Post #5

A series of brief thoughts. Good writing takes time, of which I have much, but choose to use otherwise.

To date we have not been disappointed by any of the capital buildings we have visited. A note for other travelers, The titles of these capital buildings can be quite entertaining. Most have some combination of ministry, temple, justice, or other similar terms.

Pub food, tasty. The $10 French aperitif, unexpected. EAT Oyster Bar (www.eatanoysterbar.com), the Portland version of It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia but without Devito.

The Multnomah Falls rangers are not terribly well trained in the art of counting switchbacks nor measuring distance. Their signs are noticeably different from the actual trail.

The easiest way to mortify your younger female cousin is to enter a local Grecian eatery at 7:57 PM only to discover that a previously unknown yet weekly belly-dancing exhibition is scheduled every Friday at 8 PM. Proceed to grin and wink.

Some jars apparently have right-hand threads, yet can still be opened by turning to the left with the appropriate leverage, such as a leatherman. Also a good way to prove manhood.

"Dull Women have Immaculate Houses." -Plaque in Wayne and Joan Thompson's house.-

Roughnecks do not fall short of the expectation said title implies.

Play the Japanese translation at the information kiosk at the snow trail in Banff. Quite existential for English speakers. (video forthcoming)

Trip Totem discovered and begun in the light of a semi-legitimate campfire.

The friendly misanthropic coffee barista in Calgary calls crisscut fries “waffle fries” and refers to everybody as “man”. She was not impressed by the sticker that the clerk with a wandering eye gave to me at the dollar store.

Jim, the permanent bar fixture of Lazy Ace Saloon in Beiseker, located between a truck stop and the middle of nowhere. Apparently personal friends with John Lennon and built the bassinet for Queen Elizabeth as I'm sure most aircraft mechanics from Liverpool have done. Apparently the ability to name the 5 US states that have a Pacific Coastline is fairly impressive to Jim right before last call (also deserving of a free round). Also, a pair of crows (I also learned that ‘crow’ is another name for a raven) in the Yukon are capable of lifting a cow bone in tandem.

Questions, comments, and rejoinders are appreciated...