Andy in Canada

July-August Vacation Pics, 2008

2008-10-02T05:18:00.000-07:00

One of my favorite pics of the whole vacation - Mark and family at the Northern Motor Inn!

Flying the Skies of Beautiful British Columbia!

2008-10-02T04:50:00.000-07:00

Jarod at The White Spot Restaurant in Vancouver.

Denny Crane - Eat your heart out, ha!ha!

2008-10-02T04:11:00.000-07:00

Che and I have been watching Seasons 1-3 of Legal Boston (that her sister's employer owns, who happens to be the nephew of the Sultan) in the past few weeks, now and then, here in Oman since I returned from a 2-month vacation in Canada.

One of my favorite episodes is in Season 2 (Disk 1) called "Finding Nimmo" where Danny Crane (William Shatner) and Alan Shore (James Spader) go to Canada to do some fishing. After watching the episode and then going through these fishing photos back home made me laugh. Must be putting on the weight cause the photos of me fishing are sadly too close to the images of Denny Crane!

Denny Crane: "Life is in British Columbia-in the Great Bear Rain Forest. God is out there, Alan.

Alan Shore: "God likes to fish?

Denny: "We need to go to the woods and touch ourselves-get in touch with ourselves. Man can only truly bond in the woods. Come on, Alan. Let's go fishing."

Little Baby Boo!

2008-10-02T03:51:00.001-07:00

This cute little puppy is David and Kristi's newest addition to the family! What a sweetie!

Dog Tired!!!

2008-10-02T03:41:00.001-07:00

Stephanie and Her Ferret

2008-10-02T03:16:00.000-07:00

Stephanie saw this little critter in a local petshop and decided she had to have him. She has a part-time job and made payments on her own over several months. You are growing into quite the responsible young lady, Stephanie!

My Mamma!

2008-10-02T03:08:00.000-07:00

My mom through her screen window. How nice to be able to spend a bit more time with her on this vacation. I love you, Mom!

Thornhill Community Church

2008-10-02T02:20:00.000-07:00

The Browns at church

These banners come from Matthew 28:19-20.

This was the main church I attended during the summer months. Check out their website at: http://thornhillcommunitychurch.com/
"Finally, all of you should be of one mind. Sympathize with each other. Love each other as brothers and sisters. Be tenderhearted, and keep a humble attitude. Don't repay evil for evil. Don't retaliate with insults when people insult you. Instead, pay them back with a blessing. That is what God has called you to do, and he will bless you for it." (1 Peter 3:8-9)

David and Kristi's Enchanting Yard

2008-10-02T02:05:00.000-07:00

Smoked Fish

2008-10-02T01:33:00.000-07:00

Mark and Dave bought this smoker from WalMart. Smoked fish has a very unique taste and depending on what brine mixture you use, can taste as "sweet as candy".

With all the fish we were catching, poor Jennifer had her refrigerator taken over by such bowls of fish for weeks at a time!

Church with the Boys!

2008-10-01T10:10:00.000-07:00

Aaron and Jarod Brown on a Sunday morning

This was supposed to represent Jesus' tomb. Found inside the "E-free church".

This was on the wall of The Terrace Zion Baptist Church.

MORE Fishing Pics!

2008-10-01T09:45:00.000-07:00

Mark's New Job!

2008-10-01T09:26:00.000-07:00

It was great to be home when Mark got an awesome new job at Coca-Cola! Very proud of you, Mark!!!

Mark and his brother-in-law, Scott Gallant

Rock On!

2008-10-01T09:07:00.000-07:00

Moore Creek Falls, Kitimat, BC

2008-08-07T15:00:00.000-07:00

Moore Creek Waterfall, Kitimat, BC

2008-08-07T14:38:00.000-07:00

Kitimat, BC

2008-08-07T14:14:00.000-07:00

I drove 58 kms to visit Kitimat with my nephews Aaron and Jarred. Here they are at the Haisla Bridge which had quite a few fishermen along its banks.

Jarred and Aaron with the friendly bear located at the tourist info center just outside of Kitimat.

More about these bears (many found around Terrace) can be found at http://www.spiritbearsinthecity.com/

Bigger Fish to Fry!

2008-07-28T20:17:00.000-07:00

More Pics from Prince Rupert - The Waterfront

2008-07-28T17:29:00.001-07:00

A Trip to Prince Rupert

2008-07-20T18:52:00.000-07:00

It is a 147 km trip to Prince Rupert from Terrace (294 km/round trip). I went there last week with my brother, David, and his son, Dakota.

Driving just about anywhere in BC is like being in a virtual postcard!

"Carved in 1974 by Dempsey Bob and Glen Wood, the pole is the fourth incarnation of this Nishga Pole. The pole shows some of the figures associated with migrations of eagle people from the north. Figures on the pole are: eagle person, two brothers and their uncle, white marten, split person, small humans, gitksan human crest and two eagles."

The Beauty of Terrace

2008-07-18T00:11:00.000-07:00

No Guts, No Glory!

2008-07-17T23:49:00.001-07:00

Fish eggs! When "cured" (method of preservation), eggs (also known as "roe") make awesome bait! Therefore, fishermen tend to get more excited when they catch a female fish.

David Brown, who used to be a professional meatcutter at Safeway, filleting one of our larger catches.

That is quite a contrast. A kids picnic table covered in fish blood! Makes for a perfect gutting station...

Bald Eagles

2008-07-17T23:12:00.000-07:00

While fishing, bald eagles watch closely in the trees above. It is not uncommon for an eagle to sweep down and steal a fish which someone has caught and has left unattended.

The Bald Eagle is an enormous bird. The wings, wide and long for soaring, span more than 2 m. When perched, the bird measures about 76 cm tall.

The majestic Bald Eagle is Canada’s largest bird of prey. One of 59 species of eagles in the world, the Bald Eagle is one of two eagles in North America (the other is the Golden Eagle) and the only exclusively North American eagle. Bald Eagles can see three or four times farther than people, an obvious advantage to a bird that hunts and scavenges. Most of Canada’s breeding population of Bald Eagles is found in British Columbia, especially along the Pacific coast. (from http://www.ffdp.ca/hww2.asp?id=27&cid=7)
The eagle reminds me of my father's favorite Bible verses: Isaiah 40:31 "But they that wait upon the LORD shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint."

The Old and New Bridges of Terrace As Seen From Ferry Island

2008-07-17T23:04:00.000-07:00

Like Shooting Fish in a Barrel

2008-07-17T13:27:00.000-07:00

I have very few photos of Adam fishing because we haven't seen that much of him at the river until recently. So far he has 2 fish on his license and we are hoping to see many more...Keep up the effort, bro! (By the way, Char has 1, Mark has 3, I have 4 and Dave has 5...) I may take a few days off from fishing in order to give him a fighting chance as bar fishing is a difficult skill to master. Stay tuned for the next epidode of "Fish Wars: Episode 3 - Revenge of the Twin :-)

You are only allowed to catch 1 adult spring salmon per day. The good thing about getting your fish early is that you are able to enjoy your coffee more while others fumble around with tackle, tangles, lines and lures.

David Getting The Job Done

2008-07-17T13:17:00.000-07:00

David ("Set The Hook"!) Brown

2008-07-17T12:47:00.000-07:00

Dave is winning the Brown brothers fishing competition in all fields seeing how he has the biggest fish so far (26 lbs. this season and a 56 pounder several years ago) and the most fish caught this season as well (5). You are allowed to catch up to 10 adult chinook.

Charlene Reeling in the Fish

2008-07-17T10:55:00.000-07:00

This fish was caught on July 11th. It was less than 65 cms and is not a full adult salmon. They call this a "jack". Char caught her first "real" fish this morning (July 17th) before I arrived at the river. It was 22 pounds! Bigger than any fish her husband caught this season! Congratulations on your 1st fish on your license, Char!

Mark's 3rd Fish of the Season

2008-07-17T10:49:00.001-07:00

13 lbs. One "fish photography tip" Mark taught me is to push the fish forward in front of the camera making your fish look all the bigger! (Like making this 13 lb fish look like 40 lbs!! ha!ha!)

Mark's 2nd Fish

2008-07-17T10:44:00.000-07:00

10 lbs. caught on July 11th

Mark's 1st Fish of the Season

2008-07-17T10:26:00.000-07:00

Drove down to White-Bottom Bridge with Mark on July 7th. People had been fishing there all day with no luck. After having his line in the water for less than 5 minutes, Mark landed this lovely 15 lb spring salmon!!!

Annabelle's 5th Birthday!!!

2008-07-17T10:07:00.000-07:00

It was so nice to be able to celebrate Annabelle's birthday with her, family members and her friends down at Ferry Island campground on July 8th. Annabelle will be entering kindergarten this year!

Ferry Island Campground, Terrace, BC

2008-07-14T21:46:00.000-07:00

A great shot of Jennifer, Stephanie, Aaron and Jarred!

All the carvings at Ferry Island are carved on cottonwood trees.

Maybe I've been out of Canada too long because signs like these seem so funny to me. There are even signs in Vancouver (like this one below) that state that a person can be fined up to $2,000 if their dog poops in a park!

"Pick up your poop"?!

Okay...enough about dog poop! Back to Ferry Island...

The trail is an easy 2.9 km loop trail that follows along the island perimeter and the scenic Skeena River. Along the trail there are 56 unique tree carvings.

Rick Goyette, the carver of Ferry Island's "River Bark Men", also carves wall hangings. He collects the bark from fallen trees that have drifted on to log jams along the Skeena River. (250) 635-RIIC or 635-7442)

a pirate carving?

chirping birds in a nest

Nice photo of Stephanie and her 2 little brothers, Aaron and Jarred

a wolf

A Day at Ferry Island, Terrace, B.C. (Carvings Galore!!!)

2008-07-12T21:49:00.000-07:00

A wonderful shot of Aaron!

an owl

Cute bird house out there. It reads, "For Rent Cheep". Get it? "Cheep" (cheap) ha!ha!

An elf or gnome like face in a crack

a carving of Jesus?

a gnome

An evil asparagus?

A dragon (the boys loved this one!)

looks like a carving of Jay Leno

looks like a vandalized carving of a native north American

Stephanie Brown with one of the Indian face carvings

Jennifer and Aaron Brown with an evil looking face carving

an otter (on a tree over the bridge)

Jarred Brown making friends

Aaron and Stephanie Brown

Native North American

a wizard

house carving

Jennifer Brown and a carving of an old man with a beard

Fisherama

2008-07-12T19:14:00.000-07:00

This is a new style of fishing for me. Instead of standing in the river up to your chest (the kind of fishing I'm used to and love), you throw the line out and put a bell on your line waiting for a hit.

When "bar fishing", people can wait hours for a bite. A portable chair and a thermos of Tim Hortons coffee are almost necessities for Canadian fishermen!

Having an i-pod is also not a bad idea to keep yourself occupied while fishing!
My older bro, Mark, casting his line out

Home in Terrace, BC!!!

2008-07-07T16:23:00.000-07:00

Mark and Louise Brown at the Terrace/Kitimat Airport, having a quick coffee before Mom flew out to Vancouver to see her mother.

Stephanie fooling around while her mother, Jennifer Brown, tries working in the background

Jennifer works at the local airport and always helps me get cheap tickets home to see the family. You rock, Jen!

Caitlin (my niece) making a sandwich at Tim Hortons in Terrace, BC.

Hanging out in Surrey, BC, Canada

2008-07-07T16:01:00.000-07:00

My grandfather, George, on his new Gravity Inverter Machine

Living Hope Church in Surrey is a great example of Canadian multiculturalism. There are people from all over the world striving to be followers of Jesus Christ.

2008-07-07T15:46:00.000-07:00

"And even as they did not like to retain God in their knowledge, God gave them over to a reprobate mind, to do those things which are not proper; Being filled with all unrighteousness, fornication, wickedness, covetousness, maliciousness; full of envy, murder, debate, deceit, malignify; whisperers, backbiters, haters of God, despiteful, proud, boasters, inventors of evil things, DISOBEDIENT TO PARENTS..." (Romans 1:28-30)

"They encourage themselves in an evil matter..." (Psalm 64:5)

Enjoying Vancouver

2008-07-07T15:30:00.000-07:00

An example of some of the plush apartments along the water in Vancouver

Enjoying Lunch

2008-07-07T15:24:00.000-07:00

Kayakers in Vancouver, July 1st, 2008

2008-07-07T15:15:00.000-07:00

In Vancouver on Canada's 141st birthday!

2008-07-07T15:10:00.000-07:00

The Canada Goose

2008-07-07T15:01:00.000-07:00

The Canada Geese are good role-models for the divorce loving culture of the world. These birds mate for life!

Canada (NOT "Canadian") Geese in Vancouver

2008-07-07T14:56:00.000-07:00

Vancouver Waterfront on July 1st - Canada Day!

2008-07-07T14:42:00.000-07:00

Get Hooked on Fishing!

2008-05-11T01:26:00.000-07:00

Adam mentioned on his blog (http://www.blessedchristianman.blogspot.com/ ) that this picture was included in the 2008 edition of Northwest B.C. Fishing Guide for Anglers.

I love this photo of Mark, Adam, Aaron and myself during my trip back home in January so I thought I'd post it here.

You can see the bigger shot on-line at: http://blackpress.p2ionline.com/specialsections/sitebase/index.aspx?adgroupid=128545&view=single&webstoryid=13896846

Trip Home (from Oman) January 2008

2008-04-19T09:55:00.001-07:00

A snow storm kicking up near The King George Highway SkyTrain

2008-04-19T09:22:00.000-07:00

"Vancouver's Finest" keeping GasTown safe

The Gastown Steam Clock

2008-04-19T08:57:00.000-07:00

2008-04-19T08:35:00.000-07:00

2008-04-19T08:18:00.000-07:00

Joshua is a real BattleShip champion!

Joshua and I playing BattleShip

The kids playing some of the games on my laptop

Joshua at His Christian School!

2008-04-17T15:26:00.000-07:00

Joshua and his proud daddy

Joshua at the entrance of Centennial Christian School in Terrace, B.C.

One of Joshua's best friends

Crazy Little Drummer Boy

2008-04-17T15:08:00.000-07:00

2008-04-17T11:34:00.000-07:00

Jennifer, you're the best! I can't thank you enough for all your help and patience in helping me out with tickets and all. You are such a wonderful sister-in-law and a fantastic mother!

It was fun trying out "Guitar Hero" while back home although some of the music choices and symbols found on that game are rather disturbing!
With my awesome nephews, Aaron and Jarod!

Steph's Sweet Sixteen!!

2008-04-17T11:22:00.000-07:00

I am VERY proud of the responsible and lovely young lady that you are becoming, Stephanie!

The 10 Commandments (Kids Version)

2008-04-17T11:04:00.000-07:00

on the wall in Adam and Charlene's basement. Kids versions of things are often best as they are so simplified!

My Mamma!!!

2008-04-14T10:38:00.000-07:00

Some of my favorite times back home are sitting down over a hot cup of coffee with Mom while in the company of her sweet dog, Foxy. You're the best, Mom! I love you and miss you!

Dakota!

2008-04-14T10:27:00.000-07:00

Stephanie - Basketball Pro!

2008-04-14T09:35:00.000-07:00

My Eldest Brother, Dave!

2008-04-14T09:05:00.000-07:00

2008-04-14T08:43:00.000-07:00

Trip Home in the Summer of 2007

2008-04-14T07:28:00.000-07:00

2008-04-14T07:21:00.001-07:00

2008-04-14T07:14:00.000-07:00

2008-04-14T07:07:00.001-07:00

2008-04-14T06:59:00.000-07:00

2008-04-14T06:40:00.000-07:00

2008-04-14T06:30:00.000-07:00

2006-02-18T02:16:00.000-08:00

This poster (Dad's favorite Bible verse) is on Mom's wall and is probably the best shot to end my 3 week trip to Canada with (Jan. 25-Feb. 15th). I praise God for a safe, enjoyable trip home to see my lovely family. Most of all, I praise God to see the work that He is doing in our family!

2006-02-18T01:35:00.000-08:00

Another cute gift from "Blessings" that I got for 4 precious women on Valentine's Day.

2006-02-17T23:57:00.000-08:00

Gram, Mom and Mala on Valentine's Day! (The day before I left for Korea, February 15th, which was also Mom's birthday!) Mala is the aunt of Charity who also teaches English in Pohang. GREAT to see you, Mala!

2006-02-17T23:45:00.000-08:00

Pastor Steve White and Armand. Mom and I went to Grace Baptist Church with Armand (where he attends 3 or 4 times a week) on Sunday evening of Feb. 12th. Great message from Revelation chapter 1!

2006-02-17T23:28:00.000-08:00

Great photo of George at Living Hope Christian Fellowship. The Pastor, Lorin Bergen, preached a powerful sermon on "The Cost of Following Jesus" during our visit there February 12th. www.lhcf.ca

2006-02-17T23:25:00.000-08:00

Gram and Mom just after we arrived in Surrey on Saturday, February 11th.

2006-02-17T22:57:00.000-08:00

Gram!

2006-02-17T22:43:00.000-08:00

The Alex Fraser bridge

2006-02-17T22:36:00.000-08:00

Faithful George picked me and Mom up at the airport. It was such a beautiful sunny day in Vancouver! (No need for jackets-you'd think it was summer!)

2006-02-17T22:24:00.000-08:00

Mountains somewhere between Terrace and Vancouver.

2006-02-17T22:20:00.000-08:00

Mark was working the morning Mom and I left on HawkAir for Vancouver. Mark got us cheap tickets and got foxy (Mom's dog) on the plane without any charge. Thanks for everything, Mark. It was so great seeing you.

2006-02-17T22:06:00.000-08:00

Jarred looking mischieveous as Daddy sleeps on. It was a late night of everyone over together for dinner, games, conversation and fun at Mark and Jen's.

2006-02-17T21:58:00.000-08:00

Annabelle and Joshua looking quite comfortable sleeping on Mark and Jen's couch!

2006-02-17T21:52:00.000-08:00

Jarred and Dakota just before heading off to bed. I love Dakota's t-shirt. Very funny!

2006-02-17T21:40:00.000-08:00

David and Kristi on my last night in Terrace.

2006-02-17T21:30:00.000-08:00

Aaron and Jarred looking cuter than ever!

2006-02-17T21:21:00.000-08:00

The sky over Terrace (on the bench) seemed so incredibly beautiful coming back from the cemetery that I just had to ask to stop the car to take this photo.

2006-02-17T21:12:00.000-08:00

Mark adjusting his watch according to the sundial...

2006-02-17T21:03:00.000-08:00

Stephanie and Caitlin at Dad's columbarium on his birthday, February 9th.

2006-02-17T20:56:00.000-08:00

Jennifer picking up her precious son, Aaron, from school!

2006-02-17T20:49:00.000-08:00

This is a pretty good picture of Mom and Dad in their "younger years".

2006-02-17T20:39:00.000-08:00

That's it Joel, buddy. "Clap for the LORD!"

2006-02-17T06:33:00.000-08:00

Who is that masked man?!

2006-02-17T06:30:00.000-08:00

We also enjoyed some Stompin' Tom on the trip...

2006-02-17T06:22:00.000-08:00

Got this CD at a gas station on the drive. It was good to hear Johnny Cash's music just 1 day before we saw the movie "Walk the Line" about his life. My favorite line from the movie: Record Company Executive: Your fans are gospel folk, Johnny. They're Christians, and they don't wanna hear you singing to a bunch of murderers and rapists, tryin' to cheer 'em up. Johnny Cash: Then they ain't Christians. Check out this BEAUTIFUL little clip in memory of Johnny - http://www.johnnycash.com/memorial/ Watch it till the end..you may be surprised...

2006-02-17T05:57:00.000-08:00

This just about captures what it was like trying to ride from Prince George back to Terrace in horrible road conditions. Poor Mom was SO tired too! The scariest part was when I went to offer Mom a coughdrop and saw her driving with her eyes closed!!! THANK YOU, LORD, FOR PRESERVING OUR LIVES!!!

2006-02-17T05:52:00.000-08:00

There are a LOT of warning signs for animals on the roads of Canada. It's amazing how many people are killed every year from hitting moose and such.

2006-02-17T05:47:00.000-08:00

Mom (still in her pyjamas, ha!ha!) pulls over for some air and a quick photo during her TWENTY hours of driving back to Terrace. You AMAZE me, Mom!

2006-02-17T05:45:00.000-08:00

These pictures don't do the scenery justice as I haven't quite figured out what setting to use when it's getting a little late at night while in a moving vehicle...

2006-02-17T05:38:00.000-08:00

The area driving through Jasper National Park is ABSOLUTELY GORGEOUS. Mom and I spotted 2 moose (almost hit the back of one!), 1 fox and 1 eagle on the drive.

2006-02-17T05:35:00.000-08:00

The long ride back to Terrace, BC from Edmonton, Alberta. How sad to say goodbye to Jenny and family...but then again, how blessed that we had the opportunity to see them in the first place!

2006-02-17T05:29:00.000-08:00

My favorite picture of Jenny and Mom ever! Matching SpongeBob SquarePants pyjamas!!! Now I HAVE seen it all!!!