The Squamidian Report – May 24 / 08
Issue #313
Including:
From the Shores of Lake Huron
More Memories From Vivyan
North Nova News
The Ontarion
Hi All,
Well now, if memory serves, I had almost nothing to talk about last week. This week I do have something to tell you if you don’t mind more biking stuff. Its either that our I’d have to talk about the first banana slug I’ve seen this season. The one crawling across our sidewalk by the front door. The bike stuff wins… If you recall, I mentioned that we were going to do a day trip to Kamloops on the bike. We did that trip and it was a great ride so that’s what I’ll talk about it.
Fist off, the neighbour that I ride with was taking his Harley into the Kamloops dealer to have a stage 3 modification done to his engine. That’s basically a bore job, pistons, cams and heads. Makes for more power and performance. He has had other work done there and that dealer is one of the few Harley dealers that seems to do high quality, thorough work with an attention to detail. He would be leaving the bike there and riding back with his wife who drove up in their car. Sue rode along with her and I rode my bike along with him. We made a nice day of it. In Kamloops we all had lunch and then Sue jumped onto the bike and we went our separate ways.
So, we headed out about 7am. Rather that going over the Duffy, which is rather prone to avalanches right now, we rode into Vancouver and on out the Trans Canada, which is Highway #1 to Hope. Traffic wasn’t too bad considering it was a long weekend. It moved along well above the limit. The section down near Abbottsford is pretty straight and level, and Mt Baker in Washington Sate dominates the whole horizon ahead of you. That mountain is twice the height of anything around it. It can be seen from hundreds of miles away. The highway then turns east and follows the Fraser to Hope.
Here we pulled into the town to gas up and grab a coffee. Hope is set in a very scenic location, where the Fraser Valley meets the Fraser Canyon and is hemmed in by steep rugged mountains. While enjoying our coffees we watched dozens of bikes come in, many in small groups, several of those sporting Hell’s Angels emblems on their backs. We pulled out at the same time as about 50 other bikes did. We all rode together until they veered off for Highway #3 and we for #5, the Coquihalla. The first section of the Coquihalla climbs steeply up through the coastal mountains between avalanche shoots, vertical cliffs and raging rivers. The current high temps out here have the very high snow pack melting fast, feeding streams with more icy water than they can handle.
The highway climbs up to the tollbooths, and on up over the pass. Buy then the land has changed. It is dryer, more ‘western’. The pine beetle damage can be seen all around and sagebrush is growing in open areas. #5 drops down to Merritt in the Nicola Valley and then climbs back up into high dry country. The land becomes dryer and more open as you approach Kamloops. Kamloops is a nice looking city set in and around the Thompson River Valley where the North and South Thompson rivers meet. Only problem with Kamloops is that it gets up to about a zillion degrees there in the summer. Way too hot for me. But Kamloops has a great Harley dealer and makes a good destination if you want a nice lone day-ride.
We got there just before noon. The neighbour dropped off his bike and I purchased a luggage rack for the back of mine. I also made an appointment to have my bike serviced there when we head out at the end of June for a couple of weeks of riding. We jumped into his wife’s car and went out for lunch, then came back to my bike where we had left it parked at the dealers. They then took off to do their thing and Sue and I climbed aboard and headed for home. We had thought about the Duffy again but decided to take the same route back as we came out on.
Although it was quite warm as we left Kamloops, we kept our leathers on but by the time we reached the tollbooths on the Coquihalla it was blazing hot. We pulled over and removed any extra clothing we could and opened up the vents in the jackets. Interestingly, the section back down through the steep avalanche area was a mix of ice-cold air and hot air. (The air around the steep snow-covered slopes is chilled, becomes heavy and then slides down onto the highway). There would be several clicks where we almost had to bundle up again, followed by a very hot section. This went back and forth for about 50 clicks. Then we were out into the Fraser Valley and it was just plain hot. By the time we pulled off for fuel and a cold drink we were close to over-heating. We ditched the leather and put on our mesh jackets that block the sun but let the air pass through. Very comfy for hot temp riding.
That fuel stop would be our last stop as it is just 150 clicks from home. Well, not quite our last stop, we pulled off as we came into Squamish and grabbed a burger. We were home by early evening. The ride had been great, the day had been great and I would have headed out again the next day. We put on about 860 clicks all told, not too bad. As it was, we did head out the next morning, up to Whistler for breakfast. And it felt great climbing back into the saddle.
When we got back from Whistler, I gave the bike a badly needed wash and shine. Then I mounted that luggage rack I’d bought. That meant drilling 4 holes in the lid of my Tour-Pak. Scary stuff, I’ve never drilled holes in a Harley before.
*
Oh, by the way, Wild Wood Warren sent in a picture of his quad and smart car sitting side by each. Follow this link to see if you can tell which on is which.
http://www.thedougsite.net/Warren/atv&car.htm
doug
****
Greetings all. I just got back from Kitchener and the opening round robin game of the Memorial Cup, Kitchener against Gatineau Olympique of the Quebec League. What a Nail biteter. Kitchener held the lead until the third period when Gatineau managed to thi the game up at 5 each. Kitchener came out in the overtime period and dominated the play and finally they got the winning Goal. We now have two more games to win and we will automaticaly go the memorial cup game on the 25th. Go Rangers Go. I am not sure how many know this but this tournament was created to honor our Canadian military who have fought past and present in various wars. It,s Fiiting that the winner of the tournament gets to respect and show appreciation to the past and present troops. KEEP UP THE GREAT WORK GUYS AND LADIES!
The last of our little salmon got relerase last tuesday and we now cleanup the hatchery to prepare for the next lot of eggs come October.
Haven,t been out much on the bike as the weather hasn,t been all that great. Was out fishing last weekend and managed to get a good start for my August fish fry but with thwe Mem cup on I won't getout these next two weekends.
Well I must head into bed so everyone have a great week.
PS: God Bless our military across the ocean and bring them back safe ! Keep up the good work everybody.
****
The farm I was raised on was one of the oldest in the area. The barn and hen house were built of logs, although the barn had a newer section that was added on. Instead of being an upstairs the floor was cement and the mows were above the stables. The hay fork track went across from one side to the other. As kids we'd play in the hay. My older brother and male cousins and neighbour boys would go hand over hand on the hay fork track from one side to the other. The floor below was cement and the track double the height of the stables. There was one problem, I had a habit of following the boys across the track, even though I was three years younger. I think now how lucky I was that I never fell. If my dad had ever caught us I think we'd all have had trouble sitting down.
My Grandfather's farm was about a mile up the road. The barn on it was "modern" for then. The river ran right behind the house and barn, then curved away just as it passed so it didn't come to our place but went through the neighbours just behind our back line. That was where we crossed it to go to school except for except for times it got to high. At my Grandfather's yard they had to cross the river to get to most of the farm. There was an old wooden bridge across it. I think I was a little bit afraid of walking across the bridge because it didn't seem too safe, although the cattle crossed on it all the time.
Doug took us over that area when he was flying out of our airport. It was very interesting to see how much water was in the area. That is the South Saugeen River and it really twists and turns. I guess at one time it was a fairly large river. Cedarville was originally built beside the river and had several mills powered by the water. I think most of it burned down when my grandfather was young but there were still some foundations when I was a child. There were also five bridges within a couple of our farm. There was still a saw mill in Cedarville, on one of the creeks that ran into the river. It made shingles and cut logs for boards, etc. They also had a thrashing machine that they ran with the same big steam engine. They'd take the thrashing machine from farm to farm and the farmers would help each other as it was a big job to thrash all the grain. It's now done with combines.
That's enough for now,
****
It sure is hard to believe I’ve been back from my vacation out west for over three weeks now. Although the weather was quite cool, my time with family was the whole reason for being there. My sister, Michelle, went out of her way to give me a wonderful vacation. The day after I arrived we went back to the airport to pick up Becky (Warren’s daughter) and her little girl, Emily who were flying in from Prince George and traveling up to Squamish area for a holiday too. I hadn’t been west for at least six years and had some catching up to do such as meeting two little great nieces (Brielle and Emily) and one great nephew (Luc). Emily turned out to be so much fun on the trip up to Warren and Janice’s place. She never got bored or restless even though we were delayed by a road closure at Horseshoe Bay for over two hours. Doug has described this Sea to Sky highway many times in the Squamidian. It’s a highway you just have to see to believe it and now they are upgrading for the 2010 Olympics, it’s even more amazing. Sea to sky is a perfect description. There are constant road closures from blasting mountains and construction to make more room for a double highway to take the multitudes of cars back and forth from Vancouver to Whistler. I dared to take a peek at a curve ahead that was actually built up over the edge of a cliff. I recommend if you are planning a trip to Doug or Warren’s wait until the Olympics are over. (Actually you can’t wait if you are going to the family reunion.) They say the highway is ahead of schedule for completion so maybe it will be good by 2009, so you will enjoy the new highway and scenery in all its glory. It will be a splendid trip.
Warren and Janice let Becky, Emily and I stay in their beautiful chalet for the week. It was so cozy and the view out of this world. The chalet is perched on a rocky bluff with a breathless view of the Tantalus mountain range. The walk up to the chalet is steps carved into the side of the bluff and start at the deck of their log house. The first few times up you find your legs straining and your strength draining especially carrying your luggage which has way to many clothes in it. Warren has another way to get larger items up the mountain by way of a tram but I’ll let Warren explain that. After many times up and down you feel yourself getting stronger and think maybe if I did this everyday I’d have incredible legs! Doug arrived one night and we did some jamming. It was so good to hear Warren and Doug doing their songs. They have been playing together for quite a while now and have a great sound. Another thing I want to mention is the sight of the moonlight on the mountains. One night when I shut the lights out I realized how bright it still was. I went over to the window and the view was so incredible. The snow on the mountain tops were just gleaming and every detail stood out. Because of the cool weather the snow was still building up there or at least not melting yet. It did snow a couple of times during my visit so the mountaintops would have been replenished.
Saturday morning Doug and Sue took me to Whistler for a delicious breakfast. Doug had suggested I walk down Warren’s lane to the lookout near the highway to meet them. I liked the idea but always worry about bears. Warren assured me there would be no problem so off I went. It didn’t take me long to walk since it is all downhill and I enjoyed the sunshine which seemed warmer. At the lookout Warren has a beautiful kiosk that describes his wildwood art and the chalet accommodations. While I waited for Doug and Sue I spent time reading it and enjoying the view. Suddenly I heard a car passing and then turning up to Warren’s. I realized it was Doug and Sue and they had not seen me standing there blending into the scenery. I ran waving my hands in the air but to no avail! Warren was surprised when they arrived at the house looking for me and worried I really had been taken by a bear. Later that day we all got together (including Michelle and Chris) for a supper and another jam session. It was so much fun and so good to be with family. The little ones danced to their hearts content while Doug and Warren played.
Sunday I left with Michelle and Chris for the big city. This time the highway was kind to us with no hold ups and very little construction. They must take Sundays off! (Take note) Michelle and I rented a car for the second week so we could be free to see some sights and not interfere with Chris’ work schedule. Michelle had all kinds of ideas so everyday we went on outings: Harrison Hot Springs, a tulip festival and garden tour, a ride on the Sky train to Canada Place, Whales and Dolphins at Imax in downtown Vancouver, Granville Island and brewery (I discovered I like their dark beer), a walk along the boardwalk with a tremendous view of Vancouver high-rises, rivers and marinas, lots of dining out at great restaurants and some even greater meals that Michelle made. She could have been a chef! So I was wined and dined.
It all ended suddenly but so much had happened my two weeks that I will never forget. I do plan to go back the summer of 2009 for the family reunion in August. I hope to see many of you there; it will be a great time! Hope you enjoyed reading about my trip. I guess once you get me started I can’t stop.
Until next time,
Sus
****
Hello
everyone!
Why is it
that the May 2-4 weekend can’t be held on the 24th of May?
Just a
quick question on my part but maybe the answer is too simple and it escapes me!
Well, as
I said we would last week, Adam and I attended the New Dundee “Town” garage
sale today and as usual, it was a success. The only problem that arose was the
iffy weather. When I leapt from bed at 6:15am I looked out the window and
noticed that there was no rain at that point but there was a temperature of +1
showing on the thermometer out on the back fence. I figured that would change
by the time we were ready to head out. I tinkered around a bit on the computer
and then went in to shave etc for the morning’s adventure. When I was about
ready I woke Adam and headed down stairs to make some breakfast for the two of
us. Carole had decided to sleep in a little and didn’t want to accompany us to
the sale. I let her sleep and proceeded to whip up some breakfast for the two
of us. Adam soon appeared in the kitchen and we filled up for the morning on
some Aunt Jemima Buttermilk pancakes and a cup of tea. If I’m making breakfast,
it’s either that or bacon and eggs and we don’t eat that very often because of
the bacon grease. Pancakes it was and they actually hit the spot very nicely! I
took one last look out at the temp and it hadn’t moved very much from an hour
and half earlier. We dug out our warm jackets and hats and hit the road. With
some change and a few bills in our pockets we were in New Dundee before long.
The crowd was gathering and the sky wasn’t looking very friendly at all. The
clouds were anywhere from gray to black and sprinkling a little now and then.
As usual, we found a parking spot quite close to the park where some of the
daily action takes place. They usually have hot air balloon rides for the kids
but with the weather threatening, they had called off that feature for the day.
I was in hopes that the car show would still be on so we would have something
other than just the garage junk to view. We decided to make the rounds of all
the side streets first and just look at what was offered up for sale. Of
course, the prices are usually better later in the day but with the weather
kind of poor we figured there might be a few bargains to be had. We were wrong
the majority of the items on display were kid’s toys and clothing. Some of the
older places in town had a few tools out but nothing that interested us. We
even spotted a 250cc Virago motorcycle listed for $4400.00 with 4200kms on it.
I’m sure it was put out just to get reactions from the shoppers. Usually garage
sales don’t have items in them that are that expensive. We walked down past the
Fire Hall where the trucks were out on display and the hall itself was lined up
with people wanting to either get out of the cold wind or to have the
Firefighter’s Breakfast that was being served up by the local volunteers. We
didn’t need the break and the wind wasn’t bothering us too much yet so we kept
on trekking. With one half of the town behind us we hadn’t seen anything worth
considering buying. Carole has a sewing machine that needs a part and we did
come across a similar model offered up at the local church for $30.00. Since
all we need is the part, it seemed a bit expensive and a tad of overkill to buy
a whole machine but I thought I’d just see if I could swing a deal. I walked up
and checked the machine to make sure that part that is worn out on Carole’s
machine wasn’t worn out on that one too. Sure enough, it was in perfect shape.
I caught the attention of the woman working the sale and offered her $15.00 for
the machine. It was a low ball offer but what the heck, if you don’t give it a
shot, you’ll never know how little you might have gotten the thing for! LOL!
She immediately said “NO!” Not even a polite “Oh gosh I’m sorry but that’s too
little!” I was a tad set back and responded with “Ok then, how about $20.00 and
that’s my final offer?!” She paused for a minute then said “I doubt it but let
me go ask!” She walked across the lawn and spoke with a guy for a minute. As
she walked up to me again, she blurted out “Twenty Five is the best I can do!”
I said “Sorry but $20.00’s my limit. I’ll let it go for now!” and we walked
away. Something tells me that if she’d been a little more polite to me she
might have made a sale. I guess maybe the weather was getting to her and she
wasn’t in the mood for polite refusals! LOL!
We walked
on and Adam commented that the part will only cost about $15.00 anyway so why
not buy a NEW one! I agreed and on we went! As we approached the back side of
the central park where we had started our walk we noticed that the car show had
assembled in the middle. We walked in to take a look at the vehicles on
display. I had received an e-mail from the Waterloo British Car Club that
Carole and I belong to telling me that members were encouraged to bring their
cars out and enter them in the show this year. There was a variety of vehicles
in this little show but some very nice entries. There was even a grouping of
three old farm tractors that some collector had fixed up to look like they were
still in the showroom at the Farm Implement Dealer. They were sparkling even
under the overcast sky. Next to them were about 25 classic cars and pick up
trucks from the 30’s to the 70’s that their owners had obviously put a lot of work
and money into restoring. It was too bad that the weather wasn’t nicer. Every
once in a while the rain would spit on their nice paint jobs and you could see
the frustration in the owner’s eyes. Luckily the sprinkles wouldn’t last long.
I was hoping the sun would break through but… no such luck! On the far end of
the park was a row of British cars from the Waterloo Club. Adam and I walked
over to look at a ’69 Jaguar 3.8 litre XKE that was bright red in colour and
very well rebuilt. We no sooner stopped at the front of this car when an
elderly gentleman pounced on us and began to explain every detail of how he
painstakingly restored that car and a 1963 3.8 litre Jaguar Saloon 4 door
sitting next to it. It was interesting to hear the story and after all, that’s
what you go to car shows for, to look at the vehicles and find out a bit about
them from their proud owners. After listening to him for about 20 minutes, we
managed to move on down the line. I spotted a couple of members of the club
that recognized me and we stopped to talk to one of them as well. Adam owns a
modern BMW Mini Cooper and is interested in the old “Classic” Mini’s as well.
It just so happened that a fellow that I know from the club had his latest
acquisition in the lineup! He recently (1 month ago) completed an overseas
transaction to import an original Mini Cooper manufactured in 1993 by Rover
Group of England. He has a friend near Toronto that imports Mini’s to Canada as
a business. John is the members name and he told us all about the experience of
importing the Mini. This is a real classic Mini I must say! His is a British
Racing Green Cooper with a white roof and a black leather interior. It’s a
right hand drive car and he is going to leave it original. The steering wheel
and pedals etc can be moved over to the left side of the car as in North
American vehicles but that would take away from the authenticity of this Mini.
When
looking at John’s Cooper, one would be hard pressed to guess the year if you
didn’t know much about Mini’s. He managed to find a Cooper that is in virtually
mint condition. It’s got almost 50,000 miles on the odometer but you’d never
know if by the look of the car. Under the hood (or bonnet as they say in
England) is an impeccably clean 1275cc 4 cylinder fuel injected engine. You
would swear it just came off the showroom floor. John explained that he decided
to buy the car as a toy for a little while but mainly as an investment. He said
he’d rather have the money tied up in something that he can use and will appreciate
in value than just have it in a low interest bank account. He also said his
wife agreed to buying it as an investment to be sold at a profit whenever the
opportunity arose. However, after having and driving it for only one month,
he’s already fallen in love with it and hopes his wife agrees to let him hang
on to it for a few years. You see, John is British and I think this little
British car has tugged at his heart strings by reminding him of days gone by.
I’m sure John will be keeping the Cooper for a few years because his wife was
full of praise for the little car as well. I think they’re both hooked on it
from what I could tell. I told John about Adam having a modern Mini and also
that I had two Mini Coopers back in the late 60’s and he was quite interested
in that history. Who knows, maybe I’ll get a ride in his Cooper sometime soon!
I’d
really like to try driving it with the right hand drive. He said you get used
to it quite quickly. Well, we may have come home empty handed but we did manage
to pick up some interesting stories from the day out!
*
That’s
about it for this week! Thanks for tuning in and I hope to talk to you all
again next time in The Ontarion Report!
Bye for now…. Greg.
PS:
Something To Think About>
If you
try hard enough you can find a ray of sunshine on even the cloudiest of days.
****
Have a good one..
the doug
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