Cruising the Inside Passage

From 2014 06 30 Inside Passage

The Inside Passage of British Columbia and Alaska is stunning. That is, if you can see it. It all depends on the weather and time of day. Cruise ships time their departure from Vancouver based on when the tides will be favorable to transit the Seymour Narrows, where the passage squeezes to less than a half mile. Unfortunately for us, that meant much of our own trip through the Inside Passage of British Columbia occurred in the middle of the night, depriving us of the best scenery. In the morning, safely out of the passage and into open water, we were able to see the pilot transfer boat arrive to take off the pilot who guided us through the night. Then it was a day at sea before reaching the Inside Passage of Alaska and our first port of call.

Oh well, there are other things to do on a cruise ship than watch the scenery go by. I learned that cruise ships have a language all their own. For example, on land "brunch" is the meal that combines breakfast and lunch. On cruise ships "brunch" is the meal *between* breakfast and lunch.

More photos after the jump.

When Do Economic Development Incentives Become Corporate Welfare?

When do economic development incentives become corporate welfare? I don't know, but I hope someone on the Richardson City Council is at least asking the question. It's prompted by two recent news stories, one in Plano, the other in Richardson.

After the jump, how much do we have to pay to attract business?

Vancouver, Lotusland

From 2014 06 28 Vancouver

Our cruise to Alaska departed from Vancouver, British Columbia. Vancouver seems to be doing everything right. There's a commuter rail stop right at the airport that leads you right downtown quickly and affordably. (Dallas is just getting around to that at DFW Airport and doesn't even plan to do it at Love Field.) Downtown, Vancouver redeveloped an old industrial area along the waterfront with high-rise apartments and condominiums. The result provides the population density to support the shops and restaurants and entertainment that make walking in downtown Vancouver a joy. (For those who fear that higher density development leads to lower property values, Vancouver's problem is just the opposite -- real estate is getting priced out of middle class reach.) Stanley Park is a 1,000 acre city park that feels like a national park. This was my first visit to Vancouver. I hope it won't be my last.

More photos after the jump.

Separated by 5,258 Miles

Award yourself 100 points if you can correctly identify the countries in which these two photos were taken.

Summer in the Steger Garden (2014)

From Flowers

More photos after the jump.