So I got my new driver's license in the mail last week.

The horror. The horror.

Could they possibly make people look worse? I look like an amenic-yellow-leper-cow-zombie-reject-from-those-1960-horror-drive-in-movies. Seriously. Like how much skill does it take to tell when they're about to take the photo?!?! I'm not even centered in the frickin' photograph! For flaming-pete's-burger's-on-fire-better-check-the-stove's sake!

So it'll be the horrid picture ID I'll have to carry around for the next five years (since I can't be bothered to pay another $30 to get it redone). Thanks for the birthday present you morons.

I ought to kick them in the butts.

So after traveling over two thousand kilometers, I'm back home. As I suspected, my photos didn't turn out very well. It has been nearly a year since I seriously took the time to take good photos. I suppose I'm just out of practice of taking decent photos. Nevertheless, I'll try to post a few pictures in the next few days.

Having traversed from one end of the island to the other, I now have a general idea of the general topography of the island. I think if I were ever to go back (which I probably will in a few months), I'd spend most of my time in Tofino and in the Pacific National Rim Park. The ecology and general landscape reminds me of the beauty of the Oregon and Northern California coast.

The people are extremely friendly and laid-backed. When asking directions in Port Alberni for the nearest grocer, a man actually took the time to walk me to the store (the grocer was nearly three blocks away). Along the way, the man proudly claimed that he had recently moved to Port Alberni from Port Hardy (a even smaller town on the Island). He explained that giving directions and actually walking someone to a place was THE difference between a individual from Port Alberni and Port Hardy. Heh.

Measuring at 32,261 square kilometers, Vancouver Island is easily the biggest island on the western coast of North America. (The common misconception amongst Koreans that the Island is bigger South Korea must be debunked--South Korea is actually bigger at 98,480 square kilometers). Yet considering it is merely an island, travellers are amazed by its size.

Particularly European travellers. Especially since Vancouver Island (only a small fraction of British Columbia) is not that much smaller than the country of Switzerland. At one of the hostels I met Andy, a young financial advisor from Belgium. Having been burnt out by the stress at his bank, he was visiting British Columbia for eight weeks. He commented about his frustrations of being carless on an island virtually the same size as his country.

I suppose a car is really necessary to see most of the Island. However most areas of the Island are under developed and are only accesible by gravel roads. Having only taken my sedan, even I couldn't venture to a lot of parks and towns on the western side of the Island.

Well...there's always next time, I suppose.

This time I'm in the city of Port Alberni. And it's bloody hot yo! The mercury is hitting somewhere in the mid thirties today! (For those who live in hotter climates, that's pretty hot for us meek and mild west coasters).

*pant pant*

I'm blogging because it's my excuse to sit in this air conditioned library for a few moments before I head out towards Tofino. Can't stay long because there is a 30 minute time limit, and I already spent most of it checking my e-mail.

Here's the story so far. Went to Port Hardy the other day. Passed by the village of Telegraph Cove--quite possibly the smallest village I've ever seen. Official permanent population? Six people. Yeah, that's right. Six people. That's including the village idiot, I assume. I didn't bother stopping by. I don't think I missed that much.

In terms of wildlife I saw countless bald eagles, a couple black bears and quite a few suicidal deers out on the roadway. There were a few nice views along the roadway too. Hope my photographs turn out well.

Ok. I better run along. The librarian is giving me the evil eye.

Ciao.

Hey kids! I'm logging in from the public library in the city of Campbell River--the Salmon Capitol of the World. (That's what the highway sign said. Heh. Campbell River is about two-thirds the way up Vancouver Island). I'm here in the library, killing a few minutes till my friend gets off work, so we can grab some dinner and hit the "exciting" nightlife that Campbell River has to offer. Well...that's what the visitor's brochure said.

*Gives very skeptical look*

Anyhoo...I've been driving around a lot, but I haven't found much to photograph. Hopefully this will change soon. I'm planning to stay on the Island for at least another couple of days. I'll heading up to the northern-most tip of the Island tomorrow, and I plan on travelling to the town of Tofino the day after.

Spent last night in the city of Victoria (the capitol of British Columbia). Just from the brief stay, I can tell Victorians are much more laid back than Vancouverites. All you east-coasters who think Vancouver is too laid back--go visit Victoria! Victoria seems SO much smaller than I last remember. Heh. I can't even believe how slow these people drive.

But, as the saying goes..."when in Rome, do as the Romans do". I'm heeding this advice and I'm taking things slowly and travelling at an especially slow gait. Actually, it's quite relaxing, and I'm having a good time (despite the fact I haven't been photographically productive). The air is clean, the surrounding greenery is refreshing, the beaches are practically empty, the sea breezes nice and cool, and the mosquitos in the forests are aplenty.

Wish you were here!

My graduation ceremony was earlier this week. I didn't bother going. Heh. Talk about being apathetic. You can check out photos of the ceremony from someone who did go. Looks like the same old, same old. Some dean speaking, some hand shaking, some pipe band playing and some clapping. Woo hoo.

This past week I've been busy working in the hot sun. I was helping my dad build his hobby greenhouse. He's got quite the green thumb--which I respect madly--but I doubt I'd ever have the patience to cultivate my own crops. Construction on the greenhouse is 90% complete, so I'm taking a few days off and heading for a mini photo/road trip.

I'm not planning to go anywhere far--I'm just heading to the Island (Vancouver Island) for a few days. I'm not sure exactly how many days since I usually don't plan an itinerary for my road trips. This trip might be for a couple days or for a week. Not quite sure. Depends on how I feel, how much film I use up, and how the weather holds up.

Last year, I was planning on taking a two week road trip, which eventually ended up taking a month. Heh. Well, I'm quite sure this road trip won't take that long. I have to be back in a week to renew my driver's license before it expires. Well...I guess I could renew it in Victoria. Hmm.

I guess I'll see how it all goes.

Got woken up at 5:30AM this morning. Sounds of sirens. Another siren. And another. Huh? What's going on? Why won't the snooze button work? I walked outside.

In my best Ralph Wiggum voice immitation, I declared: "I smell burning."

Apparently one of our neighbour's houses caught on fire. (Ok, it's definitely not a laughing matter, especially since they're still battling the blaze. But if I was a true gawker, I would have taken digi-photos and posted them here. But alas for you, I'm not that nosy. Besides, Rich has my digi-cam. Still. Ahem.) Thankfully, the house was abandoned because of renovations/repairs, so no one was hurt.

The day is saved, once again, thanks to the Powerpuff Girls...err...I mean, the local fire department. Hurrah. I tried going back to bed, but couldn't--turned on the computer and checked my e-mail instead. Not feeling "sleep sleep" (a nonsensical term I use when I'm only half-awake), so I decided to blog instead.

Slightly disappointed with my golf game, since I didn't manage to hit any seniors or children. Shucks. Came awfully close though. On hole #2 at Whistler Golf Club, I used a seven iron. Harsh slice. My ball was headed for hole #3, where a group of golfers were finishing up the hole. Unfortunately...err...I mean, luckily, a large pine tree blocked my bullet. Thanks to Mr. Inconsistent-Distance and Mr. Slice, I lost a whole slew of balls into the water hazards and ditches. Finished over par. Ahem. WAY over par. Let's just leave it at that...

I had loads of fun though. :)

Walked/window shopped around the Village, checked out Savage Beagle (a small club up there), took a few snapshots, and drove up to Joffre Lakes again. Not enough of the surrounding glacier ice had melted, so the lake didn't look as pretty as before.

That's about it. Ok. Sleep sleep coming now. Me go sleep now.