I have to pass on news about Sir John A's travels throughout Canada:

September 18th, 2009:

For the past few days, I have been graciously hosted by Brooke Ballantyne Scott of Fraser Health Library Services, in beautiful British Columbia. I arrived at Brooke’s office in the library at Royal Columbian Hospital in New Westminster, BC. She removed me from my whiskey travelling box and gave me a day or so to get accustomed to my surroundings by placing me on her desk. In the wee hours of the morning I availed myself to all the library had to offer, stretching my legs and searching through all of her drawers for anything interesting. Unfortunately, I found only post-it notes and various other office-related supplies.

On one eventful day, Brooke took me on a walk to Sapperton Park, which is just across the street from Royal Columbian Hospital. It was a beautiful day, and I took full advantage by strolling through the early fall leaves, and picking a few late summer flowers. After a brief rest in the sunshine on a bench, we proceeded to tour the hospital at large. I was very interested to see the workings of Royal Columbian Hospital, complete with sanitization stations fully stocked for the upcoming flu season. Very impressive. I was also quite taken by the beautiful art on the ceiling just outside the library, depicting medical practices from a time that I am much more familiar with. I proceeded to do some research using the library’s various resources, including the perusal of books from the health and wellness collection as well as a book on alcoholism that I was reading on behalf of my friend who is experiencing a little difficulty with the drink.

The following day, Brooke was gracious enough to take me to one of the majestic mountains that surround the Lower Mainland of British Columbia. We drove up Cypress Mountain, with a brief stop at the look-out point to view the city itself from above. Once at the top of the mountain, I observed the construction taking place in preparation for the 2010 Olympic Winter Games, which are to be held in Vancouver and its environs. I took some air and picked a bountiful haul of wild blueberries with Brooke. I had a marvelous time, and can’t wait until I arrive at my next Canadian destination.

Sir John A