In this one I head to the Frozen North

Hello my lovely aardvarks,

Her snifter is more powerful than the force

It has been a while, has it not? Well, turns out my travel season began a bit late this year. In fact, I went to lake Placid just two weeks ago. However, other than this furry little beast very little was different. So I might delve into that in some later posts.

Yes, I said later. I also said I might. And as you all know, I am a lovely handsome blogger who keeps my word... sometimes.

But, my lovely Baobabs, why this missive? Well it turns out, I am on a road trip. This road trip, I will be covering close to 2000 kms over three days along with my lovely girlfriend and the fuzzy one pictured on the right.

Things I discover, I am sure are of value not only to you, but also to the generations that have not yet come to pass. I have put them in a list as I have to dumb it down for that one reader of mine. You know who you are. Yes... you.... stop looking around.

• There is no permafrost north of Toronto. I know, I know. It's hard to believe that 1 hour outside of Toronto is not covered with a layer of snow, older than... me, I suppose. 
• A pack of wolves did not randomly attack me when I stopped to take a "comfort break". I have been watching a lot of cycling, and when they pee, they call it a comfort break. I am on occasion known to ride a bike, and dress in tight spandex. Sometimes, I do the two activities together. Therefore, I see no reason to not adopt this vernacular. But back to the topic, no wolf attacks. This made me particularly happy, as I was advised that since bears eat wolves, I would not be attacked by bears either. Of course, the more I thought about the sillier it sounded. I mean if there were no wolves, the bears would be super hungry and might consider eating handsome, bald bloggers.  
• My dog is awesome. Enough said about that. This might not help the later generations as much. Unless you can clone my dog, in which case, can you clone me as well? I would like to play with my dog again. Thanks. 
• The quality of coffee is directly proportional to how far I am away from the centre of the city. 
• Spiders. Why are there spiders? 
• Rain is apocalyptic up north. I mean just look at this.  

I think that is all I have for you little munchkins for this evening. But stay tuned as I head over to meet my girlfriend's parents for the first time. This travel blog should take an interesting turn then. 

yours in warm custard, 

@damookman.

An open love letter to Lake Placid

Dear Lake Placid or Misty,

Can I call you Misty? I think I shall. Where do I begin, Misty? I think I shall begin at the top. (Get it, hills, top, mountains... geez I kill myself)

As you well know before the wonderful weekend, that I was a sophisticated traveller who had experienced many different cafes and cities. I have been smooshed into trains in Delhi, I have been chased by ruffians in London, I have cried on the side of mountains, and I have laughed on the shores of oceans. But during all of those trips, I had never travelled to the 'Land of the Free' (Miami airport notwithstanding).

What I thought was that everyone in your part of the world hated cyclists? Turns out that you had a cycle lane from the border of your country to the heart of your city. You know what Misty, that means that you have a cycle path into my heart.

Your mountains, your marathons, your bike routes, your beautiful people and your roadies, they all conspired to steal my affections away from my true love, Londres (Fear not London, I am still yours, and soon I shall be in you).

I think both of us agree that this weekend while less than perfect (your rains, Misty. They need to not happen when we meet), was wonderful. Brief though this visit was, it was full of passion. I shall be coming back to you soon, Misty. So just make sure that the coffee is brewing, and the rain stays away. This time, I promise you, I shall be there longer.

Love,

@Damookman.

In this one I discover that retirees are full of lies.

People in Canada had a long weekend in the not too distant past celebrating the birth of this nation, as well as the one to  the south. No. I do not mean Mexico, although I would like to celebrate their independence day as well (doing this would involve drinking Tequila).