September 1st and my friend Sandra gives me a ride to Victoria's airport. Nice flight into Calgary. But Calgary is one hour ahead, and I mis read my departure time so I grabbed dinner ! The plane left without me. The Westjet agent allowed me a new flight but it didn't leave until early morning on Saturday.
I got a $37 cab ride from the airport to a Hampton Hotel minutes away. When I was checking in I started to cry - the nice guy gave me a seniors rate and room at the end of the hall. He gave me water an sympathetically told me to relax.
Friday I got the free shuttle back to the airport where I caught a bus into the centre of Calgary. Suburbs end at the river and just like that the tall buildings of the city appear. I get dropped at the Calgary Tower. Took the interesting elevator to the top. This picture from a safe distance facing north.
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| North Calgary from the Tower |
Walked to the spectacular library. Then to Stephen Avenue Walk which is pedestrian dedicated. Found the Brooks Brothers store and got a new shirt. Picked up Tom Sawyer book for Avander. The mall has this beautiful, big space on the 4th floor.
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Beautiful space in the mall on Stephen Walk
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Then I found a nice local pub for a pint. More wandering until it was lunch time and found an Indian restaurant. Got the bus back to the airport. This Calgary airport is so well set up. My cargo was re routed once I explained the missed flight. People provide information and the hotel shuttles are easy to find and read. Mine came by in 20 minutes. Went for a swim and then got a beer from the hotel bar and took it to the patio off the pool. Later picked up dinner. Had an early flight so set the alarm and went to bed.
Saturday shuttle to the airport and had a nice breakfast before the flight to Charlottetown. Finally arrived at 6:30 pm eastern time and the family was waiting for me in the small airport ! ! It was an emotional reunion for me, with Steph also there (for a second I thought she was Veronica ).
45 minutes later we were at their house in Souris, PEI. It is a big house and lots of work to finish. This sunset is near the house.
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| Hwy 2 heading east to Souris, PEI |
Steph and I are on different time zones so we took the truck to the Lighthouse Motel 10 minutes away. Luckily Nick had provided beverages. Steph and I got to catch up and then lights out.
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The Gulf of St Lawrence from our motel - facing south
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Sunday is a beautiful warm day. We gathered up the family and went to the beach in Souris. Hardly anyone there and the water is warm and there is lots of smooth sand. We ran in and out and watched the change in tide. Then lunch of fish and chips on the beach.
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Beach in Souris, PEI
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On Monday we all go to Souris for a lovely lunch at a cafe. It is another warm day. Then we visit the lighthouse and climb to the top. Back at the house, Steph and I are still on another time zone and are astounded when we find out it is only 5 pm. So we take the kids to the a play place. There is also a patio for libations there - so win win.
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| Avander and Char |
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| They see a horse ? |
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| Steph is15 again |
We spend a day in the town of Montegue, PEI where there is a river with a park and a cafe.
And another day we go to Montegue and the kids and I go to a great library and indoor pool while Veronica and Steph shop.
We take a trip into Charlottetown. There is some thrift shopping and a late lunch at an Indian restaurant. A stop in a downtown park.
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| Nick always in motion |
One of the days Steph and I walk to a nearby bakery for breakfast then into Souris for a look at the shops. On the first day of school the bus picks up the kids, but we all go and watch them get off the bus. Steph and I help sort out the house.
Veronica and Nick have an interview with a new Nordic Spa nearby. Steph and I tag along on the tour. It should be very nice. Later we learn they both got a position with the spa.
The day before departure Steph books a gorgeous hotel called 45 Steps - because it is 45 steps to this beach !
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| Beach facing North to Gulf of St Lawrence |
Steph in the coveted swing chair:
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| At 45 Steps Hotel |
It is a lovey place and we have dinner with Nick. After an evening stroll on the beach we head to our room.
The final day and Nick picks us up and then we collect Veronica from Michael Smith's restaurant. Samples from the restaurant are consumed. Steph and I, without planning, are on the same flight into Toronto this evening. From there we go our separate ways.
We relax and play with the kids at the house. From there we will say goodbye to Nick and the kids. I stifle a sob. Veronica drives us to the famous Rick's Fish and Chips restaurant in St Peter's Bay.
We arrive at Charlottetown's airport in plenty of time. The container I shipped from Victoria, BC for Veronica is waiting for pick up. When we do claim it the entire staff claps. They were waiting to get it out of their space. I also get free baggage for my backpack because the container was delayed. We say goodbye to Veronica. I feel I will see her again sometime soon. Steph and I board the plane and manage to get our seats together. At the Toronto airport Steph escorts me to where my next flight is leaving. We once again have to say goodbye and it is heart breaking. About a year ago we were in Spain together.
My flight into Calgary is not leaving for a while so I sit at a bar near my gate. I arrive in Calgary after midnight and my next flight is not for 6 more hours. So I get my backpack and find a deserted place in the Calgary airport. A bench gives me a few hours sleep and then I wander the building. I am one of the first to check into my next flight home in the early morning. I have a really nice breakfast and then wait. The sun is coming up when the plane is taking off.
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| Calgary airport in the morning |
Arrived back in Victoria about 10:30 am local time. Walked to the bus and was home within an hour. I was very tired so after unpacking went to bed for a few hours. It took me a week to get back on Pacific time.
I already miss my family....
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| PEI in September |
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