More chariots than Ben Hur
Apologies for the delay folks. We had server issues that prevented publication until this morning Pacific Time. Thanks to tech support back home, the oldest young Verno.
Today was a fine mix of sightseeing and commerce with a soupçon of nostalgia bookended by two fine meals. But first last night.
Having toiled wordlessly in the background bringing you up to date on the happenings of Mr and Mrs Verno I hit publish which issues you good people with an email alerting you of the latest issue. Then off I went to take part in an impromptu quiz whereby I asked questions from American Who Wants To Be A Millionaire. We were poised on the half million dollar question of what the capital of Washington State is when the other Mrs Verno’s phone beeped. “Where’s Verno is out,” was the cry and as one the entire company reached for their phones and began devouring the latest issue. Says a lot about how was engaging people with my masterful quiz mastering. Even my Mrs Verno looked interested and she was party to everything. The correct answer was given by our resident geography expert, Ciaran. Some back at home will have known that also. 100 points to you Shona.
Well, a quiet evening followed with both Mrs Verno’s retiring after the excitement of the latest issue. Young Mr Verno reflecting on his lorry driving training and looking forward to getting the key to his new digs in south Vancouver. Isobel fortified herself for a night’s studying with a well earned study beer.
The next morning saw another great feed that set us up for a planned drive to Squamish. This was halfway to Whistler and would take us by Stanley Park and its Totem Poles and view of the city, over the Lions Gate Bridge and on to Shannon Falls and Squamish.
Well the rain started coming down in proper sheets. By the time we climbed the sea to sky highway and reached Shannon Falls Mr Verno was in mortal fear of being asked to step out to “Take in the view.” Mercy was taken upon her and we gave stepping out a hard pass. Onwards to Squamish. The rain never abated but the view of the Howe Bay and its islands was spectacular the whole way.
We pulled into Squamish which lies at the foot of a huge granite pile that forms the backdrop to any photo of the place. We parked up and debated whether to bring cake that the other Mrs Verno had provided into the coffee shop or eat it in the car. We thoroughly enjoyed it in the car. It was at this point that the other Mr Verno received his first text enquiring about his side hustle which is selling quality refurbished bike chariots. The little trailers towed by bikes for messages and small children. Trump’s Art of the Deal would not be in it as the potential buyer was reeled inexorably in. Mario did not know what hit him.
We had coffee in a place the three Verno’s had burgers in last year. It is called the Copper Coil, an interesting name given it is opposite a health centre but probably due to it being a brewery. I hope. I say we had coffee. We also had the best barbecue wings ever. Served by a nice young lady with an Australian accent. Having recently been to Australia - did we mention that - this piqued our interest and when asked where the accent was from we were left slightly stunned when she said York. Mrs Verno recovered quickest and a nice conversation followed. The other Mr Verno continued reeling his victim in.
We returned down the Sea to Sky Highway and again the views were spectacular. I was intrigued as to why there were two cruise ships docked close to Squamish. It appears they are floatels for workers at a multibillion dollar Liquid Natural Gas facility at a place called Woodfibre. The ships had come from Estonia where they had housed Ukrainian refugees. I thought it was interesting.
Traffic through Vancouver was slow but we got home. Mrs Verno looked to be either getting a cold or hayfever and was glad to get home. It turns out young Mr Verno was suffering from hayfever and tree pollen was high.
Next we had Siobhan from Vancouver contacting the other Mr Verno looking a quality refurbished bike chariot. It seems we have been a lucky talisman.
Tea was an Indian affair and devoured by us all. The other Mr Verno and young Mr Verno had three plates each and young Isobel had to fight them off to secure a snack for her studies later. We searched her for beers on the way out. None were found but she is a smart cookie. Apparently her first exam is on Friday at 7pm at night.
Home in Belfast is definitely on the horizon as Mrs Verno decided to do a Tesco shop. Depressing. But has to happen. But before that we are helping young Mr Verno move into his new digs tomorrow.. That will be fun. We are also heading out for a meal for yours truly’s birthday. A great day awaits.