February 27th, 2014
Just a day into our trip, Johnny and I headed out on the road again. We drove through Sedona to a 'scenic highway' towards Flagstaff. This route was supposed to save time but the curves on the highway became sharper and sharper. It became more and more nerve wracking as the lanes narrowed. You never knew when the next care would come around the corner. I had to have full concentration, and with rain and snow in the forecast, there was no time to waste.
We finally made it to a long stretch of highway going west with no sharp turns- and breathed a sigh of relief. The landscape changed quickly from hilly with snow-caped peaks to desert. The last stretch of highway north to the Grand Canyon is desolate. At one point, tumbleweed crossed the road in front of us. The only thing left in the area seemed to be scattered cacti and half abandoned gas stations.
Just outside of Grand Canyon Village, we realized we came ill-prepared. The temperature was about 10 degrees Celsius colder than Sedona and 20 degrees colder than Phoenix. It felt worse with the gusty winds. We stopped at some random gift shop and picked up another hoody to put on top of the rest of our clothes.
Amazing Scope
The Grand Canyon sneaks up on you- can't really tell that what is ahead of you until it is right in front of you. We got off at the South Kaibab Trailhead and neared the edege of the lookout. A huge gust of wind blew sand and cold air into our faces before we could get a clear view.
When you go to Niagara Falls, it is beautiful but you kind of expected something bigger. The same can't be said of The Grand Canyon- it is bigger than what you think it is going to be and that is saying something! The South Rim is full of color, far from the red rock of Sedona, there are greys, green, and blues layering the massive natural made structures around you.
Johnny and I descended down the trailhead against our better judgement. Weaving in and around mules and hikers, we went further and further into the Canyon. Signs are everywhere to warn you about going down too far. Apparently, many people year after year, will try to go all the way down to the Colorado River and back, and without proper provisions. If it weren't for our excessive picture taking, we might have gone too far down by accident.
Somewhere near the 'Oh-Ah point', we got hit by all four seasons in one shot. One minute, it was snowing, the next it was Sunny, the next Rainy, and then overcast. The weather did not want to make up its mind. Whenever we reached a wide open area on the Canyon, the whole place predictably became a wind tunnel blowing debris in our eyes. Frequently, we turned away to avoid the brunt of the wind and tried to keep low to avoid being caught up in a gust of wind.
We made it as far as Cedar Ridge, before we decided to turn back. We took in the view while we there, and took a rest before making our way back up. You can't got that much further than this or Skeleton Point, if you expect to climb back up the same day. Or so says Trip Advisor . Besides, my legs were already wonky, and Johnny was getting out of breath as it is. We were adventurous but not that crazy!
Beautiful View, Cold Hands
We eventually made it back up the trail, and took the car over to Powell Point and Hopi Point. These are great places to take a sunset photo of the canyon. But in February, maybe not so much. We got some amazing vista on camera but our hands were turning blue as we did it. Once the sun finally feel deep into the night sky, and magic hour was over, we packed up and heading back to Sedona.
Not without a stop to Sizzler though! For those who have never gone, it is pretty much Ponderosa or Bonanza. Huge buffet for cheap prices, so it may not have been gourmet but the Canyon makes you hungry and it fit the bill as we needed to stop for gas in Flagstaff anyway. Johnny said it was one of the better meals of our trip, which probably means we picked the wrong restaurants to go to.
Next blog... "The Vortex"...
Saturday, July 26, 2014
Into Sedona
February 26, 2014
We arrived late in Phoenix. So late that the rental clerk was doing double duty handing out cars and running clearly across the lot to open the gate and go back to his post again.
I was traveling with my friend, Johnny, who had a film at the Sedona Film Festival and we were determined to get to our noon screening the next day. That meant I was chugging back Pepsi, weaving in and out of lanes on a dimly lit Arizona highway. In a fog (not literal fog thankfully!) of mountains, stars, and roundabouts, we crawled into Sedona and found our beds.
After a serene breakfast at our Resort (Poco Diablo), we made our way to the screening. Sedona Film Fest goes out of their way to help filmmakers enjoy their experience. Our resort was paid for, there was free lunch and dinner selections from local restaurants in the VIP Lounge and free tickets to the films. Of course, Sedona scenery itself is amazing, the red rocks tower over the sky of this town, like looking at a picture from a National Geographic Magazine.
The screening theatre was packed for our double bill, Johnny's film- The Marvelous Girl followed by the feature length documentary, Dancing in Jaffa. The audience was predominantly in their 50s and 60s but its Sedona- at noon- on a Wednesday. In between screenings, Johnny took the mic for a Q&A with the audience with his nerves going. In the end, the audience was appreciative and he held his own.
This screening seemed to be the most fulfilling one yet, something was different this time, there was a sincerity in their love of the film. As we walked the streets of Sedona, people would stop him to tell them how much he liked the movie. I think it was more than Sedona's mystical energy that was giving everyone good vibrations.
After exploring the downtown, grabbing some late dinner at the VIP lounge, we went to the theatre watch the critically acclaimed documentary The Act of Killing. Admittedly probably not the best film to watch before going to sleep. The night ended much the way the previous one did- driving the dark streets trying to find our resort.
Next blog... "Of Grander Things"...
We arrived late in Phoenix. So late that the rental clerk was doing double duty handing out cars and running clearly across the lot to open the gate and go back to his post again.
I was traveling with my friend, Johnny, who had a film at the Sedona Film Festival and we were determined to get to our noon screening the next day. That meant I was chugging back Pepsi, weaving in and out of lanes on a dimly lit Arizona highway. In a fog (not literal fog thankfully!) of mountains, stars, and roundabouts, we crawled into Sedona and found our beds.
After a serene breakfast at our Resort (Poco Diablo), we made our way to the screening. Sedona Film Fest goes out of their way to help filmmakers enjoy their experience. Our resort was paid for, there was free lunch and dinner selections from local restaurants in the VIP Lounge and free tickets to the films. Of course, Sedona scenery itself is amazing, the red rocks tower over the sky of this town, like looking at a picture from a National Geographic Magazine.
The screening theatre was packed for our double bill, Johnny's film- The Marvelous Girl followed by the feature length documentary, Dancing in Jaffa. The audience was predominantly in their 50s and 60s but its Sedona- at noon- on a Wednesday. In between screenings, Johnny took the mic for a Q&A with the audience with his nerves going. In the end, the audience was appreciative and he held his own.
This screening seemed to be the most fulfilling one yet, something was different this time, there was a sincerity in their love of the film. As we walked the streets of Sedona, people would stop him to tell them how much he liked the movie. I think it was more than Sedona's mystical energy that was giving everyone good vibrations.
After exploring the downtown, grabbing some late dinner at the VIP lounge, we went to the theatre watch the critically acclaimed documentary The Act of Killing. Admittedly probably not the best film to watch before going to sleep. The night ended much the way the previous one did- driving the dark streets trying to find our resort.
Next blog... "Of Grander Things"...
Thursday, March 20, 2014
What's that Smell? Mushroom Gravy?
August 4th, 2013
Buffalo- the Queen City is the butt of many jokes on both sides of the border about its aesthetics, weather, and being the poor cousin of New York City. It is also noted as having a smell. Now, I have only been to Buffalo a couple of times but I thought that everyone was talking about some sort of industrial smell- much like Hamilton's steel smell (which is not as bad as everyone says by the way- maybe in East End...). To my surprise, it was an almost pleasing smell.
Walking around Downtown Buffalo with Paul and Andrea, we took a view of the sights of the city before the baseball game. When we stopped to smell the roses so to speak, Paul turned to us, and said, "What's that smell?". I took a big whiff and I think you already know the answer, I said "I think it's.... mushroom gravy?". "Definitely mushroom gravy." Paul said. Turns out, we were sort of close. We found that General Mills actually has a factory and Buffalo, and that smell is actually Cheerios. One Buffalo writer has gone as far as suggesting that they should be promoting that the city smells like cereal. Perhaps, it is not the worse idea, but I digress. The trip also saw the brief appearance of "Buffalo Steve" where Paul and Andrea at least humored me into believing I was delivering one zinger after another. Well Paul was telling me I was anyways.
After another border adventure, not quite as bad as our Chicago trip- no nerd gang this time, we checked into the Adams Mark Buffalo. The hotel itself is not far from the border, or Coca Cola Field- the home of the Buffalo Bisons baseball club (Triple-A Affiliate of the Toronto Blue Jays). It is not the Ritz, but it is probably one of the nicer hotels in its price range. We got a great deal on Priceline or Hotwire, one of those internet discount sites, and it turned out to be perfect for our uses. The hotel is the relic of an upscale hotel chain that has long since disbanded but still retains the name. The rooms themselves are pretty comfortable and there is a big pool and restaurant- neither of which we had time to take advantage of.
The Pearl Street
On a previous trip to Buffalo for a Pearl Jam show, Andrea and I had stopped at the Pearl Street Bar and Grill and we enjoyed it so much we took Paul with us this time around. They have a great variety of beers, food, and the bar's atmosphere is one of the best in Buffalo. They usually have at least 10 of their own selections available on draft in sizes for the lightweight (10 oz) to something called the Annihilator- a 180 oz beer tube! I don't go that far but my personal favorite beer at Pearl Street has to be the Don Cherry Cherry Wheat, despite being named after the Gregg Zaun's idol.
To compliment my beer, I had to go with one of the Buffalo Classics, the Beef on Weck- a very filling roast beef sandwich on a caraway bun (kimmelweck). If that doesn't entice you, there is large burger and pizza selection, wings, ribs, salads, and even fish tacos. The prices are relatively affordable as well with the average meal running from $10-$12 not including beverages.
Minor League
Coca Cola Field is right off the highway from the border, and is probably one of the most fan friendly places to watch a baseball game, and was a great introduction to minor league baseball for us. I was clamoring for years for the Blue Jays to move there AAA club to Buffalo and it finally happened in 2013- one of the good things about last year!
The stadium itself is by no means imposing but the ballpark has a great feel, and the fans are really friendly, except to the opposing players. One Pawtucket Red Sox player kept getting the gears from a fan in the second deck- I guess Hazelbaker was asking for it. I could have sworn I was in a scene from Rookie of the Year. One Bisons fan questioned her husband why mascot/baseball player Munenori Kawasaki was such a popular guy with Jays fans. His response was something like, "He's just a fun guy".
There was a great food selection at the park, and a good selection of craft beers. Even though we had not eaten that long before, we indulged in a few treats. All the Buffalo classics are represented here- beef on weck, sausage, fried bologna sandwiches and of course chicken wings. They even brought Poutine in this year to cater to the increased cross-border visitors for Bisons games.
The game itself featured some prospects- mostly for the Red Sox- Aruba's Xander Boegarts, who showed off his glove and bat. It was clear he was going to be someone to watch, and why Boston coveted him so much. The Bisons didn't seem to show up for the game overall- losing 8-1, including a boneheaded play in Center Field by Anthony Gose when he seemed to lose the ball in the lights and two runs scored. Kevin Pillar got the Bisons only RBI.
After the game, they provided the fans with a Bisons Home Run Derby and Fireworks. It was a lot of fun with Luis Jimenez hitting the most dingers into the dark Buffalo sky. Despite the dreadful score in the game, it was a very fun night- and I would go back to Coca Cola Field in a heartbeat.
We capped our trip off with some outlet mall shopping at the Fashion Outlets of Niagara Falls the next morning but heading home.
Next blog.... "Into the Sedona Sun"
Buffalo- the Queen City is the butt of many jokes on both sides of the border about its aesthetics, weather, and being the poor cousin of New York City. It is also noted as having a smell. Now, I have only been to Buffalo a couple of times but I thought that everyone was talking about some sort of industrial smell- much like Hamilton's steel smell (which is not as bad as everyone says by the way- maybe in East End...). To my surprise, it was an almost pleasing smell.
Walking around Downtown Buffalo with Paul and Andrea, we took a view of the sights of the city before the baseball game. When we stopped to smell the roses so to speak, Paul turned to us, and said, "What's that smell?". I took a big whiff and I think you already know the answer, I said "I think it's.... mushroom gravy?". "Definitely mushroom gravy." Paul said. Turns out, we were sort of close. We found that General Mills actually has a factory and Buffalo, and that smell is actually Cheerios. One Buffalo writer has gone as far as suggesting that they should be promoting that the city smells like cereal. Perhaps, it is not the worse idea, but I digress. The trip also saw the brief appearance of "Buffalo Steve" where Paul and Andrea at least humored me into believing I was delivering one zinger after another. Well Paul was telling me I was anyways.
After another border adventure, not quite as bad as our Chicago trip- no nerd gang this time, we checked into the Adams Mark Buffalo. The hotel itself is not far from the border, or Coca Cola Field- the home of the Buffalo Bisons baseball club (Triple-A Affiliate of the Toronto Blue Jays). It is not the Ritz, but it is probably one of the nicer hotels in its price range. We got a great deal on Priceline or Hotwire, one of those internet discount sites, and it turned out to be perfect for our uses. The hotel is the relic of an upscale hotel chain that has long since disbanded but still retains the name. The rooms themselves are pretty comfortable and there is a big pool and restaurant- neither of which we had time to take advantage of.
The Pearl Street
On a previous trip to Buffalo for a Pearl Jam show, Andrea and I had stopped at the Pearl Street Bar and Grill and we enjoyed it so much we took Paul with us this time around. They have a great variety of beers, food, and the bar's atmosphere is one of the best in Buffalo. They usually have at least 10 of their own selections available on draft in sizes for the lightweight (10 oz) to something called the Annihilator- a 180 oz beer tube! I don't go that far but my personal favorite beer at Pearl Street has to be the Don Cherry Cherry Wheat, despite being named after the Gregg Zaun's idol.
To compliment my beer, I had to go with one of the Buffalo Classics, the Beef on Weck- a very filling roast beef sandwich on a caraway bun (kimmelweck). If that doesn't entice you, there is large burger and pizza selection, wings, ribs, salads, and even fish tacos. The prices are relatively affordable as well with the average meal running from $10-$12 not including beverages.
Minor League
Coca Cola Field is right off the highway from the border, and is probably one of the most fan friendly places to watch a baseball game, and was a great introduction to minor league baseball for us. I was clamoring for years for the Blue Jays to move there AAA club to Buffalo and it finally happened in 2013- one of the good things about last year!
The stadium itself is by no means imposing but the ballpark has a great feel, and the fans are really friendly, except to the opposing players. One Pawtucket Red Sox player kept getting the gears from a fan in the second deck- I guess Hazelbaker was asking for it. I could have sworn I was in a scene from Rookie of the Year. One Bisons fan questioned her husband why mascot/baseball player Munenori Kawasaki was such a popular guy with Jays fans. His response was something like, "He's just a fun guy".
There was a great food selection at the park, and a good selection of craft beers. Even though we had not eaten that long before, we indulged in a few treats. All the Buffalo classics are represented here- beef on weck, sausage, fried bologna sandwiches and of course chicken wings. They even brought Poutine in this year to cater to the increased cross-border visitors for Bisons games.
The game itself featured some prospects- mostly for the Red Sox- Aruba's Xander Boegarts, who showed off his glove and bat. It was clear he was going to be someone to watch, and why Boston coveted him so much. The Bisons didn't seem to show up for the game overall- losing 8-1, including a boneheaded play in Center Field by Anthony Gose when he seemed to lose the ball in the lights and two runs scored. Kevin Pillar got the Bisons only RBI.
After the game, they provided the fans with a Bisons Home Run Derby and Fireworks. It was a lot of fun with Luis Jimenez hitting the most dingers into the dark Buffalo sky. Despite the dreadful score in the game, it was a very fun night- and I would go back to Coca Cola Field in a heartbeat.
We capped our trip off with some outlet mall shopping at the Fashion Outlets of Niagara Falls the next morning but heading home.
Next blog.... "Into the Sedona Sun"
Friday, January 17, 2014
Fog Before the Storm
One of these days I am going to write these in succession, and not months apart. But here goes nothing...
Monday, June 10th, 2013
'Twas the morning before the Blue Jays 11 game winning streak- one of the bright spots of an otherwise dismal season that began with such promise and hope. We decided to head downtown for an architectural boat tour, and hopped on board the Chicago Architectural Foundation's cruise- something we had always wanted to do. Perhaps, it was not the best day to go on a cruise, it was slightly foggy already and the drizzle came down as we tried to stay dry.
We had a particularly enthusiastic tour guide, an older lady with big blonde hair in her 60s. She was quite knowledgeable but did not seem to be on her 'A' game, I felt like we did not get the tour guide that everyone had raved about- must have been having an off day, right? She fixated on Aqua, she proclaimed to the heavens numerous times "Look at Aqua" as if the gods were listening to her tell the tale. This building does have a notable fact- it is the tallest building in the world to have a woman as lead architect- Jeanne Gang. It is actually is a pretty nice building, just felt it was being a bit oversold you know?
All kidding aside, the view from the river is great for taking photos of the buildings- especially if you have a decent lens and camera. On the tour is all the greatest hits- the Sears Tower (Sorry Willis Tower ugh), Merchandise Mart, the Civic Opera House, Chicago Board of Trade, Tribune Building, Trump Tower, and my two favorites- 333 Wacker Drive and the Marina City Towers (it was on the cover one of those Wilco albums). I love Chicago's architecture, the diversity of old and modern buildings inspired by every architectural movement of the last 100 years. Such an amazing city to look at- it's exhilarating. Too much? Ok maybe. The tour really was informative, and there is a bar on board for those who want to get wasted watching the world pass you by (yes I ripped that off Depeche Mode).
The Tradition Continues
Much to the annoyance of Andrea and Genevieve, myself, Dave, and Paul have an obsession with throwing the baseball around in parks of cities we visit. We played catch in Baltimore, we did it as Harvard in Boston, and this time was no different. After meeting up with Maya again, we walked around Millennium Park- which may be a bit of tourist trap but it is actually quite nice. It does not have the tackiness of Navy Pier, and the Cloud Gate (aka The Bean) is probably one of the coolest pieces of art you will every see.
We moved over to Grant Park and found a relatively empty section of Grant Park, and starting throwing playing catch while the ladies took a rest on the lawn. I am sure we impressed them with our athletic abilities- being able to throw the ball away from each other and make the other person run after is highly sought after skill. Drives the women wild. The group made one last stop at the Buckingham Fountain for a picture- because well you have to do that.
In a Fog
U.S. Cellular Park is one of the less visually remarkable ballparks in the MLB but it is not without its charms. First of, the food selection is amazing- not quite Miller Park amazing though. It has a good selection of beers and other beverages as well but the food is what really shines here. How great would it be for the Rogers Centre to have elote served on the concourse? For those who don't know what elote is, it's mexican corn on the cob with mayo, spices, and lime or some variation thereof. Surprisingly delicious!
Other than that, the fans at the park are great. Everyone was either really friendly to us or were playfully razzing us. Don't get me wrong, there were a couple of annoying fans, and I swear there is even more fights at the Cell than at Blue Jays games. At least, in my prior experience there has been.
Things got foggy real fast into a less than promising start from staff ace, R.A. Dickey. In the 3rd inning, the umpires delayed the game to the jeers of White Sox fans, who thought it was playable. I am surprised the players could see the ball at all. The delay lasted over an hour, in which the U.S. Cellular sound crew sounded a fog horn numerous times, and played every pun laden weather song they could find. When the fog finally lifted enough to play, they of course played "I Can See Clearly Now" by Johnny Nash. The Jays were eventually done in by two home runs from Adam "I Hate Baseball" Dunn and lost the game 10-6.
Little did the White Sox know that the next night, that Jose Bautista would tie the game with a homer to take into extra innings, and start the best stretch of the Blue Jays season. A game we listened to over the radio driving through the dark stretches of highway going back to Toronto.
Next blog..."What's that Smell? Mushroom Gravy?"
Monday, June 10th, 2013
'Twas the morning before the Blue Jays 11 game winning streak- one of the bright spots of an otherwise dismal season that began with such promise and hope. We decided to head downtown for an architectural boat tour, and hopped on board the Chicago Architectural Foundation's cruise- something we had always wanted to do. Perhaps, it was not the best day to go on a cruise, it was slightly foggy already and the drizzle came down as we tried to stay dry.
We had a particularly enthusiastic tour guide, an older lady with big blonde hair in her 60s. She was quite knowledgeable but did not seem to be on her 'A' game, I felt like we did not get the tour guide that everyone had raved about- must have been having an off day, right? She fixated on Aqua, she proclaimed to the heavens numerous times "Look at Aqua" as if the gods were listening to her tell the tale. This building does have a notable fact- it is the tallest building in the world to have a woman as lead architect- Jeanne Gang. It is actually is a pretty nice building, just felt it was being a bit oversold you know?
All kidding aside, the view from the river is great for taking photos of the buildings- especially if you have a decent lens and camera. On the tour is all the greatest hits- the Sears Tower (Sorry Willis Tower ugh), Merchandise Mart, the Civic Opera House, Chicago Board of Trade, Tribune Building, Trump Tower, and my two favorites- 333 Wacker Drive and the Marina City Towers (it was on the cover one of those Wilco albums). I love Chicago's architecture, the diversity of old and modern buildings inspired by every architectural movement of the last 100 years. Such an amazing city to look at- it's exhilarating. Too much? Ok maybe. The tour really was informative, and there is a bar on board for those who want to get wasted watching the world pass you by (yes I ripped that off Depeche Mode).
The Tradition Continues
Much to the annoyance of Andrea and Genevieve, myself, Dave, and Paul have an obsession with throwing the baseball around in parks of cities we visit. We played catch in Baltimore, we did it as Harvard in Boston, and this time was no different. After meeting up with Maya again, we walked around Millennium Park- which may be a bit of tourist trap but it is actually quite nice. It does not have the tackiness of Navy Pier, and the Cloud Gate (aka The Bean) is probably one of the coolest pieces of art you will every see.
We moved over to Grant Park and found a relatively empty section of Grant Park, and starting throwing playing catch while the ladies took a rest on the lawn. I am sure we impressed them with our athletic abilities- being able to throw the ball away from each other and make the other person run after is highly sought after skill. Drives the women wild. The group made one last stop at the Buckingham Fountain for a picture- because well you have to do that.
In a Fog
U.S. Cellular Park is one of the less visually remarkable ballparks in the MLB but it is not without its charms. First of, the food selection is amazing- not quite Miller Park amazing though. It has a good selection of beers and other beverages as well but the food is what really shines here. How great would it be for the Rogers Centre to have elote served on the concourse? For those who don't know what elote is, it's mexican corn on the cob with mayo, spices, and lime or some variation thereof. Surprisingly delicious!
Other than that, the fans at the park are great. Everyone was either really friendly to us or were playfully razzing us. Don't get me wrong, there were a couple of annoying fans, and I swear there is even more fights at the Cell than at Blue Jays games. At least, in my prior experience there has been.
Things got foggy real fast into a less than promising start from staff ace, R.A. Dickey. In the 3rd inning, the umpires delayed the game to the jeers of White Sox fans, who thought it was playable. I am surprised the players could see the ball at all. The delay lasted over an hour, in which the U.S. Cellular sound crew sounded a fog horn numerous times, and played every pun laden weather song they could find. When the fog finally lifted enough to play, they of course played "I Can See Clearly Now" by Johnny Nash. The Jays were eventually done in by two home runs from Adam "I Hate Baseball" Dunn and lost the game 10-6.
Little did the White Sox know that the next night, that Jose Bautista would tie the game with a homer to take into extra innings, and start the best stretch of the Blue Jays season. A game we listened to over the radio driving through the dark stretches of highway going back to Toronto.
Next blog..."What's that Smell? Mushroom Gravy?"
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