Cal's Journal

Alberta is a different world in the coronaverse these days. Masks are more prevalent and people are wearing them more than they are in BC. I find it strange that Calgary has passed a bylaw that has mandated masks indoors in public places. But BC and Vancouver have not issued the same edicts. When we first rolled into Alberta we stopped at Lake Louise for fuel and breakfast. Many people were wearing masks and there were signs everywhere requesting masks. Read more

Climbing upward toward the clouds we were connected to the plane in front that was doing all the work. Our plane, unpowered soaring in the draft, was soon to be free. The tow plane was flown by my cousin, behind me sat his wife. She was in control and told me to feel the levers, to hold the stick. It was an exhilarating experience sitting in the cockpit of a glider. The evening before my cousin was at the controls Read more

Our morning started like many others on the day of a road trip. We had hopes of an early departure but with a realistic attitude that we probably would run two hours late. With dread and anticipation, I started to pack the camper. Procrastination and being busy is a toxic mix when trying to go away for a few days. By noon the end was in sight but it was still 2:30 pm when we finally rolled down the highway. Read more

Family is one of the most important things we have as people and as a society. Family connects us with our past and with ourselves. I am fortunate to have many wonderful people in my family. One month ago my family lost a wonderful member of our clan. My Auntie Dicky passed away on July 12, 2020, in Red Deer, Alberta. She was a mother of two, a daughter, and a sister of my Mom. Born in The Netherlands just Read more

Tangled lines and tangled minds have been my theme for the last two days. Yesterday was a crazy day with four boat tours, today was a mentally challenging day at home. I would definitely take the crazy day on the water every time. I awoke early. Dreams were plaguing my sleep, again. It’s strange how vivid my dreams can be. I remember a warehouse and a leaky roof. Sometimes I wonder what the psychologist would think if I had my Read more

Passion. We all have our passions. One of mine is riding my motorcycle. There’s something in the feeling of the air, the movement and connection with my surroundings that make me feel alive when I ride. I feel a freedom like no other when I journey down a windy road. It is exhilarating to be able to become one with the machine and the asphalt beneath me. Riding is an experience akin to skiing, where you are living on the Read more

I have met many amazing people on Luxury Lake Tours boat and found that most are respectful and conscientious. I feel safe and fortunate to be outside and on the water. I can’t imagine how it would be to work inside a store and have to wear a mask all day long and put up with rude and inconsiderate people. These are strange days indeed. I had a group from Edmonton rent our home at Big White last week. They Read more

“You can put it in the win column!” I long to hear that phrase again, for anyone who lived in Calgary and listened to Flames games on the radio those words were a sweet melody. Peter Mahar was the voice of the Flames for thirty-three years, and he uttered those famous words every time the Flames won. The Flames beat the Winnipeg Jets this week in the qualifying round of the most bizarre playoff Stanley Cup Championships ever. A championship Read more

Smoke began to fill the skies over the Mediterranean Sea. Flashes and explosions of light lit the day as an involuntary fireworks display began. Cameras turned to record the show, not knowing when or how it would end. In the fateful seconds, time stopped. With a sudden roar came the blast. A shockwave traveled in an instant and will last a lifetime. Buildings burned, windows smashed. Cars, people, and ships were tossed into the air like toys thrown asunder by Read more

Sunrises and sunsets joined together. I had an evening cruise and early fishing tour. Golden red lined the sky on both sides of the valley for me. Memories created for other people and myself. It is the best of days; I wish there wasn’t a viral shadow hanging over us. Luxury Lake Tours had one of its busiest weeks ever this past week. I was on duty and on the boat. We did more fishing tours than ever and I Read more