might be baloney

Annual email: The Wind That Shakes The Barley

March 3, 2026 Bill PikeLeave a comment

For most of you, I will guess that you do not receive a weekly email from one of the local craft breweries where you live.

But here in Richmond, Virginia, I receive an email from Ardent Craft Ales every Thursday.

The email tells me about new beer releases and special events at the brewery.

Ardent is located in the Scotts Addition section of Richmond.

Over the last several years, this neighborhood has undergone a rebirth. With old commercial buildings being transformed into housing, restaurants, and breweries.

Unfortunately, adequate parking didn’t match the explosive growth.

When our church first started our Pub Theology program, Ardent Craft Ales was our most gracious host.

This time of the year, I’m hopeful to receive an Ardent email announcing the release of The Wind That Shakes The Barley.

On Thursday, February 26, 2026, the email arrived that confirmed The Wind That Shakes The Barely would be available on draft in the taproom.

This Irish oatmeal stout has become a favorite beer of mine.

Last year on the afternoon of its release, I convinced my wife to go with me to Ardent so I could have a pint. She had a glass of wine and we split an hors d’oeuvres.

This year, I missed the opening afternoon, but I was able to have our son tag along with me on Saturday afternoon.

On this last day of February that felt like a spring day, Ardent was busy. Inside the taproom, customers formed two lines. To the credit of the cashiers, the lines moved quickly.

By the time we received our stouts, most seating on the outside deck and inside the taproom were taken. But, we found a couple of chairs at a table and sat down.

A teasing pre-Spring sun came through the window, and it was a perfect afternoon to enjoy a classic Irish brew.

This year’s version of The Wind That Shakes The Barley didn’t disappoint. The brewers made a quality beer.

I don’t possess a sophisticated beer tasting palette so notes of “baker’s chocolate and caramel” don’t register with me. However, I do agree this is a “light-bodied” stout, not has heavy as some stouts might be.

So, I must confess. I love, love the name of this beer. I think The Wind That Shakes The Barley is a perfect name for a beer.

I can imagine the golden field of barley that an Irish farmer has put his heart and soul into with a gentle wind rustling through the thickly planted grain.

According to several sources, The Wind That Shakes The Barley has quite a history in Ireland.

In 2006, this was the title of a successful film about two brothers who join the Irish Republican Army to fight for Ireland’s independence from England. The plot takes an interesting twist as the brothers are on opposing sides during the Irish Civil War.

But the title of the film, actually comes from the song written by Robert Dwyer Joyce. The song is tied to the 1798 rebellion in Ireland.

Mr. Joyce wrote this Irish ballad as a poet and English professor. I listened to several recordings of the song. Each rendering captures the heartfelt passion of the history and the young man and woman portrayed in the tune.

I checked to see if barley is referenced in the Bible, and yes, it has quite a presence. I like this citing from Deuteronomy 8:8: “a land with wheat and barley, vines and fig trees, pomegranates, olive oil and honey;”

So barley has been providing for us for a long, long time.

I hope the wind will continue to shake the barley in the fields of farmers around the world.

And, I hope the brewers at Ardent Craft Ales will brew this favorite beer of mine in 2027.

In fact, I hope they never stop brewing this annual beer.

And, I hope, I’m around to enjoy another pint next year.

The Wind That Shakes The Barley (Photo Bill Pike)

Ketchikan

March 2, 2026 Bill PikeLeave a comment

Tuesday, July 1, 2025 Day Seven Ketchikan

Ketchikan by Bill Pike

Per usual, I’m up early.

At 5:05 a.m., the ship’s foghorn sounds every two minutes.

A gray fog is trying to conceal the Alaskan coastline. The water is a darker shade of gray.

Foggy morning as we head into Ketchikan ( Photo Bill Pike)

We are scheduled to dock in Ketchikan at 6:30 a.m.

I always enjoy the last few miles of the approach into a port. A few minutes ago, a small, sturdy boat departed from the back of the ship. This is all guessing on my part, but I’m assuming, this was to drop off a local captain to help guide the ship into the Ketchikan harbor.

Our group is excited about exploring and touring around Ketchikan. We have a window from 8:30 to 2:30 p.m.

Closing in on Ketchikan, the visibility begins to improve. The hills and mountains that form the backdrop for the town are still shrouded with fog and low clouds.

Our first bald eagle is spotted. The eagle was resting on top of a singular docking pole.

As we inch closer to our docking berth, I notice a massive yacht complete with a helicopter, Coast Guard station with three ships, and a NOAA ship.

It is interesting to watch the landing crew on the dock doing their final preps. A safety perimeter is set using cones and rope.

For the two gangways, a separate crew is present. With finesse and precision, they connect the ship to the dock.

Looks like some of the merchants closest to the dock are already open for cruise ship traffic. The store fronts look inviting.

The Commander and I hustle to breakfast. A few minutes after 8:00 we are off the ship.

I’m fortunate to be with a savvy tour guide. We want to take in as much of Ketchikan as we can before our scheduled excursion out to Totem Bight State Historical Park.

Our feet push us off, and we quickly come across Ketchikan Creek. This pretty creek runs through sections of downtown.

We skirt through a section of shops on historical Creek Street. Following the creek bed, we notice an emphasis on salmon. A salmon ladder is part of the creek.

With the creek as our guide, we work our way to the Deer Mountain Fish Hatchery. Apparently, we were too early for any peeks at fish or tours.

Near the hatchery is City Park, a very pretty park that is part of the Ketchikan Salmon Walk. This is a very doable 1.5 mile walk that winds along the creek and some quiet neighborhoods.

From City Park, it is a short distance to The Totem Heritage Center. This museum dates back to 1976. While totem poles are the main feature, the museum also has contemporary art that is linked to local culture and heritage.

From the Totem Pole Heritage Center, we walked back into town. We spent time exploring a few of the Creek Street shops and learned a bit about its history. At one time, this was “early Alaska’s most infamous red-light district.”

Before heading back to the ship, we stopped at the Arctic Bar. This famous bar opened in 1937, and it appears to be just as popular today as when it first opened.

We regrouped with our pals and boarded the bus to Totem Bight State Historical Park.

A young lady, a college student was our bus driver and tour guide. She was outstanding.

On the drive out to the park, she provided a trove of local information with facts and humor.

At the park, she capably toured us around with a balance of stories related to the culture and totem poles.

Points of emphasis were made about the location. Basically, we’re in a rainforest. Five species of trees make up the core of this region, and we also learned about the skunk cabbage, and salmon berries (similar to raspberries).

Created in 1959, the park consists of 33 acres in Tongass National Forest. The park also presents views on the Tongass Narrows waterway.

Tongass Narrows Waterway (Photo Bill Pike)

A variety of totem poles are on site. The park also includes replica of a traditional chieftain’s house. The low, oval entrance will catch the attention of visitors.

Inside Chieftain’s house (Photo Bill Pike)

For me, my takeaway on the totem poles is that each one tells a story. Woven into those stories and the carved displays are the eagle, frogs, the mystical thunderbird, ravens, bears, beaver, watchman, and blackfish or killer whale.

With an eye on the clock, our guide gave us time to work our way back to the bus before our departure.

We made it back to the ship on time. Facial recognition was used to speed up the pace for getting us back on board.

After a late lunch, we watched the pushing away from the Ketchikan dock. Lots of activity was waiting for us during this departure.

From the top deck of the ship, we had a good observation spot.

Our main point of interest was the Ketchikan airport. Access to the airport comes via a ferry that runs every thirty minutes.

This afternoon, we were treated to float planes landing and taking off, and commercial jets landing.

From the top deck, we departed to attend an information session about our upcoming transition from sea to land.

After this, we regrouped and made ourselves ready for dinner. The dinner hour on the ship amazes me as the staff works to meet the needs at every table with perfection.

With dinner over, we tried our luck in trivia with 80s music, attended an Irish sing-a-long, took in a comedian, and spent a bit of time with a jazz trio.

Maybe to try and rejuvenate ourselves, we took one walk around the ship with a cold, brisk breeze hitting us. For some reason that walk pushed us to needing some sleep so, we headed to our rooms.

I enjoyed Ketchikan.

It was interesting to experience the pride from the original Alaskans related to their culture and heritage. Like the stories found in a totem poll, the stories in the history of these people is fascinating too.

And yet, here I am, far away from the troubles of the world.

I wonder if the troubles of the world could be solved by revisiting the stories of our troubled pasts? Might we be able to say to ourselves— we’ve been down the tragic road before, why do we want to go again?

Looking forward to Juneau tomorrow and a visit with a glacier.

Sun setting after a good day (Photo Bill Pike)

A rejected scripturient

February 28, 2026 Bill PikeLeave a comment

Word Daily shows up in my email everyday.

I guess someone believes I need to improve my vocabulary.

I agree.

I don’t believe the words sent are sticking to me like pine tree sap, but I do hang on to a few of the words.

Recently, the word—scripturient was sent.

Scripturient is defined as “having a strong urge to write.”

Rightly or wrongly that is me.

As a scripturient, I have learned that rejection is part of the territory.
I hope with every piece I submit to a publication that it might make the cut.

At least I know if the piece is rejected, I can share the failed writing with you on Might Be Baloney.

So today, I share with you two rejected letters to the editor.

I know they aren’t perfect, and that’s ok.

I tried.

In William Faulkner’s acceptance speech for the Nobel Prize in literature, he wrote: “I believe that man will not merely endure: he will prevail. He is immortal, not because he alone among creatures has an inexhaustible voice, but because he has a soul, a spirit capable of compassion and sacrifice and endurance.”

For America, I hope Mr. Faulkner is right.

This letter to the editor was written solely by Bill Pike. It is exclusive to the New York Times. Submitted 2/3/26

Everyday, reporters from the New York Times write stories about America’s leaders and the decisions they are making in Washington, D. C.

Doesn’t matter if it is the closing of the Kennedy Center, the chaos and tragedy created by ICE personnel in Minneapolis, or the removal of a slavery exhibit at Philadelphia’s Independence Mall, America is eroding.

From “sea to shining” sea, this erosion is grounded in a President who is more attuned to greed, disrespect, incivility, selfishness, abusive power, vindictiveness, and a complete disregard for the truth.

Clearly, Mr. Trump has a heart beating inside his chest, but the President’s heart has no understanding of the compassion needed to lead our country. His heartless leadership is hurting America.

In 1962, James Baldwin wrote in an essay for the New York Times: “Not everything that is faced can be changed; but nothing can be changed until it is faced.”

America, our shortcomings, including the President’s cold-hearted, ruthless leadership are overdue to be faced.

This letter to the editor was written solely by Bill Pike. It is exclusive to the Washington Post. Submitted 2/5/26

As reported in the Washington Post, I’m disappointed, but not surprised that the owner, Jeff Bezos, gutted the newspaper of 300 employees.

When Mr. Bezos made the purchase of the Washington Post in 2013, he didn’t do his homework.

With 76 Pulitzer Prizes, Mr. Bezos purchased one of the most prestigious newspapers in the world. However, did Mr. Bezos know of the downward spiraling of newspapers that began in the 1990s?

Was he aware of Northwestern University’s Medill School of Journalism’s report that found between 2005 and 2025, we lost 3,400 newspapers in America.

More importantly, people like Mr. Bezos, with gobs of money, but who know nothing about the day to day operation of a newspaper shouldn’t be allowed to buy one.

From this latest announcement, I suspect the U. S. Geological Survey detected numerous seismic shifts sparked by previous Washington Post editors and reporters rolling in their graves.

Unfortunately, I don’t think we’re done with newspapers dying in America.

And yet, we live in a time where we desperately need the courage of editors and reporters to be accountable in reporting to readers the truth—“nothing, but the truth, so help them God.”

President Trump’s disdain for the truth and the newspaper journalists who diligently pursue the truth in their work is adding to the erosion of America.

I’m no expert on newspapers, but in hindsight, I believe newspaper editors will look back with regret that they didn’t do a better job of reporting to their subscribers the operating challenges they were experiencing.

In his book, “The Paper: The Life and Death of The New York Herald Tribune” Richard Kluger wrote: “Every time a newspaper dies, even a bad one, the country moves a little closer to authoritarianism.”

This is urgent, we can’t let the Washington Post die.

The desk of scripturient (Photo Bill Pike)

Alaska Sailing The Inside Passage

February 27, 2026 Bill PikeLeave a comment

I think I could be dead and still wake up early.

My internal clock has me pegged as an earlier riser. No alarms set. I just wake up.

Today, Monday, June 30, 2025 is no different.

Overnight, our Holland American ship has been sailing the Inside Passage. On Tuesday, July 1, we are scheduled to arrive in Ketchikan, Alaska at 6:30 a.m. That will be our first port stop.

Today, all of our activities will be focused on what the ship offers.

Out on our balcony, I’m surprised at how close we appear to land. Scattered low clouds and a speck of color from the rising sun make for pretty scenery.

Quiet start to the day. (Photo Bill Pike)

This morning, I’m going to the gym to workout. My goal is to ride a stationary bike and use some light weights.

With a couple of wrong turns, I make it to the gym. The equipment is nice and available for me to use. The room is equipped with good windows perfect for watching the water and the coastline.

After the workout, we gather for breakfast. The options are overwhelming. So, I keep it simple—oatmeal and the European spin on muesli. I love the muesli.

At some point after breakfast, we were notified that the Captain of the ship had made a navigational shift pushing the ship out into the open sea. Not sure of his reasoning, but he knows more about these waters than I do.

At some point, we lose the snips of fog and gray cloud cover for blue sky.

We took another stroll along deck three, and as the morning progressed we immersed ourselves in the following: a cooking demonstration, a stringed duo who perform on viola and cello, general knowledge trivia, stretch class, lectures about upcoming stops.

Had a hotdog for lunch. Then took it easy for a bit.

The guys regrouped and attended a beer tasting session. For the beer tasting, Peroni from Italy, Guinness from Ireland, and an amber ale and an IPA both from the Alaska Brewing Company in Juneau were featured. Butch, Dan, and I enjoyed the tasting and the comments from the staff.

Also in this afternoon rotation was a Dutch tea. There was quite an offering of food with this event.

After the tea, the remainder of the afternoon passed quickly. Before we knew it, we were working our way back to the dining room for dinner.

Stuffed from the dinner, for the remainder of the evening, we roamed around the ship.

We walked through the casino. This seems like a waste of space to me.

Music attracted us to a solo pianist and then a cover band. It was clear these musicians had a real passion for music.

At some point, our collective body clocks reminded us that sleep was important. Roaming stopped. Our rooms were calling. We said good night.

Before drifting off, I think about the Inside Passage.

This thousand mile route runs from the coast of Washington state to Skagway, Alaska.

By comparison, back home the Intracoastal Waterway runs from Massachusetts rounds the tip of Florida, and meanders along the Gulf of Mexico coastline ending in Brownsville, Texas.

Both the Inside Passage and the Intracoastal Waterway provide cruise and commercial ships, and pleasure boats some protection from the open ocean waters.

I wonder what the early explorers of the Inside Passage thought as they traversed these beautiful waters?

Did they think it would ever have an end point?

I wonder how tempted they were to pull ashore on any of the remote islands or coastlines on either side and explore.

As they progressed did they stare in amazement at a soaring eagle, the sighting of a whale, or a ginormous grizzly bear feasting on the shoreline?

I’m not sure, but I know my old eyes have enjoyed the stunning scenery today, and I look forward to more as we come into Ketchikan in the morning.

Churned up waters from our ship (Photo Bill Pike)

Tightening A Loose Screw

February 25, 2026 Bill Pike4 Comments

In the Eaton Hall mechanical room, there are two boilers. A hot water heater. A couple of air handlers. All kinds of electrical panels—some dead, some living.

There are pumps, pipes, conduits where phone and communication lines merge and disperse.

We even have a tunnel.

A crawl space that connects the Eaton Hall mechanical room to a small mechanical room in the basement of the Preschool.

Maybe, the youth should forget about selling pumpkins in the Fall. Consideration should be given to transitioning to a haunted bowels of the basement tour at Trinity during Halloween.

Who knows Chip and Flip could make cameo appearances as the sump pump mudmumblers or the boiler buzzards with a guaranteed admission discount slashed from $39.95 to $19.95.

Mechanical rooms in this old church building make me weary.

Financial disaster, in the form of a piece of equipment failing is always lurking in a mechanical room. Its the law of the darkness— where deep inside a pump a worn coupler shreds, fails. The pump squawks and shrieks in its mechanized death until the power is cut.

For months, we’ve been carefully monitoring two sump pumps in a well deep in the concrete floor. These pumps perform a critical function—they remove intruding ground water.

On Tuesday, a skilled technician who is familiar with cantankerous sump pumps came back to install a new switch for a supposedly faulty one.

In preparing for this installation, the technician discovered a loose screw. This screw was impacting the proper operation of that pump.

The technician simply tightened down the screw. Following this reconnection, he adjusted a float mechanism, and turned back on the electricity. In a matter of seconds, the pump was engaged and working properly.

When the technician reported his findings, I was relieved to hear this good news, and yet, I wondered why can’t the complications of daily living be so simple?

How different this world might be if it simply came down to finding and tightening a loose screw.

James Taylor is a gifted songwriter, singer, and musician.

He is also a survivor.

At some point in his career, Mr. Taylor had to tighten the screws of his lifestyle in order to make it to another day.

In the third stanza of his song “Fire and Rain,” Mr. Taylor wrote:
“Won’t you look down upon me, Jesus?
You’ve got to help me make a stand.
You’ve just got to see me through another day.
My body’s aching and my time is at hand,
And I won’t make it any other way.”

In this chaotic world, at this very moment, there is a human being who is hoping that Jesus is looking down upon them. That person no matter his/her circumstances needs help in making a stand.

What does it take to be seen through another day when no other options seem possible?

What are the chances that the right person with the right screwdriver will arrive and tighten down the loose screw for the person in need?

Might that screw tightener be you, me, we, us?

The other day, I stumbled upon this line of scripture: “Let me alone, for my days are a breath.”

Those words came from Job chapter 7 verse 16.

“For my days are a breath” reminds me of how quick time moves.

For that person who needs a screw tightened his/her time “is at hand.”

How will I respond if it is up to me to help that person to “make a stand?”

Making a stand is a “breath.”

So is tightening a screw.

Stanley Park, goodbye Vancouver

February 24, 2026February 24, 2026 Bill PikeLeave a comment

On the morning of Sunday, June 29, 2025, Betsy, Dan, and I were up early.

In a few hours, our group would be leaving the Sylvia Hotel and transitioning to a Holland America ship.

We wanted to explore Stanley Park a little more before departing.

A quiet, bright blue sky greeted us as we left the hotel.

Stanley Park opened in 1888. It is Vancouver’s “first, largest, and most beloved park.” (City of Vancouver) I can tell you there is much for residents and visitors to love about this park.

The size alone, 400 hectares, adds to this wonderment. A hectare is larger than an acre. A conversion to acres is 988.

Situated in a natural West Coast rainforest as you might expect there is lots of green to see.

And of course there is lots of water to view too. Visitors are aided by the Seawall trail for stunning panoramas of English Bay. “This seaside greenway is the world’s longest uninterrupted waterfront path.” (City of Vancouver)

A pretty harbor off Stanley Park (Photo Bill Pike)

With the guidance of Betsy and Dan, we secured our bearings and started out.

One of the first places we came across were the gates to the HMCS Discovery. Located on Deadman’s Island, this naval reserve facility also features a naval museum.

Gate entrance Deadman’s Island (Photo Bill Pike)

Next, we came across a section of totem poles. Some were singular others formed a group. All were unique and colorful.

Group of totem poles in Stanley Park (Photo by Bill Pike)

The water views capture everything from a statue of a girl in a wet suit to cargo ships passing under a suspension bridge.

Girl in the wet suit with a large ship docked in the background. (Photo Bill Pike)

Additionally, there are assorted historical memorials positioned throughout the park.

My favorite is Governor General Lord Stanley from October 1889. Inscribed at the base of the statue are these cherished words: “To the use and enjoyment of people of all colours, creeds, and customs for all time. I name thee Stanley Park.”

With an eye on our watches, we worked our way back to hotel for breakfast.

After breakfast, we attended to the final details of our packing. This was followed by checking out and waiting for our two Uber cars to arrive.

We experienced no traffic snarls in getting to the terminal. Our check-in on the ship was trouble free too.

No time was wasted in finding our rooms. We completed the mandatory safety orientation, found our way to lunch, and started exploring the ship.

The crawl for the big ship out of the harbor was slow, but there was lots of activity with float planes and other watercraft in motion.

Float plane prepping for take off (Photo Bill Pike)

Seemed like the afternoon rolled by quickly, and we were back in a dining room for dinner.

After dinner, we took a walk on deck three for a couple of loops.

I guess we weren’t too weary as we found our way into a 60s music trivia contest. Our team tied with another team for first place, but we lost in the third tie breaker.

We shook off this setback with more exploring of the ship and stopped along the way for assorted live music.

When we returned to our room, we sat out on our balcony to enjoy the sunset and some unexpected whales. Passengers who were outside cheered their brief appearance.

Nothing like a sunset on the water (Photo Bill Pike)

I wonder what tomorrow will look like.

I think to myself, how lucky I am to be here.

I wonder more about the inscription on Lord Stanley’s statue. That was in 1889. I loved his inclusion.

Why is this concept still a struggle for us today?

Vancouver treated us well.

Thanks for your hospitality.

More Exploring Vancouver

February 21, 2026February 21, 2026 Bill PikeLeave a comment

We gathered for breakfast at 8:15.

However, it wasn’t long before our Uber arrived to drive us out to Lynn Canyon Park.

Vancouver has many options for tourists, but while you are visiting do not turn down the opportunity to visit Lynn Canyon Park. This is one special place.

You will take lots of pictures in Lynn Canyon (Photo Bill Pike)

For sure the highlight of the park is the suspension bridge, but that bridge is only part of the story. The park is stunning from the tops of its massive canopy of trees to water running through creek beds—visitors are in for a treat.

The original suspension bridge dates back to 1912. That version of the bridge featured no railings to hold on to as a person passed over Lynn Creek. Not to worry, now the bridge has all the required safety features including hand railings.

Some of the cabling for the suspension bridge (Photo Bill Pike)

No matter where our feet took us on the well maintained trails, we saw nature at her best in this coastal temperate rain forest. A variety of trees, assorted mosses, large ferns, and unique birds make up the park.

Good growing environment for ferns (Photo Bill Pike)

At some point, the trail will bring you to the edge of a neighborhood, and you will want to make a stop at The End Of The Line General Store.

Looping back to our point of entry, the scenery did not disappoint us.

From Lynn Canyon Park, we took a Uber to Queen Elizabeth Park.

Some of the well-maintained grounds at Queen Elizabeth Park (Photo Bill Pike)

Queen Elizabeth Park is 130 acres of more beauty. The park was formally dedicated in 1939 by King George VI.

The park offers much for visitors to see from the Arboretum, the Blodel Floral Conservatory, fountains/plazas, and statues.

One of the stunning flowers (Photo Bill Pike)

On this Saturday, the park was host to multiple weddings.

Additionally, we had the good fortune of eating lunch at the Seasons In The Park restaurant.

Back side of Seasons In The Park (Photo Bill Pike)

Back in April 1993, Bill Clinton and Boris Yeltsin dined here during the Vancouver Summit.

After lunch, we continued to explore the grounds. Again, no matter where we walked, we enjoyed the displays and the landscaping.

At some point, we requested an Uber.

The driver showed up in a Tesla. Nice car, but there was no way six adults were going to fit in this car comfortably.

Butch and I made the sacrifice and squeezed ourselves into the very back of the car. We were as tight in that space as vacuumed packed Vienna sausages in a can.

We laughed all the way back to the Hotel Sylvia. Maybe the laughter covered our fear. We knew if the driver made a mistake, this might be our last ride.

This was a beautiful day in Vancouver. Lots of people were out and about around the beaches and open vistas along English Bay.

We spent the remainder of the afternoon prepping for the transition to the ship on Sunday.

Before dinner at the hotel, some of us took a short walk along English Bay.

I loved my grilled halibut for dinner. Fresh and perfectly cooked, I’ll remember and miss this meal when I return to Virginia.

After dinner, with lots of others we were able to see a very pretty sunset.

Before drifting off, I thought about Boris Yeltsin and Bill Clinton dining at Seasons In The Park.

I wonder if the chef prepared a special dinner? Maybe Boris gifted Bill with a case of the best Russian vodka.

That was thirty two years ago.

Regrettably, America and Russia, still struggle

Too bad we can’t trust each other and become friends.

Exploring Vancouver

February 18, 2026 Bill PikeLeave a comment

On the morning of Friday, June 27, 2025, I was up early. I planned to go for a run.

Prior to our trip, I purchased a pair of Hoka trail running shoes. As much as I love my Brooks running shoes, I wanted to have one pair of shoes that I could go for a run in and use on a variety of terrains in Alaska. Additionally, the Hokas were GoreTex to reduce possible water intrusion.

Out at the Vancouver airport the temperature was 55 degrees. It was mostly cloudy with an east southeast wind, dew point 53, humidity 96%, and visibility was at twenty miles.

I walked through the quiet lobby of the Sylvia Hotel, and headed toward a concrete base trail along English Bay. The trail was a connector into Stanley Park.

I wasn’t the only early riser. I came across four herons. One was disrupting the quiet of the morning squawking from a tree.

Some type of filming was taking place in this location as there were several production trailers lined up.

Along the edges of the trail, I noted that the water near the shoreline of English Bay was translucent. I could see the bottom in the shallows.

Around one bend, I came across a very nice municipal pool complex. Someone put quite a bit of thought into its development. Every amenity seemed to be included in the design.

The runners I encountered were friendly. Numerous good mornings were exchanged.

A cruise ship was getting an early start maneuvering through the pretty harbor.

I discovered a beach that was covered with fragments of cracked purple from the inside of mussel shells.

The trees in Stanley Park form an appealing backdrop along the trail.

And woven into that beauty are some homeless souls sleeping in sleeping bags on secluded park benches. I don’t know how lucky I am.

At some point, I turn around and retrace my steps to the hotel.

After cleaning up from the run, we gather for breakfast. I had the perfect bowl of oatmeal with a smidge of brown sugar and a variety of fruit to top it off.

Our plan for today was to take a Uber out to the University of British Columbia.

This well maintained campus kept us busy as we enjoyed a Japanese garden, a rose garden, and the stunning Museum of Anthropology.

Part of the Japanese garden at the University of British Columbia (Photo Bill Pike)

Some of the roses on display (Photo Betsy Pike)

On trips like this, I always wonder about the vision of the people who planned and put this wonderful Museum of Anthropology together.

Every display was intricate and thoughtfully designed.

Most impressive were the totem poles. No doubt it takes a lot of skill and patience to create a totem pole. But one can feel the passion and soul from the artisans who created them.

One of the colorful totem poles inside the museum (Photo Bill Pike)

I learned that red cedar is the favorite choice for carving totem poles. Red cedar has a “straight grain and soft tissue—ideal for carving.”

Cedar is also the choice for crafting a canoe. A massive single cedar log can be used to form a canoe.

One of the hand carved canoes on display (Photo Bill Pike)

At some point, we walked outside to grounds at the back of the museum. This gave us a different look at how the architect developed the backside of the building.

Museum of Anthropology from the backside (Photo Bill Pike)

It looked like the grounds in this area had just been recently completed. Once this area is fully developed, it will add another dimension to the museum.

We had a light lunch at a Tim Hortons located at a food court on campus.

As we planned our way back to the hotel, we opted to take a Uber tour through Stanley Park. The park is massive. I understand why the park is always in motion— the people of Vancouver love it.

After the tour of Stanley Park, we stopped at Three Brits where I had a birthday beer.

From Three Brits, we walked through the shopping district near our hotel. I was amazed at the ethnicity of the restaurants and fruit stands on every block.

With my pals being nice to me, we had dinner at Craft Beer. It was an ok local spot, but it was loud inside—too loud for an old geezer like me.

After dinner, we walked through a display of human statues that were made of metal. The exhibit is called A-Maze-Ing-Laughter. Fourteen patinated-bronze figures are featured. The statues were created by Chinese artist Yue Minjun.

After the statues, we continued our walk to the hotel. I noticed a lady stopping at every trashcan. She was rummaging for aluminum cans.

Multiple high rise buildings make up the neighborhood. On this fading afternoon, we noticed on the rooftop of one of those buildings a large tree growing.

Back at the Sylvia Hotel, we opt for a nightcap before catching some sleep.

I’ve had a nice day, a good birthday.

My parents were really good parents.

I’m thankful that they opted to have children.

My sister and I were lucky.

I like to think that Louise and Bill would like the way we landed on our feet. This is despite the ups and downs the old world often hurls at people.

I have been so fortunate my whole life. That good fortune comes from my parents. They loved me despite my many, many faults.

That good fortune comes from my wife too and the dear friends we are traveling with on this trip.

And deep in my old soul, I know from watching the homeless sleeping on benches in Stanley Park to the lady going through every trash can this evening—one wrong move, and I could be in their shoes.

Richmond to Raleigh to Vancouver to Alaska

February 15, 2026 Bill Pike2 Comments

On the afternoon of Wednesday, June 25, 2025, we left Richmond driving to Raleigh.

Later that afternoon, our friends, the Sherrills, left Greensboro heading to Raleigh.

And on Thursday morning, June 26, further north in Maryland, our friends, the Callows, would be up well before dawn and drive to the Baltimore airport.

The Callows were booked on a flight from Baltimore to Chicago.

After a night of rest in a Raleigh hotel near the airport (RDU), the Pikes and Sherrills would also be early risers to catch a shuttle to the airport. We had an Air Canada direct flight into Vancouver.

When we left Richmond on Wednesday afternoon, the heat and humidity were brutal. As we worked our way down Interstate 85, just north of Henderson, North Carolina, we encountered a fairly strong thunderstorm.

The storm featured some sharp cloud to ground lightning. Plus, it was interesting to watch, the temperature take a downward plunge from the rain.

Not sure how much we slept, but we made it to the hotel lobby to catch the shuttle to RDU. We had a very good shuttle driver.

With our TSA approval, the initial check-in with Air Canada was seamless. Of course, traveling is much more complicated now. My backpack scan failed as my body lotion bottle was considered oversized.

We had a good flight to Vancouver. I was able to watch two movies, plus, we had a bonus—an empty seat between us.
The Callows also had a good flight from Baltimore to Chicago. But getting out of Chicago was a challenge.

They were forced to change planes because of a hydraulic problem on the plane. Of course, this caused a delay.

On our approach coming into Vancouver, I immediately was taken by lots of water.

Final approach into Vancouver (Photo Bill Pike)

The airport is located on Sea Island in Richmond, British Columbia.

Strolling through the airport, I was taken by its open design. The architecture features water, nature, and an emphasis on the heritage of the Pacific Northwest.

Colorful canoe display (Photo Bill Pike)

I wanted to stop and look more carefully, but we needed to keep moving toward customs.

Stunning wood carving with water moving behind it. (Photo Bill Pike)

Because of enhanced technology, we cleared our entry into Canada easily.

We took an Uber to the hotel. The Uber driver was a talker. He kept yakking. He shared lots of tourist info, but ultimately he was trying to book us for a long ten hour day of driving to the sights outside of Vancouver

My ears were relieved when we arrived at the Hotel Sylvia.

We checked in, made it to our rooms, and headed to their dining room.

The Sylvia Hotel is a survivor. It is a classic old hotel with lots of charm. Our rooms featured no air conditioning, just open windows with a pleasant breeze

We worked our way to the dining room for lunch. Lunch was a hit with humus, seafood chowder, beet salad, and ahi salad. I loved my chowder, and I had the local Red Truck lager to sip on too.

My delicious seafood chowder (Photo Bill Pike)

It wasn’t too long before the Callows arrived, and we made plans for the afternoon.

We left the hotel and walked toward Granville Island. At some point, the braintrust figured out how to take a small ferry shuttle to the island.

Located on thirty five acres, the island is in the Fairview neighborhood of Vancouver. In its previous life, Granville was an industrial manufacturing area.

Today, its main feature is a public market. Fruits and vegetables are attractively displayed on every aisle. An amazing variety of food from local vendors weaves in and out of assorted food stalls and restaurants.

Assorted cherries further down the table top and other fruits in public market (Photo Bill Pike)

Gradually, we worked our way back to the mainland.

Light rain showers didn’t slow us down, and we had another good meal at Hook for dinner.
We walked back to the hotel, had a night cap while listening to a local singer performing solo with an acoustic guitar.

By now, sleep was starting to pull on us. It had been a long day of travel.

Before snoring off, I thought about the marvels of traveling, and all of the behind the scenes stuff that takes place every day.

No doubt, the plane’s pilots and crew are important, but think about all of those people working behind the scenes to ensure that you and your friends arrive at their destination.

It is all about people. An endless stream of people doing all kinds of work. Traveling, depends upon them, and I need to be more appreciative of the critical role they play.

Valentine’s Day: “their song is love”

February 14, 2026 Bill PikeLeave a comment

According to a report from CNBC, the National Retail Federation and Prosper lnsights and Analytics, Americans will spend an estimated 14.6 billion dollars for Valentine’s Day.

Clearly, I wasn’t included in the survey.

I’ll hope that Trader Joe’s hasn’t sold out of their high quality $1.00 cards, and somewhere today, I’ll find appropriate chocolate for my Commander Supreme.

If Trader Joe’s is sold out of cards, I’ll use the stash of crayons, colored pencils, and markers that our grandchildren keep here to create a card for the love of my life, my Commander Supreme.

I always loved the title of the Beatles’ album Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band.

I think quite a bit about those words “lonely hearts.”

At 72, I’m much more aware of “lonely hearts” in the world today.

You might be aware that lots of data is out there related to loneliness.

Some report that 1 out of every 6 of us experience loneliness. Others report that figure as 1 out of every 5.

In 2023, the U. S. Surgeon General declared “loneliness” an epidemic.

I wonder how much of our loneliness is based upon the pace of the world?

Is it because our days move so fast that we become less aware of the lonely people around us?

Perhaps, combatting loneliness depends upon our hearts.

Can we slow our pace, can we open our hearts more, can our hearts be more attentive, can our hearts give more time?

Recently, Henry Chambers, an attorney and law professor at the University of Richmond, was our community guest at Pub Theology at the WayGone Brewery.

Early in his career, Dr. Chambers talked about a mentorship that he participated in at a local school. Some how, Dr. Chambers was able to build a relationship to bring a quiet, shy student out of his shell. It was Dr. Chamber’s patient heart and time that helped this student to move forward.

Yesterday at our church, we celebrated the life of Mr. Bob’s wife, Vickie.

Attending the funeral were numerous Hispanic students and families from Oak Grove Bellemeade Elementary School. Mr. Bob is surely sad and lonely from the loss of the love of his life, but on the tough days ahead of him, the love of those students and their families will get him through.

I wonder if any of the pollsters in America have conducted a survey about our hearts. What might we learn about our hearts?

If they framed a question about the hearts of political leaders, I wonder what Americans would say about their hearts?

Soft hearted soul that I am, I can tell you there might be a heart beating in the chest of some of our leaders, but those hearts have no love, no compassion.

I once had the privilege of speaking at our church during December. No pastor has ever set a perimeter for me as in don’t say this or that. Pastors are time conscious. My only guideline— stay within a fifteen to twenty minute time frame.

In speaking about the birth of Jesus, and the love that was brought into the world with his arrival, I cited a song from the Beach Boys titled “Surf’s Up.” The song isn’t about surfing or Jesus.

“Surf’s Up” might be one of Brian Wilson’s best compositions. The song features lyrics from Van Dyke Parks that will leave you scratching your head.

But for that Sunday morning in the pulpit, I was focused on the tag of the song. This is the end where all the harmony of the Beach Boys’ voices are woven together.

In that tag, these words are sung: “I heard the word, wonderful thing, a children’s song, have you listened as they played? Their song is love, and the children know the way.”

It is no secret that I love the artwork created by the students at the Trinity UMC Preschool.

Working with their teachers, these students have created some heart touching masterpieces.

On this Valentine’s Day, I wonder what our hearts might learn from our children?

They provide us a gentle reminder: “ a children’s song, have you listened as they played? Their song is love, and the children know the way.”

If we are going to make it in this chaotic world, we need to find the way of the children and their song of love.

It’s our only hope.

Happy Valentine’s Day