Friday, August 31, 2018
Golfing at Ancil Hoffman
To kick off the long holiday weekend, Sharon organized a golf outing at Ancil Hoffman with the Gainsleys, Sanborns and Gerbecs. Teeing off a little after 10:30 am, Sharon and I played with the Gainsleys. The Sanborns played with the Gerbecs and teed off in front of us.
With the Golftec lessons in the first half of the year, I feel like I am striking the ball more consistently. Using tips from my last lesson, I also chipped better. Unfortunately, my putting on the front nine was horrible. I four putted the first green and then three putted six of the next seven greens. I had an 26 putts on the front nine! I ended up shooting 62 on the front nine.
I only three putted two greens and used 19 puts on the back nine. I shot a 51 on the back nine. My winter rules 113 was only 2 strokes worse than the 111 that I shot at Ancil Hoffman in early May. The scorecard is here.
I have already played six rounds of golf this year. This is probably already more golf that I have played in a year in more than 35 years.
We finished the day with dinner at our house. I barbecued a beef tenderloin. The dinner included a tomato salad, green beans, rice from Marlene and peach pie.
One random note, Donna started working for me at Sutter Health 20 years ago today...
Thursday, August 30, 2018
Wednesday, August 29, 2018
Dinner with Pat and Bernard
While I wound my way back from Tulare, Sharon had dinner with Pat and Bernard at Piatti.
To Tulare and Back
My boss and I spent the day driving to Tulare, touring the Tulare Regional Medical Center, meeting with the Market IT team and then driving back. It was a long twelve hour day with 450 miles and 7 hours of driving. I drove.
Tuesday, August 28, 2018
Raising Junior [Jack back to school]
Finishing two plus weeks at home, Jack headed back to Georgetown to start his junior year. I got up about 4:10 am. Sharon and Jack were moving just after 4:30 am. The three of us left the house just after 5:10 am.
Jack caught a 6:55 am Southwest flight from Sacramento to Baltimore. He was on the ground about 10 minutes early at 2:45 pm. Catching an Uber, he was back on the Georgetown University campus a little after 4:20 pm eastern time. It took an hour and twelve minutes from BWI to the Georgetown campus. Jack starts classes tomorrow!
This is the first time we have sent Jack off to start the year at Georgetown by himself. We helped him move in at the beginning of his freshman year and his sophomore year. It is difficult for me to believe that Jack is already half way through college.
Jack caught a 6:55 am Southwest flight from Sacramento to Baltimore. He was on the ground about 10 minutes early at 2:45 pm. Catching an Uber, he was back on the Georgetown University campus a little after 4:20 pm eastern time. It took an hour and twelve minutes from BWI to the Georgetown campus. Jack starts classes tomorrow!
This is the first time we have sent Jack off to start the year at Georgetown by himself. We helped him move in at the beginning of his freshman year and his sophomore year. It is difficult for me to believe that Jack is already half way through college.
Monday, August 27, 2018
Matterhorn: A Novel of the Vietnam War
My book for August is Matterhorn: A Novel of the Vietnam War by Karl Marinates. Larkin and I have talked over the last six months about how August marked 50 years since he was in Vietnam. Larkin posted a photo album of Vietnam pictures in Facebook at the beginning of the month. I am constantly asking people what they are reading. Coincidentally, Snipes mentioned this book earlier this year. It seemed fitting to read a novel about the Vietnam War this month.
The author is a graduate of Yale University and a Rhodes Scholar. He was also a highly decorated Marine who served in Vietnam. He was awarded the Navy Cross, the Bronze Star, two Navy Commendation Medals for valor, two Purple Hearts, and ten Air Medals.
The book is set in Vietnam in 1969. It draws from the experiences of Marinates who commanded a Marine rifle platoon. The novel presents an unflinching look at the hardships endured by the Marines who fought in Vietnam. "Matterhorn" is the code name for a fire-support base located between Laos and the DMZ.
This was not an easy book for me to read. There are a number of sections with graphic battle scenes and gruesome fatalities. It is a very up close and personal view of war. The platoon's cross-country journey in the jungle in the first half of the book is unimaginable. I am not unhappy that I read the book, but I don't recommend it unless you are looking for something that gets you down in the mud and blood of war.
The author is a graduate of Yale University and a Rhodes Scholar. He was also a highly decorated Marine who served in Vietnam. He was awarded the Navy Cross, the Bronze Star, two Navy Commendation Medals for valor, two Purple Hearts, and ten Air Medals.
The book is set in Vietnam in 1969. It draws from the experiences of Marinates who commanded a Marine rifle platoon. The novel presents an unflinching look at the hardships endured by the Marines who fought in Vietnam. "Matterhorn" is the code name for a fire-support base located between Laos and the DMZ.
This was not an easy book for me to read. There are a number of sections with graphic battle scenes and gruesome fatalities. It is a very up close and personal view of war. The platoon's cross-country journey in the jungle in the first half of the book is unimaginable. I am not unhappy that I read the book, but I don't recommend it unless you are looking for something that gets you down in the mud and blood of war.
Sunday, August 26, 2018
An early birthday celebration
Georgetown starts the last week of August. As a result, over the last three years, we have had an early birthday celebration for Jack before he headed back east.
Sharon made a nice dinner of cornflake chicken, scalloped potatoes and green beans. With the weather turning mild, we ate on the back deck. We finished the night with a yellow cake with chocolate frosting.
Celebrating Jack's 19th Birthday
Celebrating Jack's 18th Birthday
Celebrating Jack's 17th Birthday
Celebrating Jack's 16th Birthday
Celebrating Jack's 15th Birthday
Celebrating Jack's 14th Birthday
Celebrating Jack's 13th Birthday
Celebrating Jack's 12th Birthday
Celebrating Jack's 11th Birthday and a party
Celebrating Jack's 10th Birthday
Celebrating Jack's 9th Birthday and a belated party
Celebrating Jack's 8th Birthday plus a party and a photo album
Celebrating Jack's 7th Birthday plus a party and a photo album
Celebrating Jack's 6th Birthday plus a party and a photo album
Celebrating Jack's 5th Birthday plus a photo album
Celebrating Jack's 4th Birthday and a party
Celebrating Jack's 1st Birthday Party
Sharon made a nice dinner of cornflake chicken, scalloped potatoes and green beans. With the weather turning mild, we ate on the back deck. We finished the night with a yellow cake with chocolate frosting.
Celebrating Jack's 18th Birthday
Celebrating Jack's 17th Birthday
Celebrating Jack's 16th Birthday
Celebrating Jack's 15th Birthday
Celebrating Jack's 14th Birthday
Celebrating Jack's 13th Birthday
Celebrating Jack's 12th Birthday
Celebrating Jack's 11th Birthday and a party
Celebrating Jack's 10th Birthday
Celebrating Jack's 9th Birthday and a belated party
Celebrating Jack's 8th Birthday plus a party and a photo album
Celebrating Jack's 7th Birthday plus a party and a photo album
Celebrating Jack's 6th Birthday plus a party and a photo album
Celebrating Jack's 5th Birthday plus a photo album
Celebrating Jack's 4th Birthday and a party
Celebrating Jack's 1st Birthday Party
Saturday, August 25, 2018
Ocean's 8
Saturday night, Sharon and I watched Ocean's 8 on AppleTV. The film is both a continuation and a spin-off from Steven Soderbergh's Ocean's trilogy: Ocean's 11 [2001]; Ocean's 12 [2004], and; Ocean's 13 [2007]. While I have a vague memory of seeing Ocean's 11, I am pretty sure that I never saw the second two film in the trilogy.
The movie features an ensemble cast, including Sandra Bullock, Cate Blanchett, Anne Hathaway, Mindy Kaling, Sarah Paulson, Rihanna, Helena Bonham Carter, and Awkwafina. The film follows the group of women led by Debbie Ocean, the sister of Danny Ocean, who plan a sophisticated heist of the annual Met Gala in New York City.
The setting for much of the film is The Metropolitan Museum of Art. I have been there a number of times, including our trip to New York in March. I always enjoy books and films more when they are set somewhere I have been.
Overall, I enjoyed the film. Sharon liked it more than I did...
The movie features an ensemble cast, including Sandra Bullock, Cate Blanchett, Anne Hathaway, Mindy Kaling, Sarah Paulson, Rihanna, Helena Bonham Carter, and Awkwafina. The film follows the group of women led by Debbie Ocean, the sister of Danny Ocean, who plan a sophisticated heist of the annual Met Gala in New York City.
The setting for much of the film is The Metropolitan Museum of Art. I have been there a number of times, including our trip to New York in March. I always enjoy books and films more when they are set somewhere I have been.
Overall, I enjoyed the film. Sharon liked it more than I did...
Friday, August 24, 2018
Thursday, August 23, 2018
Wednesday, August 22, 2018
California Historical Landmark #840-2
With my job change in the fall of 2016, I haven't been traveling quite as much. Taking advantage of Sharon and Janie being in Wichita, I decided to spend the afternoon tracking down a number of historical markers. I ended up visiting eight markers, including: First Tehama County Courthouse [#183]; Hooker Oak [#313]; Old Suspension Bridge [#314]; Bidwell's Bar [#330]; Last Yahi Indian [#809]; Posted Water Notice Site [#831]; Chico Forestry Station and Nursery [#840.2], and; Mother Orange Tree of Butte County [#1043].
Chico Forestry Station and Nursery
California State Historical Landmark #840-2
See this location on Yahoo Maps in Flickr
See this location on Google Maps
This landmark is located in Bidwell Nature Center, Cedar Grove Picnic Area, Cedar Grove and East 8th, Bidwell Park, Chico in Butte County. There are 10 other California State Historical Landmarks in Butte County. The GPS coordinates for this location are 39° 44' 41.8" N 121° 48' 34.2" W.
In 1888, the State Board of Forestry established an experimental forestry station and nursery. It and the Santa Monica station established in 1887 were the first such stations in the Nation. Exotic and native trees were tested and produced for scientific and conservation purposes. The station was operated by the Board of Forestry until 1903.
California State Historical Landmark #840-2
See this location on Yahoo Maps in Flickr
See this location on Google Maps
This landmark is located in Bidwell Nature Center, Cedar Grove Picnic Area, Cedar Grove and East 8th, Bidwell Park, Chico in Butte County. There are 10 other California State Historical Landmarks in Butte County. The GPS coordinates for this location are 39° 44' 41.8" N 121° 48' 34.2" W.
In 1888, the State Board of Forestry established an experimental forestry station and nursery. It and the Santa Monica station established in 1887 were the first such stations in the Nation. Exotic and native trees were tested and produced for scientific and conservation purposes. The station was operated by the Board of Forestry until 1903.
Tuesday, August 21, 2018
Mike and the Mad Dog
Friday night while Sharon was in Wichita, I watched Mike and the Mad Dog. This is the seventeenth installment of ESPN's 30 for 30 Volume 3. An episode guide for Vol 3 is here.
The documentary focuses on the story of Mike Francesa and Chris Russo from four angles:
I have gained some respect for Francesa over the last two years. He has appeared on the Bill Simmons podcast a number of times. I have been impressed by Mike's knowledge and his relationships with a number of sports figures.
I have fallen way behind in watching ESPN 30 for 30's over the last two years. At this point, there are at least nine that I haven't seen!
The documentary focuses on the story of Mike Francesa and Chris Russo from four angles:
- The first was the creation of WFAN, how the nation's most prominent all-sports station was born and why it succeeded.
- The second was why the Mike and the Mad Dog show resonated with New York sports fans five-and-a-half hours a day, five days a week for nearly two decades.
- The third was the monstrous impact Mike and the Mad Dog had on sports media; how the show was responsible for the explosion of contemporary sports talk radio in America.
- The last, and most important part was Mike and Chris' emotional, at times combustible, relationship.
I have gained some respect for Francesa over the last two years. He has appeared on the Bill Simmons podcast a number of times. I have been impressed by Mike's knowledge and his relationships with a number of sports figures.
I have fallen way behind in watching ESPN 30 for 30's over the last two years. At this point, there are at least nine that I haven't seen!
Monday, August 20, 2018
Mission: Impossible - Fallout
Saturday afternoon, Sharon, Jack and I saw Mission: Impossible - Fallout at the Palladio Luxe in Folsom. This is the sixth installment of the film series. The three of us saw fifth installment (Mission: Impossible - Rogue Nation) in Boston in 2015 during our east coast college tour. While Sharon, Jack and I saw the third film in 2012, I don't think that we ever saw the fourth film...
The cast includes Tom Cruise, Ving Rhames, Simon Pegg, Rebecca Ferguson, Sean Harris, Michelle Monaghan and Alec Baldwin. They are all reprising their roles from previous films. Ethan Hunt (Cruise) and his team must track down stolen plutonium while being monitored by a CIA agent (Henry Cavill) after a mission goes awry. The movie builds on the events of the previous film.
Jumping between buildings in the chase set in London, Cruise broken his ankle. This halted production for about seven weeks.
As a kid, I loved watching the old television series. The theme song for the series is part of the soundtrack for my life.
I enjoyed the movie. It was solid mindless entertainment.
The cast includes Tom Cruise, Ving Rhames, Simon Pegg, Rebecca Ferguson, Sean Harris, Michelle Monaghan and Alec Baldwin. They are all reprising their roles from previous films. Ethan Hunt (Cruise) and his team must track down stolen plutonium while being monitored by a CIA agent (Henry Cavill) after a mission goes awry. The movie builds on the events of the previous film.
Jumping between buildings in the chase set in London, Cruise broken his ankle. This halted production for about seven weeks.
As a kid, I loved watching the old television series. The theme song for the series is part of the soundtrack for my life.
I enjoyed the movie. It was solid mindless entertainment.
Sunday, August 19, 2018
Janie for dinner
Janie came over for dinner. Sharon made Big-O Bacon Burgers from her Nom Nom Paleo book. Before and after dinner, Sharon and Janie continued planning for their trip to Chicago.
Saturday, August 18, 2018
Mission Impossible plus Top Golf
Saturday afternoon, Sharon, Jack and I went to the Palladio Luxe in Folsom to see Mission: Impossible - Fallout. Although it is my movie theater of choice, Jack had never been there with us. He noted that "it was a unique experience."
After the movie, we headed to TopGolf in Roseville. I was shocked at the number of people. We ended up waiting almost an hour and a half for a bay. The three of us then played for an hour and a half. I won the first game, but Jack was ahead when we ran out of time in the second game.
[Note to self], Sharon suggested that we organize a Frame Family function at TopGolf when Jack is home for Christmas.
After the movie, we headed to TopGolf in Roseville. I was shocked at the number of people. We ended up waiting almost an hour and a half for a bay. The three of us then played for an hour and a half. I won the first game, but Jack was ahead when we ran out of time in the second game.
[Note to self], Sharon suggested that we organize a Frame Family function at TopGolf when Jack is home for Christmas.
Friday, August 17, 2018
Sac Yard
Sharon, Jack and I went to Sac Yard. Tim, Kathy, Erin, Cromac and Tom met us there.
Sharon had gone there with Tom while I was in San Francisco for the Rugby Sevens and wanted to go back. We should have taken Tiber with us! There were lots of dogs.
We had dinner from the Che Buono food truck. We started with Polenta Tapa and Calamari for appetizers. Sharon and I had spaghetti and meatballs, while Jack had a meatball slider.
Sharon had gone there with Tom while I was in San Francisco for the Rugby Sevens and wanted to go back. We should have taken Tiber with us! There were lots of dogs.
We had dinner from the Che Buono food truck. We started with Polenta Tapa and Calamari for appetizers. Sharon and I had spaghetti and meatballs, while Jack had a meatball slider.
Thursday, August 16, 2018
Neighborhood Book Club
Sharon is part of a neighbor book club that meets about every two months. Thursday night, they met around the pool to discuss The Boys in the Boat: Nine Americans and Their Epic Quest for Gold at the 1936 Berlin Olympics by Daniel James Brown.
Lunch with Randy Davis
I had lunch with Randy Davis at Zocalo in the Fountains Shopping Center. Randy and I worked together at Sutter Health from 1998 to early 2014.
Arden Hills
Sharon, Jack and I had dinner in the restaurant at Arden Hills on Wednesday night. Sharon and I split a garden salad. For entrees, Sharon had chicken, I had duck and Jack had vegetable risotto with Salmon.
When I was a kid, we often ate ducks that my Dad had hunted. As a result, I rarely order it for an entree. The duck was not overcooked. It triggered a number of memories... My parents used to fight about how to cook ducks; my Dad would constantly complain that my mother overcooked the ducks.
We are going to drop our membership at Arden Hills at the end of August. We just don't use it enough to justify the expense. We have been talking about dropping it for over a year.
When I was a kid, we often ate ducks that my Dad had hunted. As a result, I rarely order it for an entree. The duck was not overcooked. It triggered a number of memories... My parents used to fight about how to cook ducks; my Dad would constantly complain that my mother overcooked the ducks.
We are going to drop our membership at Arden Hills at the end of August. We just don't use it enough to justify the expense. We have been talking about dropping it for over a year.
Wednesday, August 15, 2018
Tiber
Saturday afternoon, Sharon went with Liz to The Painted Cork in Folsom. While Liz painted a picture of an elephant, she painted a picture of Tiber.
Tuesday, August 14, 2018
Sutter Health interim CTO departs after 3 months
Frank worked for me at Sutter Health from October of 2007 through February of 2014.
Sutter Health interim CTO departs after 3 months
By Felicia Alvarez
Staff Writer, Sacramento Business Journal
Aug 10, 2018, 2:54pm
Interim chief technology officer Frank Rausch's exit is the latest in a wave of turnover in the executive ranks of the health care provider's information technology department.
Sutter Health’s interim chief technology officer, Frank Rausch, has departed the company after three months in the position.
Rausch is at least the fifth executive to leave Sutter Health’s technology team in recent months. The Sacramento-based health system confirmed the departures of three other information technology executives in July. Those were senior vice president and chief information services officer Jon Manis, chief information services operating officer Stuart James and director of information services finance Randy James.
Sutter spokeswoman Liz Madison confirmed Rausch departure, but declined to say who will replace Rauch or when he left.
Rauch was named interim CTO in May, after previous CTO Wes Wright accepted a position at Imprivata, Inc., a Lexington Massachusetts-based IT security company.
On May 15, Sutter experienced an electronic emergency system failure, causing several Sacramento Hospitals to go offline. The system failure left medical staff unable to access electronic health records and administrative employees unable to access business documents and phones in some buildings.
Prior to his appointment as interim CTO, Rausch had been with Sutter Health for 14 years as technical services operations director and service line executive director.
Since last month, Rausch has been a retired consultant, according to his LinkedIn profile.
Monday, August 13, 2018
Neighborhood Homeowners Association Meeting
Sharon and I went to the neighborhood homeowners association meeting at Jim and Debi's house. I love our neighborhood. Unfortunately, we have a neighbor who has filed for bankruptcy, had his house on the market for the last year at an exorbitant price, has not paid his HOA dues in five years and is breaking a number of the CC&Rs... As you can imagine, there was a lot of hand wringing about what actions to take.
Sunday, August 12, 2018
2018 River Cats versus Chihuahuas
Belt begins rehab as River Cats comeback falls short
The Sacramento River Cats (47-71) scored late to make things interesting, but the El Paso Chihuahuas (66-51) emerged victorious by the final score of 2-1. Brandon Belt began rehab, playing five innings at first base and logging two plate appearances.
The River Cats were held scoreless until the eighth inning when Miguel Gomez knocked a two-out RBI single to pull the River Cats within one.
River Cats starter Jordan Johnson set a season-high after pitching into the seventh inning on Saturday night. Johnson allowed just two runs on five hits before being taken out with one out in the seventh.
Sacramento would eventually fall 2-1, making it the third consecutive game decided by one run in this series.
Saturday night, Sharon, Jack, Jason and I went to the Sacramento River Cats versus the El Paso Chihuahuas minor league baseball game. The Chihuahuas won the game by the score of 2 to 1.The Sacramento River Cats (47-71) scored late to make things interesting, but the El Paso Chihuahuas (66-51) emerged victorious by the final score of 2-1. Brandon Belt began rehab, playing five innings at first base and logging two plate appearances.
The River Cats were held scoreless until the eighth inning when Miguel Gomez knocked a two-out RBI single to pull the River Cats within one.
River Cats starter Jordan Johnson set a season-high after pitching into the seventh inning on Saturday night. Johnson allowed just two runs on five hits before being taken out with one out in the seventh.
Sacramento would eventually fall 2-1, making it the third consecutive game decided by one run in this series.
As a social event for her work, Sharon's company took a large group to the game. We went with her office to a River Cats game two years ago. This time they reserved the Home Run Terrace. It included free food and drinks.
There were several familiar names on the River Cats roster. Starters included Brandon Belt at first base and Kelby Tomlinson at short stop. Gregor Blanco pitch hit and Hunter Strickland pitched in relief.
Although Kelby Tomlinson has a twelve hitting streak and is batting .425 in that stretch, he was called out on strikes to end the sixth and eighth inning with runners in scoring position. Brandon Belt flied out in both of his plate appearances.
I frankly didn't watch much of the game. I spend time in the first couple of innings talking to Gary Olson and his wife Linda. Gary and I have known each other since about sixth grade. About the middle of the game, I shifted over and sat with Jack and Jason. The Home Run Terrace was frankly an odd place to watch the game. The angle is not great and you don't have a view of centerfield or much of right field.
Allen Craig [first base for El Paso] homered on to the roof next to the terrace. The ball rolled down on to the grass in front of where we were sitting.
We left in the bottom of the ninth. With most people staying for the fireworks after the game, we zipped out of the parking lot.
Saturday, August 11, 2018
Jack is Back!
After moving his stuff back into storage on campus, Jack took an Uber to BWI.
He caught a 2:15 pm nonstop Southwest flight from Baltimore to Sacramento. Jack was on the ground in Sacramento just about 4:30 pm.
I picked him up. He is home for just over two weeks before heading back to start his junior year at Georgetown. It is hard for me to believe that he is halfway through college!
He caught a 2:15 pm nonstop Southwest flight from Baltimore to Sacramento. Jack was on the ground in Sacramento just about 4:30 pm.
I picked him up. He is home for just over two weeks before heading back to start his junior year at Georgetown. It is hard for me to believe that he is halfway through college!
Friday, August 10, 2018
Dinner with Janie
Sharon picked up Janie and they went to dinner at the Virgin Sturgeon. Afterwards, they headed back to Janie's to do some trip planning. Following up on their trip to Wichita and working to take advantage of Janie's Southwest companion fare, they are planning a trip to Chicago in September.
Thursday, August 09, 2018
To St. Helena and back
As part of my boss's effort to visit all of the markets, I spent the loin's share of the day traveling to St. Helena and back. I spent most of 2015 and 2016 working out of the Napa Valley and based at the St. Helena hospital.
We had lunch with the market IT team at Gillwoods Cafe. I had lunch with David Tomasin at this restaurant in 2015.
Even after 6:00 pm on a random Thursday night, eastbound traffic from Davis to the causeway was horrible on the way back.
Sharon spent the evening seeing Mama Mia! Here We Go Again with Liz.
We had lunch with the market IT team at Gillwoods Cafe. I had lunch with David Tomasin at this restaurant in 2015.
Even after 6:00 pm on a random Thursday night, eastbound traffic from Davis to the causeway was horrible on the way back.
Sharon spent the evening seeing Mama Mia! Here We Go Again with Liz.
Wednesday, August 08, 2018
1999 Trip to Victoria
In 1999, Sharon, Jack, Wallen, Jill and I spent a couple of days in Victoria. We flew up on the float plane from Lake Washington in Seattle and landed in Victoria Harbour. Geselbracht drove down from Nanaimo and had dinner with us.
I found two pictures taken in the small float plane on the trip up. The pictures are here!
I found two pictures taken in the small float plane on the trip up. The pictures are here!
Tuesday, August 07, 2018
Monday, August 06, 2018
A few notes from the Vancouver Island trip
Some random notes from our trip to Vancouver Island include:
- The island is much more rugged than I remember. Sharon, Jack, Wallen, Jill and I visited Victoria in October of 1999. We had dinner with Geselbracht on that trip. [Note to self], I need to look for the pictures from that trip.
- As we traveled up the west coast and back across to the east coast, we saw lots of areas of clearcut logging. Some of these were very large areas. I don't think that you can do that anywhere in the United States today...
- Once we left Sooke on Friday morning, we were without cell phone coverage for more than five hours. We didn't get cell phone coverage again until we got to Cowichan Lake. Even around Port Renfrew, there was no coverage. Sharon and I were musing what it would be like to live in Port Renfrew without cell phone coverage.
- While I knew that Geselbracht was involved in the Nanaimo Rugby Club, I didn't realize how much a role it played in his social life. The rugby club and clubhouse are a key part of his life.
- I am still puzzling over the spot where Geselbracht is planning on building a house. It seems like it is essentially on top of a big rock.
Sunday, August 05, 2018
2018 Vancouver Island - Day 5
Everyone slept fairly late. Eventually, Barb made eggs and bacon for breakfast. After breakfast, we headed to the Nanaimo Hornets Rugby Clubhouse. I was surprised how nice the clubhouse and the field were. More on the rugby club in a future post.
Back at the house, Sharon and I packed up. Our plan for the day was wine tasting. During dinner the first two nights in Victoria, I was surprised at the number of British Columbia wines on the menu. At dinner on Saturday night, Geselbracht said something about Trip Advisor. While we were eating breakfast, I looked up the Trip Advisor list of the top 15 wineries on the island. The top two were on our way to the airport.
We rolled from the house a little before 11:00 am. The first stop was the Averill Creek Winery. Although the tasting room had a marvelous view, this stop was a bust. The person serving the wine was horrible and rushed us through the tasting. Although it was hard to judge some of the wines due to the small size of the pour, I enjoyed the wines more than Sharon did. The winery didn't charge for the tasting.
The next stop was the Enrico Winery. This turned out to be an excellent stop. We sat outside. The staff was very good. Both Sharon and I enjoyed the wines.
Continuing south, we stopped for a late lunch at the Malahat Chalet. The restaurant had a great view. Both Sharon and I had bison burgers.
From there, we continued to the airport. We caught an Alaskan flight from Victoria to Seattle. Scheduled to leave at 5:05 pm, it took off a little more than half an hour late.
At Seattle, we went through immigration and then collected our bags and went through customs. They have introduced a kiosk before immigration that we had never experienced before. We dropped our bags at Southwest. Unlike Wednesday at the Alaskan counter, the Southwest counter was oddly empty... We breezed through security with TSA Pre and CLEAR.
We caught a 8:30 pm flight from Seattle to Sacramento. Boarding with A20, I was able to get the two seat exit row for us. By the time, we caught to baggage claim, our bags were there. Except for the crowd to catch the train to the terminal, I don't know that we have ever gotten to our car that quickly! We were home at 11:00 pm. It was a great trip. I am going to post a couple of general observations later this week.
Back at the house, Sharon and I packed up. Our plan for the day was wine tasting. During dinner the first two nights in Victoria, I was surprised at the number of British Columbia wines on the menu. At dinner on Saturday night, Geselbracht said something about Trip Advisor. While we were eating breakfast, I looked up the Trip Advisor list of the top 15 wineries on the island. The top two were on our way to the airport.
We rolled from the house a little before 11:00 am. The first stop was the Averill Creek Winery. Although the tasting room had a marvelous view, this stop was a bust. The person serving the wine was horrible and rushed us through the tasting. Although it was hard to judge some of the wines due to the small size of the pour, I enjoyed the wines more than Sharon did. The winery didn't charge for the tasting.
The next stop was the Enrico Winery. This turned out to be an excellent stop. We sat outside. The staff was very good. Both Sharon and I enjoyed the wines.
Continuing south, we stopped for a late lunch at the Malahat Chalet. The restaurant had a great view. Both Sharon and I had bison burgers.
From there, we continued to the airport. We caught an Alaskan flight from Victoria to Seattle. Scheduled to leave at 5:05 pm, it took off a little more than half an hour late.
At Seattle, we went through immigration and then collected our bags and went through customs. They have introduced a kiosk before immigration that we had never experienced before. We dropped our bags at Southwest. Unlike Wednesday at the Alaskan counter, the Southwest counter was oddly empty... We breezed through security with TSA Pre and CLEAR.
We caught a 8:30 pm flight from Seattle to Sacramento. Boarding with A20, I was able to get the two seat exit row for us. By the time, we caught to baggage claim, our bags were there. Except for the crowd to catch the train to the terminal, I don't know that we have ever gotten to our car that quickly! We were home at 11:00 pm. It was a great trip. I am going to post a couple of general observations later this week.
Saturday, August 04, 2018
2018 Vancouver Island - Day 4
We had a light breakfast with Geselbracht and Barb at their house. Afterwards, we headed out to explore the area.
The first stop was a subdivision that Geselbracht built when he first moved to Vancouver Island in the early 2000's. We drove through the subdivision and then walked along the beach in front of the four waterfront lots.
From there, we headed to Rathtrevor Beach Park. We wandered out into the shallow bay. At low tide, the ocean recedes almost a kilometer.
We headed to lunch at Coombs. The market's claim to fame is goats grazing on a sod roof.
Geselbracht built a house in Lanceville about 2005. He sold it two years ago with designs on building a new house on a lot with a view. The development of that neighborhood has lagged, but Geselbracht is hopeful that he will be able to start working on the property late this year. We drove up to the new neighborhood and hiked out to the lot. The view from the new lot is fantastic, but I am still confused about how he is going to build on it. The house will sit on top of a giant rock! I would love to see some pictures of the construction progress. I am motivated to come back and see the house when it is completed.
After a short break back at the house, we headed to the Nanaimo Waterfront. We walked the length of the waterfront and then continued to a late dinner at Beachfires Pacific Grill. Sharon and I split an order of Crispy Fanny Bay Oysters [Tossed in house made cornmeal batter and fried to perfection served with a Cajun cream sauce topped with goat cheese and balsamic reduction] as an appetizer. We both had Pacific Grill Salmon [Seasoned with a soya maple chili glaze and grilled to perfection]. It was NOT grilled to perfection; Sharon was very disappointed that it was overdone...
We finished the night visiting back at their house. It was fairly late by the time we crashed.
The first stop was a subdivision that Geselbracht built when he first moved to Vancouver Island in the early 2000's. We drove through the subdivision and then walked along the beach in front of the four waterfront lots.
From there, we headed to Rathtrevor Beach Park. We wandered out into the shallow bay. At low tide, the ocean recedes almost a kilometer.
We headed to lunch at Coombs. The market's claim to fame is goats grazing on a sod roof.
Geselbracht built a house in Lanceville about 2005. He sold it two years ago with designs on building a new house on a lot with a view. The development of that neighborhood has lagged, but Geselbracht is hopeful that he will be able to start working on the property late this year. We drove up to the new neighborhood and hiked out to the lot. The view from the new lot is fantastic, but I am still confused about how he is going to build on it. The house will sit on top of a giant rock! I would love to see some pictures of the construction progress. I am motivated to come back and see the house when it is completed.
After a short break back at the house, we headed to the Nanaimo Waterfront. We walked the length of the waterfront and then continued to a late dinner at Beachfires Pacific Grill. Sharon and I split an order of Crispy Fanny Bay Oysters [Tossed in house made cornmeal batter and fried to perfection served with a Cajun cream sauce topped with goat cheese and balsamic reduction] as an appetizer. We both had Pacific Grill Salmon [Seasoned with a soya maple chili glaze and grilled to perfection]. It was NOT grilled to perfection; Sharon was very disappointed that it was overdone...
We finished the night visiting back at their house. It was fairly late by the time we crashed.
Friday, August 03, 2018
2018 Vancouver Island - Day 3
Up early, we packed up the room and checked out. We were in the car and rolling about 7:45 am. The plan for the day was wandering up the West Coast of Vancouver Island.
We had breakfast at the Sooke Harbour House Restaurant. We both had Smoked Coho Salmon Benedict [Pickled Shallot, Winter Greens, Toasted English-style Muffin, Hollandaise, Root Vegetable Hash]. The food was solid. Given the hype for the restaurant, Sharon was disappointed in the meal.
After breakfast, we drove up Highway 14 to Port Renfrew. We made one very quick stop at the mouth of the Jordan River.
Our first goal was the Avatar Grove about 15 minutes north of Port Renfrew. This is a stand of old growth Douglas-fir and western red cedar. We hiked for about an hour through some amazing trees. One of the giant cedars in Avatar Grove has numerous huge burls and has been dubbed "Canada's gnarliest tree."
From there, we headed to Botanical Beach Provincial Park. We hiked the Botanical loop trail. This included short side trips to Botany Bay and Botanical Bay.
At this point, it was about 2:00 pm and we started east towards Nanaimo. The drive from Port Renfrew to Cowichan Lake on the Pacific Marine Road was through some very remote country. We stopped for a drink and some nachos at Jake's on the Lake.
We rolled up to Geselbracht and Barb's house in North Nanaimo about 5:30 pm. When we were in Hawaii in February, the four of us talked about visiting in August! We are spending two nights with them.
They invited over two other couples (Steve and Mel?) from the rugby club for dinner. It was a nice evening. The eight of us had dinner, visited and played cards until late. Sharon and I crashed in the downstairs bedroom.
We had breakfast at the Sooke Harbour House Restaurant. We both had Smoked Coho Salmon Benedict [Pickled Shallot, Winter Greens, Toasted English-style Muffin, Hollandaise, Root Vegetable Hash]. The food was solid. Given the hype for the restaurant, Sharon was disappointed in the meal.
After breakfast, we drove up Highway 14 to Port Renfrew. We made one very quick stop at the mouth of the Jordan River.
Our first goal was the Avatar Grove about 15 minutes north of Port Renfrew. This is a stand of old growth Douglas-fir and western red cedar. We hiked for about an hour through some amazing trees. One of the giant cedars in Avatar Grove has numerous huge burls and has been dubbed "Canada's gnarliest tree."
From there, we headed to Botanical Beach Provincial Park. We hiked the Botanical loop trail. This included short side trips to Botany Bay and Botanical Bay.
At this point, it was about 2:00 pm and we started east towards Nanaimo. The drive from Port Renfrew to Cowichan Lake on the Pacific Marine Road was through some very remote country. We stopped for a drink and some nachos at Jake's on the Lake.
We rolled up to Geselbracht and Barb's house in North Nanaimo about 5:30 pm. When we were in Hawaii in February, the four of us talked about visiting in August! We are spending two nights with them.
They invited over two other couples (Steve and Mel?) from the rugby club for dinner. It was a nice evening. The eight of us had dinner, visited and played cards until late. Sharon and I crashed in the downstairs bedroom.
Thursday, August 02, 2018
2018 Vancouver Island - Day 2
We wandered down to the harbor and got a light breakfast at Starbucks. The plan for the morning was visiting Butchart Gardens.
We got there about 8:40 am. The place was empty! I think that we were literally the third car in the parking lot.
I enjoyed the morning. About 10 am, I ran our jackets back to the car. I was amazed how many people were starting to pour into the park.
We had lunch at 11:30 am at The Dining Room. We both had a nice Albacore tuna salad [Fingerling potatoes, sprouted grains, bush beans, watermelon radishes, soft-boiled free-range egg, preserved lemon, crème fraîche].
Heading back to Victoria, our plan for the afternoon was to rent bikes. We rented two bikes at Cycle BC around the corner from the hotel.
This turned into a little bit of a struggle. When we got out to the coast, Sharon was expecting a bike trail off the street. It turned out that we had to ride on the road with the traffic. Sharon was not happy.
Although Sharon was nervous about riding in traffic, I enjoyed the ride along the coast. We turned back towards the downtown at Oak Bay and made a stop for a beer at The Penny Farthing Public House. About half back to the hotel, there was a separate lane for bikes. Sharon relaxed and enjoyed the rest of the ride.
After getting cleaned up, we had a drink in the bar. We finished the day with a very late dinner in the Q at the Empress. After a half dozen oysters, Sharon and I split an heirloom tomato appetizer. For entrees, Sharon had halibut, while I had salmon. Dinner was excellent!
We got there about 8:40 am. The place was empty! I think that we were literally the third car in the parking lot.
I enjoyed the morning. About 10 am, I ran our jackets back to the car. I was amazed how many people were starting to pour into the park.
We had lunch at 11:30 am at The Dining Room. We both had a nice Albacore tuna salad [Fingerling potatoes, sprouted grains, bush beans, watermelon radishes, soft-boiled free-range egg, preserved lemon, crème fraîche].
Heading back to Victoria, our plan for the afternoon was to rent bikes. We rented two bikes at Cycle BC around the corner from the hotel.
This turned into a little bit of a struggle. When we got out to the coast, Sharon was expecting a bike trail off the street. It turned out that we had to ride on the road with the traffic. Sharon was not happy.
Although Sharon was nervous about riding in traffic, I enjoyed the ride along the coast. We turned back towards the downtown at Oak Bay and made a stop for a beer at The Penny Farthing Public House. About half back to the hotel, there was a separate lane for bikes. Sharon relaxed and enjoyed the rest of the ride.
After getting cleaned up, we had a drink in the bar. We finished the day with a very late dinner in the Q at the Empress. After a half dozen oysters, Sharon and I split an heirloom tomato appetizer. For entrees, Sharon had halibut, while I had salmon. Dinner was excellent!
Wednesday, August 01, 2018
2018 Vancouver Island - Day 1
Up early, Sharon and I left the house at about 5:20 am. Our Southwest flight from Sacramento to Seattle was originally scheduled for 7:05 am, but was delayed about 30 minutes. Boarding with A29, I was able to get the middle and window in the nice exit row of an older 737. I sat in the middle and Sharon sat on the window. The flight was on the ground in Seattle just before 9:30 am.
Unfortunately, when I booked the flights, I made a large tactical error. Our flight from Seattle to Victoria was on Alaskan. As a result, we had to exit the concourse, get our bags and recheck our bags. The bags came very quickly, but the line to check the luggage was a mess! I was not happy...
When we checked our bags at Alaskan, they didn't have our TSA Pre numbers. Walking to the regular security line, I lost my patience. I looked like it was going to take an hour to get through security. I ended up turning us around and signing us up for CLEAR. Sharon was very confused about what we were doing until I explained it to her later.
Originally, we thought that we would have time for a leisurely breakfast. We ended up at the gate about 30 minutes before the flight boarded. We bought a couple of grab and go things to eat.
We caught a 11:45 am Alaskan flight from Seattle to Victoria. It was a short 45 minute flight. After getting the luggage and making our way through immigration, we picked up a Hertz rental and headed into downtown Victoria. We are spending two nights at the Fairmont Empress.
We checked in about 2:00 pm, but the room wasn't ready. We checked our bags and had a glass of wine in the Lobby Bar. Sharon made reservations for Tea at 3:15 pm. It is something that she has wanted to do for years. I was dubious, but the experience exceeded my expectations. The hotel texted me the room number while we were eating.
After getting settled in the room, we walked around exploring the area. We wandered up Wharf Street checking out the Flying Otter, Red Fish Blue Fish and CANOE. Sharon was focused on finding a place to have fish and chips. We ended up having a beer at the Swan Brewery & Pub. One of the waitresses recommended Ten Acres for fish and chips.
Heading back down Government Street, we stopped at the Bodega Bar for a glass of Spanish wine. We finished the night with a late dinner at the Ten Acres Bistro. We both had FISH + CHIPS [Hoyne Dark Matter beer battered - fries - coleslaw - tartar sauce]. Sharon was underwhelmed...
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