On November the 10th I began my journey to the big city. I use the words journey as it truly is anytime one leaves the small town of Tofino.
It all starts with the 3 hour drive to the ferry terminal. The BC ferry’s is such a wonderful means of public transportation. You need to arrive 1 hour ahead to insure a spot and plus they charge you a weekly pay cheque to travel with them. I have traveled the ferry for many years and it’s been a long time since I haven’t seen someone i know, and of course this time was no different.
Meeting fellow Golf Professionals
Once I arrived in Vancouver I met a fellow golf professional friend, Derek Thornely, as we are getting ready to meet with the Executive Director of the PGA of BC. We meet at the wonderful Mayfair Lakes golf course where I always enjoy a quick visit with Head Professional Jamie Baxter. Derek and I decide to travel together to the meeting in Derek’s BMW. Note to self, that I will never get a Beeemer as they are not made for gents who are 6’7. After I finally got in the car we made our way to the new PGA of BC office in Richmond. The space is great and very welcoming to all.
Coal Harbour, Downtown Vancouver
After the meeting I attempt to make my way into Coal Harbour. I use the words attempt as my Tom Tom GPS lead my down the wrong path and it felt like I was walking my car in traffic. After 1 hour of City driving I arrive safe and sound in Coal Harbor where I was to meet friends Tara and Jeff Ciecko for a little Mexican flare. I checked into my suite which was 11 floors above them, on the 23rd floor, in this fantastic room they have available for guests. After a few very refreshing beverages we decide to make our way over to the Westin Bay shore to register for the NGCOA Golf Business Conference and Trade Show, after all that is why I was there.
Upon registering we decided to have a drink at the pub in the Westin called the Seawall. It is a very nice place to enjoy the game, and to catch up with some friends. We decided going back to the Ciecko’s for dinner and a great place to enjoy some Tin Horn Creek (grape) as Jeff calls it.
National Golf Course Owners Conference and Trade Show
Day 2 the official starting day of the NGCOA conference. Its opening Keynote speaker was Mr. Gary Player. What a great way to start this conference. MR. Player was very passionate speaker on health and wellness. In addition his passion for water conservation was very high on his message list.
The day was followed by an awards dinner to recognize Mr. Player with a life time achievement award. This award dinner was held at the Old Vancouver Convention center, which was disappointing as I, and many of delegates, were hoping to be in the new one. As everything is walking distance from Coal Harbour we made our way to the grand dinner. We decide to take a small break in the walk to a place called the Mill. The Mill is great social place, and I would assume if you visited there often they would call you by name. The “winter Ale” was fantastic. But had to run, need to get to the dinner. Dinner was fantastic and I even managed to capture a Gary Player autograph.
Downtown Watering Holes
As the November Holiday was a bit restricting we were able to find a few watering holes. First we made our way to a place called Steamworks. This is where I was reminded that Bud Light Lime is really Sprite and the original Bud Light Lime is called “Corona” the cheeky bar tender told me, but I got the hint after all it was a brew pub.
After I couldn’t stand the sassiness we made our way to a place called Chill Winston, closer to Yaletown. This place was very cool! They had a great selection of Martinis and many more exciting beverages. They even had Red Stripe that brought back memories of my Cayman Island Days (another Blog). Just when we thought the night was over, we just needed one more and my suite became the next stop. As the worlds problems were being solved into 5:00 AM we quickly realized with help from a text reminder that the conference was to start Day 2 in just three hours. After all that’s why we were there!!!
It all starts with the 3 hour drive to the ferry terminal. The BC ferry’s is such a wonderful means of public transportation. You need to arrive 1 hour ahead to insure a spot and plus they charge you a weekly pay cheque to travel with them. I have traveled the ferry for many years and it’s been a long time since I haven’t seen someone i know, and of course this time was no different.
Meeting fellow Golf Professionals
Once I arrived in Vancouver I met a fellow golf professional friend, Derek Thornely, as we are getting ready to meet with the Executive Director of the PGA of BC. We meet at the wonderful Mayfair Lakes golf course where I always enjoy a quick visit with Head Professional Jamie Baxter. Derek and I decide to travel together to the meeting in Derek’s BMW. Note to self, that I will never get a Beeemer as they are not made for gents who are 6’7. After I finally got in the car we made our way to the new PGA of BC office in Richmond. The space is great and very welcoming to all.
Coal Harbour, Downtown Vancouver
After the meeting I attempt to make my way into Coal Harbour. I use the words attempt as my Tom Tom GPS lead my down the wrong path and it felt like I was walking my car in traffic. After 1 hour of City driving I arrive safe and sound in Coal Harbor where I was to meet friends Tara and Jeff Ciecko for a little Mexican flare. I checked into my suite which was 11 floors above them, on the 23rd floor, in this fantastic room they have available for guests. After a few very refreshing beverages we decide to make our way over to the Westin Bay shore to register for the NGCOA Golf Business Conference and Trade Show, after all that is why I was there.
Upon registering we decided to have a drink at the pub in the Westin called the Seawall. It is a very nice place to enjoy the game, and to catch up with some friends. We decided going back to the Ciecko’s for dinner and a great place to enjoy some Tin Horn Creek (grape) as Jeff calls it.
National Golf Course Owners Conference and Trade Show
Day 2 the official starting day of the NGCOA conference. Its opening Keynote speaker was Mr. Gary Player. What a great way to start this conference. MR. Player was very passionate speaker on health and wellness. In addition his passion for water conservation was very high on his message list.
The day was followed by an awards dinner to recognize Mr. Player with a life time achievement award. This award dinner was held at the Old Vancouver Convention center, which was disappointing as I, and many of delegates, were hoping to be in the new one. As everything is walking distance from Coal Harbour we made our way to the grand dinner. We decide to take a small break in the walk to a place called the Mill. The Mill is great social place, and I would assume if you visited there often they would call you by name. The “winter Ale” was fantastic. But had to run, need to get to the dinner. Dinner was fantastic and I even managed to capture a Gary Player autograph.
Downtown Watering Holes
As the November Holiday was a bit restricting we were able to find a few watering holes. First we made our way to a place called Steamworks. This is where I was reminded that Bud Light Lime is really Sprite and the original Bud Light Lime is called “Corona” the cheeky bar tender told me, but I got the hint after all it was a brew pub.
After I couldn’t stand the sassiness we made our way to a place called Chill Winston, closer to Yaletown. This place was very cool! They had a great selection of Martinis and many more exciting beverages. They even had Red Stripe that brought back memories of my Cayman Island Days (another Blog). Just when we thought the night was over, we just needed one more and my suite became the next stop. As the worlds problems were being solved into 5:00 AM we quickly realized with help from a text reminder that the conference was to start Day 2 in just three hours. After all that’s why we were there!!!
i would'nt mind a heads up to your next "drinking" convention! haha! -
ReplyDeletegreat blog Gibby
ReplyDelete