facebook, but only for about 2 weeks before I restrict access.
So here we go! Thus follows our tales of cross Canada adventure-y! A compilation of the pics and vids Emily and I accumulated during our travels (remember you can double click to enlarge the photos!) with a little commentary walk-through to make it a little more spicy!
PROVINCE 1 - ALBERTA
First we had to make a solid plan - aka draw a line from A-B on google maps.
Great OK, accomplished (see Figures 1&2).
Figure 1. A-B. Red Deer (where we actually left from) - London (well, the Ontario version anyway).
Figure 2. Same as Figure 1 but prettier. White dots are the places we stayed overnight in.
~3500km, est. 45hours. In total we took six days to do the trip, although we surely logged more km and time with all the side quests we completed!
Now as I had everything splayed out in my parents kitchen (purely as an organization manoeuvre naturally!) some caveman looking creature took my camera, and snapped off some pictures of himself and his fellow hairy conspecific (Figure 3 & 4, & Supplementary Video 1).
Figure 3. I think he thinks it might steal his soul....
Figure 4. This cave-mongoloid appears to only communicate through primitive slobbery non-verbal gesturing - ghastly, I say!
Figure 5. Although this seems downcast that his fellow tribesman is leaving. They can feel! They are just like us!
Supplementary Video 1. Such sentimental goodbyes.
Well with those tear-jerking moments out of the way it was just a matter of packing things up before heading out!
And so it was.
Figure 6 & 7 illustrate our nobel steed Helga Hondewy, the Civil-est of Civics, stuffed right to the windows.
No extra room from our heads to the back of the trunk. I managed to get my TV in as the very last thing but for 6 days, twice a day, I had to strategically remove it and a wall of Emily’s shoes to get to our luggage in and out (OK so maybe they weren't ALL hers).
Figure 6. Check out that beaut! Oh and Helga Hondewy!
Figure 7. Helga got junk in her trunk! My junk!
PROVINCE TWO - SASKATEEJVJSMGDMG H
And so we the doughty-duo pressed on through Alberta and into Saskatche-wannagetthislegofthetripoverassoonaspossiblebeforewefallasleepatthewheel.
Here we saw such things as wheat and fields and wheat, and grass, and oh look a house (8) and grass and a few trees and fields and wheat, and oh look a rainbow (9)!
Figure 8. A house.
Figure 9. A rainbow. Or perhaps an alien ship disguised as a cloud shooting rainbow lazers and abducting cows!! ...you be the judge.
Eventually we needed gas and after seeing a gas station sign followed it’s directions into, what could only generously described, as a hamlet. More accurately we had arrived in “Freaky, children of the corn, where is everyone?, perhaps they are at the abandoned church pagan worship, lets fill up the car and go before someone catches fresh scent of out-of-towner meat as a sacrifices for good crop next year”-town. Unfortunately we couldn’t even fill up because there was no one there. The old gas station/everything-mart was quite literally abandoned (as were the hopes and dreams of any previous occupants of the town I would imagine; Figure 10). Anyway, we decided to hastily get the balls outa there… Well, after a bathroom break in the abandoned gas station that is.
(Refer to supplementary video S2 for further visualizations)
Hey when you gotta go that bad sometimes its worth the risk of being burlap sacked and fed into a wood-chipper.
Figure 10. 'And that was where they were murderfied your Honor.'
(Link: https://www.facebook.com/video.php?v=10152351474684632&set=vb.517609631&type=3&permPage=1 )
Supplementary Video 2. 'Nuff said.
And so we, the cadaverous couple, bravely ran away away.
Eventually we found fuel, other people, and safe-haven in Yorktown, Saskaetchwhyarewestillinthisprovincedoesitneverend, at Lazy Maples Bed & Breakfast.
This is were we ended our first day of journeying. In the morning we were treated to a tasty Saskatoonberry filled breakfast, by a enjoyable Ukrainian Great Grandma who liked breakfast to be prepared from scratch, "old school style" to quote.
The meal was accompanied with a cameo by Frank; a regular hometown walk-in from just down the street, who picks her berries in return for pie.
Good ol’ pie lovin' Frank.
Figure 11. Laaaazzzy Maples.
After that it was back on the road and through the final eastern part of Saskatchewhatthehellitssoflatlakesdontevenformandwaterjustpoolsaroundtheroadformiles.
Figure 11. 'If you look hard enough into the horizon you can see the back of your head.'
PROVINCE III - MANITOBA(D)
Figure 12. Left side of car for miles.
Figure 13. Right side of car for miles.
Manit-OHMYGOD its even more boring than Saskatchewan!
(See Figures 12 & 13 for clarification)
We had an audio book of Steven Kings (thanks mom!) and plenty of good songs to sing along to (thanks Andre Ice-cold 3000!), so we managed not to be bored unconscious...
...Well almost…
Figure 14. My faithful and ever vigilant co-pilot.
We made a brief pitstop just outside of Winnipeg for some hot food since we had grown tired of a strictly PB&J sandwich, Dino-sour, and Mountain Dew road diet.
PROVINCE 4 - ONTARIO
At long last we hit Ontario after another half day of driving. Our first pull over was a welcome change of scenery at a little lake-bound town called Kenora (Figures 15-18). We snapped a few shots. The idea of a town so well integrated with the lake was a bit foreign having come from Alberta where the geography is vastly different.
Figure 15. Kenora on the lake. In addition to the town being built on proper lakeside, the lake has a ton of little bush islands with houses and cottages only accessible by boat.
Figure 16. Kenora's downtown.
Figure 17. More Kenora.
Figure 18. Kenora's downtown close as you can get without your eyes getting wet.
We made it all the way to Thunder Bay from Yorkton that day, nearly a third of the trip (~14hr & 1,165km).
Once we made it to Ontario there were warning for deer and moose highway crossing about every 10. We were given advice from some wise folks (thanks Geoff and Anna) not to push our luck by driving in the dark of night for the lake of the drive north of Lake Superior.
Fortunately we were not turned into a moose/human/metal parfait.
To avoid such a not-so-delicious dessert-themed fate instead of making it to Sault-Saint Marie as planned for the third night we stopped a horrible little place called Wawa - a place that brags the biggest (ugliest) goose statue anyone ever did see. I found a picture on the web (Figure 19), hopefully this foul fowl its doesn’t give you goose-bumps!! ahahah..ha...heh
Figure 19. Thank you Ron@MegapixelTravel.com....
Anyway we ate at what appeared to be the only restaurant there - The Viking - whose culinary spread was as delicate and sanitary as such a name would imply.
After we choked down what we were told was the porkchop special (mystery white meat with chicken wing honey garlic poured on top…) our stomaches were grumbling in a way that competed with the ongoing drag racing show, still shaking the town late into the evening from grounds just on the edge of town.
We took a quick walk to the lakeside, snapped a pic (Figure 20) and decided to try and sleep off the ebola we had recently ingested.
Figure 20. Lake Wawa.
We stayed at Miss Ellie’s B&B, having a nice little egg toast and fresh fruit breakfast at 8am to get the day started (Figure 21).
Figure 21. Miss Ellies B&B.
Now this was day three and we had been making pretty darn good time if I do say so myself (I do.). So we decided we could slow down and take some time for adventures on the last portion of the trip.
Upon seeing a sign as we drove, bragging Canada’s longest Zipline 4km ahead, I was compelled to seize the opportunity - much to Emily’s dismay : ]
The car was mostly silent as we detoured off the highway, with the exception of “I’m not doing it.” mutterings.
Much to my delight there were also some suspension bridges that necessarily had to be crossed in order to get to the canyon zipline.
For Figures 22-26 note the difference in excitement concerning suspension bridges and ziplines (please refer to supplementary video V3 as the exemplar of this point). Also perhaps of note is the difference in sanity between Emily concerning heights and falling.
Supplementary Video 3. The look that says it all.
(Link: https://www.facebook.com/video.php?v=10152351484684632&set=vb.517609631&type=3&permPage=1 )
(Link: https://www.facebook.com/video.php?v=10152351484684632&set=vb.517609631&type=3&permPage=1 )
Figure 22. Next right please and thanks!
Figure 23. Excited.
Figure 24. Less excited.
Figure 25. More excited.
Figure 26. Even less excited.
Figure 27 is the view to the second suspension bridge and the gazebo (?) zipline lauchpad.
28 & 29 are the lefthand view from the first suspension bridge, to the ziplines end (30 & 31 are me playing with color filters on my camera).
Figure 27. View from bridge one to bridge two and zipline.
Figure 28. View from bridge one to bottom of zipline and rest of canyon.
Figure 29. Bottom of zipline.
Figure 30. Green filter.
Figure 31. Blue filter.
Beside the suspension bridge there was this pot which I assume is some kind of fun way to leave a tip… or perhaps an offering receptacle to the Gods of Personal Safety and Luck? (Figure 32).
Figure 32. Tipping at ziplines: recommended for personal safety.
Also along the walk to the zipline Figure 13; post mortem monuments erected by friends and family to commemorate those who did not fair well on the zipline - aka “non-tippers,” refer to Figure 32 for clarification.
Figure 33. A moment of silence for the non-tippers.
(above statements aren’t actually true, despite me feeding Emily that story. Quite the opposite in fact. These little stone people are called inukshuk, and are a traditional form of Inuit communication. They are built to tell others who might follow “you are on the right path”)
Figure 34. Almost at the zipline! The “I’m not doing this + I hate you” count just breaking the double digits at this point.
Figure 35. View from bridge two of bridge one and down the zipline.
See, I actually bought the tickets up front - and, as is typical, the price was exuberant for what you actually get.
This served as the clincher when we got to the zipline as Emily didn’t want to have the nonrefundable cost go to waste (because she is a sweetheart).
She was not happy with me, to understate the situation (which is fair because I am an inciter - well intention mind you!).
Figures 36 & 37 are her getting fastened up before getting shot a down a canyon along a string. (Supplementary Video 4 for that!)
Figure 36. Getting strapped up.
Figure 37. No turning back now!
Supplementary Video 4. Get low, get low get low get low.
Alas there is a happy ending to this adventure!
As it turns out Emily did truly have fun and enjoyed the zipline after all (At first reluctant to admit)! Which means I got to zipline AND got to say “I told you so.” Double win!
I give this adventure a rating of 8.5 bugs in the teeth out of 10!
Figures 38-42 are celebratory pics. The guy taking the pic for us at the bottom had no thumb-to-camera kinesthetic awareness, however his sense of humor was passable. He told me my zipper was down in 41 (it wasn’t!), then snapped a pic.
I guess thats the kind of humor one should expect at a ZIP-lining place!.. ahhaha...ha..
Moving on then
Figure 38. Made it A-OK without falling into the lake!
Figure 39. Needed a zoom-in to highlight the authentic smile!
Figure 40. Figure 40.
Figure 41. Well I fell for the ol' zipper down trick. And Emily is shamelessly checking me out. Typical.
Figure 42. Very funny old man, you win this round!
We pulled over not long after Eagle Canyon to switch drivers, which serendipitously turned into the most photogenic stop we had all trip. We ended up at Agawa Rock provincial park.
The first thing we stumbled upon was a little beach and bay area.
The water in lake Huron is always beautifully clear it seems.
Figure 43 - 46 are from this area.
Figure 43. Agawa Rock.
Figure 44. Agawa boat launch.
Figure 45. Queen of the rock!
Figure 46. I am unapologetic for sticking in the quintessential in-deep thought overlooking open water picture! ppft I nailed it.
We did still have a schedule for that day, and almost decided to get back to the road, until we saw there were signs for a small hike nearby. If you look at Figures 47 & 48 you know that is not something that can be resisted by me, or by my now officially adventurous girlfriend!
Figure 47. Please 'Caution' is my middle name. Along with 'Alarmingly Handsome.' Yep, Jeremy Caution Alarmingly Handsome Viczko. Now lets follow the path and try not to die!
Figure 48. Errm. How many dogs were eaten before that sign was put up?
The hike was to a natural history sight where some Ojibwe rock paintings still remained... On deathly slippery rock ledges (Figure 47) protected by what appeared to be a Dog-Eating-Horny-Beaked-Spiky-Lizard-Deer (Figure 48).
For those of you not familiar with the ethology of this region; these Do-Ea-Ho-Be Spiklideer (that’s the scientific Latin name [phylum Mythicus]), are a rare and elusive creature. Though only a handful have ever been seen, Do-Ea-Ho-Be Spiklideer are acknowledged residents of the Canadian Shield, known to prowl lakesides and devour dogs tied to trees while the dog-owners are out on the water kayaking/canoeing.
And so we, the indubious duet, quested onward despite the perilous perils that awaited! (Figures 49 - 53)
Figure 49. The beginning of the walk.
Figure 50. Agawa hike.
Figure 51. YOU SHALL NOT PASS! Unless you ask politely!
Figure 52. Oh check out this cool little rock I found.
Figure 53. Aaaahh got ya!
At last we made it to the rocky ledges marking the end of the hike (Figures 54-57)!
Figure 54. The end is near!
Figure 55. Once again pontificating on the natural history and fauna of the region while overlooking the expanse of open water before me. Deep. So deep...
Figure 56. ... Then in excitable and reckless fashion I blundered my way down to the slippery rocks of death the previous signs had warned against.
Emily didn't want to come down to ledge where the alleged rock paintings were. She didn't miss too much though I checked but couldn't find the alleged rock paintings (My bet is that one of Dog-Eating-Horny-Beaked-Spiky-Lizard-Deer licked the paint off, as the paint the Ojibwe used is high in the flavonoids - compounds often craved by the creatures).
Despite not finding the painting this area was incredibly beautiful and serene, so we took the opportunity to take a handful of photos from our vantage points (Figures 57- 66)
Figure 57. They have some ropes in case you fall in.
Figure 58. Em behind the safety of handrails.
Figure 59. Rocks and trees and trees and rocks.
Figure 60. Rocks and trees and trees and rocks.
Figure 61. Rocks and trees and trees and rocks.
62. And Waterrrrrrr
Figure 63. In Canada! (Credit to the Arrogant Worms for the the last figure captions)
64. See previous figure captions.
Figure 65. Take you pick of the last few figure captions. Find the one that suits your descriptive preference.
Figure 66. See Figure 65's caption and apply.
Definitely want to head back there when we have time another day and go for a swim!
I give this adventure a rating of 4.75 flavinoids out of 5!
I give this adventure a rating of 4.75 flavinoids out of 5!
Next stop on the trip South Baymouth and hopping on the ferry!
Figure 67. See ya later South Baymouth.
Figure 68. Ok see ya later NOW Souh Baymouth. Had to pull us a U-y, Tobermory was the other direction!
Figure 69. Em's first time on a ferry! Titanic scene reenactment anyone? ('Cause THAT hasn't been over done since the day the movie came out)
So these lakes definitely feel ocean sized when you are on them (Figure 70).
Figure 70. Here on Lake Huron - not much goin' on.
As exciting as it is hopping on the ferry and leaving port, once the boat gets rolling theres not much to do. Except for take pics of each other and ourselves I suppose? (Figures 71-74)
As exciting as it is hopping on the ferry and leaving port, once the boat gets rolling theres not much to do. Except for take pics of each other and ourselves I suppose? (Figures 71-74)
Figure 71. What an enjoyable young woman I have for company! :) much feelings
Figure 72. We got prime ferry seating- Well it was ferr-ly good anyway ;D ehhh!
Figure 73. Gratuitous boat selfy 1.
Figure 74. Gratuitous boat selfy 2.
Here we see a re-creation of the Saskatchewan effect: where once exposed to a monotonous environment for a relatively long period of time overcompensation happens in the form of a picture-taking onslaught of the next (semi-)interesting sight (Refer to Figures 8 & 9; Figures). Oh look a lighthouse! Let's take a boat-load of pictures!
Figure 75. Oh look a lighthouse. That's artistic to take photo's of right? Like storms over mountains, foliage up close, and and empty swing-sets in sunset and stuff?
Figure 76. Naw things need filters and editing to be proper artistic!
Figure 77. Yeah, artsy, get some.
Figure 78. OK so to Em's credit this actually is a great artsy post-cardy shot (the other failed attempts were mine).
So after indulging our hipster sides gratuitously with the above photos we arrived in Tobermory!
Where there were literally 0 accommodations!
Which is definitely our fault for not realizing it was August Long weekend and started booking weeks before!
I mean we called everywhere in Tobermory AND the 3 nearest towns, and we kind of had to spend a night somewhere close to Tobermory because we had previously booked a 4-hr shipwreck snorkelling tour for the next day.
Anyway by some stroke of luck, or by residual good karma from previously lifetime (stress on previously), one of the places took our number down despite being fully booked and called up an old lady who didn't have her bed and breakfast advertised online.
Who in turn called us back after her previous booking cancelled on her that day!
So despite some stressing, everything ended up pretty damn good! We spent the night in Lion's Head, a small town just 45 min Southeast of Tobermory - ample time to make the drive back in time for snorkelling the next morning.
So Miss Nellie of Miss Nellie's Bed and Breakfast (Figure 79) was halfway to losing her marbles, but as far as B&B arrangements go hers was really good. Her house had a separate attachment for the B&B room which we had yet to see (in front of my car Figure 80) and we enjoyed breakfast on her back patio on a beautiful day.
Figure 80. Her main house is door on the left, B&B room door on right. With the separate attachment it made it feel less like we were crashing at our grandparents house, which after so many B&B's this trip was kind of welcome for me - I can't speak for Em though haha She love dem B&Bs.
We had some time to take a walk to the Lion's Head beach after we packed up so we had a nice little morning stroll after breakky to start the day off right. (Figures 81-86)
Figure 81. Lion's Head beach.
Figure 82. Interesting garage ornament.
On Emily's bucket list is learning how to sail, so one day she can sail the coast of North America (like a badass).
So whenever we had access to docks we'd go poke around and admire people boats. Mad boat envy for some of these sailboats (Figures 84 & 85).
Figure 83. Lion's Head Dock.
Figure 84. Check out this old school monster. Props for the pun name - I mean thats one hull of a good name for a boat - amiright?! :D
Figure 85. Em had mad boat envy for this sexy little ship.
Oh and this was an interesting way to solve a powerline-tree problem (Figure 86). Not sure it's infallible solution. Although I do like that they didn't just remove the tree. My inner hippy is pleased.
Figure 86. What happens in really strong wind?
So Tobermory and the lake area surrounding host ~20 wrecks dives. We booked ourselves for a 4 hr, 4 wreck snorkeling and it was fantastic! (Figures 87-96)
Figure 90. 'Hanging loose' underwater.
Figure 91. Yup that's a pretty wrecked ship.
Figure 93. Even the fishes are afraid of this wreck. Sppoooky.
94. What kind of fish is this?
Figure 95. Now THATs a catch!
Figure 96. Land ho!
Wreck snorkeling adventure rating?: 4 poor rock-navigating sailors out of 4. Literally.
The sunset on Lake Huron at Port Elgin was fantastic. So here look at a bijillion sunset photos (and be jealous!)
You can't see it but they also had some live music playing on the beach! And we grabbed some fish and chips. Was a nice way to end a great day. (Figures 97-102, Supplementary Videos 5-7)
Figure 97. A nice way to end the day.
Figure 98. Let's put a beautiful person in one of them swings!
Figure 99. People enjoying the last days of summer on the beach.
Figure 100. Oh buoy, I can't believe I'm about to break 100 photos. Here's a picture of a sailboat at sundown to commemorate such an occasion..
Figure 101. Sundown on one side and the moon coming up on the other.
Figure 102. Tried to panorama our view from the dock.
(Supplementary videos 5-7) Port Elgin's Sunset, live music, and flippin' floppin' fish, links:
Suppl5: https://www.facebook.com/video.php?v=10152351498134632&set=vb.517609631&type=3&permPage=1
Suppl6: https://www.facebook.com/video.php?v=10152351502404632&set=vb.517609631&type=3&permPage=1
Suppl7: https://www.facebook.com/video.php?v=10152351520244632&set=vb.517609631&type=3&permPage=1
THE FINAL CHAPTER - PUTTING THE 'I' IN ARRIVAL!
The next morning we made it at last!
To the new house (Figure 103) and Western University (Figure 104-105)
Figure 103. That's Unit 38 Sunnyside, just so you know Hogwarts Owl Post. You seem to have missed me at my previous addresses over the last 10+ years, but I forgive you and humbly await my damn letter.
Figure 104. The Western University tower which I believe is the one they used for University logo not long ago (see below).
Figure 105. Sure, looks the same to me minus the purple. Which is everywhere on campus. Purple everywhere.
Figure 106. The Middlesex building. The building that I assume was built around the Grad Club (aka Friday after/during work beers place).
So that is that indeed.
But!- (hehe I said but. Like butts.)
Here's a couple bonus pics from after our arrival because, after all, if I ended it here you would have to return to doing something productive!
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| Emily helping me build stuff for my room |
Stratford Vid Link:
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| Paddle-boating in Stratford |
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More paddle-boating
Shakespeare was right 'One touch of nature makes the whole world kin ' (Troilus and Cressida, Act III, Scene iii.)
We are looking at one fine stick that could do a world for kindling.
Gas powered stick!
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| Shakespeare Gardens Stratford |
Link: Stratford ft. nice looking ducks and blue grass playing people in trousers (which is a perhaps redundant description, as they are one in the same people).
And finally here's a clip from the BMI (Brain and Mind Institute) summer party. My head PI (principle investigator aka supervisor)'s band is on the stage .
There band's name is The Untidy Naked Dilemma. 'Nuff said.
(Link: https://www.facebook.com/video.php?v=10152351541739632&set=vb.517609631&type=3&permPage=1 )
There band's name is The Untidy Naked Dilemma. 'Nuff said.
(Link: https://www.facebook.com/video.php?v=10152351541739632&set=vb.517609631&type=3&permPage=1 )
Everyone there, including the band, is part of the BMI research team. 'Nuff said.
And a beach day at Grand Bend with some of my new labmates!
(Link: https://www.facebook.com/video.php?v=10152351547039632&set=vb.517609631&type=3&permPage=1 )
(Link: https://www.facebook.com/video.php?v=10152351547039632&set=vb.517609631&type=3&permPage=1 )
So all in all I had a wonderful trip out with my beautiful girlfriend and am already finding myself settled in happily out here- and in great company
But don't take my word for it come on out and see for yourselves!
DISCLAIMER: Canada is a wonderful country. I hope that no one was offended on behalf of any province (*Ahem* Sucksatchewan *Cough* Manitobored) in what was perhaps a bit of a dramatization of parts of the trip. Having said that!: Based on my experience they were in fact tedious to drive though and owe me days of my life back, however I am sure they have much more to offer than we were exposed to during the drive (hopefully) ;)
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