Not much to tell. After working for 3 companies over 43+ years (38 years 7 months with my last company), I finally got that promotion I had waited my entire career for……retirement.
I have been exploring this new career for the past 7+ years and while it is not always exciting, the chance to do what I want for myself and my family instead of what my company wants has been very fulfilling. Early on, there was a long list of projects in my “to-do” hopper and I attacked these projects with a vengeance for the first 9 months of retirement. Eventually, my brain told me that this was not what retirement was about, so it took me another 5 months before my industriousness again took over and I attacked another line of projects, this time somewhat shorter and less complicated, as well as many new projects related to the family weddings in 2016. After going hard for 6 weeks and 3 weddings, my body was telling me to relax, then the flu bug hit and as soon as that was done with me, my sciatic acted up. No rest for the wicked. In 2020 and 2021, the Covid 19 pandemic changed the whole retirement gig. I was lucky to not be still working, for sure.
I enjoy photography, gardening, working with my hands, walking, cycling, skiing, travelling, reading and creating special photo and video productions obtained in my first pastime. I may never become wealthy in any of these pursuits, but I already feel I am rich in life experiences far beyond any expectation.
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26 thoughts on “Back to the Mainland”
Lovely weather out on deck to enjoy the return journey Allan.
Maybe no border guards at Mt Baker, perhaps at Ponit Roberts or in the San Juans. Mt Baker was about 100 km (62 m) away. The ferry actually briefly crosses through US waters as it approaches Tsawwassen. Thanks for reading. Allan
Point Roberts in the West and the Northwest Angle in Minnesota are errors made when the U.S. and Britain drew up the border agreement in the 1783 Treaty of Paris. Benjamin Franklin was involved in the discussions. Point Roberts had a real problem accessing the rest of the U.S during Covid, due to the border being closed to all but essential travel.
Such a lovely poem, Allan! While the dinner cruises and whale watches promise unique experiences, a ferry ride is actually an equally scenic and more cost-effective way to enjoy panoramic views of the places you visit. Thanks for sharing and have a lovely Friday 🙂 Aiva
Thanks Aiva. Often the less commercial offerings are the better than high priced contrived cruises. Ferry crossings are a necessity and follow the same route over and over. You can take in the sights while moving along your route. Also, a good chance for the driver to relax and sightsee. Many of the ferry crossings we have been on were in New Zealand and Australia and they have all been experiences to be remembered. Thanks for reading. Have a great weekend. Allan
Hard to believe you can see that far, even in the mist. Thanks for your kind comments and for reading Joni. I find birds amazing, so have really taken on the challenge this year. Hugs. Allan
Picture This 
Lovely weather out on deck to enjoy the return journey Allan.
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It is unusual to be so lucky on both crossings. The early morning time was the best. Thanks for reading Marion. Allan
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Looks a wonderful crossing!
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Absolutely, even with the morning mist. It was great to see the birds and seals out and about. Thanks for reading. Allan
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You are most welcome Allan. I do like journeys like that! 🙂
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Another beautiful day on the water Allan! A ferry is the closest I’ve come to a cruise. Maybe one day. Have a great day! John
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This one is like a cruise without a stateroom and the risk of getting fat at the buffet table. Thanks for reading John. Allan
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Quite a scenic journey back!
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It was a great crossing to be sure. Thanks for reading Lyssy. Allan
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Love that heron picture. As you said almost ghostly. Looks like a great day for a ferry ride
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The heron being right by the ferry dock was a gift. It was a perfect day for a crossing. Thanks for reading Bernie. Allan
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Seems like quite the experience for a crossing! I wonder if there are border guards hanging around Mt Baker
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Maybe no border guards at Mt Baker, perhaps at Ponit Roberts or in the San Juans. Mt Baker was about 100 km (62 m) away. The ferry actually briefly crosses through US waters as it approaches Tsawwassen. Thanks for reading. Allan
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That’s cool! I absolutely love border stories ever since being born in one country and living in another! 😂
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Point Roberts in the West and the Northwest Angle in Minnesota are errors made when the U.S. and Britain drew up the border agreement in the 1783 Treaty of Paris. Benjamin Franklin was involved in the discussions. Point Roberts had a real problem accessing the rest of the U.S during Covid, due to the border being closed to all but essential travel.
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Thank you for that! I will research more of that 😊
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Such a lovely poem, Allan! While the dinner cruises and whale watches promise unique experiences, a ferry ride is actually an equally scenic and more cost-effective way to enjoy panoramic views of the places you visit. Thanks for sharing and have a lovely Friday 🙂 Aiva
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Thanks Aiva. Often the less commercial offerings are the better than high priced contrived cruises. Ferry crossings are a necessity and follow the same route over and over. You can take in the sights while moving along your route. Also, a good chance for the driver to relax and sightsee. Many of the ferry crossings we have been on were in New Zealand and Australia and they have all been experiences to be remembered. Thanks for reading. Have a great weekend. Allan
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I can’t believe you could see Mt. Baker amazing. By the way I enjoyed your poem on your last post. I love all your bird photography. Lovely. ❤️🤗🦋💝
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Hard to believe you can see that far, even in the mist. Thanks for your kind comments and for reading Joni. I find birds amazing, so have really taken on the challenge this year. Hugs. Allan
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I sure enjoy all your photography and your explanations along with them. Always so nicely done. ❤️🤗
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🤗
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Great pics. That would not be a horrible commute.
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Yup, but some folks do it daily. There are always the float planes but that could get expensive. Thanks for reading. Allan
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Beautiful pictures. Looks like you had beautiful weather for your ferry crossing.
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The weather was picture perfect for sure. Summer crossings seem to be the best. Thanks for reading. Hope your weekend is going well. Allan
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