My trip to Victoria

**Panache** · 29th October 09, 05:03 PM

My apologies Ladies and Gentlemen.

This photo was taken at the end of Friday night before heading home to Steve and the Kilted Knome's house.

In honor of Craig Saylor, I suggest you all "grin and bear it"

The Wizard of BC makes a kilt for this bear statue every year.

It has an 80" waist! Does he qualify for membership in XMTS" "Gentlemen of Substance" Group?

Back the Museum in a minute...

**The Wizard of BC** · 29th October 09, 05:08 PM

Gee, if your gonna quote me at least get it right. Stewart The Bear's waist comes in at a whopping 84".

Who says a kilt can't be made to make a "Gentleman of Substance" look good?

**Panache** · 29th October 09, 05:15 PM

The Wizard of BC is a docent at the Royal BC Museum and the expert among the museum docents on poles (Steve can explain why they aren't "totem" poles)

Brian (BEEDEE) and I have had the pleasure of hearing Steve's talk on the poles before but we both still enjoyed learning more about "The world's largest lawn flamingos"

Mike (Splash_4) and the lovely Mrs. Splash hadn't and seem to quite enjoy their visit and Steve's talk.

On to the pictures!

Poles on display at the lobby

View from the second story of the museum

Steve and a friend

My favorite of all the Poles (this one looks like he belongs on Easter Island)

I snapped this picture for all the Ladies and Gentlemen of XMTS

Steve and Brian with a fellow childhood peer

Outside the museum discussing the outdoor display of poles

Me and a pole

Pole against the sky near dusk

To be concluded ...

**Panache** · 29th October 09, 05:24 PM

For one usually pretty glib I am having trouble summing up this weekend...

There were so many wonderful things about seeing all these great people again of meeting them (at least in person) for the first time.

I could go on for pages about each of the fine ladies and gentlemen I had the pleasure of sharing this weekend with....

...so mercifully I won't

Needless to say I was amazed at all these wonderful people I have had the very good fortune to come across in my life.

Visiting twice to Victoria this year was wonderful but still not nearly enough time there.

I will say how gratefull I am Hank for creating this crazy amazing place and for Steve for buying it and hitting the ground running!

An overwhelming (in a very good way) time

But the weekend ended and it was time to go home

I hope I can keep the memories of it for the rest of my life

Thanks to everyone who made it such an amazing event!

Cheers

Your Friend

Jamie

ith: :blimp: :ootd:

**sydnie7** · 29th October 09, 06:57 PM

Originally Posted by Panache

The Wizard of BC is a docent at the Royal BC Museum and the expert among the museum docents on poles (Steve can explain why they aren't "totem" poles) . . .[snip]

Interesting. He might want to share that information with the State of Alaska, in re this website.
[/OT]

Thanks for the photos and reportage, Jamie!

**Ancienne Alliance** · 28th October 09, 12:29 AM

Thank you for these incredible photos Jamie.

Best,

Robert

**Rollo** · 28th October 09, 12:59 AM

Very good, Jamie !

**cessna152towser** · 28th October 09, 02:35 AM

Super photos, Jamie. A few familiar faces and places there, and I especially liked the shot of you beside the famous kilted bear.

**KFCarter** · 28th October 09, 03:37 AM

Great pictures; quite a grand gathering for a grand occasion!!

**McClef** · 28th October 09, 04:07 AM

Wonderful photographs of a wonderful and historic event Jamie. I know many of us would have loved to have been there, but these help to satisfy that longing!