Alcatraz

the infamous island of Alcatraz, maximum security facility with no wall

Journal Entry
January 27, 2006
San Francisco

Celebrated Australia day last night and felt it in my head when I first cracked my eyes open this morning at about 7:00am. By the time my alarm went off at 9:30 I felt I was able to get up and make it to the free breakfast in "The Ballroom". Definitely didn't feel the need to put clothes on, the PJs were just perfect as they were. Okay, let's be real, breakfast in PJs is always preferred but this morning it was pretty much a necessity!

Scarfed down a bagel with cream cheese and jam (yummy), chugged many a glass of apple juice and forced down a much needed cup of (very thick) coffee. Followed breakfast with a long, hot shower and, thanks to a couple of guys here, a little puff. Felt like a whole new woman after that so I strapped myself up with my camera, grabbed Michael and off to Alcatraz we went.

Alcatraz, now that made for an extremely interesting day. I've never actually been inside the walls, and cells, of a prison before which I guess is something to be grateful for. I thought I would feel a little creeped out for being there but what I found was that I was completely fascinated. For a few dollars more you can get a set of headphones and take yourself on an audio tour. I'm not always keen to jump on that bandwagon but I got plenty of recommendations to do so I picked one up. The tour was narrated by various former guards and inmates of Alcatraz. Under the narration tracks are numerous sounds from the days when the prison was active. Sounds like the cell doors slamming shut (a sound byte that has been used in many a film you would never expect), a riot in the mess hall, the warden's footsteps along the main corridor dubbed as "Broadway" by the prisoners. Much like New York City's Broadway, Alcatraz's Broadway is like the prison's main drag and divides the A and B blocks. The cells are stacked 3 rows high and one can only imagine (with a little help form the audio tour of course) the chaos that was constantly looming in the air.

One former inmate spoke of a time when he gazed out the mess hall window and saw a young woman walking down the path, probably having just visited one of the notorious prisoners. Upon seeing her he realized she was the first woman he'd seen in about 5 years. There's no doubt, that had to have been a tough thing to realize.

Of course there were many escape attempts from the island of Alcatraz during it's prison years and upon arriving to the island you have to wonder what would make it so hard to succeed? It was the premiere maximum security prison if it's time and yet there is no wall around it's perimeter to keep the prisoners, some of America's most infamous and notorious, inside the compound. The island is a mere 2 mile (wish I could convert that to kilometres for the rest of the world) swim from the Frisco Bay. Unbeknownst to many, however, the sea that surrounds Alcatraz, though it may look calm, is not. The tides and currents are strong and the water is frigid on a good day, making it very hard to successfully escape the rock. Of course with the level of desperation that many prisoners felt while gazing at life in the Frisco bay, I can understand at least making the attempt. The action of the city that can be witnessed from the sparse and tiny windows throughout the building would be torture to anyone. The longing for a life that is free would truly be overwhelming. It's a level of desperation so deep I'm not sure I can even imagine it, though being inside those walls you certainly do try. None of the escape attempts are known to have been successful but there are still a few men of Alcatraz on the FBIs most wanted list. More than likely though they were swallowed by the cold waters of the Pacific, never to be seen again but if you do see them America's Most Wanted will give you 1 million dollars so eyes peeled everyone!

Sunny San Francisco

Journal Entry
January 25, 2006
San Francisco, California, USA

It was a long, and somewhat treacherous, busride down here today but we made it! We rather happily left Portland at 10pm last night on the dreaded red eye Greyhound, 12 hours overnight, to Sacramento where we layed over for about an hour before a quick two hour jaunt into Frisco.

Needless to say I didn't sleep very well last night. I slept for probably 15 minute intervals before needing to reposition myself due to lower back pain, numbness in my leg, sore knees (as the hours went on) or all of the above! It's worth it though, when you think that I didn't have to pay for accomodation last night.

Met a guy, originally from Oregon, named Greg with a killer mullet who does construction and trains horses (or at least owns some) during our layover in Redding, California. He lives in Reno now and, Mom, he totally reniforced the conversations we've had about how Americans seem to be becoming far less insular in their ways these days. In fact, I have yet to meet an American who is anywhere near the realm of pleased with their President...or thinks I ride a dogsled to work. Thank god for small wonders. Of course I haven't hit any red states (and don't plan to Mark) so I know I'm not getting the whole picture, but I'm still pleasastly surprised.



The bus from Sacramento to Frisco was jam packed, which did nothing for my knees, but we made it to Frisco relatively unscathed, and a short walk to the Green Tortoise Hostel all the same. We checked into the mixed dorm and upon entry into the smelly, messy room #1 I was immediately aware of three things...
1) I had a top bunk...shitty!
2) This was clearly a staff room (people here for longer stays and working for their beds)...this is cool cause they're more local and can offer a different perspective on a city than your average traveller, and
3) Everyone else in the room was a guy...okay so no one else was in the room at the time but some things a woman just knows...and smells!

We weren't super happy about the room we'd landed but at that point the only thing either of us could think about was getting our stinky, sticky, Greyhound asses into showers...and coffee! I didn't want to get out of my shower, it felt so good, but eventually I did and we hit the streets for a little foot tour of the neighbourhood.

First stop was definately Starbucks. I'm on a budget, yes, but after the night on the bus, I had no qualms in justifying a grande latte. Done and done!

We started walking around and immediately I knew I liked Frisco. It's a big city and we all know how at home I feel in a big city. Also nice was the fact that, unlike Seattle and especially Portland, I didn't look around at the locals wondering just what was wrong with half of them. What drug they were addicted to? There are definately some interesting characters in those cities. Don't get me wrong, they are nice cities but many a sad character is wondering their streets.

We got back to the hostel in time for a couple cold ones and the free Wednesday night dinner. It was so nice to have a square meal after 14-15 hours of nuts and dried fruit. The mexican theme certainly seemed appropriate. It sure is a good thing I like beans and rice cause there's a whole lot more of it in my immediate future.

Over dinner we met one of our new roommates, Travis (Aussie), and the mystery of the nasty smell in our room was uncovered. Now, bear with me on this one cause it's a little unpleasant...good thing it's slightly amusing too!

There is a bay window in our room that has a bed built into it. Travis had truned in early the other night and was sleeping in it when he awoke to the sound of water running and was both half asleep and very confused. Confused because there is no sink (or any other water source) in the room. As he became more lucid he realized that one of his roomies was, I kid you not, relieving himslef on Travis and the bed...DISGUSTING!!! Now this doesn't excuse the messy state of the room, but it does excuse the smell. Anyway, the windows have been open all day and I'll be happy to double up on blankets and keep them open all night. Travis is my bunk mate, sleeping below me, so I promised him I wouldn't pee my bed!

Tomorrow is Australia day. I'm sure my friends down under are partying hard as I wirte this and we will be doing the same tomorrow. A couple of the Aussie's living here now, have some traditional Aussie festivities planned so I'm going to partake. It all starts with a cricket match in Washington Park tomorrow afternoon (yes, I'm going to play cricket) then a baked potato fest and a pub crawl to cap off the night. Tomorrow I pretend I'm Aussie for a day...why the hell not?

I've booked my bunk through to Tuesday so I'm looking foward to some good times and good exploring in the coming week.

Pondering Portland

one of the many beautiful waterfalls we visited in our day around the greater portland area

Journal Entry
January 22, 2006
Portland, Oregon, USA

We made it to Portland! The guy at the bus station in Seattle double charged me for my ticket. I noticed the error before we left but didn't have the time to get the refund before the bus left. It's a difference of about $85 so he said they could refund it in Portland. They did, it wasn't a problem, but we had to sit in the Portland bus staion for an hour waiting for the supervisor and his over-writing powers. I was slightly annoyed to know that I was waiting because he was watching the football game. Seattle Seahawks are going to the superbowl for their first time in franchise history...CONGRATS! How about my refund? Oh Americans and their football.

At least I wasn't alone. I'm travelling this leg with Michael from Australia. It's a good thing too cause Portland's bus station is definately full of randoms. I feel for the security guard there, especially since, through chatting with him, we discovered he's a pretty cool guy. It seems half the people in that station have something to bitch about and he gets to hear, and deal with, most of it.

Before I left Seattle today I checked out the Experience Music Project. I wish I'd had more time there cause it's definately a really cool place. I guess I'll just have to make a return visit to Seattle, which is totally fine with me cause I quite like it there. The little bit of Portland that I've seen so far seems really nice. I can't wait to get out during daylight hours and walk around tomorrow.

I'm definately glad that I've got a travel buddy right now. It's that time in the trip where homesickness strikes and I'm feeling it for sure. What's interesting to me though is that I'm not missing home so much as I'm missing Vancouver and Whistler. I really do think that come the fall I'm gonna want to be on the west coast. This trip has really just reinforced those thoughts and feeligns inside me. The next few months will change me, there's no doubt about that. So, I guess I'll just have to see how those changes pan out. Of course I'm always gonna be me but this trip will certainly spur lots of growth within. As does every day we go through life I suppose!

------------------------------------------------------------------

Journal Entry
January 24, 2006
Portland

It's about 7:30pm and I'm sitting in the hostel dining area killing time before the long bus ride to San Francisco. I think it's like 12 hours to Sacramento, then a few more to Frisco. Needless to say I have many hours on the bus to look forward to tonight. Hopefully I can get some sleep, otherwise, I've got music, Sudoku (which I am so addicted to now) and thankfully a travel partner to get me through it. I just went to Fred Meyer to stock up on some snacks and made a couple calls home and to BC. Talked to my parents, Andy and Steph tonight.

It's always a bit harder to be on the road after calls home. That fact reigns particularly true at this juncture in my trip. The homesickness vibe is definately on at the moment. I feel a bit lonely at times but I'll survive! It was especially hard last night when I was left with no minute to minute television broadcast of the election coverage to watch. I did check in here and there online though, so I wasn't completely in the dark. Just wish I could have gathered 'round the tele with the family, but I shouldn't complain. The bad news is that the devil himself, Steven Harper, is our new Prime Minister. The good news is that Jack, Olivia and 27 other NDPers are in house to fight him every step of the way. The NDP made huge gains last night and that's something to cheer about.

Our first full day in Portland, yesterday, was pretty relaxed. We mostly just walked around the city looking for points of interest...and finding very few. Don't get me wrong, it's a very nice city, just not a lot to do when you're a traveller on a budget, passing through. It's fairly small, the kind of city I think I could live in but doesn't have heaps of things to do as a visitor.

Today, however, was entirely different. We rented a car and headed out to the scenic Columbia Gorge District, along the historic Columbia highway, in search of waterfalls and we were not disappointed. Found many a spectacular waterfall to gawk at. It was the perfect day for it too. Clear, sunny, and downright beautiful. You couldn't ask for a better day, especially not in Portland where, much like Vancouver, winters are generally rainy and grey.

Hopefully today's sunshine is a sign of what's to come for me in the next few months.

random seattlites

checking out the scene at jimi's grave about an hour's bus ride outside Seattle

January 21, 2006

Today we visited the grave of Jimi Hendrix. What a solemn place that is. I know most graveyards have that sense about them but this one in particular. It's the Greenwood Memorial Cemetery and it's about an hour outside of Seattle on the local bus system. Now, a few years ago I went to Paris and the grave site of Jim Morrison and while that was expectedly solemn it also had a certain sense of chaos around it. The graveyard was huge and packed full of graves, many famous, many, many more not. Morrison's grave itself really isn't anything all to interesting but the buzz around it is. It seems there is never a point in the day when there aren't people there hanging out, taking pictures, crying. Also, the site is littered with flowers and other momentos from fans. It's a total scene.

Jimi's grave is much different. People are definately there to check it out but not in the droves and not hysterical. People here would casually pull up either by foot or by car and quietly observe the incredibly large monument. There is a sundial off to the left side of the monument and headstones surrounding it. All are still blank but one, for Gracie Hendrix who died just a couple years ago. Jimi's headstone stands in the middle of the monuments 4 main pillars, one bouquet of flowers and one unlit candle sitting atop. On one pillar of the monument are engraved the names of three hendrix family members that, judging by the years, I would assume to be his parents and paternal grandmother. On the outward facing sides of one of the pillars sits Jimi's fabulous autograph. Unlike Morrison's grave it's really all very calm and serene.

Something we found almost equally intriguing was a rather large portion of the graveyard dedicated to what has to be a Chinese family. It's a very asian inspired gazebo type structure surrounded by pools and fountains. In behind and around the gazebo are about 5-6 long rows of headstones. All are blank but two, however a number of the plots have flowers placed by them in memorium. There was no real explanation as to which family or families owned the plots but clearly they had a lot of money and wanted a very beautiful and peaceful resting place for every generation to lay in peace for years to come.

Before and after our trek out to see Jimi we hit up the Pike Street Market. It's Saturday today so it was even more lively than when I visited on my own yesterday. I must say these Seattle fish stand boys are a bunch of cuties for the most part, noen of us girls missed that one. I got a picture with one but it was really more about the giant fish we were holding. I've def never held a fish that big before. I was totally amazed at the lack of stinky fish smell that was in the market even when standing at the fish stand. I think about walking down Spadina or through Kensington back in Toronto and I know how I shudder at the scent of the fish markets. I didn't feel that at all here. Maybe it's the fact that I'm the fish out of water wanting to soak everything up in this foreign land, but more likely I'm guessing it's the freshness of the fish available to buy. Unfortuately I didn't see any tossing of the fish. Wish I could have, that would have been cool for sure.

Met a woman who told me about her platform for state governor elections here. I have no idea when those go down or if she ACTUALLY will make an attepmt to run but I think I can safely say that she won't be winning anytime soon...if ever! Nice enough lady but I'm not entirely convinced she had all her marbles. Thank god I was with others who were able to walk away form what looked like an entraping conversation, and take me with them to the gum wall.

The gum wall is as disgusting as it is impressive. I didn't stick my gum to it, mostly because if I'd touched it I may have puked right there, but Bronwyn, Grace and Tim did. So I just took the pictures!

We also hit up the first ever Starbucks this morning for a coffee and I have to say I quite liked it. It was the only Starbucks I've ever stepped into that wasn't exactly like every other one. It had a beautiful high wooden counter and old school lettering out side. No green anywhere but on the aprons of the employees. Outside a two man, two dog band called "The Dog Squad" played for all the passersby. The dogs of course were really just chillin by the men's feet but the guys sounded great with their guitar and accordian and it made for a great picture. There are a lot of buskers throughout the market. I lov buskers and think they often make great photographs so i guess in a way I've started a photo essay of sorts. I'm hoping I can kee it going throughout the trip but I'm sure at the least I can sustain it through the rest of the States.

Upon our return to the hostel and a bite to eat we found ourselves palying a game of Trivial Persuit - The 80s Edition (and I was doing pretty damn good I might add) with a few of the hostels...shall we say regulars? Ryan and Tony both pretty much live at the hostel it seems. Nice enough but well...no. Let's just leave it at that!

Anyway, it was a fun day soaking up the sites and sounds of the city, not to mention the 2 hours on the bus. If there was any kind of theme to the day though it was random peoples everywhere. Had many a random, interesting, wierd, informative, friendly conversation today. Just the kind of thing I like, for the most part anyway. The rest you just take with the good! Tonight I'm just catching up on emails and turning in early for some quailty time with me myself and my book.

Tomorrow afternoon, after checking out the Experience Music Project, I head out on the greyhound once again, for Portland, Oregon. I hear it's a pretty cool place. Smaller than Seattle but cool. I actually really like Seattle and could totally stay here longer but I think the course is dictating that I leave and I want to follow that course. Also, this Aussie guy, Mike, who was on my bus down from Vancouver, and staying in the same hostel as me now, is headed down tomorrow so this way I have a travel buddy for Portland. He's going to San Fransico too so maybe we'll be travel partners for a bit. Who knows? That's just the thrill, terror and beauty of life on the road.

Until Portland my darlings!
xoxo

Let's Go Raptors!!

cheering on my team at the Sonics home court...and they won!

January 21, 2006
Seattle

So I met a kiwi named Tim last night over dinner at the hostel. Turns out he had a ticket to the ball game last night too so we scarfed down our food and headed out to the Key Arena for some hoops. That was my first time cheering on the Raps while they were on a road trip and I'm very happy to report that they pulled off the win. It was a great game, tight most of the way, with each team trading turns in the lead throughout. Also pretty cool was the fact that just a few rows behind me there was a full on Raptors cheering section! Made me proud!

I must make a point of mentioning that Seattle fans are pretty cool. Very nice all around. No one gave me dirty looks for cheering on my team and one guy even tipped me off to the fact that they get CBC here in Seattle and told me which channel. He must have heard me talking politics with Tim at half time and mentioned the big time election taking place on Monday. He's a Peter Mansbridge fan so how could I not like him? I'm hoping that I can find CBC in Portland too cause I'm sure that's where I'll be come Monday...although you never know! All I know is I have to find a way to keep up to the minute on my election results Monday night, soit may mean being glued to a computer screen.

The Green Tortoise hostel where I'm staying is so great. I've met a whole bunch of really cool people here. Three Canadian girls, and an American girl from the east coast and of course Tim the kiwi. A few of us are off to do the tourist thing today. Gonna start with a trip to the first ever Starbucks...sounds lame but hey when in Rome. Then it will be a lot of walking to various sites and hopefully a turn on the stage and the EMP. We're also in search of Jimi Hendrix's grave but apparently it's about an hour bus ride away so we'll see what happens.

Lynn (from rural Ontario via Montreal) is in a break dancing competition tonight so a few of us are going to go and check that out which should be super cool. I love breaking! Also, tomorrow morning Lynn and Tara (canucks both) are driving down to Portland so there's a chance that I'll be able to join them, which would be super great cause I'd love to do the road trip thing and they are both really cool. If that fails then I'll probably be on a bus at some point tomorrow. You never know though, Seattle is a pretty great city and I could always spend another day.

Anyway, the crew for the day is almost ready to head out so I'm signing off for now. What a thrill to see my Raps play at the Key Arena...and WIN!!!

LET'S GO RAPTORS!!!

Peace
-M xoxo

So Seattle

January 20, 2006

This afternoon I sat in a Starbucks sipping tea, listening to Pearl Jam and reading the Seattle Times. Seemed appropriate!

GUESS WHERE I AM!!

I got into Seattle and got settled yesterday afternoon. I'm staying at the Green Tortoise Hostel and I really like it. It's a super good deal with a great kitchen, free internet and tonight (and 3 nights a week) a free dinner. Can't really go wrong there. They also have this movie deal from Monday to Thursday that I took part in last night. Took it real easy and went to see Glory Road, all about racism and basketball in the 60s America college system. Slightly predictable (true story after all) but well performed. Josh Lucas was fabulous and they certainly tugged at my heart strings!

Anyway, needless to say yesterday was more of a travel day then anything else but I got a good night sleep last night (a little too good actually slept in a few hours later than originally planned) and headed out to check out the Pike Market Place this afternoon. Now, I love the culture of Market places. Little vendors selling their fresh foods or homemade products, jewellery or paintings and other art and Pike Market place did not disappoint. It was hard to resist the many things I saw and liked, or saw and would love to give as a gift, but being on the tight budget that I am I managed okay.
I did however buy a much needed new journal for my writing (leather and so nice) and a Tiger's Eye bead which I made a necklace out. Mom, I got a bad feeling yesterday when the Tiger's Eye ring you sent me broke into a few pieces while I walked down the hallway at the Hostel. Seeing as Tiger's Eye is the semi-precious stone meant to bring safety I saw that as a not so good Omen and felt the need to replace it today. I still have some pieces of the ring but I thought it would be a good idea to start fresh. Luckily as I cruised the marketplace I came across one store after another that was selling semi-precious stones and was able to find this bead for a necklace quite easily and only 54 cents! So, I'm taking that a good omen!

Anyway, it was an easy afternoon. Aside from sleeping longer than planned, I seemed to have slept funny last night and am dealing with a lot of tension in my neck and shoulders so it was a good day to just take it easy and wonder around this downtown Seattle neighbourood that I'm staying in. As I read the sports section this afternoon it came to my attention that my beloved (though struggling and sometimes frustrating) Toronto Raptors are in town to face the Sonics tonight. Game time is in about an hour and a half so I'm going to call the Key Arena and see if I can't get me a seat in the nosebleeds. Seems like a worthwhile splurge to me...what do you think VISA card?? If that doesn't work I guess I'll just have to go out and make friends with a bartender somewhere who will take a slight repreive from the NFL playoff madness that has infected Seattle (the seahawks are playing in the conference final today) and let me watch the ball game. I'm hoping that football is over by the time the ball game starts. Fingers crossed I can watch my Raps...fingers double crossed that they can pull off a win!

Anyway, I can smell dinner cooking in the kitchen and I need to check on that ball game so I'm outtie for now. Think I'll add another night (tomorrow night) to my time here in Seattle before I set off for Portland. Tomorrow I play tourist and check out all of Seattle's sites, the Space Needle, a harbour tour and hopefully the EMP (experience music project). They tell me I can know what it feels like to be a rock star and even better pick up a guitar lesson!

Stay tuned for more!

Much love as always!
Mollie Mols xoxo

Sad News

Journal Entry
January 17, 2006
Vancouver, Canada

My Dad called me this morning. It was 8:30 am for me so I didn't answer it. Now, admittedly I didn't want to rack up the long distance minutes on my phone but I was also fast asleep.
I got up a few hours later and checked my messages to find that the day I knew was coming somewhere, someday along my travels, had a arrived.

Tomorrow evening my beloved Buffy will be put down, laid to rest. I only wish that I could be in Toronto tomorrow to hold her, kiss her head and say good bye. It's really hard for me to not be at home as this is going on. Apparently her back legs have reached the point where she can no longer stand on her own, for anything. So, the decision is clear but it certainly doesn't make it hurt any less. One thing I am thankful for is the timing. I knew this news was coming so I was hoping it would come during a leg of my trip where I was surrounded by loved ones, be it Vancouver or LA. So, I'm glad that tomorrow evening I will still be in Vancouver with Steph and her Grandma. I couldn't be in a better place. Steph has known Buffy as long as I have and she will be able to help me honour her. I think I'll light a candle and have a toast to her long and happy life. It's nice to know that with Steph I can be free to feel whatever I need to feel and know that I am with family. That I am loved and supported and able to just be me...happy, sad or otherwise.

It will be so strange to get home in April and not hear the pitter patter of her little feet on the hardwood floor. To see those big ears perk up at the sound of the door or just have the warmth of her presence in the room.

In hearing this sad news my mind wandered back to one summer day 15 years ago.


- THE FIRST TIME I MET BUFFY -

I will never forget it. It was the middle of July and the year was 1991. It was visitor's day at Camp Kawabi and I was eagerly awaiting the arrival of my parents. It was the first year that I was staying for a whole month and so my first visitor's day experience.

Kawabi was abuzz with parents, siblings and other family members pouring in by the minivan load. I couldn't wait to see my parents. Not so much because I was homesick, cause I wasn't, but because I was looking forward to hugs and hopefully a surprise of some kind. You know like fresh magazines and maybe even some candy or munchies if I was extra lucky.
I was walking behind the lodge near the trampoline when I spotted my Dad (hard to miss at almost 6'5"). They were headed up to the old craft shop (which I'm pretty sure was still the only at the time) and turned when I called out to them. As we headed towards each other a little grey bundle of energy, with huge ears and no tail, came charging out from amongst their feet, tugging relentlessly at it's leash.
At first glance I thought it was our good friends' dog Ragamuffin but as I knelt down to pet this yapping bundle of nerves I realized it was not Ragamuffin at all. Imagine my surprise and excitement when my Dad and Janet introduced me to Buffy, the newest member of our family.
I fell in love with her immediately and wanted to hold her, walk her, play with her, know everything about her. Where she came from, how she got her name, everything I could possibly know.
Her name was Lady when my Dad's co-worker found her abandoned, leash still on, wondering around a park. After rescuing her, it quickly became clear to my folks that cute as she was, a Lady she was not. So, they renamed her Buffy (*it should be noted that this was 1991 remember so not even the "Buffy The Vampire Slayer" movie had come out yet).

As we walked to the crisp, new, white, G3 tent at the corner of the girls tent line my folks proceeded to tell me, and explain, her full name. It was, in fact, Little Lady Buffy Gypsy Queen. Little, because she was. Lady, because some jackass had already given her that horrible name. Buffy, her new name, and Gypsy Queen because my folks quickly discovered her love of wandering off whenever, wherever her little heart desired (usually tempted by bread or chicken bones we would come to discover).

Shortly after arriving at my tent and finishing the full name explanation, Buffy would prove her name true. Within seconds of being freed of her leash, my Dad, Janet and I were doing circles around the general tent area, inside and out, trying to find and then capture her majesty the gypsy queen. Clearly her name was a fit!

That was just the first of many visitor's days at Kawabi when I would eagerly await a visit from my little Buffy...oh and my parents too! It was many a year that I would see my folks arrive and run straight to Buffy prompting a remark from my father somewhere along the lines of "What am I? Chopped liver?"

Buffy always knew when one of us was down and needed her for a snuggle. She would always guard the door with everything she had in her tiny 14 pound body and despite all the yapping she always brought smiles to the faces of those around her. She was one of the most special souls I've known and my first dog. I can't believe her body is no longer with us, but I know her heart lives on in mine and so many others who she touched.

Rest In Peace my Buffykins. We will miss you dearly. Please watch over us all in death as you did in life. I love you forever!

Buffy
1990-2006

THE WHISTLER CHRONICLES

Okay folks,

So I got all caught up in having some really great times with friends new and old in Whistler and neglected to keep you all updated. I did keep track of things in my journal however, and the following entries should give you a better idea of my ever extending stay in Whistler last week.

-----------------------------------------------------------------
Journal Entry
January 9, 2006
Whistler, Canada

-MY FIRST NIGHT IN WHISTLER-

Was a messy one! Steph and I arrived at about 9pm on Saturday night. We moved in to Zoe and Danielle's staff accom. room, full riding (snowboarding for you parental types) gear and all. Everyone was feeling pretty low key. The girls having worked all day and Steph and I fresh of the greyhound. We decided, however, that the first night in Whistler (and a Saturday to boot) called for at least a couple drinks at the local's haunt BBK's.
Well now, I'm not exactly sure where things took their turn (I blame Mike our bartender) but before you know it it was 5am and we were kicking people out of staff accom. in order to feign something close to a good night's sleep. Somehow we still thought we'd be up on the mountain the next morning. At this point I'd like to once and for all thank Pip for puking on my shoes, my slumbering best friend and the girls' carpet (that's all I'm saying Pip cause though we cursed you for days afterwards it really is behind us now ;)
Needless to say our plans for a Sunday on the mountain were postponed until the next day, when we could get a good start, in favour of a nice brunch at Ciao Thyme Bistro and a day on the village stroll. Steph and I stayed in the Delta the next night and none of us was up for very much Sunday evening.

------------------------------------------------------

Journal Entry
January 10, 2006
Whistler, Canada

I finally hit the mountain yesterday. First time on a snowboard since Moonstone with Steph and the boys a few years ago. This time it was a day with the girls. Zoe, Danielle and again Steph. Of course this time I was on a certified mountain and not that HILL in Barrie we call Mount St. Louis. When I was here a few summers ago I hiked Whistler mountain but this was my first time on Blackcomb. Yesterday I rode that board on 35 cm of fresh powder, well a couple hours old but the freshest powder I've ever touched! It's been snowing mad amounts since I've been here and seeing as Toronto is looking more like Vancouver right now I feel comfortable saying that I brought the snow. Apparently it's been a few season's since they've seen this kind of a dumping.
What a great day on the mountain. I actually rode my toe edge a bit today. Minor accomplishment to many I know but a major one for me. In all honesty my quads were burning so bad from riding just my heel edge that it was suck it up and try or get off the mountain. Needless to say I'm a little stiff today but it's the good kinda stiff so I'm not stressing it. So when I couldn't make the toe edge work and my quads just couldn't work any more I would simply sit (although it looked like falling a lot of the time) and look out over the clouds that hung just below the mountaintops. It is an amazing view and the perfect way to give my legs a break. If only I wasn't such a novice I would have brought my camera up with me and snapped some pics, but I felt no need to risk my equipment right at the beginning of my trip. I must admit that mountain gazing really is one of my favourite pastimes. I'll be doing a lot of it over the course of this trip but I'm so glad the first was on my home soil. Summer or winter it really doesn't get much more peaceful than standing on a mountain gazing out at the clouds below you.

----------------------------------------------------

Journal Entry
January 10, 2006
Whistler, Canada

Last evening after the mountain play we girls hit up Merlin's for some apres ski fun, and boy is apres fun! Drinks with friends, a couple snacks and that fabulous massaging chair! Of course the practical guarantee of running into friends always kicks the party up a notch and it sure did last night too.
We were at Merlin's doing the apres thing in our snow gear for a few hours before deciding it was high time for a round of showers, so we lugged ourselves and all our gear back up to staff accom. for a soak and some expert hair styling from Steph (she offered to straighten the girls hair and then blow dried mine too...exciting stuff I'm telling you)! We were all pretty wiped but with such fresh hair we couldn't just stay in all night. So, of course, we headed to BBK's...where else? It was a much quieter night then the two previous and I personally was onto the water, feeling no real desire to drink. No real desire, that is until I got caught talking to Rockin' Randy.
Now, we were there after the rush so we missed Rockin' Randy's main show. How can I desribe Randy? To be honest I think he seems like a decent soul who has taken an emotional beating over the years. Some of it clearly self inflicted (like last night when he was stinking drunk) and some probably just bad luck in life, but who really knows? Now, Zoe really wanted to hear some live guitar playing and singing so, when she saw Randy walk back in, she made a request for Wheat Kings by The Tragically Hip. He told us we would have to sing cause he didn't know the lyrics and that request faded as quickly as it surfaced. Randy on the other hand did not. He saw this as his chance to talk to 3 young ladies all night long, Despite any interest we did, oh sorry DID NOT, show in talking to him.
As the night went one Randy simply rotated between Steph, Zoe and myself, cornering each of us in one awkward conversation after another. It's not that his conversations were altogether uninteresting so much as it was the fact that he was 3, no make that 5, sheets to the wind and smelling like it. Most places the conversation went, I would be happy to go with most people, close to me or not, but with Randy it was different...trying really. I can even say that the first couple times I got caught in conversations with Rockin' Randy last night I actually found them mildly amusing and somewhat interesting. By about the 3rd and 4th awkward conversation though I was getting annoyed. I'm not sure if it was because his drunken ass was trying to convince Steph that he could drive her back to Van in the morning, asking her out or attempting to hop on my trip with me but at that point I had just had enough. Unfortunately despite my very strong and clear non-verbal communication Randy just wasn't getting it. It may not be fair but I can't help it, I was trying not to be rude but I get really frustrated with people who have no capacity for understanding the ever important non-verbal communication.
I realize that he was heavily intoxicated but by the 5th awkward conversation my nerves were being tested. I kept my back to him and answered with single words but that had no effect on his attempt to engage me.
Somewhere around awkward conversation #3 a tall, good looking guy walked into the bar. I had seen him earlier at the cold beer and wine shop next door and noticed him again when he walked in and pulled up a stool for a pint at the bar. He noticed me too (we shared a few shy smiles back and forth through awkward Randy conversations #3, 4 and 5) so I was hoping he'd help get me out of Rockin' Randy's conversational clutches.
It wasn't until Randy had moved into the closest proximity to me he'd been all night, during awkward conversation #5, that a seat next to the cute guy opened up. I saw my chance for an escape from Randy but didn't want to be rude, and honestly felt a little awkward about plunking myself down next to this guy I'd been making eyes at for the last while. I hestitated then realized the awkwardness of sitting next to him was nothing compared to continuing this pointless and increasinly irritating conversation with Randy.
Thankfully, it was a highly successful move. I was in that stool for the rest of the night enjoying great conversation with Andy. Then I stayed 5 days longer than planned!


-------------------------------------------------

Journal Entry
January 13, 2006
Whistler, Canada

- SO MUCH SNOW IN WHISTLER -

So here we have made it to Friday and I'm still in Whistler. My original plan was to leave for Seattle today but obviously that's been postponed. I plan on heading back to Van tomorrow but I guess we'll just have to see. Oh how I love having a maleable schedule!
It is absolutely puking snow up here in the mountain. It's been pretty constant for about 3 days now, but last night was particularly heavy. My favourite BBK's bartender, Mike, said he hasn't seen snow like this for at least a couple seasons so I've deicded that I brought it with me. All I know is that Toronto got a lot of snow early in the season this year (before I left) and they're experienceing Vancouver type mildness now, so I must be the bringer of the snow cause it's been spewing the white stuff since I arrived. Let's just hope I pick up the sun and start carrying that with me after Seattle and Portland.
I definately like the lifestyle up here! I can't find a better way to explain it but like summer camp for adults, and we all know how much I loved camp! I think I could live here pretty easily, at least for a couple years or something. Time just seems unimportant here. It's not like it doesn't exist but it's not what matters. I guess that's why I keep saying that I'll leave tomorrow.
Anyway, think I"ll head out by the end of the weekend but for now I have a house party to look forward to. MIke is opening up his pad in Alpine for a night of good partying!

losing track of time in whistler

Hi All!

So sorry it's been a little while since I've provided you with any updates! What can I say I've been in Whistler for a week now. I was originally planning to stay for about 4-5 days and now a week later I am still here. I do think that tonight will be my last though. I need a couple days in Vancouver before I start making my way south so I must unfortunately move on from this snowcovered town. It's been an amazing time up here. I have lots to fill you in on so I promise I'll post a few journal entires in the next couple days. So much has happened! There have been a few great nights of partying. One tiring and beautiful day above the grey snow clouds on the mountain and some quality time spent with some quality people. It makes me very tempted to just find myself a job, buy a board and some boots and park it here for a while.

Then I remember all the exciting adventures that lie ahead, and all the sunshine and warm weather, and I am reminded that in just a few short days I will be making my way to LA where the partying is sure to pick right back up as I once again meet up with some old friends for some good times!

It's been so great to just decide every day that I'm gonna stay for just one more night. I think I've done that about 3 times now and it's very much been worth it. If you know me you'll know how much I'm loving that kind of freedom!

There are so many stories and details to share but, like I said, I'm gonna leave that for the moment, until I have the time to share my journal entries, but wanted to give you a little something to let you know I haven't forgotten about you all! Look for the Whistler Chronicles in the next couple days!

I hope everyone is well! I miss you all very much and can't wait to share more road stories with you very soon!

Much love,
Mols xoxo

BALMY B.C.

Journal Entry
January 3, 2006
Vancouver

The pen is slipping through my fingers as each letter hits the page. My hands are slippery from all the handcream I just rubbed into my hands in an attempt to supple them back up a bit. They certainly aren't dry because of the cold weather. It's downright balmy here in Vancouver, at least by "Canada in January" standards.

No, no my hands are dry for the same reason I sit here sipping a latte and letting my head settle. That balmy weather I spoke of, well I was still outside enjoying it (rock glass of red wine in hand) just mere hours ago at someone's house. I say someone cause I believe 3 of the guys there were the residents of last night's party central.

Last night, I'm happy to say, Steph dragged my lazy ass out to Commercial drive for some live music. It took us an hour and 3 buses to get there from the old folks complex in Richmond, but it was well worth it. We went to a cool little place called RIME where her friend Roey (pr. ROW-E)was performing. He's the singer/bassist for a two man band called "The Idiots". They were the second of two bands we heard last night and they were fantastic. They have this "chillin with a synthesizer" kinda thing happening. Not really sure how else to desribe it.

Our night started off rather slow, despite the bottle of champagne we polished off with dinner, but soon picked up when The Idiots finished their set and we settled up to say good bye. Turns out most people in the packed house last night were friends with The Idiots. Yes, as Steph and I headed for the door she made the brilliant suggestion that we just do one shot of tequila with Roey before we go. Now, I distinctly remember saying to Steph "Sure, but tequila is how you get the party started, not something you do on your way out the door." Sure enough, one shot turned into two more drinks each and some great conversation with the owner/bartender Jim. Turns out it was his 39th birthday. I think you can see where this is going.

Musicians and restaurant owners/employees are not exactly known in my world to wrap the party up at last call. So, we all pitched in for a few bottles of wine from the bar and headed out for a house party. What can I say? There were a fair number of cute (and remarkably straight, this is Vancouver after all) boys headed there so Steph and I thought it was the right thing to do. She's the one who had to work this morning, not me! Of course, I drove her into work so it's not like I escaped the alarm clock all together. The difference is that I will shortly be participating in one of my favourite activites. BRUNCH WITH A FRIEND!! (**Yes Blair I gave Kathleen a big hug and passed on your kisses!!)

Last night was a really great time. It was the perfect mix of great atmosphere, great music, great people and my one very good friend (the food looked good too but we had already eaten) and if you know anything at all about me, you know that's just the kind of atmosphere that makes for a great time in my books!!
------------------------------------------------------

January 6, 2006 (TODAY)

Brunch was great, went to this place called Sophie's in Kitsilano, so cute and amazing food! Kristin Kruek of Smallville fame was a table over, which reminded me that Maestro (Fresh Wes) was on my flight out here, then just yesterday (01/05) as I returned to Kits to see Kat again, we walked right by David Suzuki. All these famous peeps just chillin on the west coast!!

Last couple of days have been filled mostly with errands and a little sleep. Steph's grandma is back form Toronto so we are no longer living the high life in the old folks complex but it's all good! Marilyn is absolutely wonderful and very sweet. Tomorrow we are headed to Whistler for a few days. Steph actually managed to get a 3 day weekend at work so we are up for some good times there I'm sure. So many people to see I can't wait to catch up. I'm gonna stay a day or two after Steph leaves but then it's back to Vancouver for a few more days before I start with the actual trek part of this voyage and try on Seattle for a couple days. After that I'm thinking Portland but as any fellow travellers know plans can always take on new form. Hopefully there are plenty friends to be made in Seattle who feel like heading south. If not I'll make my own way. I do, after all, have an important occasion in LA that I must make...can't wait!!

Stay tuned for more!
M xoxo