Mike's Minions

Saturday was much more relaxed. We saw two hockey games, one with a hat trick from Cullen. We took it easy between games with reading and naps. For supper we went to downtown Canmore to Graze Restaurant, a tiny place on the main street.

We had reservations but arrived early. The owner was apologetic that we had to wait a few minutes. We got our table and ordered drinks. When it came to ordering food our selection was fine but the owner told AJ, "no you don't want that." We thought he was joking but he said "it's too sweet." He suggested another dish. When the food came he apologized for the wait again. We had not even noticed, it was out quickly in our minds. Once we were done it did take a bit before AJ went up to ask for the bill. Another apology and he took the drinks off the bill. When we got outside and added things up he had removed one of the meals as well. The food was great and the service was as well. We all felt bad for the guy, stressing so much over something that only he could see.

Sunday was another relaxing day, Cullen's last game of the season and the drive back to foggy Calgary. Somewhere in there was our 4oth anniversary. Sal decided to make everyone supper and cheesecake. I know, I know. In the kitchen on our anniversary. But cooking for her family makes her happy. I know better than to go there.

Cullen kicked Mike and AJ's butts on the Nintendo Switch and Campbell entertained. The plan for Monday is to take the boys shopping for their birthday presents. Campbell decided he was sleeping over, "you can text them to pick us up, I'll tell you when, after we get the toys."  

We got settled into AJ and Jess' new home. It's a true reflection of them. Lot of personal little touches that turn a new house into a home. 

Blackfoot BOMBERS

Post game talk

Cullen in his 'office'

Eyes on the biscuit

Someone is happy it's the last game

Head up

Head up, this one finds the back of the net

What A Day

We were up at 3:45 and in the air by 5:30. To say that the Bombardier DH3 was noisy is a major understatement. I can't imagine the level of noise and vibration of a military plane where the comfort of the passengers is not a priority. My head is still buzzing from resting it on the cabin wall. But the flight under a full moon was very smooth, no bouncing around at all. We arrived in Winnipeg right on time, sat for 30 minutes and then boarded another Bombardier aircraft, the CRJ900. Very thankful for jet engines at this point.

I left the entertainment system on the map that showed our progress and it was comical to see all the small western towns I have driven through for the past 7 years go zooming by as we flew over them at 500 mph. As the sun started to appear I could make out the vast partially snow covered prairie below.  Some of the colours and patterns in the earth as we approached Calgary were beautiful. And from about 100 km out I could see the Rockies, still sitting right there where we left them.

We arrived in Calgary just before 8:30. AJ and Jess were waiting, our bag showed up in minutes and we were off to Banff. We hadn't eaten anything so a stop at our favourite breakfast spot, Melissa's Misteak solved our hunger issues. The Huevos Rancheros was better than I remember it. On to Lake Louise for a walk on the still frozen lake. Unfortunately I only brought my long zoom lens for hockey games so my pictures were limited. We wandered around the Fairmont hotel then drove back to the town of Banff then Canmore for some browsing in the shops. I found it hard to believe the number of tourists at this time of year.

We made contact with Mike and Mel and hatched a plan to surprise the boys. We picked up a pizza for them and then went to their room to deliver it. Cullen opened the door and waved. I don't think I would describe his reaction as surprised.

Off to the arena for game 1. The rink was divided in two by a set of portable boards and the game was 5 on 5, a little crowded but the kids were doing what they should be at that age, just having fun. It was so great to watch Cullen zip around live. I asked him before we left if his stick had any goals left and he assured me it did. I caught his goal and celebration in a video.

We went back to the hotel after picking up some refreshments and ordered pizza and wings. The rooms we have are awesome, more like small apartments with a full kitchen, living room, dining room, small deck and underground parking. Plus the mountains look like they are in the backyard.

We finally went to bed at about 1:00 am Thunder Bay time. A long but very satisfying first day.

Rockies on the horizon

Prairie landscape

Campbell and his desert hat

Cullen 66

Frozen Lake Louise and glacier

Same Destination, Different Season

Early Friday morning, we head to the airport for a flight west. I'm not a fan of flying when I could be driving but with less time to work with I'll get on board. Our return flight has already been changed by the good folks at Air Canada but so far the important one has stayed as booked. We'll arrive at 8:30am Calgary time, tired but with an entire day to get the vacation started, he said with his fingers crossed.