Our last episode ended with us in Vancouver watching the Detroit game. Well folks, I’ve slacked a lot since then. While in Vancouver, we went to some pretty great restaurants, went up to the Vancouver lookout (I was super excited to see planes land on the water [weird I know]), and of course the game. The arena was nice. We had lower level tickets for this game which is always fun. Wade made some new friends.  Despite their stuffed nature, we have met some ridiculously nice people who are always ready for a chat. Vancouver is DEFINITELY a city in which we will return. We did a little shopping. The dollar is strong and it would be ridiculous not to. Next time we will bring Keely. Stanley Park, the Aquarium and thier science center will make her trip!  Mad props to our hotel, The Sutton Place. There is defintiely a reason they are five star. 

   

  
After Vancouver, we headed to Edmonton. Edmonton was nice in the respect that many things are well within walking distance or transit. We had a decent pub crawl all within walking distance. Good beer as well.  We met the awesome owner of The Hat while we had dinner. Mike was super nice and gave us a free appetizer for the next night. We headed to Craft Works for a beer and the bartender offered us free shots the next night. We took up Mike on the free appetizer. These old bodies don’t do shots well so we didn’t return to Craft Works. However, thier craft brew selection was fabulous!!

Before we went to the game, the old Islanders arena was by far the worst. They had old wooden seats that crushed your knees when you sat down. We walked into Edmonton and it wasn’t bad. I was perplexed that there was no true team store to buy merchandise. (I buy a t-short at all the arenas). Yet, it wasn’t too bad. Then we went upstairs. The best way to truly judge an arena is by its upper levels. Wow.  Pretty much the best era to describe it. The second level doesn’t even go all the way around. The third level is mostly narrow walkways. By narrow, I mean one person at a time. The most exciting event was the fight twenty seats over. The game was really boring until the third period. The fans were apparently bored as well.  The last time we heard such a quiet fan base was in Minnesota. The coolest thing was the oil tower that came down from the roof for the players to come through.  Our hotel was okay. It was in a great location. It’s just after staying at The Sutton Place, it’s hard to measure up. 

   

That brings me to Calgary. We grabbed a Greyhound from Edmonton to Calgary. I was actually impressed. I’m not sure what image I had in my head but, it was actually a nice ride. I don’t read well in the car, but I was able to read on the bus. (Side note here; I haven’t been able to read for enjoyment for awhile so this has been a nice departure. I finished Brain on Fire by Susannah Callahan and started Sherlock Holmes. Both I recommend).  Anyway, we arrived in Calgary in time to celebrate my favorite holiday. We had a few beers and some good food. The Shepahrds Pie was great and Wade enjoyed tater tot poutine. Poutine is flat out addicting. If anyone is concerned about withdrawals, be concerned about poutine withdrawals! Now we sit at the Tool Shed brewery. This place is super cool!! Game tonight and then home to squeeze our favorite person in the whole world!!! Skype and FaceTime has been great but, I can’t wait to squeeze her!!!