Not Your Ordinary Night

This is our condo:

And yes. That is police tape.

It was a pretty typical Friday night for Tom and I. We went out for dinner and to a movie. Our window was open when we went to bed, because it was fairly hot out that day. And as we went to sleep, we could hear the sound of one of our neighbours having a party. The sounds bounces between the condo buildings, so it's difficult to say where the party was occurring.

At 2:30am, I woke up to a loud noise. My first thought (in my groggy state) was that someone was trying to steal our BBQ. Quickly I realized that was stupid, and convinced myself I should go back to sleep.

But after a few minutes of laying there, I hear the sound of someone calling for someone else. Since the voice is right outside our window, Tom wakes up. The voice is urgent and panicky. We pull back the curtains, and pull the window open the rest of the way. There is a guy laying unconscious about 3m away from our balcony. His friend is calling 911.

So we hear the friend explain to the dispatch operator that his friend just fell from the fifth floor balcony.

And that loud noise I heard? Well, that was the sound of him hitting the metal awning over our balcony on the way down.

While the paramedics were on their way, we could hear the sound of the guy's laboured breathing. He did not sound good. At the very least, he was bleeding from the head and had a broken arm. He remained unconscious even when the paramedics arrived, and took him off to the hospital. For the next 40 minutes there were fire rescue and police milling around outside our bedroom window. The police were the last to leave, sectioning off the area with tape as they left.

As far as we can tell, no one has come back since the accident. Tom and I have looked through the Herald to see if there was any information, but we haven't turned up anything. I assume the guy is still in the hospital. I don't imagine you walk away unscathed from a five story fall.

Definitely not your ordinary night.

One Month To Go!

This weekend was a busy one. With only five more weeks until the wedding, taking care of details has become a little more urgent than before.

On Friday I had a hair trial with my stylist, Naomi Lewis. I showed her multiple print-outs of some hairstyles, and then in my haphazard way, tried to describe the variations that I wanted on those styles.

"Like this, but lower. And like this, but with a bit more volume. And maybe less "messy" looking... If possible?"

Somehow, out of my incoherent string of words, she managed to figure out what I wanted.

From the back!

And later that night as I disassembled my hair, I wondered how it was possible that she had gotten so many bobby-pins in my hair. This is what 42 bobby pins look like.

42 bobby pins jammed in my scalp.

After the hair trial, I went to have a dress fitting. The tiny Asian seamstress scolded me for forgetting my shoes!

"Bad! Very bad! Shoes very important! You must come back again with shoes!"

Saturday was a birthday celebration for Tom's grandma, Ethel. Ethel is now officially 90 years old! If I were to meet her all over again, I would never guess that she's 90. She's still as sharp and witty as ever, and she's mobile too!

Ashley, Ethel and I, posing with the cake.

On Sunday, I went to my bridal shower, hosted by Ashley and Heather.

Only one word can describe it: FANTASTIC!!!!!!!!!!!!

I'm ashamed to admit, it never really occured to me how much work is involved in organizing a shower. But Ashley and Heather thought of everything! Tasty cocktails, snacks, shower favours, games, prizes... Plus, I was showered with generous and thoughtful gifts!!!

Unfortunately... The shower allowed some questionable events to be captured on camera. Hopefully those don't come back to haunt me...

I got dressed in the dark.

I had a really good time. I had one of those moments were I thought, "Wow, I really really have great friends." It was nice to see people from all differents parts of my life mingling in one room.

These next few weeks are full of appointments and lists of "Things to do" so the wedding day runs smoothly. Exactly one month to go!

Burgess Shale

I have a wicked headache this morning. It has nothing to do with partying--I was asleep at 11pm last night. I suspect it has more to do with dehydration and the the 20km hike we did yesterday.

Considering how many posts I've made about hiking, some of you guys must be thinking that I'm some kind of hard-core hiker. I'm really not. Up until a year ago, I could probably count the number of hikes I've done on one hand! Three fingers, to be exact. But after our Grand Canyon hike last September, Tom and I realized that hiking is a pretty enjoyable way to explore the outdoors. It would be even more enjoyable if I could figure out how to prevent blistering all over my feet... But I've had no luck with that so far. So I guess I'll have to keep experimenting. Toe socks were NOT the answer.

I digress!

Me and Paige (aka "Organizer Extraordinaire," aka "Expert Cat Herder").

In May, Paige bid and won a guided hike to the Burgess Shale in a silent auction. If you've never heard of it before, the Burgess Shale is one of the most prolific fossil beds in the world. The Burgess Shale is unique in that it has captured many soft-part organisms that were previously unseen (or rarely seen) in the rock record. As you can imagine, it's much easier for hard shells (like on lobsters or crabs) to be preserved for 505 million years than soft, unprotected legs and appendages. And for a bunch of young geologists and geophysicists, the Burgess Shale (specifically Walcott Quarry) is a fascinating attraction.

For weeks in advance, Paige got us organized. She got us to sign waivers, researched camping sites and ensured that everyone had a ride and a tent to sleep in. I certainly appreciate her efforts! Getting 12 people on the same page (no pun intended) is an exhausting task. I'm sure it sometimes felt like she was herding cats. For this reason, I dub her "Expert Cat Herder."

On Friday, our group of 12 headed out of the city toward Yoho National Park. After a night of camping (next to the highway and the CP Rail line), we woke up groggy-- bright and early.

As an aside-- did anyone else realize how constant the stream of trains were through the mountains? It seriously felt like there was a train passing the campsite every 20 minutes, all night. Believe me-- I heard it. The never ending screech of metal train on metal tracks. Not the most conducive setting for sleeping!

I digress again!

We met our guide in Field, and then drove convoy to our starting point-- the public washrooms at Takakkaw Falls. A series of switchbacks would start our elevation gain of 760m (2500ft) over 10km.

Takakkaw Falls.

I think the guide underestimated the level of fitness in our group. We motored to our first stop, Yoho Lake.

Yoho Lake (4km mark).

Then we sped along to our lunch stop. We were way ahead of schedule, even including several stops for scenic photos.

The view of Emerald Lake from our lunch stop.

Us, trailblazing.

The problem with all our trailblazing is that we eventually caught up to the group ahead of us. Because the Burgess Shale is a UNESCO World Heritage site, it is very well monitored. There are motion sensors buried in the ground, and video cameras at the site. You can only go into Walcott Quarry with a guide. Only one guided group is allowed in the quarry at a time. You can not take fossils out of the site.

Usually there are only one or two groups on the trail on a given day. However, there were three groups this particular day. We ended up waiting over an hour for a Parks Canada group before we could go into the quarry. While we waited on the side of the trail for them to pass, Jill noted their pace was much more "sedate" than ours. The term "geriatric" maybe have been substituted for "sedate." But hey! That's okay-- it was well worth the wait.

Outcrop of the Burgess Shale in Walcott Quarry.

Of course, there were fossils galore! Big fossils, small fossils... All so fragile and delicate looking. And creepy crawly! I don't think I'd want one of these things crawling around in my house!

I don't remember what this is.

Haplophrentis inhabited a small, conical shell.

Trilobite, a creepy arthropod.

There were things other than fossils to occupy us in the quarry. There were more spectacular views.

Emerald Glacier.

And when the views weren't enough, we could take out our frustration and boredom by bludgeoning Jeff.

Tom bludgeons an unsuspecting Jeff.

Little did we know-- the bludgeon had fossils in it!

Seriously, there were fossils in everything.

But don't worry, Jeff was okay. Tom beat him where the marks wouldn't show.

Jill, Jeff and I at Walcott Quarry.

Tom napping after his strenuous beat-down of Jeff.

When we finished up at the quarry, we started the 10km trek down. We were making pretty good time. To give you an idea of our pace, we eventually caught up with the Parks Canada group that had left an hour ahead of us.

And then, a bizarre thing happened.

The Parks Canada group wouldn't move out of the way.

I was a bit confused. Like I've said before-- I'm not an overly experienced hiker. But I always thought that on a hiking trail, it's common courtesy to pull over to the side to let people (or groups) who are moving faster than you, pass. Apparently no one in this group was aware of this. At one point, Paige and Tom got ahead of me, and I got stuck behind five Parks Canada people. After trailing them for a few minutes, I finally asked if I could scoot past them so I could catch up with my group. They were amiable enough when I asked-- but they seemed surprised. As in, "Oh! You want to catch up with your group?" Even more bizarre, the Parks Canada guide was with them too! It was definitely an odd way to end the day.

I am tempted to end this post with a grotesque photo of my blistery feet... But I'll spare you. This time.

If you're interested in hiking the Burgess Shale, you can do so by booking a guide through the Burgess Shale Geoscience Foundation website: http://www.burgess-shale.bc.ca/. It's a long day, but you won't regret it!

Hiking + Long Weekend = Bad Idea

Johnston Canyon, Banff National Park.

Last weekend was the August long weekend. Tom and I hadn't gone anywhere, and the previous day we braved Cross Iron Mills to get Tom new hiking shoes in preparation for the Burgess Shale hike we'll be doing in a couple weeks. So it seemed like a good idea to do a day hike to break the shoes in a little.

We settled on Johnston Canyon, located just outside of Banff. It's not difficult, it's about 11.6km return (to the Ink Pots) and it's well marked on the highway.

When we arrived at the Banff National Parks, we waited in the longest line of cars I have EVER seen. Everyone was waiting to buy a day pass. It took us about 15-20 minutes to make it through the line. This is a long time, considering I've only ever had to wait about a minute on other occasions, with three toll booths open. This time, there were 6-8 toll booths open!

This was the first clue that we'd made a terrible, terrible mistake.

Once we FINALLY got in the park, we passed Banff and turned onto the Bow Valley Parkway. After a short drive, we finally saw signs directing us to Johnston Canyon.

Then, we arrived at the parking lot. Oh... The parking lot. Our next clue that we'd made a terrible, terrible mistake.

The parking lot was overflowing with vehicles. Cars parked where it clearly said, "NO PARKING." Cars spilling out of the parking lot onto the shoulder of the road. Giant campers taking up two spaces. People milling around, cars waiting aggressively for other cars to pull out of their spots... It was like the Chinook Centre parking lot two days before Christmas!

It really is a scenic hike. If you ever have relatives coming from out of town and you want to show them something quick, easy and beautiful in the Rockies, Johnston Canyon is the place to go.

There are a lower and upper waterfall.

Lower falls (I think?).

There is also some interesting geology. In one section of the canyon, limestone is exposed. Over time, water has run down the face of the limestone and eroded it. The result is that the rock face looks a bit like it is melting and dripping into the bottom of the canyon.

Limestone cliff is slowly being eroded by water.

Once we passed this limestone cliff, the paved interpretive trail ended. That meant that most of the tourists didn't continue on for the last portion of the hike. We were relieved that we weren't elbow to elbow with families pushing strollers, or stuck behind ladies in three inch heels and elderly couples out for a weekend stroll. We also had to stop several times while the people in front of us attempted to pet begging squirrels and chipmunks. I read somewhere that a lot of tourists get bitten by squirrels that now expect to be fed by tourists.

Our final destination was the Inkpots, six greenish coloured pools that are filled with spring water that maintains a constant 1 degree Celsius temperature year round.

The Inkpots.

After briefly admiring the Inkpots, a thunderhead passed directly over us and let out the largest BOOM of thunder I've heard in a long time. It rained a bit as we hurried back down the trail. We weren't too wet for the drive home.

The batteries in our camera basically died the instant we got on the trail. So these photos were taken with Tom's new cell phone. Not too shabby!

Unfortunately we don't have any photos from the camping trip we made this weekend. But we'll be sure to take some when we're in Field next week for the Burgess Shale hike!

Under the Sea

A few shots from under the sea!

As photographed by Jeff... With a little help from Ashley.

"It's better, down where it's wetter, take it from me!"

- Sebastian the Crab (Little Mermaid)

These little guys let Jeff join their school.

These fish were in very shallow water.

Coral and spikiness.

This turtle was attempting to sleep, but had attracted a large crowd of snorkelers.

Me clutching Ashley and Shauna. Shauna attempting to get away.

Leis, Trick Candles and Craters

Here is what SHOULD have been posted on Tuesday, July 13th (if we'd had internet in Maui).

To Ashley, my Maid O' Honour and BFF.

Ashley: 26 years old.

Today you turn 26. When we met all those years ago in... Well, you know where we met... No need for everyone else to find out! Anyway, when we met all those years ago, I had no idea that we'd end up being life-long friends. I guess since we haven't lived a lifetime yet, we have no way of knowing if we'll actually be life-long friends. But really, I'll hunt you down. There's nowhere you can hide from me. So just give in. You're stuck with me. It's inevitable. Heh heh heh...

Times are a-changing, but you've continued to be a reliable rock in my life-- whether it's laughing with me, at me, or telling me I'm being utterly ridiculous. Thanks for putting up with the lunchtime crankies. Thanks for not minding when I'm totally anti-social. Thanks for laughing when I alphabetized your DVD collection, and when I ate too much candy and got a tummy ache. I know you're thinking, "Which TIME that I laughed at you for your getting candy tummy ache?" My reply is: ALL the times you laughed at me for my candy tummy ache. Thanks for not yelling, "WILL YOU NEVER LEARN!!!???"

Here are some things I wish for you the coming year:

1) More opportunities to travel.

2) More shoes for your closet!

3) Fewer balloon encounters.

4) Less kitten mischief.

5) Real amnesia, regarding the interpretive dance incident.

6) Another Sugar Ray "comeback" CD.

7) More good times!

Hope you have a fantastic day!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!!

Tuesday, July 13, 2010.

Here's how we spent Ashley's birthday...

Before we booked our flights, everyone agreed: You can't go to Hawaii without going to a Luau. So a Luau is what we did. And what better day to go than on Ashley's birthday!?

We opted for the Old Lahaina Luau, because it focused more on traditional Hawaiian hula, culture and food, and less on "audience" interaction. I'm not sure about everyone else, but this was a key selling point for me. I loath "audience participation." It's awkward, it's unpleasant... It's my worst nightmare. There was no "audience participation" at the Old Lahaina Luau, and I couldn't have been happier.

Anyway, I digress.

After a day of oggling bright coloured fish at the aquarium, gorging on cheeseburgers and poking through stores on the Lahaina boardwalk, we made our way to the Luau.

Aquarium fish.

We were greeted at the entrance by enthusiastic locals, colourful leis of purple orchids, and a selection of boozy tropical drinks. A manager had to oust some people from our table (the hosts seated them in the wrong spot), but we settled in quickly. First, we took a bunch of photos!

Tom and I in our Luau glory.

Then we watched the pig being removed from the smoking pit!

Unearthing the pig!

Then we took creepy stalker picture of Patrick Marleau of the San Jose Sharks.

Patrick Marleau.

Then we ate!

Me consuming coconut Jello/pudding.

Then we watched the sun set.

Sunset in Lahaina.

Then, with the aid of our awesome server, Kyle, and his trick candle, we wished Ashley a happy birthday.

Kyle and his "trick candle," aka lighter.

Finally, we watched the show! Hula dancers are pretty interesting to watch. Sadly, there wasn't any fire juggling... I guess that's not actually traditional in Hawaii.

Wednesday, July 14, 2010.

Bright and early on Wednesday morning, Shauna, Billy, Jeff, Tom and I piled into the Rubicon, and drove to the summit of Haleakala (Hal-ee-ack-ah-la), the dormant volcanic crater on Maui. The drive up the volcano is the greatest increase in elevation (10000 ft) over the shortest distance (37 miles) in the world. The best part was that the road wound back and forth, eventually breaking through the cloud line. At the summit of the volcano (10023 ft) we were above the clouds.

Shauna and I at 10023 ft.

Looking into the crater.

This bizarre looking plant is called a Silversword plant. Apparently at one time they used to be an endangered species. The roots of the plant are only about 1-2cm below the surface, so tourists would stand beside the plants and kill them by crushing their roots. There were a lot of educational signs around these plants warning tourists to stay away from them. We saw a lot of them on the volcano, so they seem to be flourishing with the extra protection.

Silversword plant.

We took a short hike (about 4 miles, or 6.4km) into the crater, going down to one of the cinder cones. Going down into the crater was not bad at all (aside from being in the direct sun the entire time). Coming out was a new challenge entirely! The altitude really got to me! Sometimes my heart was pounding so hard in my chest, I could feel it in my ears! Not the most pleasant sensation.

Loose scree streaming into the crater.

At the end of a long day, we headed back to Kihei. Here we enjoyed one of the greatest meals of the trips-- RIBS! Lots and lots of ribs. Ashley went all out and made five flavours of pork ribs. We had this with spicy green beans and potato salad.

Later that night, we dropped Tom off at the airport.

Phewf! Six days down, only one more to go!

Jeff has all the good snorkeling photos, so I'll post them as soon as I get my hands on them.

Over and out!

Faces

I'm going to interrupt my account of the last few days of the trip with a short post!

On Sunday I went through all my trip photos (and Steve's and Jeff's) and uploaded some to the photolab on Superstore.ca so I could get prints.

I noticed that Steve did a wonderful job capturing candid moments on the trip. And he got some fantastic portraits out of them. I admit, at the time, it seemed invasive! You'd be talking away to someone, and then, BAM! You'd look up, and Steve would have a camera right in your face! Or, you'd be enjoying a moment of solitude and... HELLO! Steve's zooming in on you! But, as you will see, the images he turned out speak for themselves.

Steve said that if I used any of his pictures, I should use his "watermark" on them. He doesn't actually have a watermark-- but to emphasize Steve's creative genius let me reiterate: THESE ARE STEVE'S PICTURES!

Subject: Tom

If you know Tom... Then you know he loves to ruin photos. He looks away at the last second, strikes a ridiculous GQ pose, waves his limbs around... He'll do pretty much anything to ruin a classy photo. Except... In Tom's mind, he's not ruining them. He's making them more interesting! So, good on Steve for catching Tom in an unguarded moment. Look at the results!

Subject: Shauna

Here's Shauna at the Luau. I'm not sure if this photo would have had the same affect if it had been taken in colour. Something about the shadows makes this photo! Or maybe it's because Shauna has such a big smile! She sure is puuurdy!

Subject: Billy

Okay... This photo doesn't have the same feel as the last two. And Billy is clearly striking a stoic pose (and doing a very good job at it, I might add), but I love it regardless. No... Billy didn't have a murse. He was just being such a good sport about holding my purse. Anyway, I think this is an excellent comical shot.

Subject: Me!

Okay, remember how I said Steve's techniques at times felt a little... Invasive? Do you SEE? For every fantastic photo, there's multiples like the one above. My expression says it all! "We're doing this again? Get that out of my face!"

But here's a better one! Steve says I have a "knowing" look in this one. I know there is a camera pointed at me? Maybe?

Subject: Jeff

Is... Is Jeff seducing the camera? Does anyone else see that look about him? "Come to me... Yes, you... Come to me..." Or, is it more of a threatening look? "I'm going to MESS. YOU. UP." Perhaps a look of warning? But that's the beauty of it! It's mysterious...

Subject: Ashley

I've saved the best for last! This is definitely my favorite "person" photo from the trip. You know how people talk about someone "lighting up" when they are happy? Well, I think that pretty much sums up this shot. I've never seen a photo of Ashley with so much light in her before. It's beaming out of her! She looks lovely! *Envious Sigh*

If anyone is a new reader to this blog, you might be wondering... Who IS this Steve character? And how did he get so good with his camera?

I give you... In all his aloof and dispassionate glory... STEVE!

Tom managed to snap this one!

Thanks, Steve! You sure captured some great moments.

Anyway, I'll post some pictures from the Luau, snorkeling and the volcano on the weekend. Promise!