Buck Visits Niagara Falls

Once Buck had been home for a few weeks he found himself growing bored of watching t.v.

He was relieved and excited to hear the ambassador come home and announce that he had concert tickets and they’d all be hopping into the car and heading to Niagara Falls.   Buck loved geographic formations that had to do with water and he’d seen the horse shoe falls on t.v. during the coverage of the Wallenda tight rope crossing.   Daredevil  antics were a wonder to Buck and brought many questions to his mind.  Why would you want to spend your life practising to walk a tight rope?   Why wouldn’t  you just take the rainbow bridge to cross the Niagara gorge?  There were just some things that didn’t make sense to Buck. 

The car ride was long but the view was extremely rewarding.

and came complete with a rainbow.

You could even take a boat ride on the ‘Maid of the Mist’ which was a bit confusing at first because that’s how the lady jokingly referred to herself as well.   Buck found himself trying to distinguish between which maid they were referring to in conversation,  like when the ambassador  said  ”‘Oh yeah,  if you pay you can ride her and it feels pretty dangerous”  to an inquiring  tourist and ‘She’s been in service a long time,  I think I was on her as a kid” to the lady herself.   Buck thought it best to just be quiet here.

After strolling along the walkway they rode the funicular to the top of Clifton hill to take in the overall view and avoid having to waddle up the hill. 

Buck was careful to keep his body parts inside as instructed by the signage.  No daredevil antics for him.

Although he was unsure of why you’d ever want to have your body parts outside.  

All in all it was a splendid day and Buck was impressed with Niagara Falls and it’s majestic beauty. 

Buck Does A Girls Weekend

Every year they get together for a cottage weekend and the Orillia area is where it happens.  The girls are not really ‘girls’ anymore but on this one weekend every year they let loose and act like they are.   Buck was thrilled to get a peek into this secret world and shocked to discover the depths of debauchery that could be obtained so easily just north of Toronto. 

The first item on the agenda was a concert.  Buck had never been to a concert before and was surprised at how the large auditorium was packed with all sorts of characters from young curvy gals in cowboy hats who seemed afflicted with spine disorders as the music took them away to older folks who appeared  semi-robotic as they were hooked up with varying apparatus to help them move and/or breathe. 

Buck was caught up in the music before he knew it.

A couple in the row in front were also caught up in the romance of the music and blinded by love they didn’t care that their large craniums locked together made viewing the concert from the row behind them impossible.  Buck figured this is where the term ‘blockhead’ came from.    

The next agenda item was a trip to Orillia to enjoy the art history museum.  Now Orillia was home to Stephen Leacock and while we visited he was being honoured with a collection of chairs decorated by local artisans like Toronto had with the ‘moose’ of a few years ago.  These chairs are along the main arteries of Orillia and you can stroll and vote for your favourites.  While many of them were amazing this one was Buck’s favourite …

As the sun set that evening Buck and his new friend Finnegan the cat took in some live rodent entertainment at the ‘chipmunk out the downspout’ show …

And shared a special moment that made Buck feel all warm and fuzzy inside. 

Buck was also very interested to see the statue that commemorated Samuel De Champlain’s  arrival in the new land,  introducing the natives to the very first ducky in Canada.   Right there in the middle of lake couchiching  park a grand monument to welcome duckies from everywhere. 

Buck liked Orillia immensley and was glad that while the majority of the ‘girls’ have retired from work they have not retired from their annual weekends away.   Buck thought that the lady was very smart about what she retired from and what she did not and he liked her friends.  Mostly he liked the way they made the lady laugh so heartily.   Hearing her laugh just made Buck feel good somehow even when he didn’t get the joke,  like when a strange man at the beach called the lady a ‘good Christian girl’ which they all seemed to find hilarious.   Buck was just glad to be there.    

Buck Does The Old Team and Margaritas

Some of the faces around that table were among the first he’d seen when he was taken out of the gift bag shortly after leaving the store and he recognized them immediately by their heartwarming smiles.  The lady’s tone and demeanor were light and hearty and by osmosis Buck was filled with warm feelings as he sat at the table and listened to them laughing as they updated each other on the more recent events in their lives.   Collectively they had lost enough weight amongst them to actually be missing a small person and while they did reminisce a little that afternoon most of the time was spent in looking ahead and sharing plans.

These people had formed the lady’s work team (when she cared about such things) and it was to them that she handed the torch to as she moved on to retirement.  As she predicted, they grabbed the reigns and not only kept going forward but improved processes and she seemed proud of them as she sat among them hearing of how they were managing without her.   Fresh ideas, new energy, next generation; the universe was unfolding as it should over a long lunch on “Margarita Thursday”. 

Buck moved from glass to glass sneaking sips of each flavour as the unsuspecting cast of characters focused on each other.  His own focus moved from stealing sips to double vision as the afternoon wore on and while he was sure he’d have difficulty waddling today he knew the lady would simply carry him in her bag when it was time to go.  With the margaritas flowing and a designated carrier established Buck had nothing to worry about and he didn’t.  Retirement was teaching Buck how to relax. 

The consensus amongst the group that afternoon was that they looked great and were pretty much invincible.  While the margaritas may have fuelled this outcome it is more likely the power of friendship.

Buck Witnesses A Big Family Event

Gathered in the middle of nowhere (York University) with thousands of people on folding chairs Buck couldn't help but feel the excitement in the air.  

Today would be a celebration of years of hard work.  Today (the lady said loudly just that morning)
the baby of the family would walk across a stage and show the world just what she was made of.   There was in fact, no longer any babies in the family but the lady appeared to be in denial about that.  Thousands filled the theatre as the graduates entered the hall in a majestic procession wearing long black robes and funny hats.  Buck simply could not make out which one was her.

And then he listened carefully to the lady's description as she pointed and cheered and suddenly it was easy to find her...

They all laughed and clapped and cheered and Buck used his squeaker to join in.   It was a fine event  and Buck was never prouder of his new family ...

Stealing a quick look at the lady,  Buck was certain he saw her shed a tear or two.   While he didn't fully understand it, he decided it had something to do with being a mother.  "odd" he thought, " that you could feel so full of emotion that it literally leaked out of you". 

 He hoped to feel that some day but for now it was enough to feel the aura all around him like a big family hug.   What a day !

Buck Gets Jealous

Now Buck was okay with searching out the wildlife of newfoundland and he didn't mind at all when the ambassador and the lady made a fuss over them...

But when he heard them discussing the puffin,  Buck got stirrings of feelings that he'd never felt before.  A water bird?  Cute ?  Cuddly ?  Why on earth would they need to see those ?  Buck grew sullen and pouty and tried to sabotage their viewing trip by hiding the map and turning off the navigation device while they were in the local store.  Suddenly he wanted to go home - only one day to go before he was the only cute and cuddly waterfowl around.

Are we there yet ?

Are we there yet ?
Are we there yet ?
Are we there yet ?

Scenic Newfoundland

Coming upon a lovely scenic lookout....

The 3 of them soaked up all the atmosphere that they could.  A special bonding moment if ever there was one.

Buck Does Iceberg Alley

Down the east cost of newfoundland every spring "iceberg alley" suddenly comes alive and the bergs  breaking off from Greenland's ice sheet make their way south,  melting as they go.   You can witness this event from early May right through the summer with varying frequency and Buck was thrilled to see his first icebergs...

An amazing beautiful thing for a great big chunk of ice.  Buck was excited about all he might see in this new and interesting place.  He also heard about Quidi Vidi ice berg beer that is made from the water of these bergs - his goal was to get himself a taste of one of those - in the interests of 'taking in nature'.

Buck Goes Adventuring

Buck was never happier than when he got word that he'd be setting off on a real life canadian adventure. Sure, he'd been wandering the south pacific enjoying turquoise bays and tropical beauty but where was the Horton's ?   This next trip would involve artic fleece,  hiking boots and toques - good canadian equipment as well as the promise of cod tongues,  getting screeched and the best - ice berg alley. Today Buck heads to newfoundland for 9 days and will stay in some rustic cabins along the way wearing plaid and singing 'Ise the Bye' and 'This Land is Your Land' as he travels by car all around the island.   Internet access could be a problem but Buck will keep good notes and update everyone when he can.  Getting in touch with his lumberduck side - Buck is thrilled to get all canadian on himself.  Lucky duck!

Buck Does Room Service

Well a bored duckie all alone in a stateroom is never a good thing.  You see there are some evenings scattered throughout a cruise that are designated 'formal' and on those nights the ambassador and the lady would get all fixed up in their sparkliest clothes and splash some perfumery around until they no longer resembled themselves.  These nights were a bit lonely for Buck as he was left behind in the stateroom with nothing to do but watch t.v.  As he flipped channels he could not hep but  notice the DVD that they were promoting for sale on the princess cruises internal channels to capture fond memories of this particular cruise and in it he discovered that on formal nights (and in his absence) they were all enjoying a champagne waterfall,  like this...

That was when Buck got the idea to call room service and order up everything he would need to create his own champagne waterfall and it worked like a charm...

Buck greatly enjoyed his peronsal waterfall and the power of room service.   His every need could be met by a quick phone call and a bad impersonation of the ambassador.  Too bud he discovered this so late in the cruise but then again better late than never !

Buck Does French Polynesia

Buck was amazed at the beauty that abounds in these south pacific islands...

from pristeen white sand beaches to 200 foot waterfalls....

not to mention the ocean itself and the many snorkelling opportunities..

and when it all got to overwhelming he'd just snuggle up with the lady in the shade of her lovely blue hat and watch it all unfold in front of him.  If the lady nodded off,  he'd drink her beer.

What she didn't know - wouldn't hurt her.

Buck Does 'Sea Days'

Buck loved the sea days because he could catch up on his reading..

And some relaxing...

and some jacuzziing...

And some daredevil stunts like leaping from the upper deck into the jacuzzi.  Buck loved it that the lady panicked and tried to save him by reaching out for him as he jumped.   Silly lady !

The thing was that everytime he did a sucessfull leap the boys from the bar would by him a beer and cheer him on.  Buck loved the sea days,  they came naturally to him.

Buck Visits Manly Beach

The name alone made him feel more courageous and he puffed himself up proudly as he enjoyed the beach activities like...

And this...

But only the ambassador and the lady enjoyed this...

Manly is a half hour ferry ride from sydney offering beautiful views of the harbour, bridge, opera house and all manner of watercraft plus some para sailing thrown in - so much to see !  Buck greatly enjoyed his day at the beach and was careful to use generous amounts of sunscreen.

Buck Makes New Friends

Buck greatly enjoyed meeting new australian friends...

And then Buck bade farewell Australia and boarded a cruise ship.  Buck was not too happy to meet the next character - not aboard a cruise ship anyway - given his track record on ships...

Fingers crossed - Buck sailed off to New Zealand.

Buck Visits Australia

Buck was very tired after 25 hours of travelling but was so excited he decided to head out on a hop on hop off bus tour anyway.

Buck was able to see many icons and some very unusual things as well.

Buck was amazed to see people touring across the upper edge of this bridge..YIKES ! He was certain that he'd not be doing that.   However,  there were lots of other things to do in Austrialia.

Buck Meets The Easter Bunny

It was very early morning, still dark when buck was awoken by a soft scurrying sound that he’d never heard before.   Half asleep, he looked about the living room and spotted a small furry face peeking at him from behind the couch.  “Ps-s-s-t!” it whispered, “Is it safe?”   

“Wha…” asked Buck “Is what safe?”.

“Is it safe to come out?  I hear growling” the fuzzy, frightened face questioned.

“That’s not growling” clarified Buck “that’s just the ambassador snoring.  Of course it’s safe”. 

And with that, the face made its way out from behind the couch revealing a long set of ears attached to it.  By the time it was in full view a bunny had emerged right there at the manor. 

“Who are you?” asked a rather astonished Buck out loud. 

 “The Easter Bunny” came the response which surprised Buck not because of the answer but because of the deep voice that came from the bunny.  It reminded Buck of the Barry White CD’s the ambassador played on Saturday nights and made the bunny seem bigger than he actually was. 

“Why are you here?” asked Buck.

The bunny smiled and shook his head slightly from side to side “Oh Buck, you have so much to learn. I’m here to spread joy, I have magical powers and..”

“I know, I know” Buck interrupted “You’re going to grant me 3 wishes!”

“Sorry Buck” the bunny looked amused,  “I don’t do that.  I bring chocolate eggs to spread springtime joy” explained the bunny as he began to remove chocolate treats from apparently bottomless furry pockets and place them purposefully throughout the room.  “Tomorrow morning,  people everywhere will wake up and get a lovely surprise when they find the treasures I’ve left for them”. 

“Cool!” exclaimed Buck.  “What a great idea”.

“Yeah, it’s my own thing I dreamed up many years ago.  I worked out a partnership with some chickens and the rest is history.   Creatures like you and I Buck were put on this earth to make others happy.  We are kindred spirits.   I want you to know that even though you’ll only see me once a year I am with you always” and the bunny gave Buck the softest, furriest kiss on his cheek

then simply vanished in a purple haze. 

“Whoa!” gasped Buck.  He looked to the left and he looked to the right and when he was satisfied that the bunny was really and truly gone, he proceeded to gobble up each and every chocolate egg he could find.  

With sudden, perfect clarity Buck understood the phrase “You snooze, you lose” and he used it to justify his selfishness as he ate.  In the quiet of the early morning, minutes before his conscience and his tummy ache began to bother him, Buck was never happier. 

Buck Gets Ready To Go

The manor was in a state with both the lady and the ambassador loading up their travel gear and moving back and forth between the scale to make sure they were within the allowable weight limit for their luggage.  Adjustments were made, collisions were averted by narrow margins and the lady kept answering the ambassador only to find out he was talking to himself.  In frustration she stopped answering him at all only to make him wonder why she was ignoring him.  Tensions grew in the ensuing confusion and Buck felt sorry for them.

 It was easy for Buck to pack,  all he needed were some items to entertain him on the long 20 hour flight

and some items to help him sleep. 

Buck planned to sneak a bite of the lady’s gravol tablet when she was busy watching her in-flight movie to help him sleep and the rest would be easy.

One sleep to go and then they’d head off on a new adventure.  Buck thought that he was perhaps the luckiest duck of all time and vowed to behave himself so that he might be deserving of all this good fortune.