Andrew's Awesome Adventures

So one of my friends throws a quite fun birthday party for themselves every year up in Thunder Bay. Last year I ended up missing this party because of another trip and so, this year, I went out of my way to find out details first. As usual, the party lived up to its reputation and so you won't see any pictures here.

So this weekend I was in New York City again. I could easily talk about the wonderful food, the beautiful sights, the amazing random street performances (like those in the videos below) or any number of other things. But those aren't what made this weekend special. This weekend I was able to simultaneously meet up with three of my best friends from university, two of whom I hadn't even seen for almost ten years (although the internet has helped keep in touch). The fact that we were in one of my favorite cities taking advantage of the opportunities available was simply a bonus.

Originally having planned to go skiing this weekend, that plan fell through due to lack of commitment from anyone else. Luckily, similar lack of commitment freed up space on a trip with the Alpine Club of Canada to Mount Washington, New Hampshire (USA) and they were happy to let me join them.

Ever have one of those weekends where all your plans go wrong? Multiple plane flights delayed? Ferry to even reach the airport violently buffeted by winds and unable to dock for almost an hour (luckily we've already mentioned the plane delays)? Large snow dump followed by frigid temperatures and high winds cancelling your original plans? Friends, having expected you to be busy, already having other plans? Chest deep snow once you do actually get out? All of the above and more in one weekend?

As they say, all clouds have a silver lining. On my way back from Tanzania, my flight out of Amsterdam was delayed due to very high winds over Europe. Even once we were able to take off, the flight time was increased due to flying at reduced altitude into the wind. Sounds horrible, right?

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The dreaded final day. All things must come to an end and today is the end of this wonderful trip.

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Today was a day quality over quantity. An injured black mamba, feeding vultures and eagles, a pack of mongoose, lions basking on rocks, acrobatic bateleur eagles, bat-eared foxes, another leopard, oh...and the wildebeest migration. I guess I lied--today was a day of quality and quantity.