flashman181

For the fans with the withdrawal DTs, for some reason Facebook removed my blog yesterday as Spam ! Not sure if that is Canuck speak for Poutine but anyway here is link. It was a ripper 😏

https://flashman.me/2024/09/19/ptp-day-4/

Different start to day on what looks like a beauty. Let’s do a coffee run back at Milanos as Cortado was good yesterday. First customer so obviously made barista’s day . It’s the little things that count.

Plan A today then seems a good place to start. Let’s try a local hot breakfast and then walk that off scouting the region for erections of interest. Never a dull moment. 🤓 Did I mention it was a ball tearer day 😏 Not as cool as I would like but then I am a unique individual . Apparently .

Cafe Portrait was chosen and it is a winner . While waiting for breakfast we sat for a portrait and think they nailed it 👏🏻

Food was certainly worth the wait and suspect we shall return on the weekend

We made a slight detour on way home to check out the fancy Barclays Square but there were no nightingales singing just some ravens swooping. Great to walk off our substantial breakfast.

On such a nice day decided to head up to Stanley Park once more but this time just on our own two feet. I did ask CLP for a piggy back but she wasn’t keen. Nice to walk more on the inside now and before you knew it we were back at Ferguson Point

Apparently there are other attractions there for when I am not on scene in person including the rather fancy Teahouse. Too early for lunch but sated ourselves with a coffee and a luscious brownie.

Then it was time for another plan. We are so efficient and adaptable we had already compressed 5 days of sights into 3 . We decided to walk the brownie off and head back to Denham Street and then 2 buses and a cut lunch to West Vancouver to check out the Museum of Anthropology on the UBC campus. Look, I wouldn’t walk over wet grass to go back but it was impressive if you like multiple wood carvings and garish clothes I guess .

Again adaptable plans made on the go and resulted in a full day but a bit parched and hungry by now ( forgot the cut lunch 🤦🏻‍♂️) so ubered back to English Bay for a cold one at Sylvia’s and it was perfect . Classy establishment with reasonable prices . We sat at the bar with the common folk but of course didn’t mingle.

That went down rather well and easy . Do we have another or go get something to eat seeing as how half a chocolate brownie is not quite lunch. Easy winner

Now , we were hungry and just up the road was a fish and chippery which sounded perfect. Up market one as well so started with some oysters as you do . And another wine . I think CLP was there

Wobbly Boot on now and time to waddle home even if CLP begged to stay for another sunset 😏 Ouch

Hindsight is a wonderful thing especially in tight jeans . 4 full days in Vancouver and taking into account our extreme efficiency in the planning caper we have pretty well ticked all the boxes we had. We kinda wish we had one or two less days (3 to go) in Vancouver and added them to Quebec City. There were contributing factors like not spending a special day approaching in airports or on planes and definitely a problem of the first world kind but still putting it out there. One day of relaxing is fine but 3 may be a stretch especially if bad weather comes in as predicted. There are of course still things to look forward to like a special dinner on Sunday night

And another glorious sunset soon surely 🌝

Today’s plan then is to head out to Capilano Suspension Bridge…..wait a minute , didn’t we do that yesterday in a fanciful fit of foretelling 🤔 Ok , Plan B. Yes folks its time to Pass the Poutine although not always possible with all that cheese, no shit. As not routine to poutine before noontine we needed to fill in the morning . Checking my 4 weather apps only confused more but general concensus was cloud plus or minus sun but no rain. Sounds like time to get out the straw hat and hit the water with a day pass on the Ferries of False Creek. We can hop on and hop off – but probably smart to wait until we dock each time – at Granville Island , David Lam Park, Stamps Landing , Yaletown….ok you get the drift, tides permitting . If time permits we can go up Truth Tributary but to be honest doesn’t really appeal. Prefer to stick to a plan much like cheese to a colon.

Of course it wasn’t too long before word got out that a relative of Errol Flynn was back and everyone wanted my charter. Impressive but not really practical. Bit like the new boarding groups on Qantas , you don’t want to be on the last boat when it comes to docking. Look when Canucks make an effort I like to reward them so promised to try each boat out at some stage . As I say at least a Canuck gave a Fuck.

Cloud hung around for a few more hours than expected and made a rather dull trip just a bit duller. We went all the way to the last stop first up as had an all day pass. Smart eh. It was the Science Centre and in a previous world where World Fair was held. I think the birds may have been exposed to some radiation leaks 😏

Then it was back on next ferry and off to Yaletown for a coffee. Says a lot about a place when a stationary steam engine is the highlight. We did eventually find a pretty good coffee place which was tantalisingly close to a drinking establishment. I played smart

We were told that the room cleaners would service room between 9 and 3 so keen to stay out as long as possible. Remember this tidbit for later fans . It was still cloudy so a 20 min walk back down to a dock to catch a ferry to another dull place didn’t appeal. What could we do 🤔

I know what I wanted but CLP wasn’t prepared to wait for me so I didn’t bother 😢 It was now or never, it’s Poutine time. Another 20 min walk had us at Poutine Paradise in Davie Street. I got some meat in mine just in case arteries put up a fight.

So now the weather had cleared and once again CLP had a great plan. As weather may deteriorate after tomorrow let’s go to Vancouver Lookout today as should be great views. A quick google maps for bus stations also noted it as closed as “full” . Ok let’s book online. Hmm , simple enough but no time period to book. Odd, let’s hop in a bus anyway, act dumb ie American and see if they let us up or at least book us a time tomorrow. The apocalypse had struck and no one around on ground floor with either a ticket office or a helpful zombie. The sign above elevator did say “closed for private event”. Maybe an Errol Flynn Retrospective ? Let’s go up anyway as outside elevator with views. Ok, doors didn’t open at lookout level. What the hell lets go up to revolving restaurant and maybe get a drink. I tell ya some times it’s just one knob kiss after another, even in a long term relationship 🤓 . We sat against the window while as usual the world revolved around me. We wanted to get a full turn in so ordered some lobster sliders to go with our cocktails. Simply a magic hour and now we don’t need to go back tomorrow with GU 👏🏻

From on high you can see all that Vancouver has to offer and even clear examples of how Canucks park 🤦🏻‍♂️

We have done so much in only 3 days it’s going to be hard to keep up the pace. Booteeful afternoon again so will head down for another sunset . Drinking may be involved but doubt it 😂

As for the tidbit? The old service shim sham methinks. We got home after 2 pm to same room we left🤔 Within 5 mins knock on door and two service personnel asked to come in. Guess they wanted to make sure they got a tip in person. Ok, fair play you deserve it I am sure.

Not even thinking of a plan tomorrow. Just sit tight and wait for CLP to get another lightbulb moment mid morning 💡

Decided to have another crack at a beach sunset . Looked a tad cloudy so went with Plan C. Beer .

Then on way home whoa and behold a Festivus miracle . Goodnight

Fair to say all the walking yesterday reminds this little black duck that the ankle isn’t quite tickety boo and never will be. Not too restrictive during day but when you stop you do feel it and does impact sleep that night before it tends to recover just in time for more abuse next day. Today’s plan then is a Scoot in Stanley. Tossed up between bike and scooter but went with the old fave. Stanley Park is nice and close to our lodgings and will kick off at 0830. For a 3 hr cruise…..

Weather should be ok with some cloud and maybe some sun. Just that pesky temperature where not sure if need jumper or not until it’s too late to change mind 😏

Edit: SUN IS OUT, Pack the sluggos 😳

We chose Joes Cycles as was across the road and he went to a lot of effort to name his business 😏 Deux Scooters siv voo play Garçon I said hoping for the local French discount . Didn’t work but then who would want to pretend to be a Frog for more than a minute. Off we scooted with gay abandon but a solid helmet. It was indeed a glorious day now as we headed in our counter clockwise direction on designated bike paths . First stop was some totem poles.

Second stop was break the stand. Yep tried to engage stand and it snapped off. I quickly thought what was in he waiver I signed but then remembered I didn’t read it 🤓 It was pointed out to me I should have . Here is one I prepared earlier, almost as if they knew I was coming

On we continued park to the left, water to the right here I am stuck in the middle with you .

As we made it around to the other side there was the beautiful vista of Lions Gate bridge and some tart sunning herself on a rock.

All good things come to an end – except luvin relationships – and we headed out of park and back to Joe who wasn’t fussed about the broken stand . “ You Aussies “ he guffawed so I threw in a $1 tip. We then decided to have a coffee at Milanos nearby and in keeping with a great day they had Cortados. Could the day get any better. Glad you asked

My honey …..wait for it……suggested as weather lovely why not go to Capilano Suspension bridge today . Sounds cool let’s check what times are available and book some tickets online. Basically would take you 20 mins to fill in the nonsense so thought let’s roll with it and just walk up to nearest free shuttle pick up and risk buying tickets when we arrive even if we have to wait a while for a free time slot. Blue Horizon hotel was spot and a good 15 mins walk for a regular 15 min shuttle. 20 mins later with no shuttle we smelt a dead otter. Another couple also waiting rang the number and was not impressed when told they were not using that stop today, you have to walk another 10 mins to Hyatt Regency . CMS.

Side Note here. Have an Airalo eSIM which works fine BUT is data only ergo can’t make calls or receive messages etc . Lesson learnt, still have the tremors every now and again.

Ok so we trudged to HR and made last shuttle before they went on a 45 min hiatus. Duly arrived with half of Japan and went to the ticket counter with several others. Bought our tickets and asked “ what time space can we enter as didn’t book online” Anytime, in ya go. CMS.

There were plenty of people around but not over crowded at all. Suspension bridge was as expected with great views ,mostly of Japanese women stuck after about 10 m😀 .

Plenty of walks around amongst tree tops to do but ankle was screaming by now so CLP continued on . She said she couldn’t bear to be without me for long and duly returned shortly with a moose she had caught and already had mounted . She’s a keeper

That was certainly a full morning but on such a glorious day no rush to head home to unit. Instead we headed back on shuttle right through to Canada Place ,adjacent to Steamworks😏 It’s Muling time …for some

Time for a quick bite then, couple more Souvenirs and head home . Next on agenda is first wash of the holiday so really it’s been the perfect day for CLP. Ouch that hurt . Chill for a couple , reset ankle and then head out later for a drink down near English Beach again

Drink done, Day ended. And it’s goodnight from Canuckistan on another great day

Unit seems fine although as always find the rooms in these “cooler continents” seem overheated and it is a warm room. Not sure if due to raging fire 😏

Cloudy start to day and in general the week long forecast doesn’t look great although mostly cloudy rather than rain. 12-18 average seems ok but just glad to get out of the furnace room. Great Safeways across road so some early stocks in as full kitchen. We want good weather for Stanley Park and Capilano Suspension Bridge – hear it’s a honey , already in suspense .😏 Let’s explore the neighbourhood first and get feel for eateries, drinkeries and public transport. There are hills but need some walking after last 36 hrs. Onward and upward. For the slow ones…

Headed up Denham Street towards English Beach. Picked up a Compass Card for transport ( one spring chicken and one Senior 🤓 ) and did a couple of prostate exams along the way as you do.

English Beach is nothing special sand wise but an impressive harbour. Then caught a ferry across to Granville Island. The public market was open with some tasty looking food but we settled on a coffee at this stage because it was “European” 😏 Fool me once….

Then it was time to experiment with buses . Google Maps suggested a hop and a skip to the 50 bus to downtown. We walked to stop along comes a bus “ 50 Downtown” . Sweet. Just before we got further from downtown and closer to Alaska I asked the driver “ does this bus go downtown” ? No. But it said Downtown? “ That is where you caught it” CMS. Get off next stop, cross back into Canada and catch a train back. Walking toward station we noticed a Bus 49 parked. At stop 49…. Hmm. Ok it would seem that buses display the stop number when they arrive ? Other interesting thing, and maybe detrimental to the blind, walk signs to cross at lights have no sound. You just have to wait for colour to change . We knew we were back in Vancouver when we saw the sign

Then it was time for me to make a contribution to Gastown 🤓 . Very touristy area but a pleasant walk. Mind you you go one street too far and it’s suddenly slumsville with plenty of homeless around. I took Duke with me just in case shenanigans ensued.

Fair bit of walking had us gagging for a frothy one and Steamworks was near by and looked impressive. We had the tasting paddle and also a bar lunch. Seeing the Moscow Mules copper mugs suggests we may return

Full as a state school hat rack time for some more walking and this time off to Rogers Arena and nearby Sporting Hall of Fame . Name your top 5 Canadian sportsfolk would stump most but it had some fun interactive sections where you could be a Canuck for a day. Next to soccer stadium

A good first up morning and it was time to bus it home now that we were bus experts. Dropped off just outside suites and time to chill for a couple before a late afternoon imbibe. Good to get in and take shoes off and wash the street grime off. You would think that they could spell their own country proper eh 🤦🏻‍♂️

A pleasant walk back down to English Bay and a drink at Sylvias around 5 pm. Classy looking place so went with the signature Vancouver cocktail and it had a kick. Of course some locals asked for an autograph assuming I was related to Errol Flynn.

A slight detour on way home to check out Stanley Park as close by and is plan A for tomorrow , weather permitting. Certainly fitted in a lot today on a dreary but pleasant day . Now back to The Furnance.

Ah yes that first day when you arrive in Canuckistan before you leave and don’t sleep for 36 hours 😏 Check in yesterday online was fine and all checked through to Vancouver in PE leaving Sydney at 830 pm tonight after early afternoon flight from Qantas Bumfuck Idaho aka Brisvegas. We had requested a points upgrade to BC but will be unsuccessful and now just wait for message confirmation which usually comes at 3 am 😡 No surprise then that a Qantas message came through at 3 am. Sadly it was to tell us flight delayed until 1030 pm! Ok these things happen. Almost back to sleep when phone rang at 4 am . Bloody Qantas. Ah no, it was Air Canada asking me if would swap flight to Montreal on Sept 24 th as they have oversold my flight. Canuck Me Slowly (CMS) . May go for full refund but not making that decision at 4 am Ryan ! ( hereafter all Canadians will simply be called Ryan.)

Great trip down to Brisvegas because we all know when you leave plenty of time everything runs smoothly. Check in at Brisvegas not as smooth as previous but still QC Bar adjacent at 11:30 – you know the bar that opens at midday 😏 . Luckily we didn’t look like tourists and served promptly at 12:01 and started rinsing the tonsils #DBF.

Good flight down and first go with Qantas boarding groups. Be fine without morons. You know the ones that are in rows 17-30 but still board from the front 🤦🏻‍♂️ Good wifi and a great snack

It was a quick flight , no doubt because such a long plane 😳 Bitch to turn around mind you

Easy transfer with the GU and quiet security screening had us in Qantas lounge with a mere 5 hours until boarding 😳. Just time to change into our Canuckistan gear and get a few supplies

Massive wine range but no draft beer and help yourself spirits. What could go wrong 😏

Took the top shelf for a spin and then went out for a walk to get some small denomination Canada money. Bent over the bonnett and chili on the stick with a 67c exchange rate at airport exchange. No mate I want Canadian not US. That is Canadian cobber . CMS. We only had 50s so bit bullet to get some 10s and 5s. BC2 lent CLP some Bose noise cancelling headphones which liked feel of so bought some duty free Sony ones. Then back for a shower before I spent any more money. What a great way to refresh. Now , where is that wine bar ?

Our plane was coming from Perth and running 4 hrs late so didn’t arrive in Sydney until 905 pm . It was a great effort by Qantas to still have us start boarding by 945 pm and left about an hour later and had a good trip so ended up arriving about 90 mins after our original plan at 7 pm. The trip was fine but 13 hrs is still 13 hrs even in PE. It was busy at airport but all worked pretty smoothly and we were at our lodgings at about 815 pm.

Time for some sleep now hopefully but don’t expect much first night after such a long day. It’s quite warm in unit as well