Missabittatitti's Tales - Canada 2010

All Done

2010-07-02T09:28:00.000-07:00

This is it!!! We have all had a great time at the festival as well as our respective holidays. Thanks for joining us. We shall see you all back in Brisbane and back in the boat. xxx

San Fransisco

2010-07-02T09:27:00.000-07:00

A bit cooler in San Fransisco!
Golden Gate Bridge, Alcatraz, Chinatown, Castro, Haight Ashbury, North Beach for some good Italian, a good old piano bar in Lefty O'Doul's (you can imagine!), great times in San Fransisco.

Almost done - Rosalie, Geoff, E and Pam are off to the Napa for a few days before flying home (hope they get some nice wine for us all :)). Jo and A are flying out tonight.

The Last Days - Las Vegas

2010-07-01T11:27:00.000-07:00

Only a few of us left in Las Vegas and San Francisco. Las Vegas is all people say. Amazing to say the least!!!! An adult playground. Elaine (now known as E), Pam, Rosalie, Geoff, Jo and Adrianna stayed at the lovely Bellagio. It was hot hot hot but that did not stop us checking out the sights, shopping and casinos.

The Bellagio is very nice. Food is amazing and the buffet for brunch great - we all hoed in and stuffed ourselves silly - it lasted the day. One of the Bellagio highlights is the Fountain show - choreographed to different music for each showing - it is fabulous to watch.

We all went on the helicopter ride to Grand Canyon. Amazing! Not so sure about being in the front seat with the pilot but worth landing in the canyon and having champagne. It was very hot - about 46 deg C.

Casinos everywhere! Of course we have all made our donations. The 2 tragics of the group went and saw Donnie and Marie (1 somewhat reluctantly). It was a blast. Wonder who the tragics were :)

Shopping - we were told that shopping in Vegas is a must - we all made a dent in our wallets with some great bargains.

New York New York - WOW!!!

2010-06-23T10:17:00.000-07:00

The last 5 days have been spent in fabulous New York. Most of the time playing in Manhattan.

Traffic, noise, people, buildings, everything - nothing like any of us have ever seen...

We all arrived on our bus and said good bye to our guide Edith and driver Dave, dumped our bags and went for Pizza. Then off to Times Square - with many, many other people. Quite overwhelming and the lights were amazing! Then back to our hotel for a nightcap.

The next few days saw most of us splitting up and and doing our own sightseeing in smaller groups. All much the same but via different days and methods.

Most took the option of the hop on and off bus. Great value and a great way to get oriented with the area. Some of us went to Ground Zero - worth the visit to the museum to listen to stories and read perspectives from children, survivors and witnesses. Very moving to see and it is a valuable way to ensure this is never forgotten. Building is underway now for the new building and memorial which will be worth revisiting upon completion.

Free ferry ride for some on the Staten Island ferry - with a birds eye view of Statue of Liberty.

Some took in the Empire State building for the view, others did the Rockefeller Building (The Rock) - for an amazing ride up the elevator with a fast view of the lift shaft in lights! To the top of the rock for amazing views of the city. A little hazy but impressive all the same.

Greenwich Village is lovely and it was good to get away from some 'traffic'. Plenty of lovely buildings and cafes and some markets to wonder through. At Washington Square we were entertained by some singers and there were plenty of people sun baking and keeping cool. Temperatures are starting to soar!.

Of course a highlight of the trip was the 50th birthday celebration for Sue! '230' on 5th Avenue - rooftop with a great view of the city - impressive view of the Empire State building at dusk/night. The celebration was fun and followed into the night back at our hotel. It is a 50th that Sue will not forget. (pics to come).

The next day many of us met at the Boat House (Central Park) for brunch. (a couple were a bit shabby but we won't name names :)). What a location! Central Park is HUGE! Walking around was amazing and it was incredible to think that around us is a really busy and noisy city. You would think we were miles away! Some of us took in part of the park including Strawberry Fields where there is a memorial for John Lennon.

A few of us then went to Harlem - and some had to shop for a bargain. Harlem is a complete contrast to Manhattan. It was just how we would have pictured it. Being a Sunday there were plenty of people dressed in the Sunday clothes for Church - we were a little late for a service. There are plenty of Harlem characters. We met a lovely lady - Joyce with a couple of her adopted kids. Elaine got talking to her and it turns out her daughter recently died as a result of breast cancer, she also had a son who recently passed away. So sad but she has an amazing spirit and faith and is now looking after her daughter's children as well as other adoptees.

Grand Central Station - a world of it's own! When in NYC you have to visit and take a ride in the subway. The station itself is huge with shops, bars, restaurants, shoe shiners, and people a plenty. We went to the Oyster bar for a well earned coldie. It really is not hard to get around.

New York really is a city that never sleeps! After 5 days - we barely touched the surface! It is a place to come back to again and take in more. This is where most of us split up to either go home, or continue our holidays. See you in Brisbane Caramel, June, Sharon and Gary. Ruth - to Belfast to visit family. Janelle and Graham to London and Greek Islands no less! Karen, Lizzie, Elaine and Pam are going to Washington. Karen and Lizzie then do the beautiful inner passage cruise, and Elaine and Pam will see Jo and Adrianna in Las Vegas (VIVA!!!). Rosalie and Geoff are going the stay at the Heartbreak Hotel in Memphis and will also meet up in Vegas. Ellen and Paul are staying in NYC, Sue is meeting up with family in NYC then heading to Vegas then Disneyland. Kate and Nicole gong to LA. All in all we are heading off to see different things and some will meet up again. The blog will continue for a little bit from Las Vegas. Thanks for following us.

We have had, and continue to have a blast!!!!!

Ruth

WOW! Driving into NY City was amazing, especially as we moved closer to the Helmsely Hotel and our stop for the next few nights. Noise, noise, noise - honking horns and blazing sirens! This is it! Up to Time Square, lights enough to mesmerise with giddiness. Off on the Hop on/Off bus, photos from Brooklyn Bridge and the amazing little chapel, Trinity Church which survived a fire and more recently the bombing of WTC. It's all been fabulous using the subway and working out the grid. Truly a marvellous city ending with a wonderful party on the rooftop bar for Captain Snooze's 50th at '230'with the Empire State in the background. Then brunch in the morning at Central Park - The Boathouse. It has all been so awesome. Love to all, Ruth.

Janelle P

Hi All So much to do in New York.

Snooze's 50th at '230 on 5th Ave' on the rooftop bar with the Empire State in the background. What fun with all the girls! Shame it has to end. Safe travels home everyone! Janelle and Graham xx

Tourists:

E and A shopping in Harlem

Hello New York !!

2010-06-19T06:32:00.000-07:00

Apologies for being a couple of days late with the blog but we are having such an amazing time being tourists and enjoying ourselves that time seems to slip away. This morning we left our hotel at Boston and headed off for New York. On our way we passed through Newport, Rhode Island, which is a lovely place. Some of the houses are just incredible - lots of money in parts of Newport !!!

We stopped at the Breakers, which was built as the Newport summer home of Cornelius Vanderbilt II, a member of the wealthy United States Vanderbilt family. It was amazing - the 70-room mansion boasts approximately 65,000 sq ft (6,000 m2). of living space. The home was constructed between 1893 and 1895 at a cost of more than $7 million (approximately $150 million in today's dollars adjusted for inflation).

We then had lunch at the Pier at Newport, and met our server Barbara whose daughter was diagnosed with breast cancer at 38 years of age (2 years ago). Barbara has only just moved to Newport from Florida, as the oil spill has ruined tourism and job opportunities. We were ready to settle in for a session, but needed to get back on the bus. Off again, through Conneticut and onto New York. We drove through Queens, the Bronx and past Flushing Meadows - and then we saw Manhattan in the distance. Those of you who have seen NYC for the 1st time will understand the excitement in the bus.

We arrived at our accommodation - the New York Helmsley Hotel and realised that Caramel and June had left their luggage behind in Boston. Thank goodness for Fedex.

Most of us headed off for a pizza dinner and then walked to Times Square (about 5 blocks away). It is just as you have seen in photos and on TV, only better. This city is amazing - busy, loud, exciting and fabulous. Police presence is everywhere. Once again, how do we sign off apart from saying that we are having an amazing time.

The Breakers

Newport

Newport - with our driver Dave and guide Edith

New York

Boston...

2010-06-18T05:24:00.000-07:00

A full day in Boston.
Started with a tour of Boston Common and walked around Beacon Hill. Said Cheers outside the Cheers bar (sadly we were early so could not actually çheer with an ale).
We then ran the Boston Marathon - well, we saw the start and finish line!
We also now have many smarter people in MBT- with their new Harvard T shirts after our visit to Harvard. Very smart indeed.

Finally we walked the Freedom trail and ended up at Quincy Markets where we had lunch, a potter around and back to the hotel for pizza.

Next we head to NEW YORK via Newport. We are running a day behind with our blog, but we will be up to date shortly.

Niagara to Boston

2010-06-16T15:29:00.000-07:00

We headed off about 8am this morning for our long trip to Boston. On one side of Niagara is USA - on the other side is Canada. We needed to pass through US Customs and it only took us 1 hour 20 minutes, which was better than the 3 or 4 hours that is sometime takes when the bus queue is long. And off we travelled into New York State ...

We stopped at Albany which is the capital of New York State. There wasn't much happening at Albany - seems the whole city knocked off early. We saw the Egg which is the centre for performing arts and the New York State Capitol building. We also had the obligatory squirrel sightings - we love the squirrels and the guys love watching grown women with cameras chase them all over the place.

We took advantage of the long bus trip - we napped, read our books and some of us decided to open a mini bar at the back of the bus. Do you know how hard it is to pour scotch into a tiny little coke bottle when the bus is moving?? We paraded up and down the bus in our new masks (kindly provided by Rosalie) and played celebrity heads to pass the time.

We arrived at our hotel in Boston about 7pm, and made our way next door for dinner at the Rustic Kitchen Bistro and Bar. Every Friday night they have a live cooking show with a live audience who eat the food as it is prepared. We all got very excited and had to have our photos taken (photos to come). We felt like we were Master Chef contestants, even though we were mixing in empty bowls and not actually cooking anything.

We are off for a city tour tomorrow - until then....

Goodbye Niagara Falls

Albany - The Egg

Albany - Capitol Building - look at all the people !!

On the buses - Elaine and Ellen

Celebrity heads

Cheers

Jo and Captain Snooze (isnt this one scary !!)

Caramel reads Élaine's fortune

Farewell Peterborough - Hello Niagra

2010-06-15T04:35:00.000-07:00

Time to say hooroo to Peterborough and some of our crew. We had a great time with everyone and it is a pity we can;t continue, but we are all off on our own adventures.

20 of us boarded our bus with Edith our guide - a wealth of knowledge and Dave our driver. Edith and Dave - you are brave!

We had a brief trip through Toronto - most of us had been there but Edith gave a bigger insight to the area so it was well worth the re-visit.

One of many photo stops!!

Then - Niagara Falls! Wow Wow Wow!!!!! We were all blown away by the sheer size and magnitude. We donned our lovely blue shower plastics and did the Maids on the Midst. Amazing to get so close to the actual falls. No dragon boating in this water thanks very much!

We all had a free evening to take in Niagara - very kitsch!

Tomorrow bound for Boston.

Some Words from our Crew

2010-06-15T04:08:00.000-07:00

Di Clohessy

I was blown away by the hospitality shown by the Peterborough locals. Two ladies brought shooters for our whole team while we were having dinner - so of course we had to reward their generosity with our famous songs. We were invited by our ambassador Melanie - for 33 of us to her wonderful waterfront home where we enjoyed playing tennis, drinking Canadian beer and I found my spot on the hammock overlooking Clear Lakre. Our very generous hostess prepared a Canadian feast, however like Australians would we ate the fruit kebabs with our main instead of leaving them for the wonderful chocolate cake with said "welcome Missabittatitti Team".

Di leading us in Warm Up!

Ellen and Paul

Hi to everyone in Aus - WOW!! We are currently on our way to Niagara Falls after having 5 days in Peterborough. It's been a fantastic experience. Paddling and meeting many amazing people and so much laughing - great fun! We have had an awesome trip from Vancouver through the 'Rockies'with the most beautiful scenery just unbelievable. Everyone s starting to slowly tire?? Time for a little rest until we arrive in NYC - cant wait!! Miss you all, Ellen and Paul xx

Captain Snooze Reporting in...

2010-06-15T03:53:00.000-07:00

Time for us to wind don after the hype of the festival with 73 international teams. we paddled well on Saturday, coming 2nd in our first race. In our second race we did a better time by 1 second coming third.

After the gala dinner for 2000 people on Saturday evening we were to race in the finals on Sunday. Paddling with 19 we did really well to place 3rd in our first race. Against 3 other Aussie teams we gave our all - and more in the final, missing 3rd place by .01 seconds - there was only .01 between 2nd, 3rd and 4th place.

Even with chest infections, sore throats and headaches our girls showed such passion and endurance. I feel proud and privileged to be Captain to such a crew.

Signing off as captain Snooze

Bring on New York !!! xxx

Captain Snooze with our Ambassador at the closing ceremony:

More racing, nice weather and carnations

2010-06-14T15:33:00.000-07:00

The last day of the festival. We woke up to a much better day weather wise thank goodness. The organisers and paddlers are very happy about that. The sun shone and Peterborough really looked gorgeous.

Back to the tents and meeting up with old and new chums.

Di, Rosa (NZ) and Karen. Rose was with Di on the Ord River marathon in 2009 and was with Karen, Lizzie and Jo for Amazon Heart Thunder.

Our new friends Julie and Mellisaa arrived with Melissa's daughter Danielle laden with some munchies for us. Little Dannielle also drew a special picture for us and gave us a good luck balloon to give us encouragement for our day - just lovely.

Melanie was with us as happy and wonderful as ever. Her neverending smile and the joy she has brought to us has been amazing. She was later joined by hubby John and daughter Lauren.

Melanie with Di and Elaine

Today was also the day of Flowers on the Water. This festival called it the Carnation Ceremony. Annette and Lizzie were the 2 MBT representatives commencing with the Sandy Smith Global Race, followed by the ceremony. This event never fails to move any person involved or watching from the shore. It was amazing to see representatives from each team join hands and remember (along with the spectators) those who have left us or are struggling with breast cancer. You could hear the sudden intake of breath when the white doves were released. Each of us had special thoughts on women who have touched us and who have been in the boat with us over the festival.

The day followed with the final races (see note from captain Snooze soon) and the important business of shirt swapping, final shopping and badge hunting!

Rosalie and Ivana from Bella Rosa - Italy

It was not long before the lone piper lead all participants to the closing ceremony where we listened to Dr Don and also the IBCPC committee bidding us all farewell. The most poignant part of the closing was when Sandy Smith's daughter talk to everyone about her experience while her mother was going through her journey with breast cancer. She shared some wonderful stories and experiences and we all felt moved ad inspried by the stories she shared. Her mother would be so proud of her now.

Now we bid Peterborough and the festival good bye. We are so thankful for the experience, for our ambassador and our new friends, and let's not forget our favourite bus driver Dave.

We are looking forward to finding out where the next festival will be held. Thank you Peterborough!!!!!

The Galas at the Gala

2010-06-13T15:38:00.000-07:00

It is party night! Everyone frocked up in the name of pink and made our way to Evinrude Centre - Hockey place. There were two hockey fields decked out and ready to take on about 2000 guests.

Dinner was great and we were treated to a brief presentation by the inspirational Dr Don McKenzie. Iit is amazing to think that without his study in the 90's - none of us would be here today, celebrating life as we are. Nor would we have met such amazing friends.

This was followed by an inspirational presentation by breast cancer survivor Dianne Mowatt from Dragons Abreast Toronto. Wonder Woman extraordinaire!!!

Once done - the buses came and took the party girls to the Memorial Centre for dancing and mayhem.

Thanks Survivors Abreast in Peterborough for putting on a great party!

Time to Paddle!

2010-06-13T04:39:00.000-07:00

We all woke very early to the sound of rain and saw plenty of lightning for day one of the regatta part of the festival! Fortunately the lightning stopped before we left the motel for the lake but the rain did persist for much of the day. Spirits were not dampened - everyone is pumped and ready to go.

We had a couple of races, and came second and third respectively. There is plenty of competition out there - watch out for some of the Aussie team and also the amazing women from South Africa have been putting in very impressive paddling, plus they are just lovely!

There has been plenty of time to meet other participants and we do have some badge swap queens in our midst. Wonder who will have the most impressive collection at the end...

A special mention and big thanks to our ambassador Melanie - she arrived to look after us with her big smile, and muffins! Thanks Melanie and happy anniversay (30th) to you and John!

We also had a special visit from our new friends (remember the shots we were given at dinner the other night??) Julie and Melissa. Thanks for your support ladies :)

Everyone was very pleased to get into hot showers at the end of the day. Tomorrow hopes to be warmer with some sunshine! Yes!

Now to the serious side - the gala dinner - lets frock up.

Welcome!

Let's get the party started !!!!

2010-06-12T06:22:00.000-07:00

We did not have a practice session today, so must of us did our own thing in the morning. Three of the team attended the scheduled workshops. Carmel attended the Laugher is the Best Medicine workshop (seems to be working well so far), Sharon attended the Fueling the Dragon Boater session, and Edith attended the Know Your Team session. Jo and Rosalie spent most of the day at the IBCPC meeting - a gathering of representatives from all participating teams. They felt very privileged to listen to a presentation from Dr Don McKenzie.

Then off to the parade and opening ceremony. The international teams marched first and we were designated as team number 11. The excitement among the group was obvious as we exited from our "holding bay"onto the street. We were very well received by the many spectators lining the street, probably because of our green wigs, our singing and our noise. Our supporters marched with us and it was an amazing experience for all. The size of the parade was amazing - 2078 paddlers - a seemingly never ending stream of colour, noise and excitement. The South African team (amaBele Belles) looked amazing in traditional South African dress - they were a huge crowd favourite.

We continued our walk along the main street and made our way into Del Crary Park. The organisers had done a wonderful job to create a fantastic venue. Hundreds of chairs on a sea of green grass, facing a stage with a dragon boat adorned with fresh flowers, and surrounded by vendor stalls and an amazing assortment of colour, costumes and people. After the official opening, we danced on the grass at the front of the stage with our "new friends" from all over the world, and a few of us even made it to the beer tent (can you believe it??).

Our first race is at 10.15am tomorrow and we are ready and keen to get on the water.

Rosalie and Jo meet Don McKenzie

Waiting for the parade to begin

The parade

Opening ceremony

South African team

MBT trains and meets their Peterborough ambassador

2010-06-11T05:09:00.000-07:00

Today was the first opportunity for some of the team to sleep in (no more early mornings catching the train, boarding a plane ..). Some of the crew played golf, swam in the hotel’s indoor pool, went for a walk or just simply relaxed in preparation for today’s training session.

The team was picked up from the hotel early afternoon for the drive to Del Crary Park in a yellow school bus (the type you see on American movies). We had our first look at the venue for the regatta, which is a lovely large lake with lots of greenery and activity around it’s shoreline. We had an hour on the water and we felt good after our session – it was overcast and a little blowy at times, but the water felt good. We had a look at the South African team on the water – they are a young team and look strong.

We were collected by bus at 6pm for a visit to the home of our Peterborough ambassador – Melanie. We drove for about 30 minutes, through the rural area surrounding the town. What a fantastic evening. Melanie had never met us before, but she hosted, fed and entertained 33 strangers in her amazing home on the lake. We had incredible views of the lake, watched some interesting techniques on the tennis court, and were treated to an incredible meal and Canadian hospitality.

We were also entertained by Melanie’s daughter Lauren, and husband John. Everyone was blown away by the generosity of complete strangers who opened their house to the rowdy mob called MBT. Back on the bus for a (reasonably) early night in preparation for the street parade tomorrow. We are having a blast !!

The team training bus arrives

Trying on our PFD's (personal flotation devices) - no PFD, no paddle

After our session on the water

Arriving at our ambassador's home

Our hosts - Melanie, Lauren and John

Messages from some paddlers

2010-06-11T03:09:00.000-07:00

Lizzie

Lizzie, Elizabeth, Mum checking in from Peterborough, Ontario. I am having a great time and really enjoyed catching up with my óld'school friend Hashi who lives in LA. We had a short insight to Michaell Levine in downtown LA to buy some essential fabric supplies - my credit card went into meltdown!! Sorry Kahno I am still spending your inheritance! Karen and I were very lucky to also visit a working Hollywood studio and had a tour by prop master extraordinaire Josh. Thanks again. Our whole team is together now and the Super 8 in Peterborough will never be the same again I fear. However they keep smiling and so far nothing is too much trouble. I am looking forward to paddling and meeting new friends this weekend. I know that I will look back and be so thankful that I was able to be here in 2010. Lizzie xoxoxo

Karen (Squirt)
Hello to one and all. We had a great time in LA. Thanks again Josh for showing us around the studio.

I still love your trailer and wish I had my own. Mum and Dad, time is flying by and we are all having so much fun. Adam thanks for the latest photos I am so happy for you both. Peterborough is a little chilly but full of fun times and catching up with old friends. I look forward to the next 4 days of partying and a little paddling.

Willy

Hawaii was wonderful and Chicago exciting. arriving from Peterborough before out team was great to see teams from Central Coast and Tasmania and walking around the town. The colour pink is a talking point but meeting everyone on Wednesday from MBT was unforgettable. Willy xxoo

Pam

Hi there folks. The tour was wonderful. We all turned up here at Peterborough in our new gear and we look really great! The fun starts now! Pam Cosgrove.

Janelle P

We are here after 9 days travelling through the most fantastic trip in the Rockies on the Rocky Mountaineer.
We have been on planes - large and small, even the sea plane (float plane). We have been up to the ice fields, hot springs, a ranch with the horses being training for the Calgary Stampede. What a journey. But the best so far was the meeting of all the team at the Super 8 hotel when we met up for team drinks. The air in the room was buzzing - so much friendship, laughter and hugs. Wwhat a team! MBT, PC, Partners, Family and friends.
WooHoo!!!!! Janelle.

Toronto to Peterborough - Finally!

2010-06-10T07:09:00.000-07:00

Yahoo - Peterborough bound!

We met up as a group at the Sheraton Toronto Centre at 11am this morning for our trip to Peterborough on our bus. Looking god in our new shirts don't you think?

The bus took about an hour and a half to get to Peterborough, we checked in to the Super 8 and went off to explore.

We have received a very warm welcome from check in, at the shops and dinner. Plenty of s\igns around the town welcoming the dragons and plenty of pink in the shopping centre.

We met for pre-dinner drinks at the hotel and made our way to the restaurant for dinner - Kelsey's. Fortunately we had our own room - with 33 of us there was plenty of noise - funny that.

The restaurant as packed with other dragon boaters - Aussies, South Africans, English, - everyone is pretty excited. Thanks to Julie and Melissa - locals have taken us under their wing - who shouted us those shots - one each (sadly!) - they were divine.

Tomorrow we get serious - training in the arvo!

Late night champers, and showers with room service!!!

2010-06-09T06:59:00.000-07:00

Toronto!
Everyone is starting to arrive to the meeting point for our next adventure - Peterborough and the festival!

Of note - Carmel (Caramel from this point on :)) and June arrived late on Monday evening and checked into the very nice Sheraton and settled in their room about midnight.

What do we do now they thought. What any well thought women should do - order champagne! Why not celebrate.

While waiting Caramel decides to take a shower. Over here it seems things are a little different to turn on, on different sides and so on. Showers specifically are a challenge to turn on. Fortunately room service arrives and Caramel welcomed the young man "would you like to come in the shower with me?" At least she had the foresight to remove her flowery shower cal (not a good look) before he joined her! The shower on, the young man made a hasty retreat.

Tomorrow we are meeting the bus - everyone should be there and we will make our way to Peterborough.

paddles up (soon).

Caramel and June arrive in Toronto - cheers!

A photographer just has to get the right angle!

CN Tower

Meeting up with Gold Coast members (Caramel, Anne Marie and Skippy form Gold Coast), Jo.

Friends Meet up in Banff

2010-06-06T08:59:00.000-07:00

It was great to meet up with other MBT friends in Banff. The travellers on the Rocky Mountaineer arrived last night and met up with Jo and A who arrived the day before.

It was great to catch up and share some arrival ales. Just a couple of course as we are all in training - aren't we girls!

Janelle P and Doc headed up to Sulphur Mountain to enjoy the hot springs and view of the beautiful mountains. The rest of the crew headed off for dinner and ate when it turned dark - in this part of the world that makes it a very late dinner. Of course we had to have a night cap before heading off.

The Rocky Mountaineer crew are heading to Lake Louise via helicopter. Jo and A are off to Calgary.

We will all meet again in Toronto - and will be meeting the remainder of our group there to then head off to Peterborough. See you in Toronto everyone!

Downtown Banff

Rosalie, Snooze and Elaine - how much can a girl bear?

The boots were made for walking!

Snooze fixing the tab? Good on you buddy!

Elaine, Rosalie, Jo and Ruth - Downtown

Hot Springs - complete with lifeguards. Good place for a hot bath - amazing views.

the happy crew at dinner

The Rockies - Mother Nature - WOW!

2010-06-03T20:46:00.000-07:00

We never thought the Rockies would be so amazing! We have been blown away by the magnitude of the beauty and ruggedness.

Lake Louise was just like the postcards. Beautiful - one of those areas where you cant seem to get enough. 'We decided to treat ourselves to breakfast at the Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise - fabulous - not just the food but the view to match.

We then made our way to Columbia Icefields and went to the Athabasca Glacier - what an experience.

We were gratfeul the weather decided to be kind to us and everyone else - standing on ice 300m deep and feeling quite small (and cold - minus 2deg - that is cold for a couple of Aussies).

Kilometres and kilometres and many, many snow capped moutains and hills - touching the clouds - awe inspriring - we feel so lucky to be here.

Creatures of the Rockies

2010-06-03T20:22:00.000-07:00

Today we had more bear sightings from Lake Louise to Jasper. It is great to see these amazing creatures in the wild! Very special. This one was just sitting, cleaning and lazing. Non plussed about us taking pics.

This one just grazing on the side of the road. We can understand the issue where motorists are not to careul when they pull over to take pics.

Porcupine at Lake Louise - a first for us too!

A Small World!!

2010-06-01T07:32:00.000-07:00

You would not believe today! Our intrepid travellers took the water taxi in Vancouver yesterday and told the driver they are dragon boaters. The driver told them his mum, Nora, came to Abreast in Australia in 2007 and paddles with Abreast in a Boat! Amazing!

Just waiting on the picture girls!!

More MBT arrivals

2010-05-31T08:30:00.000-07:00

They have started to arrive! Message from Rosalie - ''sitting in The Keg in Yaletown (Vancouver), celebrating arrival...'' Seems they are already getting to know the locals, or rather the locals are getting to know about MBT.

All we can say is watch out Canada, watch out Peterborough - we are on the way :)

Victoria and Whistler

2010-05-31T07:56:00.000-07:00

Arrived in Victoria via ferry, still cool and damp, but spirits are not dampened! Visited the amazig Butchart Gardens - a must, a joy for anyone visiting Vancouver Island. It would be great to walk around without any tourists or cameras and just 'be''. Flew back on the sea plane to Vancouver, a teeny weeny thing, and we sat in very close proximity to the cockpit. Now in our car and have commenced our journey in the Rockies. Frst stop Whistler and our first bear sigthing - A is still raving about it!

Butchart Gardens

Up close and personal!

Flying into Vancouver

View from our room in Whistler

A Bear!!!!!! Just as we came into Whistler Village - ran in front of the car.

Vancouver!

2010-05-29T20:30:00.000-07:00

The trip has commenced for some. Vancouver! Here we are in Canada.

Lots of walking around downtown Vancouver, hired bikes to cycle around Stanley Park (good training!). then on the BC ferry to Vancouver Island.

Bon Voyage...

2010-05-20T15:19:00.000-07:00

To all the ladies travelling to Canada - from BRD or other clubs, please have a great and safe trip. ALL THE BEST ladies xxx. Geoff McMahaon - Sunshine Coast.

PADDLE HARD AND PARTY HARDER - hey girls have an awesome time in Peterborough. Show the rest of the world that we haven't lost any of our 'Fire' and 'Spirit' . Be safe on your travels. Cheers, Corina

Ian's Poem

2010-05-19T01:46:00.000-07:00

You are off to Canada you are Peterborough bound
So many more friendships will surely be found
Face the comp be fearless and bold
Come home with some bling
Not necessarily Gold.
The very best wishes from all of us here
You have taken on life
With strong will, and good cheer
We love the Pink Ladies
I am sure you can tell
Now get in that boat
And paddle like hell!

Ian Corner

Wishes from Pete...

2010-05-19T01:37:00.000-07:00

I'd like to wish our Canada Contingent safe travels and lots of fun as they set off on their great adventure. You will have an amazing time, forge great bonds, make new friends and have plenty of stories to tell us. I can't wait to read them on the Blog.

While you are away, a few of us from the 2005 trip will be meeting up with old friends from Prince Rupert who showed us enormous hospitality and a great time. So we will have our own Canada thing happening here.

Here is a photo of the 2005 Vancouver group...

Wishing you all much fun

Pete xoxox

Not long to go!

2010-05-17T15:07:00.000-07:00

Not long to go and we will be on our way to Canada. Leigh and Bern have already arrived, and over the next couple of weeks we will all be departing for an amazing trip.

We hope you will join us! We will keep you posted, and would welcome any comments from you all at home.

Canada and beyond - here we come!!!!