AC/DC & The Pretty Reckless @ Mercedes-Benz Stadium

I have been excited for this show since I got tickets back in November.  AC/DC are a buck list band, and earlier this week a I had another performer removed from that list.  But not in a good way.  With the passing of Dolly Parton there are now 2 bands I get to cross off my list of wanting to see.

I left Charlotte mid morning to drive down to Atlanta, and when I arrived my room wasn't ready, so I headed up to the Hard Rock Cafe where they were selling merchandise for the show.  I got myself a non-black tshirt with all the AC/DC symbols since theier, and my, beginning in 1973.  I did a lap around town looking for record stores.  I found one, Crates.  Nice little store, but focused mainly on RnB and rap (I mean we're in Atlanta).  SO not really what I was looking for.  I ducked into Meehan's Irish Pub for a late burger lunch, not to mention escape the heat and humidity.  And then back tot he hotel to relax before the show.

I knew I was close to the Mercedes Benz Stadium, but didn't know how big the crowd would be or how hard it might be to get in so I left the hotel at 6, made the short walk (I just followed every other AC/DC tshirt in the city - they were everywhere) and was inside the venue within 20 minutes.  Got my Pit wristband - very excited about this - and went and got a spot in front to the stage to see the opening band.

I don't think the venue was half full when The Pretty Reckless hit the stage and initially that sound was echoing everywhere (and I had earplugs in).  Singer Taylor Momsen was a front woman who knew how to work a crowd.  She covered the whole stage during their 1 hour set.  It must be a double edge sword, a gig like this.  You are playing a stadium for the most enduring rock band on the planet, but you know who people are here to see.  While I didn't go much for their music, which was completely unknown to me, The Pretty Reckless gave it their all.

The Pretty Reckless Setlist

25 minutes is a pretty good turn around time between bands.  The roadies did a fantastic job and AC/DC were on stage before 8.30.  I ran off to the bathroom and got a drink and got back in the pit to a different spot.  I stood at the end of the walkway that sticks out from the stage.  Close enough to the band, but only 20 feet away when Anguis and Brian came down.  A video of a hot rod flying down the highway and pulling into the stadium was how it all begun.  The video finished, the lights went down for a second, and then the band appeared playing If You Want Blood (You Got It).  A quick hello to the crowd and Angus ripped into Back In Black.  And the crowd went nuts - the first of many times.  It had been 2 songs and I started thinking about how Angus is my dad's age, and Brian is 8 years older, and they are tearing this apart.  The opening riff to Thunderstruck was another highlight for me in the first half of the set.  Also the bell coming down, ringing, during Hells Bells.  I'm far from an AC/DC afficianado, but everyone around me knew every word to every song.  It was an awesome atmosphere!  Highway To Hell was another great song.  Every song ended with Angus running back to the rolling drums, and jumping through won last strum to end the song.  I don't know how he has the energy.  When I texted Erik that I hoped I could move like that at 70 plus, he rightly stated, I wish we could move like that tomorrow.  The truth hurts!  From Jailbreak on, it was song after song I thought was great.  The band took mini breaks between songs and Angus, Phil Rudd, Cliff Williams and Stevie Young all stayed together, Brian spent his time off to the side in his own space, coming back to the fold with each new song.  It was interesting to see the "engine room" stay towards the back while Angus & Brian were everywhere on the stage.  They both must of covered miles.  You Shook Me All Night Long sounded a little slower, but after 2 hours you can be forgiving.  To finish the set with A Whole Lot Of Rosie and Let There Be Rock was just perfection as far as I was concerned.  Easily 2 of my favorite AC/DC songs.  Even the 10 plus minute Angus solo to finish the night was amazing.  TNT stareted the encore and the night ended with For Those About To Rock (We Salute You).  

Great set and a great night!  I've never been a huge AC/DC fan but know enough of their stuff to want to havve them on a bucket list.  As an Aussie, it's hard to believe I hadn't seen them before, but in the last 20 years years there's only been a couple of occasions where the've been close (in my memory).  Once when I lived in Vegas, but didn't go to arena shows.  And once a few years back in Raleigh, but when Axl Rose was sising and not Brian Johnson.  

Definitely a lot of happy people walking back to their respective hotels, all still buzzing from the night's festivities.

AC/DC Setlist

The Crap Facts

This is my 548th concert.
Mercedes-Benz Stadium is the 146th venue I've seen a concert in.
This is my 3rd concert in Atlanta.
This is my 3rd concert in Georgia.
This is my 348th concert in the USA.
The Pretty Reckless are the 636th band I've seen.

AC/DC are the 637th band I've seen.

Band of Horses & Dinosaur Jr @ Hellbender

A is out of town for work , so the boys and I head up to Asheville for the night.  And they want to come and see Dinosaur Jr (again).  So we're off to the very first show at the Orange Peel's new venue, Hellbender.

A few hours drive up to Asheville, including a Chick Fil-A drive thru and we are at the hotel mid-afternoon.  Before we head to the show we finally make it to Asheville Pinball Museum.  we'd tried a couple of times before, but never when it was open.  We blew through 2 hours before we knew it.  They weren't as impressed with 1942, Galaga, Donkey Kong, Space Invaders and Moon Patrol as I was, but they had a great time nonetheless.

We drove out to the venue a little early, as I wasn't quite sure where it was, or what we might be in for.  For starters, I'm glad I forked out for parking.  We weren't a quarter of a mile from the entrance.  And those that hadn't planned ahead looked like they were struggling.  A storm caused some chaos as it delayed the gates opening in this outdoor venue.   The line came all the way back to the parking lot, then curved back to the entrance.  It took about 40 minutes to get in, but when we reached the point we started, the line was longer still.

We missed the first 2 Dinosaur Jr songs (Goin' Home & I I Ain't Sating), as we were outside, but we could still here them pretty well.  We were in place for them to start their shortened Where You Been set.  After a great Out There and Start Choppin, there was a commotion down the front, which Lou Barlow called for medics.  There was a delay for a medical team to take care of someone.  I'm not sure what happened but it seemed like the patron was stretchered out.  Dinosaur Jr continued on, but didn't play 3 songs off the album, finishing with Get Me.  They finished with 4 songs from different eras, including their new single, Several Got Away.  But Just Like Heaven and Feel The Pain was the blistering finish to a shortened set.  Another great show from a favorite band.

Dinosaur Jr Setlist

The boys enjoyed it, and I'm glad to report they knew a few songs.  I must be doing something right.  We lined up for some pizza right after the set, and weren't served until after Band of Horses started.  Food was good, and by the 2nd song we were back into the show.  None of us know Band of Horses stuff, and they were playing their album Everything All The Time.  We stuck around until mid set and I went to the now not-song-long-lined merch tent to by Where You Been on vinyl.  Would have loved the shirt too, but that may have been overkill.  I met up with the boys and watched a couple more songs.  They hit a slower song, so we decided to call it a night.  On the way out we stopped side stage to watch one more song.  This was the best spot of the night, I wish I'd found it earlier.  The Band Of Horses fans were having a blast, but it wasn't for us, so we left and beat the crowds getting out.

Band of Horses Setlist

A couple of things about the new venue.  Firstly we did the right thing by paying for parking.  We paid a mid price $20, but it was real convenient.  After the show I read of long waits to get the shuttle back to the remote parking lot.  Next, there was a lot of lines.  To get in - though through no fault of the venue.  The weather was the problem here, but it was disappointing not to see the whole Dinosaur Jr set, as that was who we were there for, but what can you do?  The beer sales were in a spot that would've been a prime viewing for the bands, it needed to be way back.  The lines there were out of control, and it was funny listening to Asheville people complaining that there was only Charlotte beer available.  We waited a long time to get food as well.  There were 5 or 6 food trucks in the venue.  In future there may need to be more.  I hope these inconveniences can be worked out over a couple of shows, as this seems like a great outdoor venue.  I might see how things change for Acid Bath and Melvins in September.

We tried to get up and go for a hike in DuPont State Recreational Forest.  After 3 full parking lots, a storm put and end to our plans.  Instead we drove into Brevard, had a quick walk around and then a great lunch at the Square Root.  All this and we still made it back to Charlotte in time to catch the England v France 3rd place World Cup game.  

The Crap Facts
This is my 547th concert.
Hellbender is the 145th venue I've seen a concert in.
This is my 20th concert in Asheville.
This is my 167th concert in North Carolina.
This is my 347th concert in the USA.
This is my 12th Dinosaur Jr concert.

Dinosaur Jr are the 650th time I've seen an American band.

This is my 2nd Band of Horses concert.

Band of Horses is the 300th time I've seen a band in North Carolina.

Vancouver, BC

Our last day!  How do we make this not end?  We've had a blast up here in British Columbia and have really packed in  a lot of entertainment.  We are on the redeye tonight, so there is still a little bit left to do.

Breakfast was pastries again, this time at Cardero Cafe, just a block away from where we were yesterday at breakfast.

We're on foot and headed over to the Vancouver Aquarium in Stanley Park.  Like every other day, this is a fabulous walk that takes us down to Chilco Street and we walk north past the smelly Lost Lagoon, and through the park before we reach the aquarium 30 minutes later.  A beautiful place full of active animals.  The small Amazon Gallery had pink ibis, two toed sloths, Goeldi's monkeys and red footed tortoises amongst other rainforest animals.  All the seals and otters in the outside pool were active and happy to play up for the few people who were there (I'm so used to a summer attraction being packed, I was surprised how uncrowded it was).  We spent time sitting out in the shade watching 4 seals constantly at play.  The Treasures of the BC Coast exhibit apparently had Marcellus, from Netflix's Remarkably Bright Creatures, but he is hidden in a spot where we don't get to see him.  Overall we spent 3 hours here, and well worthy of the Martin's recommendation.  

BMD&L. Vancouver Aquarium, BC

We walk back through the area around the hotel, down Robson Street to Thurlow Street.  Stopping at random shops and, as always, enjoying being outside.  I can't believe that it hasn't rained once on us in the last 12 days.  We zig zag through the west End neighborhood until we end up back on Denham Street.  Out final meal is at Peaked Pies, even A finds a lentil pie that she will eat.  This will probably be our last taste of Aussie food for a while, so the boys and I go all out on pies and sausage rolls, and a lamington of course.

Once we're all packed there is time for B and I to take one last walk down to English Bay Beach.  He, and his brother, both seemed to have had a great time, and are still riding high from the Socceroos game on day 3.  With them getting older I'm not sure how many more summer trips like this we'll get as a 4 family, but we certainly had the best one possible this time.

Vancouver, BC

 A had found a couple of cafes near the hotel, so this morning it was pastries to start the day at the cute, SUD Cafe.  From there is was a walk down to the water to catch the False Creek Ferry over to Granville Island.  We have to change boats, but we have one to ourselves as we head  all the way to Science World.  We've been on these boats before, what a great way to get from place to place on False Creek.  We loved the way Science World looked from the moment we saw it from the stadium (it's just across the creek).  Usually a silver dome, it had been redesigned to look like a World Cup ball.  And to continue it's theme, inside is a big exhibit of Soccer & Technology.  We send a couple hours inside, even though the museum as a whole is geared towards younger kids, B & (especially) L are having a blast.  Obviously the soccer exhibit is a hit with all of us.

MBD&L, Science World, Vancouver, BC

Science World, Vancouver, BC

DMB&L, BC Place, Vancouver, BC

DL&B, Science World, Vancouver, BC

New Zealand and Egypt are playing here later today, so when we leave we walk towards the stadium, and just soak in the vibes and throw our support behind the Kiwis.  We did consider going today, but tickets weren't reasonably priced (again!) especially for 2 teams that we have no affiliation with.  There is a ferry pick up next to the stadium, so we jump on and head for another afternoon at Granville Island.  We split in four different directions when we arrive, as we are all in search of our own lunches.  We come back, me with a Montreal bagel, and  eat in the glorious sunshine and notice how many more people are here this time.

After lunch we do some wandering and purchase a few souvenirs before go over to the watch party to catch a thrilling Uruguay and Cabo Verde game on the big screen.  We walked in at half time and scored some seats up front.  We watched most of the 2nd half before heading out so the boys could play a few games of table tennis.  we were still close enough that when we heard the crowd road, we were able to run back and see what who was doing the celebrating.  There were a bunch of neutrals cheering on the underdog, Cabo Verde.

B&L, Granville Island, Vancouver, BC

The end of a fun afternoon on Granville Island saw us jump on the ferry again to skip across to the Burrard Bridge.  From there we walked home, doing a lap of Denham Street looking for a place for dinner.  We've opted for Cactus Club Cafe.  It was recommended to us by the owners of our last Airbnb, and it sits literally on the beach.  We can't make a reservation but only have to wait 15 minutes before we can be seated.  Again, it's just nice to be able to sit outside and eat (unlike Charlotte where it is always hot and humid in the summer).  I had an ok steak,  everyone else got a better meal, and we finished dinner just as the sun was getting into a spot that was blinding us.  On the way back we got a gelato from D'Oro Gelato e Cafe, the ice cream tradtion we love every summer holiday.

Vancouver, BC

Reluctantly we left The Cabins this morning to continue our journey back to Vancouver.  We only have 3 days left, but I want to stay forever.  We grabbed a bite to eat for breakfast at The Barkley Cafe as we headed out of town.  We drove back to Nanaimo the only way you can, east on the 4.  Through the winding forest road, back to a short sting on the 19 south.  While driving we looked for a deli to pick up lunch before we jumped on the 1.30 ferry back to Vancouver.  The best option in Nanaimo came up as only 3 minutes away from where we were at the time, so we stopped at Nellie's.  This excellent Ukrainian deli made us massive sandwiches and filled us with out daily quota of friendly Canadians, all of whom were stoked we'd chosen this family place to eat.  Recommendations came highly.

Returned the rental car back to Budget, and got our lift back to the Hullo Ferry Terminal in plenty of time.  Nellie's on the boat proved to be a winner, as we cruised back for an hour and a half straight back into Vancouver Harbour.  

From here it's not $10 in an Uber to our new accommodations.  The Revival English Bay is a boutique hotel in the heart of the West End, only a few blocks from English Bay Beach.  Once we're unpacked A & I walk down to the water and along the sea wall, in the direction of Stanley Park.  The boys head off for a run, getting ready for cross country at school when we return to Charlotte.  It's great to be back in Vancouver (as much as I wanted to go to Victoria).  And being about with all the people, in this beautiful weather is just perfect.  Along the way we find a place to go to dinner tonight.  Once we're back at the hotel it's just a matter of cleaning up, grabbing the boys and walking back down the street to Hook.  A great seafood restaurant where we sat outside, with a view of the water, and had a great meal.  I went with the mussels & clams.  I love to eat fresh seafood when I'm this close to the ocean.

DML&B @ Hook, Vancouver BC

After dinner, we walked towards the seawall and headed into downtown.  We ended up in Granville Street again, which is still jumping with World Cup fans.  It is still packed.  Japan is playing Tunisia and the blue shirts are everywhere.  Even B has his retro Japan shirt on tonight.  We hopped from pub to pub and when it looks like Japan has the game wrapped up, we start to head away from the crowds back towards the hotel.  We did stop and watch the end of the game from outside Relish The Pub.  It had large  TV's in its outdoor area, and wasn't nearly as crowded as anywhere in Granville Street.  We also stopped for a picture in front of the Vancouver sign at Burrard & Nelson Streets.

DML&B, Vancouver BC

Ucluelet, BC

Bagels at home was the fuel needed to take the Lighthouse Loop, just south of the cabin.  We're close to the 2.6 kilometer trail head, which loops through some trees before hitting the coast.  The Amphitrite Point  Lighthouse is close to the halfway point.  This is the shortest lighthouse I've ever seen, but an obviously effective build as it been in service since 1915, though unmanned and automated since 1988.  Again the views of the wild Pacific were beautiful, with the many small islands just off the coast dotting the expansive ocean.  

The trail (part of yesterdays Wild Pacific Trail) continued north until we got to a spot where we could see Terrace Beach, though out cabins, right behind the first line of trees, could not be seen.  Not sure if we were there relatively early, or this is normal, but foot traffic was pretty minimal.

Amphitrite Point Lighthouse, Ucluelet, BC

DL&B, Amphitrite Point Lighthouse, Ucluelet, BC

B&L. Lighthouse Loop, Ucluelet, BC

Terrace Beach, Ucluelet, BC

Our focus today was to find a pub to watch Australia v USA in the World Cup.  We stood outside the Howlers Pub, waiting for it to open at the same time as kick off.  Not a huge atmosphere, but 3 other Aussies were there, and an American family, who had sailed up from Seattle.  A disappointing game, except for Mom (I had the boys going for the Socceroos), but always good to watch the match with other people, and to talk with some Aussies.

After the match we drove around town, stopping here and there to check out local businesses.  We stopped at another point along the Wild Pacific Trail. This time at Browns Beach.  This 6 mile hike starts in Ucluelet and follows the coast forever. We only walked for only about a kilometer, to a spot called Artists Loop, before turning around and coming back on the same path. It was beautiful watching the ocean from an elevated path, surrounded by forest on the eastern side of the path. I can see how you can get addicted to this.  When we got back we also walked down to Big Beach and sat and watched the waves for a small while.

The last tourist stop of the day was at the inlet on the east side of town.  Apparently there had been a whale spotting there yesterday, but no so lucky today.  We contemplated the Ucluelet Aquarium, but it looked small, and we were getting there right at closing.  The aquarium was skipped.

Dinner was bought from the Co-op again, as we stayed in for our last night and watched more World Cup games.  I tried to book an extra night here, but the place is sold out on Saturday night.  We had talked of driving to Victoria for our last 2 nights, but we had so much fun in Vancouver, we are going to spend our last few days back there.

Our Cabin, Terrace Beach, Ucluelet, BC

Ucluelet, BC

When we can get our hands on Aussie food unavailable near us in the US, we dive on it.  Hence it was sausage rolls for breakfast this morning (from the grocery store we went to last night).

Today we drove north to Tofino.  It's 40 minutes away, and supposedly the most picturesque place on the west coast.  But I think it is everywhere from Ucluelet to Tofino, inclusive.  We drove through town and went to Tonquin Beach.  I had read this was the most amazing place, so we started at the top.  Words I read didn't do this place justice as to how breathtaking it was.  We walked along the small beach, the tide stopping us from going south the Third Beach.  Directly west, beyond the crystal blue ocean, was the tree covered, uninhabited Wickaninnish Island.  At the north end of the beach we could see Felice Island and Clayoquat.  And there is no one here.  We barely saw 10 people in the hour we were out here.

B, Tonquin Beach, Tofino, BC

Tonquin Beach, Tofino, BC

We parked in town and started the afternoon at Shed, where we sat outside for lunch.  I would have preferred to be on the water, but it seems those places are either super swank or only open for dinner.  But Shed served it's purpose.  We were able to sit out in the glorious weather and a great bar-style meal was had by all.  Town is pretty small, and we covered most of it in an hour, walking off lunch.  Just ducking into shops and art galleries was the order of the afternoon.  There weren't many places in town where you could get near the water, but we'd already been dazzled out at Tonquin.  Tofino is a pearl surrounded by some of the most beautiful ocean and tree covered islands.  I'm so glad we made the trip out to the west coast.

Roy Henry Vickers Gallery, Tofino, BC

Ciinut by Joe David, Tofino, BC

Between Tofino and Uclulet is the Pacific Rim National Park, numerous beaches and a number of different hikes.  We cruised home making turns off the highway and taking a look at the few of these places.  

Our first stop was Chesterman Beach.  Not far out of town.  A smallish cove to what looked like a popu;lar beach.  While not in any order today, plenty of waves for surfers and a long shallow waterfront for wading families.  We walked the length of the beach and back.  

We drove south next to Long Beach and got out of the car at Combers Beach.  It was half a kilometer from the parking lot to be able to walk on the sand.  It was nice being on a beach again, but it was too cold to swim and the surf was rougher than I expected.  The water itself was cold as well, though none of that stopped local surfers.

L&B, Combers Beach, BC

Not 2 minutes away is the parking lot for the Rainforest Trail.  The trail goes either side of the Pacific Rim Highway, but we stay just on the western side.  I was thinking it would lead tot he water again, but it was a built up, looped walkway through the forest.  Beautiful once again, and just slightly cooler under this eternal canopy.

We swung through the grocery store again, and stayed on tradition by eating at home for dinner again.  Though Amy and I walked along Terrace Beach after dinner, it was another night in, such is the draw of the World Cup.

Ucluelet, BC

We've opted to leave Campbell River a day earlier as we were able to get an extra night in Ucluelet where we are staying.  Campbell River has been a wonderful new town, but we're all excited to get to the next adventure.

A yummy pastry breakfast was had at Freya Bakery in town, and we were soon on the road headed south, then west.  It's 2 highways to Ucluelet.  Had to make a stop on the way out of town and get a photo at the 50th parallel (Dad stuff).  The family reluctantly joined me, but they'll thank me one day (?).  

BD&L, 50th Parallel, Campbell River, BC

The 19 goes south for just over an hour before you head west on the 4.  Not long after heading west we made a stop at Cathedral Grove, situated in Macmillan State Park.  Parking was scarce, but after turning around and waiting a few minutes we got a spot on the south lot.  Cathedral Grove is not that different form Santa Cruz's Redwood Forest that we visited last year.  800 year old Douglas Fir Trees dominate the landscape.  We wandered through the small hike under a cool canopy and enjoyed this little park.  On the other side of the highway it was more of the same, but close to Cameron Lake.  The hike on the north side also was built on a raised walkway, so a lot more floor growth in the forest.  The well maintained walkway meandered through for only a mile, but it was so relative to the endless trees we've seen in and around this area since we got in BC.

ML&B, Cathedral Grove, MacMillan Provincial Park, BC

DBM&L, Cathedral Grove, MacMillan Provincial Park, BC

It was well and truly lunch time by the time we'd finished.  We were only 20 minutes away from the town of Port Alberni, so we did some research in the car, and came to the conclusion the Aussie owned Boomerangs Cafe was to be our spot.  The boys got their beloved pies as we watched some England v Croatia in the World Cup.

Our time in Port Alberni was only the lunch hour, and A drove us the rest of the hour and a half into Ucluelet.  The road it was slow going, as 1 lane each way wound and bent its way through the forests.  We did have a time where we got to see the beautiful Kennedy Lake on the north side of the road, but other than that it was trees all the way into the coast.  We drove straight into our place at The Cabins at Terrace Beach.  The waterfront cabins are beautiful and the view from our place is sublime.  Through the trees you look west over Terrace Beach and into the Pacific Ocean.  Inside and out this place was beautiful.  We were on the beach walking in no time, just to get out and stretch if anything.  WE got in the car and did a quick lap through this small town and picked up food at the local Co-Op to eat home made pizzas for dinner at home.  This place has the World Cup channel that everywhere else has lacked, so the boys were happy.  We spent the night in the cabin, and sitting on the patio as the sun set well after 9pm.  More exploring tomorrow.

View from our Cabin, Terrace Beach, Ucluelet, BC

DMB&L, Terrace Beach, Ucluelet, BC

Campbell River, BC

Another action packed day is planned for today.  So to get it started we head down near the harbor and grab breakfast at The Island Grind.  Just some pastries and a good cuppa tea for me, and cappuccino for A.

Right next to the mall that Island Grind is in, is the site of todays adventure.  We are doing a 5 hour whale watching tour with Aboriginal Journeys.  I've seen whales before.  In Australia you can watch them migrate up and down the coast and many have been spotted on the Central Coast.  But this is our first ever tour, with a specific aim to see some of these great creatures.  Gary, a born and bred local, is our experienced guide.  He's been doing this for over 40 years, and was recommended by our original Airbnb host.  He has this great boat that seats 11, but he only puts 8 on a tour, that is covered but has a back deck you get out on when we stop.  Gary is a character and before leaving I know we're in for a good day.  It may have been his stories, his respect for nature and the indigenous people or the way he handled the French couple on the tour, who bought 2 giant cameras with them, taking up a ton of space.  We also had a Scottish couple with us, who had been in Victoria visiting their son.  

The trip starts with us heading south and turning around the bottommost point of Quadra Island and then heading north/northwest.  Once in the open water, we hit some wind, making the trip bumpy.  This changed Gary's course.  He'd been elsewhere yesterday and seen some whales but had another spot in my today due to the conditions.  Once we reached Read Island we were better protected from the elements and the boat ride became smoother.  A side note, with all this wind, I'm glad we're on a boat today and not in the helicopter.  

Our first stop was near a small rocky outcrop where a herd of sea lions were sunning themselves.  After a quick photo opportunity off the back of the boat, we had our provided sandwich lunch on board.

We continued north.  It was not much later Gary got a call from another tour that they had spotted orcas not 10 minutes from where we were, in the direction we were already headed.  Between Read and Raza Islands we spotted a family of 3, known to the guides as a mother and 2 sons - the T101, T101A and T101B.  They happily swan, both rounding out and spouting, as 4 boats sat back the required 200 meters.   It was one of those "can't believe this is happening moments".  The orcas would dive and pop up in different areas every once in while, but it was a good half hour that we got to watch these magnificent creatures.

It was just east of Stuart Island that our next stop was.  Here there were some rapids, which bought fish up near the surface.  We watched as about 50 eagles dove down and fished for lunch.  These graceful birds had no problem swooping down into a feeding frenzy.   As we sat just outside the rapids, I tried to catch photos of the eagles, but didn't really get a good one.

We were as far away as we were going to get today, so Gary turned the boat and headed back to Campbell River.  He took us through some narrows, where the boat nearly bottomed out.  And then back along the east side of Quadra Island.  The ocean got a little choppy again, but we were going with the wind and the swell, so it wasn't as bad as the way out.  There was a point where A thought she spotted something, but it was so hard to with the white caps in the water.  Then the boat went up a wave and on its way back down, 2 humpbacks simultaneously breached about 100 meters in front of us.  While everyone reached for cameras, they did it again, only to disappear.  We caught them again, just rounding out, then their tails went up for a dive.  These dives can last for up to 15 minutes, but it only seemed like a couple of minutes when they surfaced again.  Again it was hard to get a good picture, as the boat was not steady in the chop, and the whales were coming up in all different spots.  Still it was bonus whales that we had not planned on seeing.

We were out for 6.5 hours, but it seemed like no time at all.  What a spectacular day.! We could not have picked a better tour guide to lead us and , in his words, the nature gods were with us today.

Instead of going back to the hotel, we made a stop in the souvenir store right at the harbor.  We snuck in just before it closed.  I bought a new cup and we picked our obligatory travel tea towel.  We drove south down the South Island Freeway and stopped for an early dinner at Big Rock Garage.  This diner-looking restaurant had a mix of American and Asian cuisine.  We were a bit apprehensive at first as, it was fairly empty when we walked in.  Mind you I don't quite think it was 6pm yet.  Anyway we all got a great meal.  I had the Thai Chicken Curry.  It was my favorite meal of the trip so far.

Desert was had at another stop.  Discovery Fishing Pier Ice Cream Shop was recommended by Gary.  It sits out on the water, and we almost froze in the howling wind getting out there.  A nice end to another great day for us.  While it fells sad to leave this town, I'm looking forward to new adventures tomorrow.

Campbell River, BC

A nice, easy morning, spent sitting in the coolish outside dining area of the hotel's restaurant, where we ate breakfast just enjoying a summer where we can be outside, and not hiding from the oppressive Charlotte heat.  Just a typical bacon, eggs & toast breakfast.  Nothing special, but enough to get us through most of today's adventure.

We have a helicopter tour booked with 49North Helicopters.  It is their West Coast Glacier Tour.  We drive out to the Campbell River Airport, where we are greeted by out pilot, Lionel.  Lionel is a Swiss search and rescue pilot during the winters at home, and comes to Vancouver Island in the summers to help fight fires.  Pretty much the person you want piloting you into the remoteness for the next couple of hours.  What a trip!  We cruise out above Vancouver Island, and head north-east.  Over Quadra and some of the smaller islands and through Bute Inlet.  You can see trees forever, but also where logging has happened, and where regeneration has taken place.  Pristine clear waters are beneath us, as rarely a boat is in this area.  

B Leaving Campbell River, BC

View From Helicopter Tour, BC

View From Helicopter Tour, BC

We then started the climb into the ranges, and it's not long before snow and ice dominate the landscape.  Not a building in sight, just nature as far as the eye can see.  We flew for about an hour before Lionel picked a spot to land on a glacier at an elevation of 6000 feet.  He did a couple of swooping circles looking at the landing sight before touching down.  Shittily enough, I froze, and couldn't get away from the helicopter.  I saw where we landed was a wide open space, but once on the ground, rolling snow drifts looked like major cliffs and I literally couldn't let go of the chopper.  Lionel, A & the boys wandered around for 20 minutes.  I was awed by what I could see.  Just from inside the helicopter.  It was 59 degrees up there (it was 73 back at sea level), so pleasant enough to be outside for the others.  When we took off again, we continued to climb to about 8000 feet.  Glaciers, frozen lakes formed between mountains, mile high waterfalls and white was everywhere.  We also saw a lake that had been dammed by beavers.  So much wood stopping water leaving the lake to form another waterfall.  Again it was an hour back, and the view was just spectacular.  So different to previous trips we'd done in helicopters out from Vegas tot the Grand Canyon.  The natural beauty, the steady water below and the isolation was just awe inspiring.  Once we got closer to civilization it was neat to see the golf course on Quadra Island, and how the sprawl of Campbell River extended along the coastline.  I hope the boys, at 15, understand the experience they just had, because I was still taking deep breaths thinking about it for the rest of the day.

Into the Pacific Ranges, BC

Lionel,M, L & B at 6000 feet, Pacific Ranges, BC

L, B & D, Helicopter Tour

Frozen Lake, Pacific Ranges, BC

Campbell River From The Air, BC

L, M, D & B, Campbell River Airport, BC

Lunch was had at Healthyway Natural Foods.  Amy shopped through their groceries, while the boys and I had delicious sandwiches and smoothies from their deli out the back.  The food was taken back to the hotel, and again we sat on the patio and looked east to where we had just been earlier in the morning.

We still had all afternoon, so we took a 15 minute drive out to Elk Falls Provincial Park.  There is another suspension bridge here, but maps took us to a parking lot by the John Hart substation, where we found a trail head that went up to the suspension bridge.  Early on we walked next to the Campbell River, but we then moved away for a while and started an uphill plough to Elk Falls.  It was a strenuous but enjoyable a walk trough the woods for about 2 miles.  When we finally made it to the bridge, it looked worse to me than Capilano.  The bridge looked like a long steel grate, and while a third of the length it just went to a small fenced area, not much bigger than out kitchen, that had s single small bench.  It looked like a prison.  Again, not for me.  The downhill walk back tot he car was a lot easier, and therefore more enjoyable for everyone else, as whining dad was at a minimum.

D, L, M & B, Elk Falls, BC

We went back to the hotel to clean up before heading back into town to eat dinner at Riptide Marine Pub.  Just regular pub fare here, and a great meal, but it also had access to World Cup (essential for B&L as everywhere we've stayed do not have the station that has coverage) and a view of the river, where A & I marveled a the massive cruise ships heading back into Vancouver after their journeys up to Alaska.  

After dinner we just drove south down the coastal highway to see some more of the town.  I specifically wanted to see the humpback whale sculpture, Drift, that lies by the water that is made entirely of driftwood.  It definitely did not disappoint.

Drift by Alex Witcombe, Campbell River, BC

Campbell River, BC

Big day yesterday, so no one was in a hurry to get out this morning.  And our ferry to Vancouver Island doesn't leave until 1pm, so we slid around the corner again and got some pastries from Breaka Cafe for our morning meal. 

We had to be out of the Airbnb by 11am, so we caught an Uber down to the harbor and sat by the water's edge and waited.  The boys and I wandered through some of the same area we had been in a couple of days ago, and they picked up some food for lunch.  

B&L on Digital Orca by Douglas Coupland, Vancouver Habour, BC

Goodbye Vancouver (for now)

The ferry was a bit late, but our reserved seats on the top deck, and a calm days weather, ensured a smooth, uneventful hour and a half sail across to Nanaimo on Vancouver Island.  

Once we disembarked, Budget picked us up and drove us the 5 minutes to their office, and we were on our way up to Campbell Riverin a Toyota Rav 4.  The 2 hour drive north is a pleasant one.  The freeway is only 2 lanes each way, but traffic is barely minimal.   You don't see towns on the way up, as the road is lined with forestry, but you know there are places there, as the freeway has traffic lights to get people on and off.

A month ago I had never even heard of Campbell River, but a chance ad on my Facebook feed, lead me to believe this would be a good, new (I'd been to Victoria before) spot to investigate.  

It was not long after 5 when we arrived at the small marina where our Airbnb is docked.  The boat itself sits at the end of the marina, and moves too much for us city folk when the large Quadra Island Ferry comes into port.  Not long after our host left, A started feeling unwell, and vertigo and claustrophobia started to kick in.  We got off the boat and walked for a minute, before getting into the car and heading to Moxie's for dinner.  The meal was good, but I was so hungry I'd have eaten anything.  At dinner we decided we would not be able to stay on the boat, and looked for alternative accommodations.  We found the Painted Lodge just north of town.  We drove up there to take a look at it, and they had a great loft style room for us.  The property is right on the river, very quiet, so we booked in for 3 nights (we were originally going to stay 4 - and we may still) but it's all good.  The boys and I went back to the boat and collected all of our luggage and contacted our host.  It's a real shame because it would have been an adventure, but like my heights problem, A's claustrophobia has to be take seriously.

A long days travel earnt a good night's rest.

Australia v Turkiye @ BC Place

 It's only day 3, and I'm exhausted.  Another huge day in Vancouver.

The day started at Yolks, right next to the Airbnb, where the first of many Aussie fans were spotted leading up to tonight's big game.  A hearty breakfast before we jump in an Uber out to the University of British Columbia, where we are going to spend the morning at the Museum of Anthropology.  I had caught the bus out here in 2000, and I remember it being a blast.  A friend had also mentioned it to A, so it was a no brainer.  And it was as good as I remembered.  The Pacific Northwest Native Art is all over this place.  Totems, sculptures, paintings, I can't get enough of it.  The Museum definitely scratched an itch.

After spending a couple of hours inside, we waled around outside and found a trail which lead to some stairs down to the beach.  It's a long way down (460 steps we counted on the way back), but we thought we'd go and have a look.  The weather was good, not too hot, and we're out to explore things so we made the trek down.  Then, only 10 steps off the beach is a sign telling us that the beach is clothing optional.  Great!  We've just dragged 2 x 15 year old boys to a nude beach.  Parenting 101! I was surprised about the variety of people, and available clothing, but it was a learning experience for everyone, topped off by 2 boys squirming when we wanted to talk about it more later that day.

Museum of Anthropology, University of British Columbia, Vancouver

Bill Reid's "The Raven & First Men", 

Museum of Anthropology, University of British Columbia, Vancouver

DMB&L, Museum of Anthropology, University of British Columbia, Vancouver

We caught an Uber straight back to lunch.  The boys and I had spotted a pie shop, so Peaked Pies supplied all the Australian favorites for lunch, including a lamington.  Good food, hopefully we'll get another chance to eat here the day we come back to Vancouver.

After lunch it was a couple of blocks to be down on the water at English Bay, so we followed the path all the way along the seawall until we got to the Burrard Bridge, where we cut up to the Airbnb.  We hung there and relaxed for a while before making our walk over to BC Place for the World Cup match of Australia v Turkey (the reason we're in Vancouver)  I wanted to take one of the little ferries down to the stadium, but L was insistent that we walk.  And I'm glad he won that argument.  The city , from Granville Street onwards was jumping.  And chock full of Aussies!  There is a much larger contingent of my countrymen than I thought.

We reached BC Place near 6.30pm - kick off is not until 9 - but we just soaked it all in.  There are a ton of Turkish fans here as well, and the atmosphere is electric.  There is is positive energy coming from both fans.  We lined up for some merchandise for the boys, each one of them got a either a home and away Aussie shirt, and B took a half and half scarf as well.  Overpriced, but delicious, meals were bought before we walked down to our seats.  Wow!.  We are 6 rows from the field and sitting in line with the 18 yard box.  I was like a kid in a candy store.  My American family decked out in Aussie gear (though it may not go that way next week).  The Aussies warming up right in front of us.  At the same end, but the opposite side as the official Australian Supporters Group, whose yellow wall dominated the landscape of the crowd.  The crowd built and built, and BC Place was packed at kick off.

BLM&D inside BC Place, Vancouver

DBL&M, BC Place, Vancouver

I was surprised Mat Ryan had been dropped.  The captain left out for a young Patrick Beach.  Not sure what that was about, but not the start I thought  Turkey attacked our end of the field in the first half.  Not that the Aussies were walk overs, but the Turks dominated possession - yet.  Especially Baris Yilmaz, playing on the left wing in front of us.  He was a constant threat.  Italiano worked hard to keep him under wraps.  Then a hydration break changed the whole game.  Turkiye had a cross they volleyed, and new Aussie keeper Patrick Beach made a good save.  15 seconds later a long ball put Irankunda through on goal.  Two touches from him, and he slotted the ball past the Turkish keeper.  The Aussies are up 1-0 in the 27th minute, almost against the run of play.   The Turkish fans, while outnumbered 60/40, had been loud up until this point.  Whistling and booing every time we had the ball, and chanting every time the Turks pushed forward.  They remained relentless all through the first half, even after going down.  3 minutes after our goal, Turkiye's Bardakci blasted a left footed shot from outside the box, only for Beach to push it on to the woodwork and keep us in front.  Phew!  Irankunda had another chance just before the break, but his shot was straight at the Turkish keeper.  It would've been amazing to be up 2-0 at the half, but it wasn't to be.  We seemed to pick up steam after the break.  Harry Souttar dominated in the air and almost had a goal from a corner early in the 2nd half.   Turkiye's Gular was a problem for Australia.  He was everywhere and a handful for the defenders.  It was a huge relief when Beach pushed away his good free kick in the 58th minute.  Another near post save from Beach from Celik, in the 72nd minute, saw the now quietening Turkish fans start to get nervous.  Not 3 minutes later they were silenced when Connor Metcalfe picked up the ball in the Turkish half, turned, ran at the goal , and slotted in a 25 yard, left footed belter.  2-0 The Socceroos.  We were going mental!  Not to mention Metcalfe's knee slide was right in front of us.  Beach made another vital save Akturkoglu from 6 yards.  And after that, the Turkish fans were leaving quietly.  The noise at the fulltime whistle was just as loud, and we stuck around until the Socceroos did a victory lap as we all sang Down Under.  They stopped at the next section over from us.  It must have been where their families were.

MBD&L, Pretty Good Seats, BC Place, Vancouver

BC Place was rocking as we left, and the walk back to Granville Street was electric.  Aussies everywhere, singing and chanting.  But that was nothing compared to Granville Street itself.  It was a zoo.  Yellow shirts everywhere, and party mode had been hit by a boost of Aussie steroids.  What an amazing night.  I hope that is something we will never forget.

Australia 2 (N. Irankunda 27th, C. Metcalfe 75) defeated Turkiye 0

Crowd: 52,479

Socceroos 2 - Turkiye 0, BC Place, Vancouver

Vancouver, BC

Around the corner from the Airbnb is The Breaka Cafe.  A 24 hour bakery serving all the treats you could want for breakfast.  We picked up some items for a to go breakfast, including a much desired sausage roll, on our way to our walk a mile down the road to the Hyatt.

Here, we caught the free shuttle up to Capilano Suspension Bridge Park.  I have been here before and successfully crossed the bridge in 2007, but my fear of heights wouldn't allow me to do it today.  Yet I watched the rest of the family cross with no problems whatsoever.  The park itself is beautiful.  The canyon is so green with trees and the Capilano River flows freely underneath.  On the other side of the bridge are elevated walkways through the forest.  I know this from the last trip here.  But today I got about 15 feet onto the bridge and turned back.  I really hate this fear of heights.  It's so irrational, and once I'm away from it, I can normalize everything that should and does happen.  But then there is a part of my brain that will physically stop me moving.  I literally cannot move forward any further.  While I wanted to push through, my immediate thought was what if I made it to the other side, but couldn't get back.  So I stayed while the other 3 spent their time on the other side.  The park has World Cup fever with soccer themed photo ops and flags of all the countries playing in Vancouver.  When they returned they did help me do the Cliffside Walk.  This was not here last time and harrowing 10 minute experience which I enjoyed only in hindsight.

DLB&M, Capilano Suspension Bridge Park, Vancouver, BC

A quick Uber down the hill got us to The Shipyards in North Vancouver.  A had read there was a World Cup watch party there, and with Canada playing in Toronto today, we thought it would be a good spot to watch the hosts play Bosnia and Herzegovina.  We were right!  Under the cover of a large roof, the giant outdoor screen area was packed with Canadians, and the atmosphere was electric.  You couldn't help but want them to win.  While Bosnia went ahead early, Canada did come back to draw the match at 1-1.  By the time the game was ending, it was well past lunch time, so we went and ate at Nook, right behind the big screen.  Pasta, pizza, a salad and a sandwich was well enjoyed by the family.

A 5 minute walk takes us to the ferry terminal, and we arrived only moments before the next one left, so we jumped aboard and enjoyed the 20 minute ride across the harbour.  The boys and I walked the couple of blocks to Harbour Tower, while A went for a quick walk on her own.  The boys rode the glass elevator to the observation deck, while I relaxed outside.  When the came back from their adventures, A was already back, and I was given my early Father's Day gift.  A had found an Aussie jersey in a sports store and bought it for me to wear tomorrow night.  Obviously I love it and can't wait to be one of the many tomorrow night to be cheering on the Soccerooos.

The Shipyards Crowd for Canada v Bosnia and Herzegovina, North Vancouver, BC

We went into Gastown, to see the clock.  I also picked up a Vancouver shirt for myself at a tourist shop.  Afterwards we headed back towards the Airbnb, via Granville Street again.  Now the Aussies are out in force.  They are everywhere!  This is going to be a big turnout tomorrow.  Every minute closer gets better and better.  We stop at the FIFA store (or was it basically a Ronaldo shirt store) and L picked himself up a bucket hat.

Me & A, Outside Vancouver Art Museum, Vancouver, BC

It was important for the family to watch the USA tonight (obviously), so went looking for somewhere to watch it.  Unable to stay at the The Fountainhead because the boys are too young, we stopped and sat outside at Cazba, an awesome Persian restaurant that had a tv out on its patio.  The food here was amazing.  we shared a hummus to start that was to die for, and I ate the best steak sandwich I'd had for a long time.  The boys both had chicken dishes and stews, which were just as good, and A's salad with shrimp was a hit.  We sat here, on a beautiful night and watched the US cruise to a 4-1 win over Paraguay.  Day 2 was possibly bigger than day 1.