Bucket Lists

Do you have a bucket list? Thrice in the last two days I’ve heard someone refer to their bucket list. One was my dad on a recent trip to visit some relatives and check out Northwestern Alberta. The other was Steven…who plans on jet skiing the Colorado River through the Grand Canyon.
Another friend does an annual list, which this year happens to be his “30-for-30”. Thirty things he wants to do while he’s 30. Some are simple, like learn to use chopsticks and see Pearl Jam, while others a little more daunting, but still achievable, like compete in a triathlon. I think that's the key - the list has to be achievable otherwise, won't you just be disappointed when you don't actually build an orphanage or volunteer at a leper colony?
So I’m wondering, do you have a bucket list? If you do, what's on it?

Oilsands Tour

Last Friday, Steven, Dad and I took an Oilsands Tour which starts at the Oil Sands Discovery Centre and then takes you out to Suncor. It was pretty interesting, but I suffered from extreme brain overload and all I can remember after 3 hours is that 4,000 people work at this particular site, they pump 200,000 barrels of crude every day and one tire on a 797 haul truck costs $60,000. It’s mind boggling how big it all is and even more mind boggling that someone actually knows where all these pipes go!
They also talked a lot about tailings ponds and their reclamation efforts. (Don’t know what a tailings pond is? Have a look-see here.
It used to take 40 years for a tailings pond to settle out enough to be reclaimable, but now they’ve figured out a way to do it in about 7 years. Ducks of the world, rejoice!

Update from the Man-cave

Well we have gained one and are losing one. Rob the Australian moved in this week and Steven just bought a house so he’ll be moving out at the end of August. Rob lives in camp most of the time but on his off days, when he’s not traveling around the world, he’ll be hanging his hat here and enjoying the fine unfinished basement accommodations at Chez Laing.
Steven’s new digs are only a bike ride away, so I’ll still be seeing lots of him - whether he wants to or not.

Kayaking the Clearwater

The perfect way to spend a summer evening is kayaking on the Clearwater river, which runs around the outskirts of town and empties into the mighty Athabasca. (Fort Fact: there are 4 rivers that run through or near town: The Athabasca, Clearwater, Hangingstone and Horse.) The Clearwater is nice and calm and easily accessible making it perfect for floating and easy paddling. The first time I went we put the “yaks” in at the Snye and paddled upstream – needless to say, we didn’t get too far – apparently these arms are not the pythons I thought they were!
Here are a few pics from a fabulous 2.5 hour downstream paddle last week with Dad, Steven, special K and Steven's pal Toppy.

Fort McMurray's Finest

Since I posted a photo of the wannbe fireman, it’s only fair to put one up of the real deal too. Here, fireman Steve takes a moment to pose between rescuing women and children from burning buildings.

Fireman Kirt

Last weekend we went to the Fire Department’s annual pancake breakfast where Special K won a draw to “be a real fireman” and try out the fire training simulator. Here’s a pic of him getting all suited up before going inside where he got to bust down doors, put out fires and drag a body (ok, it was a roll of hose) to safety in 200 degree heat and flames. The fire dept. here is one of the best equipped in the province. They have all the latest and greatest equipment, are well staffed, and they provide their guys with tons of unique training opportunities, such as this simulator.
Anyway, Special K really liked the experience and enjoyed playing fireman so much I think he’s considering trading in his pocket protector for a pair of red suspenders!

How to Spot a Newfie: Lesson 3

So how can you tell if someone is a Newfoundlander before hearing them speak or without a flag flying in the yard? Just look closely at their back window -- you'll know!
Whoever sells these stickers must have made a fortune, every proud Newfie has one up here!

I finally found the camera cord so here's a few pictures from last weekend with Wendy, Mackenzie and Wyatt.


Safety First! All decked out to tour Finning with uncle Kirt. Love the toe clackers.


Wendy, MacKenzie and Wyatt standing in front one of the "small" haul trucks.


Standing inside the tire of a 797 - the big truck. I couldn't even fit the whole tire in the picture.


Anything in there? This is at Crane Lake on our way to Finning.