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July 21, 2009

Surviving Edmonton

This is Mark Laforest, a career minor league goalie who got into 103 NHL games. I best remember him backing up Ron Hextall in 1987-88, and for his lengthy fight with fellow goalie Sean Burke later on with the Leafs in 1990.

His obvious nickname was Trees. Which is why I'm bringing his name up.

I'm interrupting my NHL brothers series and my vacation to check in on the internet and what all I've been missing while camping through Alberta.

Fortunately for me, trees are missing me. I was camping in Edmonton when a severe thunderstorm hit. Local radio was reporting sightings of funnel clouds, although I do not think any such beast was officially recorded.

But the winds were horrendous nonetheless, especially for us tenters. We were very lucky, though. Not 20 feet from our campsite a large elm tree crashed to the ground, sending us not-so-happy campers scurrying. It actually landed, with no room to spare, in between the tent and the picnic table of our neighbors, who thankfully had not yet returned from their day out.

Other than that, the trip has been amazing - lots of hiking, camping, and wildlife sightings followed by some big city fun. Now I'm off to Vancouver for my brother's wedding.

While I will have slightly more regular internet service this week, I basically plan to let GHL continue on with our NHL Brothers special. Enjoy everybody!

3 comments:

Scotty Hockey said...

Glad to hear all is well. A reminder why I am steadfastly against camping. But I interviewed Trees late in his career and must say he was a colourful fellow with some good stories and a ... unique outlook laced with colourful language.

MotherPucker.ca said...

Yeah that storm was something else. I was lucky enough to be away from Edmonton and in Banff on Saturday night, but I heard all about it from everyone back here.

Captain Canuck said...

I'd rather have the storm.... it's been 30 degrees here in Calgary for what seems like forever...