Rocky Mountains Trip Part 2 - Fun Times!

When I'm in the mountains and not hiking through the wilderness I like to unwind with a couple of my favorite activities: sliding down gigantic slides that are connected to rockets and mini-golf. Luckily I was able to do both on my last mountain trip.

Christina and I have an intense rivalry going between us about mini-golf. We have known each other for over 3 years and each one of us has had the fervent belief that we were the superior mini-golfer without actually testing ourselves against each other. That is until a fateful day in June 2010 when the forces of good and evil met in east of Nordegg for the match heard round the world.

Both champions showed up to play.

I was dressed in my unofficial sponsor (OV) colors. Christina was clad in her customary black capri combo.

 

I want to say it was a true test of champions but it wasn't even close. The wily Saskatchewan veteran claimed the title of champion that day and basked in his winnings of a free ice-cream waffle cone paid for by the loser.

I leave you now with some apt words spoken by Genghis Khan. No doubt about mini-golf

“The greatest happiness is to scatter your enemy, to drive him before you, to see his cities reduced to ashes, to see those who love him shrouded in tears, and to gather into your bosom his wives and daughters.”

Rocky Mountains Trip Part 1 - Trekking in Nordegg

Last week was a long stressful week at work. As I was beginning to crack up, Christina insisted that I accompany her to the mountains. It turned out that it was much needed.

We managed to snag a couple of beds at the Nordegg Hostel. It's a great facility, and a popular spot for travelers. The place was packed - so it wasn't the quiet oasis I was looking for. However, good prices and the good location made up for that.

Our first hike of the day started by crossing a small suspension bridge. We got about a 1/3rd of the way down it when a woman with a baby carriage came along. The bridge was so narrow we backed off and let her pass.

We probably hiked about 14kms and I took a ton of pictures. I've sorted them below by pictures of me, Christina, and landscapes. Like all the pictures on the website click to make them bigger.

I love nature!!!

Christina loves streams!!!

Great views on the hike.

What I have seen the last couple weeks

Ukrainian Night At The Old Ballpark

Last week the Edmonton Capitals held a promotion called Ukrainian Night. They promised authentic Ukrainian food, music, entertainment and even Ukrainian language announcers.

I managed to drag Christina, Christie, Kelly B and her friend along with me. A night of unintentional hilarity ensued.

The game started super early due to it being a double header - for the first pitch the stadium was pretty quiet.

The first bit of entertainment was between innings and right in front of us. I loved how the players didn't even seem to care or notice the dancing going on around them.

Wandering around the ballpark were a couple of Cheemo Perogy mascots. Christina is a sucker for doughboys.

In between games of the doubleheader we were treated to an extended dance sequence. I was also amused by the ground crews complete professionalism.

What I also found hilarious was how they were careful not to smudge the chalk lines and their respect for home plate and the batters box.

The second game started out with a lovely rendition of the Ukrainian national anthem - the mascots were very respectful.

Bonus - Video Footage

 

Yeah - I Ate That

At O'Brynes pub here in Edmonton they serve a Fatboy Burger. It's a regular hamburger patty served between two grilled cheese sandwiches. It is delicious.

Humboldt Reunions

The theme of June is apparently "old school reunion"  as I've met up with a bunch of my fellow Humboldtians. Which is always pretty cool.

I've had the chance to hang out with James Rosenberg, Chad Shabatoski, Kevin Melnychuk, Daniel Novecosky, and Darren Stroeder.

It's been good having James around after so long away - much like Gatsby "He always looks so cool"

A special treat was running into Sandy and Tony Stroeder in town to visit Darren, I met them one Saturday while walking around the farmers market by my place.

(notice the true RR pride)

As the Stroeders are Humboldt royalty Chad, who was also at the market, jumped in for a picture. Not the best shot of me but thats because I was on the lookout for more Humboldt people.

Also visiting this month is my favorite ex-Humboldter, no not Trevor Lloyd, it is of course my Mother.

Brisket Saturday

Mom was visiting a little over a week ago and what better way to celebrate then smoked meat in the form of brisket.  Christina joined me at Monica and Pauls place: we got there about 3PM and Paul was 5 hours into cooking already.

Obviously, at Mucca's place the big attraction (other than meat) is Claire and Ren. 

Claire was also cooking that day - she was making mudpies.

Ren had no time for cooking as he was styling in his boots.

Christina was jealous of the kids so she got in on the fun. 

I tried to subdue the kids and have a few pops.

Of course that didn't last long and I had to pull out my patented annual handstand. I found that while I can do it pretty well, I'm not a very good teacher.

Not to be outdone by Pauls culinary skills Monica displayed her home-ec project, a dress she made with Mom's coaching.

Eventually, it was brisket time. It was truly outstanding. I ate so much I hat the meat sweats for a couple of days. So good!