Last Thursday night I was with the poker boys taking their money....I have been playing with them for years before I moved to Mexico and when ever I go back to Nanaimo we always get together......
Very sadly I heard this morning that Bruce, one of the guys had a massive heart attack and passed away this morning.
Bruce was a lovely man, skinny and an avid golfer and non smoker......he leaves behind a wonderful family and my thoughts and prayers go out to them!!!
Tomorrow morning I leave Linda and Tucson behind and drive to Las Cruces New Mexico where I plan to hike and spend the night!!
Different post today want to share two little anecdotes with you.
The first one happened yesterday at the Seattle airport......I went into the men's bathroom which was huge and sectioned and in one section there were 5 urinals each with a man doing what they do at these places BUT each one of them had a cell phone in their hand and at least half of them were texting...I wish I could have taken a photo it was hilarious and I think a tad sad that they could not even take the time to pee without using their mobile device!!!!
The second incident happened this morning here in the local Walmart.......I was in the pharmacy section buying Epsom salts and there was only one bag on the shelf and I wanted more..there was a female employee in the next aisle and I asked if there any more bags in the stockroom...she checked on her little computer(again modern technology) and told me yes and asked me to follow her and I said for sure...then I hear this voice from behind say to the lady helping me...."How lucky you are having a handsome man follow you"!!!!
I turned to the lady and smiled and said why thank you so much...made my day!!!!
Was she a charming young and gorgeous woman saying this........maybe!!! Does it matter!!!!
I had a good sleep but woke up early at 5.30 am so I just messed around on the computer and then decided to take everything out of my suitcase and re pack and had a shower and soon it was time to leave I had called for a taxi to pick me up at 8.30 am a little early to get to the airport but because I was A) hungry B) a long weekend I thought it beneficial to get checked in early!!
I am flying Alaska airlines and check in was a breeze until I put the suitcase on the scale and the young agent told me i was 5 pounds overweight...I was ready for this and I had my receipt from United airlines showing I had already paid them and of course did not take the flight..I told him quickly what happened and he just smiled and said "Mr.Pearson I am going to waive all baggage charges"...I said a sincere thank you and then asked was it possible to get an exit row seat and he checked and said sure, anything else? I quickly asked him to order me breakfast we laughed and it was a great start to the day!!!
I did go to the United airline counter and asked if they would provide me with a food voucher which they would not but I again explained my situation with the same reply but I also said that the least you can do is refund the 26 dollars I paid you to carry my bag which you did not...the lady went and checked with her supervisor and they told me that is not the airlines policy but they would do it this time for me.....so I believe for my patience and persistence I am at least 26 dollars richer but then I think not really as my air bnb and taxis was over 140 dollars oh well!!!........I had a nice breakfast and the flight left on time...
May I be so bold as to offer you all some advice???
When you fly and check in simply ask is there any available seats in the exit row!!!
I do this every time and I cannot remember ever not getting one they are great seats with much longer leg room ...see below today I had the whole row to myself...I do not understand the plane was full except for the two exit rows.....so just simply ask!!!
You can see a somber grey day...
Two minutes after take off and above the clouds...sun!!!
Magnificent views of Mount Seymour...
Next up the Grand Canyon!!!
.....3 hours to Tuscon and Linda and Teri were there waiting for me and drove me to get Little Bluey......thanks for picking me up ladies!!!!
I drove to Linda's for a much needed dip in the pool
and the hot tub!!!
....the weather is very lovely hot and sunny.
Linda and I then went to a local pizza restaurant and got caught up on the last 6 weeks!!!
I was feeling a bit tired so I came home relaxed and then got to bed by 10 pm.....good to be back in the good old US of A!!!!!!
A morning doing last minute stuff and at 10 am Heather and Boomer and I headed out for the Victoria airport a two hour drive away!!!
I drove and it was an easy uneventful drive and we arrived at noon....said my fond farewells to Heather and Boomer and went to the check in desk.....
Victoria is a very small and wonderful airport....checked in to my United flight was assigned an exit row window seat..all going well!!
Went through security and down to the boarding gate..it is only a small plane about 50 seats and soon they made an announcement but not the one I wanted to hear!!!!
Because of this...
SFO flight delays, cancellations could continue as airport revamps runway
(Jose Carlos Fajardo/Bay Area News Group)
San Francisco International Airport is repaving its second longest runway over the course of three months. It caused delays and flight cancellations this past weekend and could continue to do so as construction carries on through June.
SAN FRANCISCO — Flight delays and cancellations that plagued San Francisco International Airport passengers over the weekend could continue as the airport rehabilitates one of its longest runways.
SFO is repaving its second-longest runway over the course of three months while also upgrading its runway lights, building a secondary taxiway and realigning an existing taxiway — all efforts to improve operational efficiency, the airport says.
“The rehabilitation of this runway is equivalent to paving four lanes of Interstate 101 from Millbrae Avenue to Redwood Shores,” the airport said in a news release about the project. And like major freeway construction, the runway work is creating some issues for travelers.
According to airport public information officer Doug Yakel, there were at least 220 flight cancellations after the airport closed the runway this past weekend from 6 p.m. Friday through 12 p.m. Monday, the second weekend closure in what will be regular weekend closures for the next seven weeks. The airport averages 1,250 flights per day.
Other flights were delayed, and some flights were redirected to other local airports. The Oakland airport reported seven flights rerouted from SFO since Saturday, all from Alaska Airlines. More flights could be rerouted as SFO’s runway work continues.
While SFO consulted with the Federal Aviation Administration and airline partners to develop a schedule that will mitigate delays and impact operations the least, it said in a news release, “Some delays may occur during weekend
closures.”
Our departure time was delayed as we needed a time slot to arrive in San Fran and they announced 30 minutes.....I was on a bit of a tight schedule as I had 90 minutes in San Fran to get my connection to Tucson....next I hear my name being paged to go to the counter....where the polite young man informed me that the flight was not leaving for another two hours and of course I could not make my next flight....he checked in the computer and said the options I had were to stay in Victoria and take the flight tomorrow or to take the flight to San Fran overnight there and then get the connection tomorrow and he also said he was sorry but because the problem was not one with their airline they would not cover my expenses......I could hear passengers at other gates screaming and shouting and abusing the ticket agent like it was there fault the runway in San Fran was closed.
I was not really thrilled about all of this and made what I now know was a smart move....I asked if I could leave the secure area and then come back and I told I could as long as I had my boarding pass....so I left and returned to the check in desk I had been a little while ago..I explained my predicament and the lady spent a few minutes on the computer and gave me this option......
Take a flight at 4.45 pm today to Seattle, overnight there and then get a direct flight to Tucson tomorrow morning at 11.35 am....and again she also told me they would not cover expenses.....this really was a no brainer I did want to go anywhere near San Fran......so they had to retrieve my suitcase and then I checked in at the Delta counter and i had to pay 25 dollars for my bag which I tried to explain I had already paid that amount to United but it fell on deaf ears....
So off through security again and now to a different boarding area.....I thought about getting a hotel close to the airport and knew it would be expensive so I got out my computer and checked air bnb near the airport in Seattle..I found a suitable one that gave instant booking, which meant i was guaranteed the room..so I booked it....the site should me that i had double booked because I had already a reservation in Tucson which I could not cancel......so I am out a few dollars!!!
So off I go..
I never did get to Victoria this trip but this is a great photo of down town!!
Mt. Rainier is considered one of the most dangerous volcanoes in the world, and it is on the Decade Volcano list.[6] Because of its large amount of glacial ice, Mt. Rainier could produce massive lahars that could threaten the entire Puyallup River valley, and poses a grave threat to the southern sections of the Seattle metropolitan area, a city of over 650,000 people with more than 3.7 million living in its metropolitan area.
I like the above shot!!
No problems going through USA Immigration and I quickly caught a cab and 8 dollars later I was at the air bnb...it is just a bedroom in a small apartment, very nice but no use of the kitchen.....
I contacted airbnb and explained my issue and asked if they could give a refund on my Tucson booking for tonight but unfortunately they cannot...so this whole episode will cost me about 150 dollars and you can rest assured a nice letter will be written to United Airlines.....
It was now 8 pm and I was a tad hungry so I took a walk and all I could find about 10 blocks away was a 7 - 11..so i bought some milk and yogurt.
So quite an eventful day and really i am lucky it could have been much worse supposing I had a connection to the Far east or a cruise....
Tomorrow I fly at 11.35 am a direct flight to Tucson arriving at 2.30 pm!!!
Well it happened again just like it always does you think you have 6 weeks lots of time and then the last week scrambling...anyway I worked with Heather again outside it was lovely and warm and we both worked hard......my case all packed and tomorrow I fly to Tucson...so Heather and Kirby thanks for all your kindness yet again...all my friends great to connect and now the next stage of this journey which started ten and half years ago is about to begin!!!!!
You get come out for a few hours on a kayak trip..so pack a lunch get the life vest on and away we go in Little Orange one!!!
Our Destination!!
Newcastle Island Saysutshun
"A Gem in the Harbour"
Traditionally known as Saysutshun by the Snuneymuxw people, this marine provincial park is only accessible by foot passenger ferry or boat. Located within Nanaimo's Harbour it is a breathtaking place with spectacular panoramic views of the Harbour City and Coast Mountains.
Spend an afternoon exploring beaches, hiking trails or viewing wildlife and complete your day with a nice meal or snack at the Q'uluc'tun Bistro located in the restored 1930's dance pavilion.
Camp at individual or group sites, or if arriving by boat, for a more intimate experience tie up to one of the many buoys or dock overnight with your friends at one of the lowest rates in the Harbour.
Come experience Snuneymuxw's culturally rich history. Saysutshun is a spiritual place to the Snuneymuxw people that held village sites and provided rich natural resources for countless generations.
A Marine Provincial Park since 1961 with a long history of Snuneymuxw presence, coal mining, sandstone quarries, herring fisheries and more, Newcastle Island is now managed by Snuneymuxw First Nation in partnership with BC Parks and the City of Nanaimo.
Hike or Bike - on one of the many trails with panoramic views
Kayak- around the Island but be sure to come enjoy the many amenities the Island has to offe
Explore - tidal pools and beaches, forest ecology or one of the many historic sites including Snuneymuxw village sites, sandstone quarries, fish saltery sites, and coal mine sites
Swim- at various locales around the island including sandy Kanaka Bay or Midden Bay, or pebble beaches at Brownie Bay and Mark Bay
Replenish - refuel after a busy day exploring the Island at Q'uluc'tun Bistro located in the restored 1930s teahouse in the dance pavilion and enjoy a gourmet meal or hearty snack
Celebrate - host your wedding or special event at the Pavilion and enjoy full services and amenities including meals by our executive red seal Chef for up to 220 people
A small foot passenger ferry leaves from downtown Nanaimo’s Maffeo Sutton Park daily May through September, running every 30 minutes. It’s a quick 10-minute ride to Newcastle Island.
In the off-season you can arrange a ride to Newcastle Island or private boats can visit year-round at the docks or tie up to one of Mark Bay’s many a mooring buoy.
I know what these are called but just cannot remember at this minute I am sure one of you will help me out!!!
I love the reflection on this shot!!!
My lunch stop!!!!
these are really good I think!!!
Looks like he is tagged!!!
Nanaimo does not get many cruise ships but this one was here for a few hours!!
Looking at down town!!!
I really like this one with the mountains, the high rises and the array of yachts!!!
I know a broken record but another sunny and warm day and morning pickle ball!!!!!
After lunch I worked out in the yard and later on in the evening went to meet the boys and played poker till 10.30 pm ..my last game a for a while here so I felt it my duty to take as much money off the boys as I could.
and I did...won 17 dollars!!!!!
This car was in the mall parking lot and it brought back many happy memories this is the exact same color and car that I had for over 5 years in Bermuda!!!
Heather recorded the hockey game for me and when I came home I enjoyed watching the game and sadly Canada's last team was eliminated from the play offs in a fabulous game 7 which went into double overtime!!!
So my 6 weeks here in Nanaimo is quickly coming to an end and on Sunday I leave for my flight back to Tucson...the plan is to stay 4 nights in Tucson and then drive to Las Cruses in New Mexico get in a hike and stay the night and then a long drive to Laredo....where I will stay for 2 days and try to walk across the border and get all my documents the day before I drive across and if everything goes according to plan I shall finally cross the border Sunday morning and be back in San Miguel late Sunday afternoon on the 4th June.......
I worked really hard outside in the yard today after my PB.....it seems I also worked hard on this day 8 years ago...
this is the bog from 24th may 2009!!!
Up at 8am this morning to watch live coverage of a huge soccer game in England between my brother’s MIGHTY Hull and Manchester United. The outcome of this game and other games being played at the same time determined that although Hull lost the game they get to stay up in Premier Division which is huge in the terms of revenue and prestige.
Some where in this crowd is my brother!!!
The really big soccer news is tomorrow is the BIG DAY!!!!
This is when my team the VERY MIGHTY BLADES, Sheffield United, play Burnley and the winner will advance to the Premier League next season, stay tuned for the result tomorrow!!!!
The afternoon saw me “put” to work cleaning gutters, don’t people know I am old and retired!!!!!
Tonight I was lucky enough to have another birthday party. Friday my great friend Ken was not feeling too well and couldn’t make the party so we celebrated again, aren’t I the lucky one…
Ken is such a great man after the cake we watched a DVD of his training in the RCMP in 1953……he just loved seeing all his old friends.
So ends another great day…..
It is really hard for me to believe that I am actually 69 years old or young!!!
My oh my where did the years go??
At the same time I feel very blessed to be in such good health and all my life I have been active and I feel really good.......
Heather started my day by making fresh blueberry muffins and a lovely gift from all her family a really great waterproof jacket which is very light weight and perfect for my hiking days and those rainy days coming up in San Miguel.
Then I was off to PB where I played for 2 hours without a break and it felt good and the day was hot and sunny!!!
Came home for lunch and Heather was busy working outside and I went and found some odd jobs to do around the house......
At 3.00 pm Heather insisted that I stop working..she set up a lounger an ice tea a muffin and my book and I relaxed in the sun!!!
Ladies sorry to disappoint you I know it looks like I am naked but I assure you I was not!!!!!!!
My special and lovely friend Gracie in San Miguel who is pictured below with her family....
had arranged unbeknownst to me a special birthday treat for me...she had contacted one of the loveliest pub restaurants just outside of Nanaimo, The Crow and Gate, and had left a gift certificate there for me for my birthday dinner, how very sweet was that???
So this evening Heather and Karen and I drove out and as can see we had a wonderful dinner in a beautiful location!!!
Thank you Gracie so much we wished you could have joined us!!!
So what do you think not bad for 69 years?????
Back home Heather had a birthday cake for me and we sat and watched a hockey game we had recorded....
I spoke to my brother and family yesterday and thanks for all the e mails and best wishes....
Blessed not only to have great health but a loving family and special and wonderful friends in my life!!!
May I be so bold as to offer you all some advice???
You can see a somber grey day...
Two minutes after take off and above the clouds...sun!!!
Magnificent views of Mount Seymour...
Next up the Grand Canyon!!!
and the hot tub!!!
My plane...
Not really clear shots!!
I like the above shot!!
I contacted airbnb and explained my issue and asked if they could give a refund on my Tucson booking for tonight but unfortunately they cannot...so this whole episode will cost me about 150 dollars and you can rest assured a nice letter will be written to United Airlines.....
I know what these are called but just cannot remember at this minute I am sure one of you will help me out!!!
I love the reflection on this shot!!!
My lunch stop!!!!
these are really good I think!!!
Looks like he is tagged!!!
Nanaimo does not get many cruise ships but this one was here for a few hours!!
Looking at down town!!!
I really like this one with the mountains, the high rises and the array of yachts!!!
Congratulations to the Ottawa Senators staved off elimination and now it is all down to one game on Thursday night!!!!
