The Cat Post Intelligencer

Well this was a where and when Find Chey–although having been to this when before I did not require that guess.  ‘Kaika was by and immediately said, “Are you at Niagra Parkway in Canada…Or, to channel my inner Maobert, “Chey, you are at 14004 Niagara Parkway, Queenston, Ontario, Canada, behind the Sir Adam Beck Power Plant and near the Lewiston-Queenston International Bridge.”  And yes I am there!  I think!   It sounds about right!

CCL Wendy (Dante’s person), said, ”

I was so busy running and running that I almost forgot to check on who found me! Man those horses never get tired!  Cory found me first, “Are you cloer to home at Emerald Downs in Auburn Washington?”  And yes, I am at Emerald Downs in Auburn.  And winning too!  HA!

‘Kaika, Jacqueline, and Simba all agreed. Simba added, “I think Cory has it right. I was going to guess Emerald Downs in Auburn WA too. Most racetracks don’t have hilly countryside nearby like that.”

Quasi said, “Next time you do this, can you give me some advance warning so I can place a bet with my bookie?”  So I shall have to work on that guys–I would have said something if I had known you all would bet on me–against all those horses!  WOW!

I did look for Snap but did not see her.  Ah well. I am certain she could have placed second (behind me!).

And no, the Woman and the Male did not win. The Woman got a really good win in one race. She actually picked the trifecta but didn’t BET the trifecta (just got in the single bets) so she was mad at herself for that!  That would have meant they broke even on their bets.

Now, that you haven’t lost all your money betting against me, go and spend your pennies for ML! She’s having a birthday!

Well just five minutes (on our blog) before ‘Kaika guessed where I was, Max said, “Loup Loup ski resort?”  ‘Kaika then responded, “Are you at Loup Loup?”  And yes, ‘Kaika, I am doing the Loup as they say in Eastern Washington.  Actually I think because it is Loup Loup ski bowl rather than resort, ‘Kaika was more correct Max.

There is no “resort” at Loup Loup.  There is a building where you can buy tickets and there is a small area inside to rent skis. There is a tiny area where you can eat in a cafeteria (you can purchase some basic food stuffs or bring your own) and then outhouses.  Yes, that is right. They have OUTHOUSES!   Anything requiring you to use an outhouse where you can freeze your bum off (they are not heated) is NOT a resort–according to the Woman.

Gandalf,Grayson Whitey and Gracie said I was skiing.   Sort of.  The Meezers said, “well, you’re skiing somewhere, you should really get inside the lodge and warm your hiney up! and your feets! um, are you at the ‘lympics ?”  Well, yeah I would except as I said, there wasn’t much of a place to warm up.

Daisy asked, “On the bunny slope looking for rabbits?”  I am actually above the rope tow lift and the platter surface lift is over to the right of this photo, so I am not actually on the bunny slope. However I think that is a smashing idea!

Simba said, “You are at a beautiful skiing place, and you are sitting on the snow so your butt must be very cold. It looks like a nice place to ski because it is not at all crowded. Other than that, not a clue!”  And you are right. This was actually on a Saturday.   The Male wanted to go to Loup Loup a couple of years ago because he is still a beginner (and continues to be–Max your folks are WAY ahead of him–they made it down a run) and it was said to not be crowded.  The ski patrol and instructors there were very friendly.  The Woman was riding up the lift that she shared with one of their volunteer patrollers.  He told her all about the area and then gave her an impromptu ski lesson as she came back down.  Loup Loup is mostly an intermediate level area, although they have runs designated as greens and blacks.  The greens would probably give Max’s folks more challenge then they want so they should stay to the surface lift (and boy do I want to see them get off of THAT!) and the blacks probably wouldn’t challenge the good skiers out there much.

Still, Loup Loup is in the Methow Valley which is always lovely.   It was so pretty there that it made the Woman want to cross country ski rather than down hill ski and that is saying something.  They stayed at the Sun Mountain Lodge while they were there.  The Woman hopes to go back again sometime (and cross country ski) so perhaps some time I’ll be back here too!

Hey cool!  We got a note from Loup Loup: The Loup Loup Ski Area no longer has outhouses!! New structure built in 2007 houses restrooms larger than those at 49 D North near Spokane. The Loup Loup is the perfect place to bring the little ones to learn how to ski. One chair lift means no lost party members & there is rarely any kind of lift line. The Loup Loup can be your own private Washington.

This must have been the year after the Woman was there!  How very cool.  Actually ANY beginner (not just child age) does well there because there are few wild and crazies skiing over there!

After a very difficult Find Chey Friday, Laila and Minchie said, “Snoqualmie , WA ? Looks like a good Mexican restaurant across the street.”   And we were all WOW! You cats are good.  There were no real clues that we could see (we didn’t intend this but the Woman liked this particular photo of the town).   Laila and Minchie came back and said, “Well, truthfully, we cheated. Mom put the picture in her Creative Memories Memory Manager software, and kept tweaking the picture until she could read the name of the restaurant. Then she kept googling the name and found it. It took awhile. It was a very good exercise for her brain to help keep it sharp while she’s being a slug these days. She’s totally wiped out and needs a long nap now. teeheehee!”

Actually I don’t think that’s cheating. I know people have used Google maps to find me as well so it’s all good. I’m just happy to be found!  Of course they didn’t mention that Cory gave them a hint by knowing I was in Washington State!

Max thought,”From where you’re laying, I’m guessing you’re lounging outside the Road Kill Cafe…”  Actually Max, I’m not there. I’m in the parking areas with the angled street parking so no one is there. Besides, the speed limit is 30 and because it’s a main highway it’s a nice speed trap for folks from out of town, so it is enforced.   People there are really nice.  The cars wait for you if you want to cross the street.  Of course there is a lot of wild life in the area and sometimes you do see road kill.

Just past the town (which is a place the Woman drives through on her way to work) is a field where the Elk like to hang out.

Mishkat said, “We cheated and read the answers, so we know it’s Snowqualmie (our dad is from Seattle, so he knows the town.) But before we looked, our mom said she thought it was it’s out west because of those angled parking spots and the false fronts. It makes her want to go west.”  I’ll give him that town too!   After all, for a small town, it’s pretty famous up here!  And you know what? I never would have known you read the answers if you hadn’t told me!  Again, all is fair!

Well, after a long dry spell of saying she never knew where I was, Cory found me again this week saying, “I’m just taking a wild guess based on something I read on a Meezer bloggie…are you in St. Louis? Mom has actually been there a couple of times but doesn’t remember seeing this building.”

Derby then said, “Mum is agreeing St Louis. She wants to say it is the train station. Now it is a museum.”

And ‘Kaika and Cory said, “Is it Union Station?”

And Willow said, “OMC, of all the times not to check in with you on Friday! Clearly you are at Union Station in St. Louis, which of course is where China Cat & I live! Hooray for the ones who guessed it right!”

Sabrina, Sam and Simon kindly gave me the idea of visiting this lovely place and time.   It is an older photo so this doesn’t look exactly like that any longer.  I figured I would make you all work a bit!

Simba said, “Wow. We have been to St Louis often, and yet Mom and I were googling all sorts of faraway countries for pictures of town halls, and post offices and everything. We thought it must be an Iron Curtain country!!!” He also told us about a spaghetti place there too!  Maybe Cory can get some cheese and I can get some pepperoni?!  And Simba, no doubt Maobert takes great satisfaction in the fact that you were stumped…

Pierro was also right, though he was a bit general, “OH I know where you are! In the middle of the street. Get out of the middle of the street Chey.” Yes, I shall get out of the middle of the street! You are a very smart cat!

Daisy gave me a good idea for another time, “Is that the Willie Wonka’s chocolate factory?”

Now as it is Valentine’s Day–I should like to say Happy Valentine’s Day to Latte and Gemini wishes to give headbutts and a Valentine Wish to Ping.

Well many cats were slowly honing in on where I was.  Eric and Flynn thought I was at Ballard Locks (and some day I might be as the Woman’s favorite restaurant, Ray’s Boathouse) is in Ballard and they go by the Locks.  Skeezix thought I was at Cascade Locks.  The Woman has been there too and she thought that was a very close guess, but that was not right.  I was visiting Cory (who once again sent the photo) and Cory said those were not the Locks I was on…and the Woman thought Cascade did look different.  Tripper thought it was the Dallas-Celilo Locks but was also incorrrect.  Simba made some guesses about the river and that the Locks started with a W.. but ‘Kaika was the first cat to find that I was at, “How about Willamette Falls Locks?” and added, “In West Linn, Oregon …”.

And yes, Simba, ‘Kaika WAS right!

Cory confirmed it and sent this link.  It talks about the Willamette Falls Locks in Oregon. The Woman has seen them from I 205 but never stopped to see them, see them.   It is getting close to the Holidays and so I have to be a bit closer to home.   For my regular readers, this might be a hint for where I’ll be NEXT Friday!

Daisy, maybe one of these days I will get to go to Pirates of the Caribbean. That would be a very fun place to visit.

I knew this last Find Chey would be a tough one.   Cory got it though.   Well, with a little help.  The Woman told them that it was north and they could see if from the Big Bridge that goes into the St. John’s area of Portland.   There’s really only one place that would be (and not the Burgerville in Centralia)… Cory said, “Are you at Mt. St. Helens? If not, I totally give up…” (among other guesses).

I am actually at the parking lot of the Coldwater Creek rest area.  Simba guessed, “Is it the Johnston Ridge Observatory parking lot (at Mt St Helen’s)?” But Johnston Ridge is the next stop up closer to the volcano.

‘Kaika said, “Mt. St. Helen’s … of course! Good job, Cory! My human was actually visiting Portland in 1980 while the volcano was erupting. I think maybe your human was at one of the visitor centers’ parking lots when she took the picture.”

The day ‘Kaika is talking about is the place where one of the scientists monitoring the volcano was stationed.   They didn’t expect St. Helen’s to erupt to the side but straight up.   He was killed when the eruption happened, as it came pretty much right toward where he was.   

Mt. St. Helen’s is one of the Woman’s favorite places in the world. Not only is it lovely to look at when you get to visit Cory in Portland (or anyone else), it is wonderful to visit. There are many places to hike on both sides of the mountain.  Each time you go there, it is different.  It is a great education in how nature regrows and changes.   There are some amazing stories and films at each of the visitor centers and learning centers.   We were not, alas at the Forest Learning Center, ‘Kaika.

Derby said, “You a “Cat on Hot Car Hood”.”  Yes, I probably am.   The little yapper is Belle.   She joined us for the excursion up the mountain and she liked the places they allow dogs (not everywhere).   She seemed to fool Max, who said, “I’m pretty sure you’re in the Taco Bell parking lot…ask the woofy in the car. I think he works there.”

The Funny Farm kids guessed, “Oh, this one is easy. You’re on the hood of a car. Do we get our million dollars now? What do you mean we have to tell you where the car is located? In a parking lot, silly.”  Alas, other winners were a bit more specific.   And for some reason the Woman won’t let me award anyone a million dollars…  Simba and Noir knew I was on the hood of a car as well.

I had some fine guesses.  New guesser Gracie knew it was a botanical garden and was able to guess where I wasn’t.  Yes, Gracie, that’s fair.  After all if no one gets it, at least you will be saying where I’m not.  And you know what?  Sometimes I give hints in the comments…

‘Kaika, as usual knew where I was but was not too specific.  He said I was in Mitchell Park.  Actually he said Mitchel Park, which Mao pointed out may not be exactly correct.

Maobert, actually got it right.  Mao said, “Does smartypants ‘Kaika git points taken off fur spellin “Mitchel” with only one “L”, and not being spesifik enuf by saying yoo are in frunt of one of the Mitchell Park Horticultural Conservatory Domes in Mitchell Park in Milwaukee?”

Well, actually Mao, there are no points.   It’s just the most correct answer.   Which you got.  With help from ‘Kaika.  Don’t forget that…

Derby knew it.  We know he knew it, as Derby lives close by.  I believe his human recommended that my human go visit there when she was in town.  And Simba, no it isn’t unfair to read what ‘Kaika or any of the other good geographers say and then say it again. You will get credit!

Max said, “I dunno, but I think it would be funny if you got a really good soprano to stand near that thing and hit the right note…”  (Psst Sammy–is Tony a “good Soprano”?!)

I knew this one would be difficult.  ’Kaika, with a bit of coaching found me!  ’Kaika said, “Are you back at Chateau Laroche, also known as Castle Loveland, in Loveland, Ohio?”

And indeed I was.  I have no idea who the skeleton was though..

Mickey gave a very good guess,

“Ooooooooooo Chey!!!!!!!!
Are you in the closet???????
Mom always said people have skeletons in the closet 
Heehee
See ya at the wedding!!!!!!!
BOO!!!!!!!! Mickey”

Indeed skeletons are almost always in a closet and it looked a bit like a closet that this fellow was in as well..

Molly and Shadow said, “Where ever yoo is, he certainly needs to eat a sandwich!” I think he is not the only one who needs a sandwich.

I am really curious as to how Kaika gets out to all of these places.   He finds me everywhere!

'Kaika is in the middle...

Yes, once again ‘Kaika found me. I made this an easier one for all you cats who never find me. I thought all my British Cat Friends would immediately find me.

Kaika said, “I think you are at the river entry to the Traitors Gate entry at the Tower of London,” and indeed I was.   Katz also knew where I was, saying, “Yup, Tower of London at Traitor’s Gate it is! You are a well-traveled cat, Chey. Hey, how come nobody is throwing down their cloaks so that your majesty doesn’t get wet paws and whiskers?”

And I have to say, yes why not?  They should have! I am sure such a thing was what threw Milo and Alfie off on their guess…

‘Kaika had a warning for me too-”I wouldn’t stay there too long, Chey. There may be some traitors lurking who might reveal your whereabouts …”

Roxy got it too and she needs to be recognized because she was so thrilled!

Are you at the Tower of London? The gate where they brought Elizabeth the 1st in, traitor’s gate?

Oh man, I got it and I’m not first! Bummer!

Roxy

Wendy was also correct but not completely-”My best guess is somewhere on the Thames River in England. Chey, you are always so challenging! It makes my tiny mind hurt.”

Molly, Shadow and Trooder were also thrilled to have a good guess, “Oh Oh Oh, The mom finks she knows dis one. She says it looks like the castle in London dat she bisited in 2000. But we dun know ourselves as we wasn’t there and we wasnt born yet.”

Finally Derby also got it and had a bit of advice for those like me who go traveling, “Yep, sitting on the foreshore of the Thames in front of the Tower of London. You should look for interesting stuff in the river mud. They call them mudlarks and they find old coins and lots of other stuff.http://www.time.com/time/magazine/article/0,9171,1927261,00.html”