Grouse Grind: That Time Our Legs Stopped Working

You know those people who work out and enjoy it? Well, we aren't those people. But we recognize that in order to experience all the cool stuff this planet has to offer we have to be fit enough to climb at least moderately high mountains and stuff. We also never back down from a challenge. So when someone told us about an epic mountain climb in Vancouver, BC, that will kick your @*s and then provide you with the most amazing views + a grizzly bear refuge, well we just couldn't pass that up. 

Cue The Grouse Grind. 

To the left, to the left.

Grouse Mountain sits just north of Vancouver and is home to ski runs and ice skating in the winter and hiking and ziplining in the summer. There is this really nice gondola that can take you up to the lodge but only the weak take this route to the top. Those of us that hope to survive the zombie apocalypse/impending water wars/American Gladiator take The Grind. 

Remind us of this at the 3/4 mark.

The Grouse Grind is a grueling 2.9 kilometer hike (for all the Americans that is 1.8 miles), where you will ascend 2,800 feet, the majority of which is gained by climbing giant, evil, body-hating, wilderness stairs.

The hike is one way, up. You either make it to the top or paramedics carry you down. Don't worry though, most people make it. Just bring water, snacks, and someone to support you when you want to give up. It will happen, but we believe in you. And when you make it to the top and breathe that sweet, triumphant air you will smile and know you are the champion of the world.

It starts off gradual enough but don't let that fool you.

Never-ending stairs.

Once you are at the top, grab a celebratory drink at the bar in the lodge and visit Coola and Grinder at the Grizzly Bear Refuge. If the Beaver Tail stand is up and running grab one of those too, you deserve it. 

Additional Fun fact: The Vancouver Canucks use The Grind every year as a training exercise for their new recruits. Personally we feel like this is their version of The Hunger Games and only the strong who survive will be chosen to take the ice...but they claim it's for bonding. Yea, surrreee. 

We love the grizzlies at the top! They're friendly right?

Just like a teddy bear.

Amazing chainsaw carvings.

The view is so much sweeter when you work for it.

The best part is the gondola will take you down.

Film Photobooths Around Seattle

Photobooths are hot right now. They are at every wedding, every street fair, and company holiday party. They are so popular they are starting to lose their luster. But there are several spots around Seattle that were doing photobooths before they were cool. And even better, they were doing photobooths before they were digital. We are sending you on a mission. Go experience at least one of these classic, film photobooths! You won't be disappointed. They are dripping with old-timey charm! 

The photobooth at Archie McPhee

Our 5 favorite Seattle film photobooth locations

Archie McPhee is one of our favorite stores in Seattle and their film photobooth is half the reason why. They let you use all their wacky props and masks in the booth so your creativity game will be on point! 

Cha Cha Lounge is a dark, slightly scary, but mostly just quirky bar in Capitol Hill with a film photobooth in an obscure back corner in the basement! It is by the bathrooms and the vending machine, go hunt it down on a Tuesday and then stay for Trivia! 

Unicorn might possibly be the most entertaining bar in Capitol Hill. If you get bored here there is something wrong with you. They have a full game room with Skee Ball (weee!) and a photobooth. The menu alone can keep you going for hours with cocktails like the Banana Hammock and Unicorn Jizz. 

Orange Dracula is located in Pike Place Market on lower level 3 and is home to a bunch of stuff you don't need but will want to buy anyways. They also have Pac-Man and pinball and most importantly, a film photobooth! 

Montana not only has a photobooth, but it is also one of the best dive bars in town. They have cheap drinks, friendly service, and picklebacks. Picklebacks are God's gift to drinking, so if you haven't had one and you enjoy drinking, you should probably hit this place up! Please note: their photobooth is an antique, which means sometimes it is Out of Order. Have patience, if it is meant to be, it will be! And last time we were there, they had cowboy hats to use in the booth. Yes!

These are just a few of the photobooths we have visited around the city. You can see a fairly large list on Photobooth.net if you want to explore some others, but make sure to click through on each location to see if there have been updates of closures; some of these photobooths once were, but have disappeared since. 

Seattle Art: Henry Murals

Henry (full name Ryan Henry Ward) has been brightening up our city since 2008. How so? With quirky, whimsical murals depicting fantasy characters and wide eyed creatures on colorful backdrops all over the walls of Seattle. He has over 200 murals painted on various surfaces around town and unlike many street artists he always works under the permission of the owner of the wall.

Elephants found at Value Village at 8532 15th Ave. NW

Camel found at Value Village at 8532 15th Ave. NW

Space Lizard found in a residential alley at 8016 20th Ave. NW

 If you are trying to find the deeper meaning behind his art you don't have to. This isn't Banksy trying to make you question the decency of humans, Ward stated in a Seattle Pi Interview, 

"My message is cheerfulness and brightness," Ward said, "and encouraging a fun-loving spirit."

Which is definitely a message we can get behind!

Walrus on a bike found at 8th Ave NW and NW 67th St.

Double camel found on 8th Ave NW

You have probably seen a Henry Mural if you have explored the city much and you might not have known it was one of many created by Henry and if you haven't seen these works of art in person yet, we found a handy-dandy map to start you on your journey!  

HENRY MURAL MAP

While the map is not a complete list, it is a good starting point. We have discovered some of the murals listed on the map have been painted over (sad face), but don't worry the majority are still around!

Interested in buying his art? You can find out more on his website here.

Tree gnome found at 7010 8th Ave

Sasquatch found on Fremont Ave. N.

Flower details at the Value Village mural

You'll know it's a Henry artwork by his signature

Vancouver Outdoor Art

Art. 

Everyone has their opinions, us included. Sometimes staring at that white canvas with paint splattered on it just doesn't do it for you. We get it.

BUT.

There is also some really cool art out there that even the most cynical can appreciate. We like to try to find the fun, whimsical stuff that everyone can see and have it sparks a smile. Take a trip around Vancouver, BC with us to find some of their best outdoor (which equals free) art exhibits! 

Digital Orca - Douglas Copeland

What do you get when you merge technology with nature? Well a digital orca of course! Overlooking the Burrard Inlet this leaping, lego-like sculpture takes something we are familiar with and offers a surprising double take. 

The Drop - Inges Idee

This steel sculpture is supposed to represent the power of nature. It is the moment when a raindrop hits the ground, multiplied by like a trillion times in size. Because, science.

This is a great one to see at night as well! 

The Words Don't Fit The Picture - Ron Terada

When you first stumble upon this work of art you say, "Oh wow, look at that." and then you read the sign and immediately wonder what the heck it means. We read up on it and we think the Terada himself explains it best:

“Taken within the context of a public library, the work touches upon – in a very poetic way – the use of words and language as boundless and imaginative, as a catalyst for a multiplicity of meanings.”

People flock to these sculptures to imitate the poses of hysterical laughter. 

Try not to crack a smile when you see these guys. Pure joy.

A-maze-ing Laughter -  Yue Minjun

These shirtless, laughing men live as a permanent installment by English Bay. They cost a pretty penny (1.5 million) but we think it was worth it for all the joy they bring the people of Vancouver.

Bright and completely out of place, but at the same time they seem to fit right in.

Love Your Bean - Cosimo Cavallaro

These giant jellybeans sit along the False Creek Seawall in Charleston Park. You can't miss them as they are, well, giant jellybeans sitting in a field of green. 

A map for your art viewing pleasure!

You don't have to visit all these in one day, but if and when you do visit them you'll find them at the places marked above. The Digital Orca and The Drop are both located at Canada Place.