Granville Island

Went to Granville Island with Pru, Patience & Murray.  We wandered the shops and had a scrumptious lunch at the new Edible Canada at the Market - Lemon ricotta stuffed waffles with seasonal fruit, amber maple syrup.

Picked up my car at Pru's and did a quick trip to Richmond to get the cache I needed today.  Back for a nice quiet read on the front porch and then wonderful baby back ribs for dinner.

Down time

Spent the day cleaning up cache records for the last couple of days.  Couldn't see my GPS in the dark last night but it was in the trunk today (too tired to worry about it).

Couldn't get it together to shop or cook so went out for Chinese takeout from a Richmond mall.

My foot is still sore but is much better than yesterday.

Lund

We drove as far as Lund and then worked our way back to Langford, finding caches along the way. It was like driving past a series of postcards.

Home at about 9:45 and am really tired. Don't do well sitting and my leg is a bit swollen. That hurt my foot.


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Sunshine Coast Geocaching

Lori & Pam picked me up at 7:45 and we headed for the Sunshine Coast.  We had a reservation to get on the first ferry and the day was perfect for the ride.

We found our first 2 caches in Langdale and then worked our way to Powell River.  We logged about 100 points (Difficulty plus Terrain) before crying uncle.  We finally had dinner at Tim Horton's at 10 pm.  

Haven't logged them yet and was too tired to remember to blog last night.  Also forgot to bring cane and SPARC pass.  The paper said making mistakes helps the older brain to get better.  I must be getting so smart!

Day of of news stories

Had a good sleep last night and was feeling better today.  

Went to Byrne & Marine Way to shop at London Drugs, Mark's, Cobb's & Staples.  Love having my favourite stores all in one place.

Spent the afternoon logging coins and reading puzzles.  Didn't feel like cooking so had dinner at the White Spot.

On the news today: Jack Layton's death, the fall of Libya, a major hurricane and a big earthquake...

Rainy day

Didn't have to go out in the rain today and enjoyed the coolness after the heat of the last few days.

Got my GPS units ready for our road trip Wednesday.  Spent some time sorting all my puzzle and multi pages in a couple of binders.

Sad day, loosing Jack Layton.  Social media sent messages around the country so quickly.  His final letter was perfect.  This man should have had a chance to be Prime Minister.  Other politicians should honour him by being more like him.

Home

There were barking dogs in the hotel breakfast room.  Couldn't find hot water for tea and there were too many people so I left with just juice.  Told the man at the desk as I checked out about the dogs and he took off down the hall in a fury.

Went right to the ferry to Whidbey Island and was on the 8:30.  Found an earthcache and then my GPS stopped working.  Since I can't use the iPhone in the U.S., I gave up and headed home. 

Did some shopping at The Olive Shoppe in La Conner and had a good lunch at the Waterfront Cafe.  Bought gas at COSTCO for $3.599/gal (94.6/litre).  Stopped at the Duty Free for a bottle of rum.  It cost $4.50 since I had filled up my card.  

There was only 1 car ahead of me in the NEXUS lane so I was home just after 3.  I was glad I had come straight home.  I had a bit of a headache and I had a few other aches and pains.  Don't need to do much tomorrow.

Mega Block Party

There was no room to sit for the free breakfast at my hotel this morning so I just drove straight to Seattle.  I had the coordinates for a parking garage and ended up on a bridge on top of it!  Got back to the right side and parked for $5.  Had tea and a scone in a coffee shop at about 9:30.  

Wandered over to the Block Party early and was able to get in line to buy a t-shirt and coins before things got too busy.  Traded some geocoins and bought a bunch of stuff at the vendors.  Ran into several Canadians I knew but was pretty tired out from the heat and standing so left just after noon.  It was very well organized.  Apparently they learned from mistakes they made last year.  I see that over 500 have now logged that they were there which officially makes it a mega event.

Took ages to get through traffic and find a parking spot near Pier 54.  Had a great lunch at Ivar's Acres of Clams.  Haven't been there for years.  Had Seafood Cocktail (Lemon poached tiger prawns, white shrimp, Snow Crab claws, Dungeness Crab, Along with a mango avocado salad. Garnished with shredded fresh horseradish), Seafood Chowder (Alaska halibut, wild salmon, white shrimp, clams and hard-wood smoked bacon) and Caesar Salad.

Found 7 caches on the way back to my motel in Everett.  One was on a hill looking down on an aircraft carrier.  Loaded in a new bunch for Whidbey Island tomorrow.

Walked next door to Hunan Restaurant for dinner.  Mediocre food.  You know you aren't in Vancouver when you have to ask for chopsticks.

Washington geocaching

Left home before 9 this morning.  The lineup at Peace Arch went north of the duty free, but there were 2 cars ahead of me in the NEXUS lane!

Arrived at the Bellevue Mall, east of Seattle, by noon.  Bought some clothes at Macy's and goodies at Harry & David.  Had a great lunch at Z'Tejas.   

Drove to Redmond and found a cache placed in January 2004 for a challenge.  As I was making notes in the car a security guard popped up out of nowhere and asked what I was hiding.  I tried to explain things to him and he wasn't interested.  He wrote my license on his hand (well organized idiot that he was) and said he was calling the police.  I showed him my maps and offered to show him what was under the lamp skirting but he just stomped off.  He was on the phone as I drove off.   Wasn't going to waste the afternoon waiting for the police who might never have come.

Took a long time to get back to Everett and check in at the Best Western (on Aerogold miles).  I've stayed here before.  The room is nice but someone had taken a shower after it was cleaned.  They redid the bathroom while I was out for dinner at Famous Dave's in Everett Mall.  Looked for a cache nearby but no luck.

The traffic here is absolutely nuts.  So glad we stopped freeways from cutting through Vancouver.

New tires

Dropped my car off at Cloverdale Service to get 2 more tires to match the ones I bought a while ago.  Seemed silly to have 2 new and 2 old on at the same time.  I costed the same model at Canadian Tire and they wanted $50 more and weren't the least bit interested in matching the price.  

Pam and I found a bunch of caches in Delta, Surrey and Ladner.  They were to fill some gaps and a couple were ones that I hadn't been able to see earlier.  

We had a really good lunch at Choo Choo's in Langley - Round The Beet Spinach Salad (Spinach , red onion, beets & honey roasted pecans tossed in Maple Pecan dressing & dusted with feta and topped with Cajun Chicken).

Home by 4:45 and had a rest before going to John's for Lucas's birthday.

Planning day

Spent the day organizing caches for tomorrow and for my weekend trip to Washington.

Did the laundry and started packing.

Met Moira and her daughter at White Spot for the Adult Pirate Pak Day.  Money from each goes to a camp for special needs kids.

Puzzles

Stayed in today and did a bunch of stuff.  Worked on some geocaching puzzles and organized that database a bit better.

Put my new IKEA lamp together and it is better than the broked tri-light when it worked!  Put a new set of sheets on the bed and will do laundry tomorrow.

Mary Pack Arthritis Program

Slept well and had a quiet morning.  Spent the afternoon at the Mary Pack Arthritis Program (VGH).  Today was a 2-hour introduction to the services offered.  I'm not signing up for anything until we get my cancer treatment sorted out.

Found a cache in Dunbar Park and then spent some time reading at Spanish Banks.

Met Louise and Gwen at the Cactus Club for dinner and then met a couple of others at the Cancer Agency for informal group meeting in the lobby.

Shopping

Pru & I went to IKEA this morning and she helped pick out new sheet sets and floor lamp.  We then got her a new work table for the kitchen.

We then went to the Ladner Market and filled up a few bags with bread, jam, pickled beets, cheese...

Got home at the same time as Jesse & he and his girlfriend started putting the table together.  We went out for dinner and then back to it.  They were still working when I left.  I remember putting those IKEA things together!

Two Geocaching Events

Managed to attend two events today.  Met Pam at Deas Island Park where there was a gathering to celebrate the end of this year's cache contest.  We all went looking for a new multi & a traditional cache nearby.  Getting better at putting names to faces.

A couple travelling from Australia then had another event at Sharkey's Pub in Ladner.  A lot of the same people came along but there were some new ones as well.  Traded geocaching stories and hints.

Linda Dunbar came in for lunch. Haven't seen her for years.  

Dropped down to Point Roberts for gas ($1.12/litre).  There was a long line but not one car in the NEXUS lane.  I sailed right through and it was the same coming back.  Picked up a few things at Thrifty's and then home.  Too tired to look for any more caches.  Am sitting at 2,892 and will add the 2 new ones when they are posted.

Shot day

Picked up my drug at Fairmont and got the injection at the Cancer Agency.  I looked at my schedule and am having bloodwork & a CT Scan on Sep. 9 and the Dr. on the 13th.  The next injection is not booked on the 9th, so I'm not sure if this is the last one.  I'll have to call next week.

Headed to Port Kells area of Surrey & worked my way to Fort Langley.  Found 7 caches.  Was chased away from one by a swarm of mosquitoes.  I'll return in the Fall.

Bought some wine at the Fort Winery and had a perfect lunch at The Lamplighter.

Home by 5 and just sat for an hour.  Will sleep tonight.

White Rock map

Met Lori and Pam in White Rock and we finished off several multis.  I only have a couple of tough terrain caches left on my map.  We also did a virtual at Peace Arch - had to answer a question & take our photo.

Really tired when I got home.

Carrying on

Had to be up early for 8 am bloodwork.  Found a new cache near VGH and then went to the Sunshine Diner for breakfast.

Saw Dr. Gelmon at 10.  She isn't sure what is going on.  My tumours are growing and the tumour markers are rising, but I am feeling well.  The plan is to carry on with my current drug and have a CTScan on September 9th and see her the next week.  She and the resident seemed concerned with my neck and are changing the scan so it includes my head this time.  Don't know what they are seeing but it isn't bothering me.

Went to COSTCO & Home Depot and was home by 12.

Met Moira at Applause for dinner.

Haircut

Finally got a haircut today so am feeling much cooler.  The colour is browner.  Maybe I'm getting younger.

Found a cache near Renfrew Elementary and then headed to Richmond to shop.  Changed my mind and just went to Steveston for a late lunch at Pajo's.  There were a lot of people around but no one in line to order at 14:00.  Perfect halibut and chips.

Boundary Bay

Walked about 2 km to find a regular cache (2nd try) and an Earthcache at Boundary Bay.  There was a nice breeze off the ocean this morning.

Bought fresh fruit & vegetables at Steveston Hwy stand and stopped at London Drugs.  Home by 12:30.

Headache gone today.

Wandering around

Found 4 caches in Surrey.  Hot enough that I wanted out of my apartment.  Love my car's air conditioning.  Bit of a headache since last night.

White Caps and Lions have now won games.  Enjoyed both!

I Love Lucy

Lucy was born 100 years ago so I celebrated by watching some of her early movies.

I was so tired last night that I went to bed early and slept in today.  Decided to not even get dressed and just vegged out in front of the tube.

Lily's 4th Birthday

Found a cache in Delta. Called to say happy birthday to Lily and Matt invited me over. Had her present in the trunk so I went to Port Moody. W had lunch at White Spot and then drove to Sasamat to see the camp Sadie has been at each day this week. Very impressive. We then went back to PM to meet her bus.

Watched Tangled and Rio. Headed home after dinner.


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Hot day of caching

Drove to Pitt Meadows, Maple Ridge area and found 8 caches today.  Best part was the air conditioning during the drive.  

Home by 5:30.  My apartment is too hot as usual.

New appointment

Attended Metastatic Cancer support group at the Cancer Agency.  Good way to get grounded.

Dropped off HST ballot at City Square and then stopped at Oakridge for groceries.  There was an appointment card from the Agency in today's mail.  I see Karen on  the 10th to figure out what to do now.

Went to Pru's for dinner to meet some relatives of Patience's husband, Bob.  BBQ salmon & fresh peach cobbler - perfect!

Laundry dance

Carted laundry down to find one free machine & one still sitting with clothes in it.  Waited 10 minutes and then took them out.  

Enough effort for one day.  After driving 600 km I wanted a day of rest.  Spent the rest of it reading.

Left a message with Karen's office asking if she was back and if I was going on with next week's treatment - I'm guessing not.

Home

Meandered home today, finding another 7 caches. Total for the weekend was 38.

Stopped at the Shrimp Shack for lunch. Came over the truck crossing so I could buy liquor at the duty free. Gave up trying to buy gas at COSTCO and it took ages to get out of traffic jam. Filled up at border for $4.04 ($1.02/litre). COSTCO in Burlington was $3.62 ($0.91/litre). Much better than our $1.38.

Listened to border services suggestion and went through NEXUS at 2:30 - 3 cars in front of me! Much worse later in the afternoon.


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24 caches

It rained before I got up and was cloudy all day,  Perfect geocaching weather.

Started with free breakfast at the hotel and then just wandered around Mount Vernon, Burlington and the area.  Found 24 caches but didn't find a lot.  This was to help with my total count for the 31st of the month.  Now I need 51 in the last 3 31sts of the year.

Mount Vernon

Dropped Pam's jacket off on my way by.  Drove along Hwy 10 and the the Fraser Hwy to Hwy 1.  Avoided a lot of traffic that way.  Got over the border at Sumas in about 20 minutes.  Worked my way down Hwy 9 to Mount Vernon.  Found 9 caches along the way.  It was a hot day so I didn't do a lot of walking.  

My GPS gave out as I arrived.  It started working after a few hours.  Garmin told me last week to update the software so that hasn't worked.  I'll write again when I get home.

Had ribs at Max Dale's Steak & Chop House.  Far too much food.  I am staying in a Best Western using Aeroplan points.  It is old but they found me a room on the main floor and it is clean.  Good TV and channels.

New PVR

Shaw man came this afternoon and pronounced my PVR dead.  Luckily it only had a bunch of movies recorded.  The new box is working fine.

Moira and her daughter at the White Spot for dinner.  Blueberry tarts are great.

Needed a cache today so found an easy one by Richmond Hospital.  Could get parked close since not many people around tonight.

Sunshine

Finally - a summer day!

Met Pam in Coquitlam Mall and we headed for Bunzen Lake, then to Alouette Lake (Golden Ears).  Stopped in Haney for lunch and then off to Rolley Lake.  We got 2 squares on our map of BC & 2 provincial parks for Pam.  A perfect day for doing this.  Pam scrambled for a few that were beyond me.

Took her back to her car and then went to pick up my old GPS at Georgina's.  Ended up staying for a great dinner and made it home at 8:50.   A long day!

Just called 911 to report 2 drunks trying to ride away on their motorcycles from across the road.  Didn't realize they were electric until they actually got them going.  The woman had a helmet but road away on the sidewalk.

Travel Insurance

Renewed my travel insurance at BCCA and picked up groceries at Safeway.

Since I don't have my PVR, I started watching Game of Thrones on Shaw on Demand (free).  I am totally hooked and made it halfway through the eighth episode.

Cool day

Thought summer might have been here a couple of days ago but it was a false alarm.  

Shaw fixed my remote remotely but can't fix the PVR.  Repair man comes Friday.  Must do housework now!

Irritating night

My neighbours are really becoming a bother.  There is a woman with a small child in my building who is friends with a motorcyle thug across the street.  They often talk by yelling across the street and he is often screaming at her.  It finally lost it and told them to be quiet and he threatened me.  No wonder someone trashed his bikes a few weeks ago.

Just to add to the ambience, planes fly low over head for a while every night about 11:00.

Started out doing housework but it didn't last long.  Just can't get motivated!

Poor Jack Layton looks really wasted!

Sunday dinner

Went to Elaine's for dinner tonight. Thought I'd find a quick cache in Dunbar Park but couldn't find it.  Joined by another cacher making his second attempt but no luck. 

Had a good dinner and visit and then headed downtown to try for another.  Failed at one by the Burrard St. Bridge but found one by Sunset Beach (at sunset).  Next empty day to fill in on my calendar is Friday.

Still have a bit of a headache.  Slept until 10:30.

Burnaby caching

Found a few caches near Burnaby Mtn then stopped for lunch at IHOP.

Matt texted to see where I was and invited for a visit. Sat on the patio in the sun. Hot enough he needed to put up the umbrella. Gave Sadie my old netbook.

Stopped at Thrifty's for groceries. Car GPS stopped working so headed home. It is fine again now.

Woke up with a headache and it is back a bit now.

Errands

Took my car back to Toyota to have a bracked put back over my battery.  A longer screw ($32) was needed to reach over the battery I bought in Salmon Arm.

Bought a Seagate GoFlex Satellite at Best Buy.  It was so new the clerk didn't believe they had it until I showed him online and he found it in the back.

Had to loop around all the traffic on Steveston Hwy heading for the tunnel so I could get to Richmond Country Farms.  Bought a pile of fresh fruit & vegetables.

Poor old Lions!

Princeton

Picked Pam today and we drove to Princeton, finding caches on map squares and in provincial parks along the way. The few near Princeton were too far so we stopped for lunch and headed back. Found more on the other side of the road. Went via Harrison and found a couple in Sasquatch and 1 in Kilby.

Saw a bunch of Cascade golden-mantled ground squirrels at Manning Park Lodge. Also an eagle, a bear, a deer, a snake, a raccoon & a pika.

Stopped in Cloverdale for dinner and was home by 10:30.



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Markers rising

Went to the Metastatic Cancer support group this morning.  Always helps!

Picked up a print-out of my tumour markers.  The doctor didn't have the most recent results last week.  He was concerned about the previous number but now it has shot up to 110.

This last drug isn't helping so Karen should have a new plan when she gets back from her sebatical in August.

Met with Elaine and taught her how to use Facebook. She is a quick study.  We went for coffee afterwards at My Local Cafe.  What a great name!

Stopped at London Drugs and then home.  Am feeling much better than yesterday.

Upset

Had a long night with many trips to the bathroom.  Had some tea and crackers for lunch and some soup for dinner.  Feeling more normal tonight.

Fun watching Murdoch, et al trying to not answer questions.  He is playing poor, frail old man - will anyone buy it?

Tired

Took my car in for service at 1 today.  I want 2 new tires to match those I bought a couple of months ago in Cloverdale.  They didn't have that brand.  Canadian Tire does but they are $20/each more.  I'll search tomorrow.

Found a cache near my old school, Whiteside.   Met Louise at Cactus Club for dinner and we checked the Agency to make sure no one though there was a meeting.

Spent the day back and forth to the bathroom and I am really tired.

Dull Sunday

The rain has stopped but the sun didn't come out.  Watched women's soccer - who would have thought Japan could win.

Was organizing my photos from trip to Shuswap and found this one.  There was a flock of butterflies near the Cache Creek Airport.

Rain

What a stormy day.  A good one to stay in and watch TV & read.

Finished parks

Picked my chemo at Macdonald's and took it to the Cancer Agency. Had to wait awhile as they lost my file. Also needed a port flush since they didn't use it for the blood draw on Wednesday.

Drove to Golden Ears and then Rolley Lake to finish off the 25 Parks challenge. Lori called for a clue as she finished hers on Sea to Sky.

Stopped in Fort Langley for lunch at about 3:00. Excellent lunch/supper at Wendel’s Bookstore and Cafe - tomato and basil soup, 1/2 grilled cheddar sandwich and carrot cake.

Home by 4:30 and tired.



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Caching in the rain

Up early to meet Pam & Lori in White Rock.  They went down a couple of staircases to replace missing caches.  We then went to Peace Arch Provincial Park to find 2 more and another at the Tourist building.  

Was home by 11:30 & glad of a hot pot of tea.  The rain was very heavy when I started out but tapered off this afternoon.  Spring can't be far away!

Worrisome checkup

Went for bloodwork at 2 but the order wasn't for the port so I have to go back in on Friday to have it flushed (must be used every month).  The nurse in the lab found a vein without too much trouble.

Went to Granville Island to load up on groceries while I waited for my doctor's appointment.

Saw Dr. Lilly as Karen is away.  My tumour markers are rising and the CT Scan confusing.  He said it was hard to compare to the PET scans I've had.  We decided to go ahead with Friday's shot and I'm to see Karen next month instead of waiting until September.  He is checking to see if the trial I'm on is planning another PET scan.  I'll either have one of those or another CT Scan to see if they can figure out if the drug is actually working.  Plan D?

At least I'm feeling pretty good right now.  I guess it means not making any reservations for trips until I know the new plan.

Alice Lake

Looking for Earth Caches & caches in Provincial Parks, so drove to Alice Lake, Brackendale & Stawamus Chief.  The last was an Earth Cache as was one at Britannia Mines.

Stopped at the Olive & Anchor in Horseshoe Bay for an excellent lunch - Roasted butternut squash soup with goat cheese and croutons, caesar salad & garlic bread and topped off with Pumpkin cheese cake with fresh seasonal fruits.

Home by 4:00.  Only need a few more parks to do the challenge.

Another day, another cache

Stayed in bed late again today.  Finally went out about 1:00 and had lunch at Pajo's on the beach in Steveston.  

Found a cache near where I grew up.  Drove by my house and it is gone!  A large new house is nearly finished.  All my Dad's trees are gone.

Mouth is sore today.  Must have been grinding my teeth.

Recovery day

Slept in until 11 and didn't shower or make tea until 12.  Had to go out to find today's cache so picked an easy one by Minoru Park in Richmond.  Stopped at Best Buy and bought a new Samsung N145 Plus netbook that was on sale.  Then picked up a bagful of stuff at Kin's and Cobb's.

Spent the rest of the day fixing up the computer and catching up on newspapers.  Too tired to go to Suzy's party.

Home

Found 54 caches today. Started with an event in Salmon Arm. We then were First to Find one of the new caches put out for the event.

Worked our way home via Vernon, Kelowna and Merritt. Found several named for their communities and some in provincial parks. Did give up looking for one rather quickly after seeing large bear tracks - yes, I did use my bear bells!

Home at midnight after dropping Pam & Georgina in Coquitlam. In pretty good shape after driving more than 16 hours today. Total mileage was 1,603 km.


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Dead battery

Went back to Kamloops to find the challenge final that eluded us a few days ago. The rain helped soften the earth so Lori and Pam found it.

We went to a few new places to find obscure provincial parks and ended up in Salmon Arm where my battery died (for the 2nd time). BCCA jumped it and I bought a new one at Canadian Tire. Still found a few more caches and was home around 8 pm

After BBQ steaks, I logged my finds and we planned our return journey tomorrow.

I am tired and my right hand has been hurting. Have driven nearly 1,000 km.



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Location:Sorrento, BC

Thunder storm

My 3rd attempt at this. The new Blogger site keeps failing so I am trying an app.

We looked for caches named for communities and in provincial parks today. Drove along the north side of the Shuswap and up to Adams Lake Park. I was on an unpaved road when a huge storm hit. Rain was pounding down and water was flowing on the road. Also had to watch for logging trucks! Finally got to the park entrance but there was too much water on the road so turned around. Lori jumped out and got soaked retrieving a cache from the road sign.

Glad to get home. The sun never did come back. Shouldn't have complained about the morning heat.

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Location:Sorrento,Canada

Camp Henderson

Met Pam at Georgina and headed to Sorrento to visit Lori. Found caches along the way to help with some challenges. Stopped in Cache Creek for lunch.

Lori's house by the lake is perfect. We had BBQ moose burgers and fresh corn for dinner. Lori and Georgina went out in the kayaks for a while and then we logged all our finds.

Hot weather and too many mosquitoes.

All packed and ready to go

Did some laundry this morning and went to London Drugs & the liquor store.  Car is packed with just a few last minute things to take down in the morning.  Then on to Camp Henderson (Lori's place at Sorrento).

Dinner with Moira tonight at Applause.  Food there is just so good.

Power crash

I did not push over the high tension power poles today.  It is a good thing we aren't going to Georgina's until Wednesday.  Tomorrow's commute should be a doozy.

I did spend the day in North Delta and Surrey looking for geocaches.  Logged 7 before heading home.  Summer is truly here today.  Don't know how I survived without a/c in my 1st 3 vehicles.

Summer is here

Must be summer as I need both fans on all day (and night).

Did a bit of housework and read most of the day.

Is it Sunday?

Kept thinking it was Sunday today and was confused by having the Sun and not the Province online.  Finally got it together.

Didn't do much at all except watch baseball and play Bejewelled.  Must catch Pru!

Happy Canada Day

Watched the Ottawa ceremonies this morning. Don't know why they didn't show tonight's.

Went to Canada Place on the Canada Line. So easy to get there. Met a couple of cachers from Dallas who were here for a cruise. Signed the log and gave them a Canadian geocoin to take to Texas. There was a small group of us there to see them off and get our happy face for the event.

Ate at street carts - pizza & a Mexican tube full of melted chocolate. An old lady pushed me and it squished on my shirt and camera. Time to go home anyway. Don't like big crowds much. Too unsteady on my feet. Easy ride home.

Lions Roar, but not enough

Stayed in today and cleaned up bills and organized geocoins.

Watched the Women's soccer (we lost) and the Lions (we lost).  Maybe I am a jinx.  The Lions would have won if there had been 5 more minutes but the soccer team didn't show up today.

Also watched Prince William and Kate on their first visit - poor man is balding already.

Retirement party

Found a book on geology of BC at Metrotown Chapters that might help with some caches.  Then found today's cache in Coquitlam.  Don't need one now until the 4th.

Joan Cook's retirement party was in Coquitlam at the Vancouver Golf Club.  Near where I lived for a few months in Grade 1.  There were several teachers there from Carleton days.  Good to see Sharon Scott.  Gave her a ride back to Grenfell where she had left her car.

VESTA Retirement Dinner

Found a new cache in Richmond this morning and then home to do bills.

Picked up a prescription at Safeway and went to Book Warehouse on 4th only to find it gone!  Chapters in Richmond didn't have what I wanted.  Not much choice left.

Attended the VESTA Retirement Dinner at the Royal Vancouver Yacht Club.  Large group of Honorary Life Members this year.  Saw a few teachers I've worked with who were retiring.  Good to see Kitty.  She looks good with no hair.

Vandals

Found today's cache in Ladner after calling Pam for a hint.  Finally heard it tinkle when I shook the branches. 

Bought 2 bags of stuff at the Ladner Village Market - jam, pickled beets, small pies...  Had a great bowl of butternut squash soup & a latte at Salt Spring Coffee in Ladner as I was too close to noon and there were lineups at the market food booths.

Home by 1 pm and just watched movies and read for the rest of the day.

Biker dude across the street ranted for a while as someone trashed his 2 big bikes that are always parked out front.  Serves him right for all the drunken swearing and yelling he does at night.  Guess someone just got tired of being kept awake.  The bikes are gone now.

Boom

Met Andrea, Matt, Lily & Sadie at Milestones in Coquitlam for lunch.  Wasn't feeling well part way through eating and didn't finish everything. 

Tried stopping for a cache on the way home but went to Thrifty's for the bathroom instead.  Started feeling better by the time I got to Richmond so found an easy one near the dyke.

Slept well last night but felt like I could just roll back into bed this afternoon.  Didn't eat much for dinner and am feeling okay now.

There was a big boom across the street at 10:30.  I called the Fire Dept and we decided it was probably a transformer since all the lights are out in the apartments across the road.  Went over to their lane and saw the fire fighters shining their flashlights up the pole.  The quickly left and Hydro was coming.  Still out 2 hours later.  Bet it won't get fixed quickly.

Rainy morning

Woke up to rain but it cleared up and I headed out at 11:30.  Deposited latest cranberry cheque and switched some money to the new tax free savings account.  Bought a charity tshirt at London Drugs.

Delivered Pam's garage door opener that she dropped in my car and took her to Ladner to pick up her repaired car.  Stopped on the way home for fresh vegetables and strawberries.

Heard yesterday that a 3rd member of our 10-person retreat at Rockwater has now died.  She was very sick and well looked after by her husband during the retreat. 

2,701

Last day of caching with Pam & Lori before Lori heads to the Interior.  We cleaned up the map of White Rock boosting me over the 2,700 mark.  The only ones left are the big climbs I won't try and a few multis.  It took us a long time and it shouldn't be long before new ones appear.

Met Agatha J in the parking lot by the White Spot.  She looks really good and was having lunch with women she taught with in the 1950's.

Picked up some wine and groceries before heading home.

Feeling pretty good.  My hand acted up a couple of times but doesn't hurt most of the time. 

Vancouver caches

Met Pam & Louise near the cemetary on 41st & Fraser just after 6 pm.  We spent the evening finding caches that we needed to fill in our Vancouver map.  Met biker44 as we found one in his back yard.  Home just after 10.

Summer finally arrived

First day of summer and the hottest day so far.  Went caching in North Van and found 7.  Met vnm747 at a couple of them.

Was home by 3:15 and ready for a rest.

Dentist

Started out my day at the dentist for a cleaning and check.  Everything is fine and Suzie fixed a couple of problems with my plate.

Found a cache near Crown Packaging where Dad used to work in the CNIB Canteen in the late 50s and early 60s.  Nice walk and ignored another cache so I can snag it on a day where I just need one.  Picked up some stuff at the new Cob's in Richmond Centre on the way home.

Met Louise at the Cactus Club for dinner and we went to our support group at the Cancer Agency.

Family Dinner

Found an easy cache in Richmond and then bought a new bag at Roots in Richmond Centre.  Had some Chinese food for lunch in the food fair.

Arrived at Pru's about 2 and much of the family was there for the afternoon and/or dinner.  We kept sitting on the porch but it was nippy.  Patience heads home tomorrow but will be back in August with new beau.

Steveston Island

Rainy morning so I was glad we decided to postpone our visit to the ghost town near the Boundary Bay Airport where Edna lived with Tim & Patience at the end of the war.  Much better in the sunshine.

Met Lori & Pam across from Steveston Island at 1:30.  My job was to take photos and to back them up if something went wrong (hah!).  The couldn't get all the way on the sand so backtracked and went over the rocks on the weir.  It took 1 1/2 hours to find the 2 caches - both are 5/5 for terrain.

Stopped at London Drugs and then home by 3:30.

Picked up Moira and we had dinner at the White Spot.  All our favourites are gone from the dessert menu so we went to Dairy Queen in protest.

Chemo day

Went to pick up my drug and the pharmacy didn't have the repeat from the doctor.  They had left a message with the one covering for mine yesterday and they hadn't answered.  I convinced them to fill it anyways.  Who is going to want to buy a $700 package of chemo on the street even if it includes a syringe?  The nurse was looking for me at the Cancer Agency as I was 5 minutes late and gave me the shot. 

Needed to put a letter the school mail so went to Weir for a visit.  Spent some time with Rum and then went to the staff room for recess.  Not many familiar faces.

Needed a cache and ended up in Delta for a quick one.  Home by 12:30.

Ladies night at Pru's with Patience, Elaine, Kathryn & Yuriko.

CT Scan today

At the Agency at 9:30 for a CT Scan and to have my port flushed.  Both were quick and easy.  Trouble is dealing with the litre of water I had to drink.

On my way to meet Lori and Pam at Point Roberts by 10:15.  Stopped for newspapers and a bathroom and parked by the beach where they were going to appear after going down the cliffs.  I had to leave a couple of times for the bathroom and of course missed them!  They had to walk back to their car.  Finally a Tweet made it through and I found them.  No phone service where I was parked.

After eating at the golf course, we headed into a forest just gorgeous trails to find 5 caches.  The 4th defeated us and I asked if we could quit for the day.  We made it to the road and Lori went for her car to drive me back to mine.  I was just exhausted all of a sudden.  Early to bed tonight!

Riot

Went to my Metastatic Support Group at the Cancer Agency today.  Found a cache at Roedde House in the West End.

Parked on Beach just the other side of the Sylvia.  Love the handicapped sticker that lets me stay in a Permit Only area for 3 hours.  Met Maureen and Daphne for lunch at 1.  They went to school together and hadn't met for years.  We talked until 4 and then I needed to leave to get home by 5.  It took me almost an hour as everyone was trying to do the same.

Daphne's room is on the 7th floor and the view of the beach is spectacular.

Poor old Canucks didn't show up to the game tonight.  They were just outplayed!  Try again next year.

The rioting is just stupid.  The police have lots of video and need to lay as many charges as possible.  Like someone's idea to have the Sun dedicate an issue to the face shots so families can see what their little pukes are doing.

One more sleep

Slept well last night and spent the day reading and doing various tasks on the computer.

Will we have the Cup tomorrow night?

On to Game 7

Picked up Pru & Patience and we met Chris, Jan, Marilyn & Daphne at The Teahouse in Stanley Park.  Excellent food and service.  The Lemon Meringue Pie was especially good.  Took part of my caesar salad with chicken home for dinner.

Chris walked down to the lower parking lot before we left and I found a cache in the bush.  Someone posted corrected coordinates and it was an easy find on my 2nd attempt.

Took Pru home and stopped at Oakridge for some groceries.  

Should not have started Luongo on the road!!  

Really tired tonight.  Don't have anything to do tomorrow.

VISI Choralfest

Slept in until 10:30! Feeling much better but had a quiet day working on geocaching challenges.

Picked up Pru, Jesse and Patience and drove to the West Van United Church for the VISI Choralfest.

Some of Marilyn's poetry was put to music and it was very good. Her poetry is the type I like so bought 2 of her books.



I loved the EnChor part of the concert. They sing at Callanish every Christmas. I'd like to hear a whole night of Canadian folk music after listening to them do a few pieces.

Family Day

Slept in until nearly 10. Took lattes to Pru & Patience at 12:30. We stopped at the liquor store on the way to Chris's for lunch & dinner. Through the day many came and went: Chris, Patrick, David, Kathryn, Kristian, Elaine, Yurikao & 2 daughters, Pru, Lucas, Jesse, Patience, Janet, Marilyn, Daphne, Matt, Andrea, Lily and Sadie.

wasn't feeling well by dinner. Think last couple of days caught up with me and I probably ate too much yesterday.

We Won!

Found a bunch of caches around Everett & Bellevue.  One completed a challenge of finding one placed every month in 2002.

Lunch at Ivar's and shopped at Macy's & Harry & David's.  Found them side-by-side in Bellevue Mall. 

Patience arrived at 6:22.  I was a bit early as I was worried about the traffic.  Read the Sun & Province and avoided any live updates or news after 5.  We stopped at Marysville for dinner (and pie) and the Duty Free for goodies. 

Made it home at midnight and watched the Canucks win.  One more to go!

Everett

Was waiting for a call from Janet, Marilyn & Daphne to say they had picked up their rental car and were on the way to the White Spot. Their flight was 12:15 but I gave up at 1:45. Grabbed a coffee and snack from Starbucks and headed to the border.

Found 3 out of 12 caches I need for a colour challenge in Washington. Already had 1. Now have total of 2,660.

Stopped for dinner at the Village Restaurant in Marysville at 6:00. Dinner was a perfect little steak with a baked potato and fresh strawberry pie. I used to come here with my parents 50 years ago! Checked into Best Western (on Aeroplan miles) in Everett just after 8:00. Pleased to find MSNBC on the TV.


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Tied

Did a couple of loads of laundry today.  It is now warm enough for the summer sheets on the bed.

Watched most of the game with Pru and Lucas.  Canucks aren't skating with heart!  The home crowd should help.

River Park

Headed to New Westminster this afternoon.  Stopped at Byrne Road for some shopping at Staples & London Drugs and then on to the Waffle House for dinner (liver).  

Met Lori & Pam on the old parking garage above Front Street.  They found a cache that I already had and then I drove us to Sapperton Landing Park for a cache.  It solved a challenge for them but I still need one more to finish mine.  It is a pretty little park under the Skytrain and along the Fraser River.

VTLA Dinner

Out early to find the cache I needed for today's count.  Got one near the dyke & #5 in Richmond.  Picked up a cable at Best Buy to replace one for my GPS that I can't find.  At least the netbook is working again.

Watched part of the Canucks game and then had to leave for the VTLA Retirement Dinner.  Tried to ignore the score but one loudmouth said it was 4-0.  Chris asked everyone to stop saying the score as some of us were taping it.  We were at the Vancouver Lawn & Tennis Club.  The food was great and the retirees all gave good speaches.  

Made it home without hearing anything about the game.  What a painful thing to watch!  Should have pulled the goalie after 2 even if he wanted to stay in.  Must do something about turning the other cheek.  The penalties were stupid.

Home

We finished up our trip today.  Started with one cache in Lynnwood and then worked out way north.  Today's were the last of the puzzles and some old finds to fill in parts of a challenge.  Thank goodness for Pam & Lori - there is no way I could have made it to some of them.  Once they disappeared for 45 minutes!

Did a bit of shopping at Bellis Fair & the Duty Free and was home by 5:30.  The NEXUS cards got us through the border in a few minutes, bypassing a line waiting for nearly an hour.  Worth every penny!  Too tired to cook so just nibbled on stuff around the apartment.

A cache owner wrote to say we really had found one when I told her we had looked in a birdhouse.  Someone had taken the log so she let us count it.  That gives my 64 for the trip. 

Lynnwood

Another successful day of caching in Oregon. Temp was up to 30!

Listened to the first 10 minutes of the game on the car radio before quickly getting our room at a Days Inn. Used a coupon in a pamphlet we picked up at a Rest Area to get a deal. What a finish! Can they win it all for Pru's birthday?

My netbook gave up the ghost so guess I,ll need a new one.

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Portland

We are in Gladstone tonight, just East of Portland. We started with a bunch of caches in Marysville and then went to Seattle for lunch. Had an appointment at Groundspeak Headquarters at 2:00 - the company that runs geocaching. We signed the log and took photos.

On to Portland and we decided to head into the hills and find the Original Cache plaque. Found a few more and arrived back at our hotel (Oxford Inn) at about 9. Free wine and nibblies were still available and then up to our room to log our finds and plan tomorrow.

I logged 18 oday, for a total of 2,630.

Puzzles in Marysville

Found 22 caches today. Most were puzzles and we drove all over the area to find them.  There were several thunder showers so we were pretty wet by the time we stopped.  The owner of most gave us hints for two we couldn't find and we went back in dark to snag them.

Marysville trip

Attended Metastatic Group this morning. We have lost 2 members since our retreat so it was a chance to talk about how we are feeling.

Stopped at White Spot for lunch and then home to pack.

Got caught in traffic going to Delta. There was an accident at the Oak St Bridge. Finally made it to Pam's after an hour at 5. We listened to the first period of the first Stanley Cup game as we drove. Finally started having a fuzzy signal at the end of the first period so we went into a casino. They had a projector showing it on a big screen in a side room. We grabbed salads in the intermission. Everyone was cheering for the Canucks. What a finish.

We are in the Holiday Inn Express and already have 3 caches. I "checked in" using Facebook and up popped a 10% discount coupon. Went down and it the clerk took it off both nights we are staying.

Cheap gas

Need a lot of caches on the few 31st left this year.  Found 11 today between Langley and Aldergrove.  Bought gas at 123.9 in Aldergrove.  Much better than the 137.9 I saw on the way home.

Stopped at Worldcaching in Cloverdale for some coins.  Bought a couple of Canucks tshirts at Champs.

Didn't get home until about 5:30 so was tired.

Laundry day

Up early so the men could come in to check my fire alarms.  Always nice to know they both work (heat & smoke).

Did some laundry and organized tomorrow's geocaching day.

Out to Dave's Fish & Chips in Steveston for dinner.

Reading

Those who predict the demise of the books just don't get it.  I remember the same talk when TV came.  Look at radio now.  VCRs were supposed to be the end of the movie theatres.  This was the best Memorial Day weekend ever.  Today I started by reading my newspapers on my iPad and ended curled up with a book from the library.  There is a place for everything.

Took out the garbage and recycling tonight and returned my library book.  Picked up dinner at Vera's Burger Shack since I just didn't feel like cooking.

Spring has sprung

A nice sunny day for a change.

Updated the maps in my GPS and looked at some of the caches we'll try for next week.  There is a new series on the ET Hwy in August - 1500!

No hockey tonight so read instead.

Black clouds

Thought it was sunny when I went out today. Started driving north and the sky was filled with black clouds.

Had a much needed haircut and went for a cache on Clark. Coordinates were wrong but found the art piece. Started pouring and I don't have my mirror, so gave up. Detoured to Burnaby and found one quickly.

Watched the game and now for the final stretch.


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Another dull day

No change in the weather.  Snow on the mountain passes!

Sorted papers cleaned up a bit.  Fire inspection coming on Monday.

Carried down garbage & recycling and went to mall on #3 in Richmond for Chinese take-out.

Fall weather

Looked like a Fall day today.  Did I miss Spring and Summer?

Dealt with the photos in my cameras.  Here is the trip to Alberta:

Didn't do much else today.  Just watched the "other" teams play hockey.  At least it went to 7 games so we get a rest.

Good caching day

Pam and I met in Cloverdale and found 15 caches today.  There were 2 new ones just put near where she lives and she added those tonight - both were FTF (First to Finds).  We were stuck on 2 which wasn't bad.  Had pulled pork salads at Memphis Blues.

Home in plenty of time to watch the game.  Held my breath for 2 overtime periods!  On the to the Cup.

Deas Island

Met Pam on Deas Island at 9:30 and we found a puzzle cache that Lori solved for my May 23rd slot.  

Did a bit of shopping at Wal-Mart & Cobbs on the way home.

Caught up on shows recorded on my PVR.

Had an intermittent sleep last night but should do better tonight.  My hand has been pretty sore.

Canucks game at Matt's

Found a new cache placed this morning in Burnaby on the way to Matt's.  We had a great lunch of nachos, beans, hash brown casserole & beer while we watched the Canucks win another.  Really entertaining game.  Kids got a kick out of our yells.

Stopped at Thrifty's on the way home.

Where did the sun go?

Just got used to sun and heat and had to close the sliding door again!  Always rains Victoria Day weekend.

Got caught up on Masterpiece Theatre shows today.

Cheryle Sanderson

Met Sydney in the parking lot at Cheryle's funeral.  Neither of us knew anyone else there.  Really good service with lots of photos and stuff that belonged to her.  

SANDERSON, Cheryle (Doubt) 1948 - 2011 Cheryle passed away on May 12, 2011 after a hard fought battle with cancer. Lovingly remembered by: her fiance Leonard Perrey and her: mother, Janet Doubt, siblings George, Jane-Ellen, and Murray; children Siri and Andrew, three grandchildren, extended family and friends. Cheryle was born in Trail, BC. She grew up and taught in Kamloops. She later acted as Gifted and talented coordinator and taught creative thinking skills in the lower mainland. Art was a life time pleasure and she loved gardening. Now fly away butterfly as high as you can go, I'm right there with you more than you know. Memorial Service will be held Friday, May 20 at 10 AM, First Memorial, North Vancouver, burial to follow at Capilano View, West Vancouver, 2:30pm. Should friends desire, donations to BC Cancer Association would be appreciated.

Went caching and spent some time looking for one nearby.  Once I decided I didn't have to jump off the cliff in the cemetary, I went searching and found sportsfields with roads underneath.  Explained to a couple walking by what I was doing in the bushes but failed to find the sucker.  Did find a couple of others and then decided I needed a treat.  Discovered Fishworks and had an amazing bowl of chowder - with clam shells.  Also a salad with scallops, oranges and bacon.  Certainly will return.

There was a cache across the street that had new coordinates posted so I was alble to find it quickly on this second attempt.

Back across the bridge to the Cancer Agency at 2:35 and had my chemo shot.  Home by 3:30.  

Canucks need to stop with the stupid penalties!

Sunshine

Met Lori & Pam in Surrey and we finished almost all the puzzles and several traditional hides in Surrey & Crescent Beach.  The map looks so good with a lot of happy faces.  They clambered down to a couple and left me in the car.  Lucky I had bottles of water for them when they came back up the hills.

Picked up a book at Marpole Library and learned how to use the new self-checkout and then stopped at Safeway for groceries.