The Good Ole Hockey game

And on the fourth day there was hockey. Going to Florida this January gave me a chance to check out the phenom that is Sidney Crosby. This is probably one of the pluses of NHL expansion into the southern United States. Now die hard hockey fans like myself can enjoy some sun while watching their favourite sport. I have to admit that watching hockey in Florida is a little different than the games I have seen in Winnipeg, Minnesota, Ottawa or Calgary. There is a different type of fan at a Florida Panthers Game, but then there isn't. I think I heard as much French being spoken at the Bank Atlantic Center as I had at any game I attended at the Corel Center/Scotiabank Place. Apparently the location of the Panthers arena is very near where many of the French Canadians go during the winter months. Still this experience had its differences

The crowd wasn't too great at the game. There were a lot of empty seats and many of the fans just didn't seem to get into the game. Of course it doesn't help when you have one of the worst teams in the league, but the Pittsburgh Penguins and the league's best player were in town. There was a lot excitement around the Penguins ice during the warm ups as kids pressed themselves against the glass hoping to get the attention of Sid the Kid. It could be a good sign for hockey in Florida if there are kids like this who are excited about the game. Again they could have just been the grand kids of all the Quebecois wintering in Sunrise. So there was all this excitement about the Penguins during the pre-game, too bad they couldn't give something to the fans.


The game was dominated by the Panthers as captain and finlander Olli Jokinen scored a hat trick pacing the Panthers to a 5-2 victory. The Penguins looked sluggish out there, having played the night before. Crosby was held pointless and was less than I hoped for. I have had that experience when watching other superstars. Mario Lemieux may have had one assist the first time I saw him play. Teemu Selanne on the other hand was pretty good when I saw him play for the Winnipeg jets. Maybe I just have the luck of seeing great performances by Finns when going to NHL games. So despite the Panthers being dominant, I just never got the impression that anyone was really that excited. The guy who set off the goal horn even seemed to be a little out of it. The highlight of the game was listening to these young girls screaming at the top of their lungs every time the noise meter came up on the scoreboard. Ear piercing noise at its best.


So the game may have been a bit of a bust, but having a chance to watch NHL hockey in SoFla was still pretty fun. I'd go again. So Day 4 was a little slow, but things are about to pick up. On Day 5 me and the gang are going for a fan boat ride, with a possible gator sighting and world famous food. Stay tuned more to come on this and more as the road trip to the everglades continues.


Later

There aint enough going on down here

So I hope you have taken in the first couple days of Florida. Day three was a little more laid back. We didn't too much. We had to go to the airport to drop off Drew's dad and then it was off to the outlet mall. Some interesting about the airport though was the sign on the road to the airport that advised everyone about the current threat level. It was high. Anyway it was fun going to the outlet mall and finding so many awesome deals. Although not everything seemed like a deal. If you went to the Lacoste store, you know the clothes that have the alligator on them, or is it a crocodile? Anyway, you could have got a 70 percent discount and it would still cost over 50 dollars for a polo shirt. Still many fun deals. I just wish I was staying 7 days instead of 6 and I could have spent an extra 550 dollars. Damn you lousy duties.

So it was a slow day of hitting the malls and eating more of the fish we caught the day before. Did I tell you I went fishing and we were playing tricks on the dolphins. Well not really. I wanted to mention this last time, but we caught a fish and the dolphins started creeping closer and so we thought we would try to lure them to the boat so we could get a better picture, but they were too smart for that. The jerks wouldn't even put their heads fully out the water, they would just barely break the water with their blow hole. Here is the best shots I could get. I know its sad.

So I guess the highlight of day three was when we went down to the beach to check out the sunset. Now we didn't get to enjoy a true clear sky sunset, but I thought the clouds were really cool and may have made the sunset even more interesting. The beach was really nice and had the classic long pier. There were folks fishing and then gutting their fish on the pier, there were some guys trying to surf, but the waves weren't big enough and there was us. We were on a quest. It was no longer a vacation, we were on a celebrity hunt.

The rumour is that the great American filmmaker Steven Spielberg has a place on this beach in Naples, Florida. So we went on a bit of a trek and arrived in front of what may or may not have been the home of the man behind such films as Jaws, Raiders of the Lost Ark and Duel. I noticed a small white dog running around in the yard of the house. Was it Steven Spielberg's dog? Maybe. I saw Steven Spielberg's dog. Wow. So close to celebrity once again.
Anyway it was nice to take it easy and do some shopping. Lots of fun. Plus I wanted to save my energy to do what everyone goes to Florida to do. Watch NHL hockey. Coming up next we head across state along Alligator Alley to Sunrise, Florida to check out the Florida Panthers. Yee haw.

Adios

I'm a gonna fishin 'cause everybody's fishing, And I'm a gonna fishing too

So when I arrived in Florida I was informed by my sister and her boyfriend that we would be going fishing the next day. I have to admit that I was not the most excited person when I heard this. You see I haven't really fished in about 20 years. I use to go out with my Pa and uncle Erkki and it was a lot of fun, but I guess I wasn't as in to fishing as most Finlanders. Plus I think I got tired of being the bartender during these little trips. But don't get me wrong they were some great memories that I wouldn't trade for anything. However, it is really my sis Aliss who's the real fisherman in the family. I remember her getting a lot of fishing gear at Christmas when we were kids and she and our old man went out fishing quite a bit. So because my sister was looking forward to this opportunity I wasn't going to complain. I mean I am on vacation right? Who knows it could be fun.

I think I got a little more excited about the fishing trip when I was told we would be fishing on a pontoon or party boat. I thought this was great because it would mean a lot more space. I really wasn't looking forward to being crammed into to aluminum boat, but this was completely different. We met up with out lead fisher and captain, Joe.
He was a really great guy and a terrific person to go fishing with. So we loaded up the boat and made our way to the launch. Getting in the boat was easy and I had a comfortable chair so things were already going in the right direction. It wouldn't be too long before the trip was all worth it.

So we made our way out into the Gulf of Mexico and I was impressed with the really nice homes on the water, but we were there for fishing dang it. Focus. Yes fishin'. So like I said I haven't fished in maybe 20 years and when I did we used worms or minnows. This time the bait was a little more fun. We got to use live shrimp. Those buggers were fun to hook because they liked to squirm and jump around a bit. So I hooked my shrimp and dropped it in the water.

So we were trolling and that meant I didn't really have to concentrate too much on the fishing. We were sitting around when we noticed some dolphins gathering around our boat. I decided I wanted to get a picture and stood up leaving the fishing rod between my legs. So I was standing looking to get a shot of the dolphin when all of sudden there is a tug on my line. The line just kept going out and out and out. I had a fish. I couldn't believe it. First time fishing in almost 20 years and I've already got a bite. So I put the camera down and grabbed the rod and started reeling it in. I don't remember how tough it was, but it did take awhile because so much line had been let out and there was a bit of a fight in the fish of course. So I did eventually reel the bad boy in and Holy Mackerel, had a fish to be proud of, a mackerel. Awesome.

Anyway I was pretty happy with myself and could have gone back to shore satisfied with the day of fishing, but I guess the others wanted to catch some fish too. Drew would soon catch his own mackerel and the gang would catch a lot of lady fish. They would give a good fight, but not good for eating, too many bones. So we didn't have too many keepers. We decided to stop trolling and set anchor and eat lunch and do some stationary fishing. That's when the Queen fisherknow as my sister took over. While I was having trouble casting she started depleting the local fish stock. I swear she would bring one fish out, rebait her hook and by the time her cast hit the water another fish was on her line. I think she may have caught as many as 7 fish in less than half an hour. I was a bit jealous, but I mean she knows what she's doing. On the plus side they weren't mackerel, they were a smaller, less attractive fish, so I had that on her. Anyway I bow to Alissa's greatness.

After Aliss drained the cove we were in we went back to trolling and I was able to catch a few more fish. One was a blue fish, which we were able to keep. So I had a great day fishing, lots of fun. I see why people love fishing so much in Florida. In the end I think we brought in about 15 fish in total. We fried them up and they were delicious. What a great day.
So I may not have been all gung-ho to fish, but I'm really glad we did. It rocked. I would love to do it again. So there you have it, salt water fishing from Southwest Florida. Hope you had fun. Coming up, we hit the outlet malls and see what Stephen Spielberg does for fun. So stay tuned as the adventures continue.

Later

It will never snow in Florida

So the adventure to Southwest Florida began on Saturday January 7, 2007. I flew on Air Canada and my journey started at the Calgary International Airport. My flight took off around 7AM and headed for Toronto. On the flight I was able to watch the latest Kevin Costner film, 'The Guardian.' Why does it seem like every film Costner has made since Dances with Wolves runs for ever and always reaches a point where you think to yourself: 'That is an acceptable way to end the film, it must be over.' Yet the film continues on for another half hour. Maybe its just me. Anyway that was not the highlight of the trip. That would come in Toronto.

I was kind of stressing during my flight because I wanted to take two bags on as carry on just so I would be sure to have everything I wanted when I arrived in Florida. However the bags were about the same size and Air Canada says we are only allowed one carry on luggage item, plus a personal item like a briefcase. Luckily I was able to get both on the ole plane in Calgary, but when we arrived in Toronto I had all the same worries again. That would be the least of my troubles though . As I was flying to Toronto I realized that I forgot to find out the address of where I was staying in Florida from my sister. Add to this that I had yet to receive my new passport before departure and you had the cocktail for trouble from U.S. Customs and Immigration and Homeland Security or whatever else they call themselves. I tried to get the address before going through customs and called my parents hoping they knew something, but no luck, plus we couldn't get a hold of my sister, who was already in Florida. Anyway I knew the town I was going to and so took my chances going through customs hoping I would not be tackled or face a strip search. Fun. Anyway while I was waiting in line to face scrutiny there was some plainclothes RCMP hovering around the man in front of me. This guys eventually gets a pass to the front of the line after a few conversations with airport security. That's when I realize that it is former New Brunswick premier and Canadian Ambassador to the U.S. Frank McKenna. Wow, I was this close to greatness. Anyway that was the fun part. The lecture was coming.

So when I get to the Customs Agent I am asked for my passport and declaration. I say I don't have my passport yet and he is completely shocked. 'what do you mean you don't have your passport?' Then he looks at my declaration form and sees I have only listed Naples, Florida as my destination and is not happy that I don't know the exact address. My explanation that I was meeting my sister and her boyfriend was also not satisfactory. So he stamped something on my declaration card and I was given a piece of paper explaining I needed a passport to fly into the U.S. Of course that would not be for another 2 weeks. Relax eh. Of course I did not feel the need to have my ass kicked by a group of airport or custom officials. I was going on holiday. So holding back the sarcasm I made it through and everything was savvy. On the other side I also noticed another so-so celebrity. Carl Lindros. Whoo hoo.


So the rest of my travel day was uneventful. My plane was a bit delayed because of a head wind. But I arrived at the Fort Myers Airport where my sister was waiting to greet me. We headed for Naples, which was a half hour south , and the Walmart Supercenter to get our salt water fish licenses. That's right people. We're going fishing. So that's the story so far. Day two of Florida takes me to the Gulf of Mexico. Aren't you excited, I know I wasn't, but that all changed once we hit the water. . Stay tuned for more adventures of the Bearded Backpacker, sans beard, in Florida.

Later

Cletus went down to Florida

Hi everybody. Sorry I have been so delinquent in sharing my tales with you, but I have been soaking up the rays in Florida the past week. That's right, I was in the Sunshine State checking out a few adventures to add to the catalogue. I will simply whet your appetite with a preview right now. I think its only right to set things up because I have a lot adventures to share with you.During my stay in Southwest Florida I hit some outlet malls, went fishing, checked out a super Walmart, took a fan boat ride, swam in the pool, went to the beach, ate a lot of fish, taunted some dolphins and marveled at the gators. It was a fun filled week. I had a chance to hang out with my little sis, Aliss, her boyfriend and his folks. It was great fun. Oh yeah, we also crossed the great state of Florida through Alligator Alley to go and see Sid the Kid and the Pittsburgh Penguins face off against the Florida Panthers. Anyway, that's just a teaser and the full sorted details of the Bearded Backpacker's romp through the everglades are soon to come. While I have your attention: Has anyone ever heard a really good song that includes Florida in some way? None come to mind for me at this moment. Alright. Have a great day. Later

And a Happy New Year

Can you believe that it is already 2007? I'm still recovering from all the hype around the millennium and all of sudden its seven years later. Fantastic. Well I guess I should also wish anyone out there reading this a belated Merry Christmas. It was quite a different Christmas for me this year. I didn't go home and I didn't celebrate a French Canadian Christmas. This has been the pattern over the last few years, but this year I decided to celebrate a Jewish Christmas. Well part of it anyway. I actually spent Christmas Eve, the most important part of the Christmas celebration for Finlanders, with my boss' family. It was actually pretty good and I had a great time. We had a simple meal of finger foods, we went skating and played some video games. I also had to deal with the regular onslaught of attacks from his kids. I do enjoy my time hanging out with his kids no matter how annoying they can be. I think this may have been one of the more fun Christmases I have had in a long time because it was real easy like. I didn't have any of the stresses I have dealt with in the past few years when I was going to a place where I really didn't know too many people and didn't want to step on any traditions. It was fun even though not too crazy. Thanks Drew et al for taking me in.

The Jewish part of my Christmas came on Christmas Day when I hung out with Amanda, Danijela and REBECCA! Rebecca was the friend whom I went to the Motley Crue/Aerosmith concert with. I didn't mention her by name then because i didn't know how comfortable she would be being associated with the Crue. She made a big deal about her absence from my tale so she can expect to enjoy some spotlight here. SO Rebecca, Amanada, Danijela and I went to see a movie. Apparently my Jewish friend Amanda did this a lot when she was growing up and so I have named this the Jewish Christmas. We also went out for Chinese food, which in my family was more of a New Year's tradition. So we went to see 'Dreamgirls', starring Beyonce, Eddie Murphy, Jamie Foxx and American Idol runner-up Jennifer Hudson. I wasn't as keen on seeing this film, but I was outvoted by the ladies. All in all it wasn't a bad film and we all enjoyed are time. Although feverish movie critics REBECCA and Amanda were not completely enthused by Beyonce's performance. Some things just never change.

So this was my Christmas experience. I'll say it again that it was one of the better Christmases I have had and I have to thank REBECCA, Amanda, Danijela and Drew for helping me enjoy this time of year.

Of course I wish I could have spent part of the holidays with my family back in the Bay, but Florida just seems so much more tempting. I missed you guys.

Since Christmas I have been pretty busy at work and didn't have a chance to really celebrate New Year's Eve, but in reality I never really do anything to ring in the New Year. I think I'm just more amazed at the year I have had. It started out pretty uneventful with a federal election and less than exciting January. That was until I came to Calgary for a visit to see B and his crew. I enjoyed my time in Alberta, but didn't know I would be coming back so soon. When I returned to Ottawa I was met with the news that a certain someone didn't like me the same way anymore and that sent me into a bit of a tailspin and re-evaluation of what I was doing with my life. But all in all it was probably a good thing. I made the decision to come to Calgary and with the help of some really good friends I was able to make that decision and the trip out with a lot of confidence. I spent the first two months dealing with the dramatic change and got a great deal of support from B and his family and I appreciated it greatly. Since then you pretty much know what I have been up to if you have been following my blogging. I can't believe how fast the last 8 month have flown by since I came to Calgary. Its been a great time and I have met some great new people and I'm looking forward to the adventures ahead. There already a couple of big events planned. I'll be heading to Florida shortly and I'm looking forward to a potential visit by mon ami Emilie. What else is in store for me in 2007? We will just have to wait and see.

Thanks for following me along this journey and I look forward to your thoughts and continued support.

Happy New Year Everyone