August Gathering / Kilts Night

[Hamish]

If I remember correctly, you guys will be near the Broadway and Commercial skytrain stations. Commercial drive is a pretty cool little street. An interesting mix of Italians, Croatians, Hippies, and Beatniks. It is the best place in Vancouver to get an authentic Italian Cappucino. Great fruit stands as well for some healthy foods. But if you get bored of Downtown, you can come visit me out in the wilds of Coquitlam.

As far as I know there is nothing going on the Friday before the Dinner, but there is plenty to keep you all amused. The Saturday has the festival in the park during the day and the Kilt night in the evening. I am hoping to bring 3-4 kilt virgins out for that evening. Just trying to find kilts for them right now.

Many thanks, Colin, for that info and, you never know, we might take you up on your invitation to visit you. It all depends upon available time. I get the impression that the original two week programme is now being compressed into a long weekend and that we're going to have a lot of time on our hands! Do you know if the tours to the likes of the Capilano Suspension Bridge, Granville Island and Stanley Park are still 'on'? Also the Unofficial Brunch, the Hangover Brunch and the Farewell Dinner?

What happens in Vancouver on Monday 1st (BC Day)? Anything 'special' that we should not miss?

Sorry to be such a 'pain' about this. Dave and I had thought to spend two or three days down in Seattle, looking up old friends, but scrapped the idea as we thought we wouldn't be able to do it without missing some of the Gathering events, which is what we are really coming over for.

[Lee]

Hey, I'm planning on visiting the west coast the week of Aug 15.

Could you all wait ?

OK, I know that's asking a bit much.

Wish I could get there sooner.

Lee

[Colin]

Many thanks, Colin, for that info and, you never know, we might take you up on your invitation to visit you. It all depends upon available time. I get the impression that the original two week programme is now being compressed into a long weekend and that we're going to have a lot of time on our hands! Do you know if the tours to the likes of the Capilano Suspension Bridge, Granville Island and Stanley Park are still 'on'? Also the Unofficial Brunch, the Hangover Brunch and the Farewell Dinner?

What happens in Vancouver on Monday 1st (BC Day)? Anything 'special' that we should not miss?

Sorry to be such a 'pain' about this. Dave and I had thought to spend two or three days down in Seattle, looking up old friends, but scrapped the idea as we thought we wouldn't be able to do it without missing some of the Gathering events, which is what we are really coming over for.

Hamish, I am not sure of the specifics of the 2 weeks, better to ask Raphael or Bear on that one. However, I am sure we can keep you guys hopping for the duration of your trip. As I have mentioned before there are numerous day or overnight tours of the lower mainland. One in particular being Whistler, home of the 2010 Winter Olympics. It is a beautiful ski resort with plenty to offer the visiting tourist year round.

In terms of Stanley Park, Capilano Suspension Bridge (Lynn valley is also nice), and Grandville Island, those are all local and easily accessible. I am sure that the schedule will be flexible enough if you and Dave wanted to visit some mates in Seattle, or even wanted to hop on the ferry and head to Victoria (BC's most Beautiful city) for an afternoon or evening with the locals (Steve, Jewddha, Macman,etc) over there.

We'll make sure you guys have a great time while you are in our city.

[Hamish]

We'll make sure you guys have a great time while you are in our city.

Thanks. We can't wait, Colin

[The Wizard of BC]

My offer for free guided tours of Victoria and The Royal BC Museum is still out there. (I'll also throw in a tour of the kiltshop)
From downtown Vancouver you can catch the PCL bus to downtown Victoria. Cost is $38.00cdn. It includes the ferry fare, and is the most hassle free way to get to experience Victoria for the day.

for more info see.

www.pacificcoach.com (motor coach and BC ferries schedules and info)

www.royalbcmuseum.bc.ca (Click on the webcam for a look at the inner harbour.) (my tour of the Totem Pole gallery is pretty good)

www.tourismvictoria.com
(two sites with lots of info about Victoria.)
www.victoria-bc.com

[Colin]

My offer for free guided tours of Victoria and The Royal BC Museum is still out there. (I'll also throw in a tour of the kiltshop)
From downtown Vancouver you can catch the PCL bus to downtown Victoria. Cost is $38.00cdn. It includes the ferry fare, and is the most hassle free way to get to experience Victoria for the day.

for more info see.

www.pacificcoach.com (motor coach and BC ferries schedules and info)

www.royalbcmuseum.bc.ca (Click on the webcam for a look at the inner harbour.) (my tour of the Totem Pole gallery is pretty good)

www.tourismvictoria.com
(two sites with lots of info about Victoria.)
www.victoria-bc.com

Wow Steve! That is a great price to get to Victoria for the day. I usually have to pay about $48+ to get myself and the car over there. If anyone is interested, I would suggest taking Steve up on his kilt guided tour of our provinces beautiful capital.

[Macman]

I'd be happy to help with any tour of Victoria, Steve. I can supply an extra car and driver if needed, although most things are within walking distance of the bus depot.

One thing I'd add for those wanting to make a side trip over to the island - you might want to spend at least one night here, since I think the combined bus/ferry trip is around three and a half hours one way (at least that's what I remember the last time I took the bus). Also, the scenery from the ferry is spectacular.
Cheers,
David

[Dave W.]

Not long now!
Hamish has already started packing I believe. In five weeks or less we'll be there. Looking forward yo meet many new friends and just maybe one or two from Hamish's last world tour!!!!

See Ya soon.

Dave W.

[Hamish]

My offer for free guided tours of Victoria and The Royal BC Museum is still out there. (I'll also throw in a tour of the kiltshop)
From downtown Vancouver you can catch the PCL bus to downtown Victoria. Cost is $38.00cdn. It includes the ferry fare, and is the most hassle free way to get to experience Victoria for the day.

for more info see.

www.pacificcoach.com (motor coach and BC ferries schedules and info)

www.royalbcmuseum.bc.ca (Click on the webcam for a look at the inner harbour.) (my tour of the Totem Pole gallery is pretty good)

www.tourismvictoria.com
(two sites with lots of info about Victoria.)
www.victoria-bc.com

Steve,

Very many thanks for all that information, AND for the kind offer of a conducted tour of Victoria. I am sure that is something we'd like to take you up on (Colin has hinted to me that he'd like to come on that one with us). But, we should see what other attendees at The Gathering want to do before rushing in and fixing dates, etc. Maybe the organisers are allocating a particular day for such a trip, I don't know.

Any thoughts, Organisers?

[Colin]

Steve,

Very many thanks for all that information, AND for the kind offer of a conducted tour of Victoria. I am sure that is something we'd like to take you up on (Colin has hinted to me that he'd like to come on that one with us). But, we should see what other attendees at The Gathering want to do before rushing in and fixing dates, etc. Maybe the organisers are allocating a particular day for such a trip, I don't know.

Any thoughts, Organisers?

Hinted ,yes, but as an independent business consultant I must take the work when is it available. If I know the days, I will try and tag along for the trip, particularly since a good friend of mine, Andrew, is moving over there at that time. Hey, maybe we can sneak over in the moving truck!!!!