Arise it is morning again, only 1000, Jan is still asleep, best I go back to bed. Arise, now I have had too much sleep and am feeling overtired. Oh well. Had some crazy dreams. One where I was going snowboarding in Japan but I could not walk properly then another where I was at some crazy music festival. So what to do today. Jan tells me that he has been up earlier and done most of the work he needs to do today, then dropped off Sarah at work and went back to bed. What a champion!!
So what should we do? We have a few errands to run so that is probably a good place to start. First we are off to Isley to cash in the petrol receipts from last week. We arrive just as they are about to break for lunch so we wonder around a bit while Kevin finishes his class. Walked in to the canteen and saw one of the boys from the camping trip so I went and said hello. Walked out of the canteen and then was confronted by a staff member.
"Can I help you?"
"No, I am just waiting to speak to Kevin when he finished his class."
"Does he know you are here?"
"He will once he finishes his class, I was on the camp with him last week."
"Ok."
I walked off and saw Jan again then we went and talked to Kevin, then bailed. Later I realized that the teacher who confronted me had probably thought I was trying to sell drugs to the kids or something, funny.
So from here we hit The Trail Shop. This is an outdoor shop in town and is one of Jans places of work. They have some sweet gear in here and Malcolm says he can hook me up with some sweet deals on the Extra Sport branded gear if I am interested. Yes I am, I think to myself. So I am eying up a sweet paddle jacket and maybe a PFD. Jan just got a call from Sarah, she has a dental appointment in one hour so we have to make a move and go pick her up. All good lets get moving. Sarah has a wisdom tooth coming through which is causing her some pain so she needs to get it sorted. We get dropped off at the house and gear up for a mission downtown.
So we head off, through the commons and around the Citadel (old historic fort). We stop on the hill for a look and Jan tells me there is a by-law stating that the view of the harbour from this hill can not be blocked by any buildings, never know when you will need to fire off one of those cannons. That is sweet. We head down around the waterfront, towards the Nautical Museum. on the way we see Thomas Tugboat. This is a working tugboat which is designed after a childrens television show here in Halifax Harbour. It has the cartoon face, basball cap and all, awesome.
Into the museum to find that it is free if we come back at 1730. Sounds like a plan, maybe Sarah will want to come too. So we head home via the supermarket, bacon wrapped scallops are on the menu. I am not a huge fan of shellfish but it sounds good, and it was!! At the checkout and Jan has left his debit card in his other jacket, all good I got this covered. Back home for another wicked feed and then we are off to the museum for free. Sadly Sarah doesn't join us as she has too much work to do after leaving early to go to the dentist.
The museum was very cool. They had a lot of cool models and artifacts, even a beautiful Rainbow Macaw named Merlin. Merlin even says 'hello' to us. There was also a talk happening about the Panama Canal but we skip it to try and see as much of the museum as we can. Still we do not have enough time and get kicked out before we get all the way through. Oh well it was free after all.
Now back home again, Jans playing the guitar, Sarah is looking for an all inclusive trip for them to go on next week as she has vacation and I am writing in here. Well that is all he wrote.
Over and out.
Saturday, November 6, 2010
Off To The Mall
So Sarah arrived home last night. Unfortunately it was a late pick up as she missed her connecting flight. Today she is off to work and Jan has to prepare for an important interview. Me, I'm off to the mall to get a canadian sim card so I can text people back home and have a lifeline incase I get lost or something. My phone wont work on the Aliant network which apparently is the better one, damn. Oh well to the Rogers shop I go and happy days we have lift off. Ok I'm back on the grid, probably shouldn't text home yet as it is like 0500 tomorrow morning. Time for some eats. Better try one of these Tim Hortons sandwiches. So I count out my change in an attempt to get rid of some of it but alas once I order I realize of course they don't include tax in the advertised price, pretty annoying, so I have to pull out a note. But it works out well in the end as I use some of the change to buy a poppy from the war vets and the rest to get on the bus back to Jans place.
So the sandwich is good, now I understand why they are so popular. I send a text message to Rosa and I get a reply. Hurrah mission accomplished. A quick look around the mall and then on the bus back to Jans. I remembered where to get off the bus but then manage to walk in the wrong direction. Good thing I got a sim card as I might have to text Jan for directions. Back to where I got off the bus and I stroll in the other direction to quickly find that this is the right way and I am home in no time. Jan arrives home shortly after me, says the interview went well, lets go on a misson!!
We head out to the York Redoubt for a look but find the caretaker is locking the gates.
"We are on winter hours now." He says.
But when we get back in the car and look at the time we see he is about 15 minutes early locking up, it is only 1645. Guess he wants to get home for a cup of tea, it is pretty mild out. So off to another spot to scope it out (an old church) then we head up to Pt and Patty's place who we find still leaning on the counter with drink in hand.
"Setting a fine example for the next generation." He states.
A quick chat here and then they are off to the club so we head off as well and go to check out a beach nearby.
On arrival we find that the road is blocked by some big boulders and it is quite a long walk to the beach from here and it is too cold for that. So we head to the Secret Beach a little further up the road and is a much shorter walk to this one. Another beautiful spot. Back to town and we spot Pt and Patty heading back from the club.
Home for dinner, left overs with a twist are one the menu and it is mmmmmmmm good. Now time to relax. Early night is on the cards. I arrange a skype session with mum and dad, nice to talk to them and then it is more or less off to bed.
Happy days.
So the sandwich is good, now I understand why they are so popular. I send a text message to Rosa and I get a reply. Hurrah mission accomplished. A quick look around the mall and then on the bus back to Jans. I remembered where to get off the bus but then manage to walk in the wrong direction. Good thing I got a sim card as I might have to text Jan for directions. Back to where I got off the bus and I stroll in the other direction to quickly find that this is the right way and I am home in no time. Jan arrives home shortly after me, says the interview went well, lets go on a misson!!
We head out to the York Redoubt for a look but find the caretaker is locking the gates.
"We are on winter hours now." He says.
But when we get back in the car and look at the time we see he is about 15 minutes early locking up, it is only 1645. Guess he wants to get home for a cup of tea, it is pretty mild out. So off to another spot to scope it out (an old church) then we head up to Pt and Patty's place who we find still leaning on the counter with drink in hand.
"Setting a fine example for the next generation." He states.
A quick chat here and then they are off to the club so we head off as well and go to check out a beach nearby.
On arrival we find that the road is blocked by some big boulders and it is quite a long walk to the beach from here and it is too cold for that. So we head to the Secret Beach a little further up the road and is a much shorter walk to this one. Another beautiful spot. Back to town and we spot Pt and Patty heading back from the club.
Home for dinner, left overs with a twist are one the menu and it is mmmmmmmm good. Now time to relax. Early night is on the cards. I arrange a skype session with mum and dad, nice to talk to them and then it is more or less off to bed.
Happy days.
Surfng in Halifax
Woke up early this morning to find Bo on the floor next to my bed, went to the toilet and then he jumped on to the bed with me, all good. Got up at 0900, head downstairs and hello to all. After a cup of tea we head of towards town.
On the way we stop at the 'York Redoubt' for a look around. It is one of the old war forts that you will find around the area. There has been military stationed here through many battles. WW1 and 11 I guess being the biggest. German U Boats used to come in to the area to stir up some shit so the allies so these huge spotlights to see them and some sweet arse cannons to blow them out of the water whenever possible. Apparently some kids had a rave down here last year so the council has put up fences, bricked in some holes and put up signs to cover themselves if anything falls down on someone. But we hop easily around the fence for a look. Pretty cool spot history and scenery wise. It is right at the harbour entrance with a huge lighthouse on the opposite point. We see some gannets working but alas no whales are spotted. So we head back to the car via this sweet old bunker. Back at the car we find some lady scoping out Jans ride. She explains it was her friends and that she was a bit worried as she had not seen her friend on the track and thought perhaps she may have been hurt. So Jan sparks a conversation about being safe and talk of people who have injured themselves on the track. Jan is good like that always happy to chat to anyone along the way.
So back into town for some breakfast. 'The Greek Diner', eggs, bacon, toast, home fries and tea, just what the doctor ordered. Apparently there is a strong Greek community in the area and they throw a festival which is the under age drinking event of the year. Good times.
After breakfast we had back the the apartment for some relaxation so I start to write, but before long there is a knock at the door, enter Graham a surfing buddy of Jans who is keen to go look for some waves. Jan takes a bit of convincing but soon enough we are on the mission again. Not sure if I am too keen to get in the surf but I will put on a smile and see what happens. I am certainly keen for a mission. Down to St Mary's Boat Club to jump in the zodiac and we are off, out of the harbour in search of surf.
There is a few breaks around but nothing is exactly pumping. We eventually find a spot that looks surfable so the boys are in there. I decide to pike on getting in the water and just man the boat which kinda works out well as there is not really anywhere to park the zodiac. They get some good rides with me cheering them on and a couple of seals floating around pout the back. Jan had mentioned to watch out for sharks so when the seals disappear I do wonder if something has spooked them. Back in the boat and we cruise back around the islands to the boat club with me at the wheel (can't wait to get my own boat). Back at the boat club and I shake the petrol can, probably lucky we did not go much further as we were pretty much running on fumes.
We load up Grahams Buick Roadmaster which has a sweet wooden side strip and it is back to the apartment, via the supermarket. We need supplies, dinner for us and candy for the trick or treaters. Pork is on the menu and you know with Jan that it is going to be amazing. No surprise, it tastes like heaven. Roast Kumura (sweet potato), mushrooms and onions on the side. Neither of us can finish our plate. Prolly all the junk we ate prior to dinner.
Now it is time to carve the pumpkins, bit of a rush job but it is fun and they look pretty cool, they go out on the front step. Now we wait, Jan is having a nap and I am catching up on this stuff. Sarah was due back this evening at 1930 but she missed her connecting flight so is stuck in Montreal and wont arrive home until 2310. So poor Jan can not prep for his interview tomorrow (she has the computer) and he has to wait up to go and collect her from the airport. Stink buzz.
So I am in charge of handing out the candy to any kids who knock at the door while Jan catches some z's. Have not seen any killer costumes yet. I have just been told by some kids to watch out as the pumpkins we carved may get stolen. Why would you want to steal carved pumpkins? To smash them I guess. Oh well so long as they do not smash them on the front step then it is all good.
Over and Out.
On the way we stop at the 'York Redoubt' for a look around. It is one of the old war forts that you will find around the area. There has been military stationed here through many battles. WW1 and 11 I guess being the biggest. German U Boats used to come in to the area to stir up some shit so the allies so these huge spotlights to see them and some sweet arse cannons to blow them out of the water whenever possible. Apparently some kids had a rave down here last year so the council has put up fences, bricked in some holes and put up signs to cover themselves if anything falls down on someone. But we hop easily around the fence for a look. Pretty cool spot history and scenery wise. It is right at the harbour entrance with a huge lighthouse on the opposite point. We see some gannets working but alas no whales are spotted. So we head back to the car via this sweet old bunker. Back at the car we find some lady scoping out Jans ride. She explains it was her friends and that she was a bit worried as she had not seen her friend on the track and thought perhaps she may have been hurt. So Jan sparks a conversation about being safe and talk of people who have injured themselves on the track. Jan is good like that always happy to chat to anyone along the way.
So back into town for some breakfast. 'The Greek Diner', eggs, bacon, toast, home fries and tea, just what the doctor ordered. Apparently there is a strong Greek community in the area and they throw a festival which is the under age drinking event of the year. Good times.
After breakfast we had back the the apartment for some relaxation so I start to write, but before long there is a knock at the door, enter Graham a surfing buddy of Jans who is keen to go look for some waves. Jan takes a bit of convincing but soon enough we are on the mission again. Not sure if I am too keen to get in the surf but I will put on a smile and see what happens. I am certainly keen for a mission. Down to St Mary's Boat Club to jump in the zodiac and we are off, out of the harbour in search of surf.
There is a few breaks around but nothing is exactly pumping. We eventually find a spot that looks surfable so the boys are in there. I decide to pike on getting in the water and just man the boat which kinda works out well as there is not really anywhere to park the zodiac. They get some good rides with me cheering them on and a couple of seals floating around pout the back. Jan had mentioned to watch out for sharks so when the seals disappear I do wonder if something has spooked them. Back in the boat and we cruise back around the islands to the boat club with me at the wheel (can't wait to get my own boat). Back at the boat club and I shake the petrol can, probably lucky we did not go much further as we were pretty much running on fumes.
We load up Grahams Buick Roadmaster which has a sweet wooden side strip and it is back to the apartment, via the supermarket. We need supplies, dinner for us and candy for the trick or treaters. Pork is on the menu and you know with Jan that it is going to be amazing. No surprise, it tastes like heaven. Roast Kumura (sweet potato), mushrooms and onions on the side. Neither of us can finish our plate. Prolly all the junk we ate prior to dinner.
Now it is time to carve the pumpkins, bit of a rush job but it is fun and they look pretty cool, they go out on the front step. Now we wait, Jan is having a nap and I am catching up on this stuff. Sarah was due back this evening at 1930 but she missed her connecting flight so is stuck in Montreal and wont arrive home until 2310. So poor Jan can not prep for his interview tomorrow (she has the computer) and he has to wait up to go and collect her from the airport. Stink buzz.
So I am in charge of handing out the candy to any kids who knock at the door while Jan catches some z's. Have not seen any killer costumes yet. I have just been told by some kids to watch out as the pumpkins we carved may get stolen. Why would you want to steal carved pumpkins? To smash them I guess. Oh well so long as they do not smash them on the front step then it is all good.
Over and Out.
A Relaxing Day at Last
Good morning its almost 0800 and Jan has to go to work. Poor guy.I had thought of going with him this morning but it is cold and windy so I use this as a convenient excuse to stay home and catch up on some much needed sleep.
Jan returned home from work and I am still in bed, guess I needed that sleep. He has got a couple of hours to relax and then he is off to another job. Meanwhile I stay back and do some long overdue washing, have a shower and then proceed to fall asleep again while watching tv, it has been a good day.
Now for the evening. There is a couple of options but first stop is back to Herring Cove to scope out the scene there. Alex and Alice are all dressed up and off to a party. But the party is in Dartmouth and who wants to go there (so they say) so we decide to flag that one and end up having pizza and my first taste from the Donair empire - Donair Egg Rolls. Basically they are deep friend rolls made from an egg batter filled with meat and onion. Kind of like a curry roll and they soon fill the gap (prehaps not in a good way).
So after dinner and a few more drinks we make our move to a more local party in our make shift costumes. Jan is wearing a sweet denim jacket with the Las Vegas Strip airbrushed on the back and rhinestone lettering. I have got this crazy bird looking mask that Alice had made. On the skateboards and we are off. There are some sweet roads around here to bomb. Nothing too crazy but good rolling hills. After a stop at the Government Wharf (the gov) we make our way towards the party where we meet a couple of boys (who we had just been on the camp with) wandering the streets.
"Hey, what's happening? Small world aye."
We are informed they had just left a party because a girl had spewed everywhere, nice. Had a chat and continued on, past where the party is at and to the top of the hill and we are off. Biggest hill of the night so far, getting some speed up now and I've got the bag on, OH SHIT! No worries, I draw on my snowboarding skills and cruise past Jan. Glad i am on the long board though. Alright good times and no gravel rash.
We walk in to the party, it is a Halloween party of course so we are greeted by Wolverine, Cron and a super lady of some kind. We stay here for a while but I soon find I have drunken too much beer so my stomach is in knots. No one wants to join us for a safety briefing and I don't know that Jan is really feeling the vibe that much so we bail, back down another sweet hill and back to the gov for that safety brief. Then it is back to the house. One last mission for the night over to the ocean. Down the secret path (very dark) and out onto the rocks where we find that the moon is dressed up for Halloween too. It is a brilliant orange colour with the shape of a cats eye, it slowly drifts behind the clouds after I snap a picture. We sit on the rocks and pass it to the left then it is back to the house and it is time to lay my head.
Over and out.
Jan returned home from work and I am still in bed, guess I needed that sleep. He has got a couple of hours to relax and then he is off to another job. Meanwhile I stay back and do some long overdue washing, have a shower and then proceed to fall asleep again while watching tv, it has been a good day.
Now for the evening. There is a couple of options but first stop is back to Herring Cove to scope out the scene there. Alex and Alice are all dressed up and off to a party. But the party is in Dartmouth and who wants to go there (so they say) so we decide to flag that one and end up having pizza and my first taste from the Donair empire - Donair Egg Rolls. Basically they are deep friend rolls made from an egg batter filled with meat and onion. Kind of like a curry roll and they soon fill the gap (prehaps not in a good way).
So after dinner and a few more drinks we make our move to a more local party in our make shift costumes. Jan is wearing a sweet denim jacket with the Las Vegas Strip airbrushed on the back and rhinestone lettering. I have got this crazy bird looking mask that Alice had made. On the skateboards and we are off. There are some sweet roads around here to bomb. Nothing too crazy but good rolling hills. After a stop at the Government Wharf (the gov) we make our way towards the party where we meet a couple of boys (who we had just been on the camp with) wandering the streets.
"Hey, what's happening? Small world aye."
We are informed they had just left a party because a girl had spewed everywhere, nice. Had a chat and continued on, past where the party is at and to the top of the hill and we are off. Biggest hill of the night so far, getting some speed up now and I've got the bag on, OH SHIT! No worries, I draw on my snowboarding skills and cruise past Jan. Glad i am on the long board though. Alright good times and no gravel rash.
We walk in to the party, it is a Halloween party of course so we are greeted by Wolverine, Cron and a super lady of some kind. We stay here for a while but I soon find I have drunken too much beer so my stomach is in knots. No one wants to join us for a safety briefing and I don't know that Jan is really feeling the vibe that much so we bail, back down another sweet hill and back to the gov for that safety brief. Then it is back to the house. One last mission for the night over to the ocean. Down the secret path (very dark) and out onto the rocks where we find that the moon is dressed up for Halloween too. It is a brilliant orange colour with the shape of a cats eye, it slowly drifts behind the clouds after I snap a picture. We sit on the rocks and pass it to the left then it is back to the house and it is time to lay my head.
Over and out.
Last Day In Keji
Arise, its Friday, heading back to Halifax today. This morning I helped set up a course for the kids to use GPS and compasses to find the gear to make their breakfast, a good idea I thought. My group completed the task first, was it too easy I prefer to think they were just awesome!! So pancakes and bacon for breakfast. Still not to keen on these crazy cake like pancakes, much prefer how my beautiful Miss Rosa lakes them, more like crepes.
Packed up and head back to town. Oh yea I saw a Woodpecker getting into a tree this morning, pretty cool. Son once we got back to town we picked up some Keiths for the evening, then went back to the school and dumped all the gear and made our way to Herring Cove.
This is where Jans family home is. Currently residing here is Peter (Jans Dad), Patty (Peters partner), Alex (Jans youngest brother), Alice (Alexs High School sweetheart), Body and Bailey (the family dogs). I had heard many storied of PT and the boat shed so was looking forward to the encounter. When we walked up the driveway we found Bo sleeping. He took a bit of waking as he is going deaf but once he was up and going he was very happy to see Jan and to meet me. So up the stairs and in to the house where we find Pt at the breakfast bar. He greets us with open arms and offers us a beer. Seems like a nice guy. Patty joins us after her shower, they seem like a really nice couple. A quick trip to drop off the U Haul and then back to the house.
Herring Cove is set in an amazing area. The Atlantic Ocean is a short stroll up the hill and across the road. But the section itself runs down the lake front where you will find Pete's Retreat (The Boat Shed). Halifax has many of these lakes dotted around the city limits, most of which are connected by river systems. They are not huge but big enough to have some fun on. We could hear the rapids were running on the other side of the lake so we canoed across for a look. Jan has a nice little wave over there, only a grade 2 - 3 but says there has been some good times on kayaks, canoes and inner tubes (particularly with beers in hand). Maybe we'll get on it one day. Back to the boat shed while looking for any logs we can burn on the fire tonight.
The yard is a bit wet at the moment due to high amounts of rain. Apparently the summer was very dry, but not anymore. Back up to the house and we farewell Pt and Patty for now as we are heading back in to town for a shower and change of clothes. A quick trip in to a pub so Jan can show his face at a colleagues retirement part. Sink a beer and then its back to Herring Cove.
Now I get to meet Jans brothers, Alex 25 and Christian 32. Also there is Alice and her sister Krista.
"Nice to meet you are you hungry? There's a steak over there for you."
"Yes please I am starving."
After a feed we head down to the shed for some beers and tunes. Gregg, a friend of Jans has also joined us. So we drink and talk the night away with a few safety briefings in between. Before long Christian is passed out with beer in hand and a crazy head nod going on. Looks like he'll have a sore neck in the morning. Apparently this is known as "Shed Buddha", and he does seem to be meditating in his own special way. Jan drops a fresh track about Shed Buddha, funny stuff. After some fried peperoni we head back to the house. By now Jan and myself too are in a state of meditation.
Packed up and head back to town. Oh yea I saw a Woodpecker getting into a tree this morning, pretty cool. Son once we got back to town we picked up some Keiths for the evening, then went back to the school and dumped all the gear and made our way to Herring Cove.
This is where Jans family home is. Currently residing here is Peter (Jans Dad), Patty (Peters partner), Alex (Jans youngest brother), Alice (Alexs High School sweetheart), Body and Bailey (the family dogs). I had heard many storied of PT and the boat shed so was looking forward to the encounter. When we walked up the driveway we found Bo sleeping. He took a bit of waking as he is going deaf but once he was up and going he was very happy to see Jan and to meet me. So up the stairs and in to the house where we find Pt at the breakfast bar. He greets us with open arms and offers us a beer. Seems like a nice guy. Patty joins us after her shower, they seem like a really nice couple. A quick trip to drop off the U Haul and then back to the house.
Herring Cove is set in an amazing area. The Atlantic Ocean is a short stroll up the hill and across the road. But the section itself runs down the lake front where you will find Pete's Retreat (The Boat Shed). Halifax has many of these lakes dotted around the city limits, most of which are connected by river systems. They are not huge but big enough to have some fun on. We could hear the rapids were running on the other side of the lake so we canoed across for a look. Jan has a nice little wave over there, only a grade 2 - 3 but says there has been some good times on kayaks, canoes and inner tubes (particularly with beers in hand). Maybe we'll get on it one day. Back to the boat shed while looking for any logs we can burn on the fire tonight.
The yard is a bit wet at the moment due to high amounts of rain. Apparently the summer was very dry, but not anymore. Back up to the house and we farewell Pt and Patty for now as we are heading back in to town for a shower and change of clothes. A quick trip in to a pub so Jan can show his face at a colleagues retirement part. Sink a beer and then its back to Herring Cove.
Now I get to meet Jans brothers, Alex 25 and Christian 32. Also there is Alice and her sister Krista.
"Nice to meet you are you hungry? There's a steak over there for you."
"Yes please I am starving."
After a feed we head down to the shed for some beers and tunes. Gregg, a friend of Jans has also joined us. So we drink and talk the night away with a few safety briefings in between. Before long Christian is passed out with beer in hand and a crazy head nod going on. Looks like he'll have a sore neck in the morning. Apparently this is known as "Shed Buddha", and he does seem to be meditating in his own special way. Jan drops a fresh track about Shed Buddha, funny stuff. After some fried peperoni we head back to the house. By now Jan and myself too are in a state of meditation.
Arise in Nature
What a great sleep, out in nature!! Didn't think I would be camping in Canada but here I am. Awoke to Kevin (the teacher) serenading us with a song, lovely. Breakfast, pack for the day and we are off. Mountain Biking first for me which is really nice. Was a blessing in disguise that I was here as the groups were uneven so it would have meant taking a bike in the canoe or something. We ride through the bush and along the river bank. No big hills just a nice winding trail. About half way through some of the kids are talking about wanting to go to the mall and getting back to cellphone reception, what are you crazy!! This place is awesome, give me the great outdoors any day. Met the other group (who had been canoeing) for lunch. Then we switched activities so it was time to hit the water!!
Paddled up stream a little way and practiced some moves across the river before heading back down stream and then into a marsh land. Seemed like we were paddling over land which was pretty cool. Also tried some bush cranberries, a bit sour but nice. Turned around and headed down river again towards camp. This is exactly how I pictured the great outdoors in Canada. After a gentle drift downstream and hearing "how much further to camp?" every two minutes we broke into the lake and back into the beach. A challenge was made by one boat with 3 girls in it to get to the beach first, but Kevin and i soon took care of that with some technically sound paddling and powered into the beach first. So canoes are fun, bit more practice and I'll be all over it!!
So back to camp and we are going for a swim. The sun has been out today, beautiful weather so better make the most of it. Swimming in Canada in late October, this trip is full of surprises. Water was a bit cold but was able to hang out in there for a minute or so. Feeling clean and fresh now with a swim and some cleaner clothes on.
Just started writing this when I hear my name being called out. "Bruce there is a Porcupine out here!!" Another first, good times!!
That evening the weather stayed nice so after dinner most of us went out for a short paddle in the moonlight. It was really beautiful, the stars were out in force and we watched as shooting stars screamed across the night sky. The only problem was it is hard to get high school kids to shut up and just enjoy the moment, but never mind. Kevin told us a sweet story about Slap Foot.
Basically many years ago there was a native man who was accused of killing a white man, the penalty for which is death. So he disappeared in to the bush around where we were camping and could not be caught. However there was one persistent mounty who continued to track the native man. One night after returning from town for supplies the native man knew that he was being tracked and was sick of it. So he doubled round on the mounty, snuck upbehind him and cut both of his archillies tendons so that he could not run after the native man anymore. So they say that the ghost of this mounty wonders Slap Foot Beach still looking for the native man. At night you will here the sound of him dragging his feet along the shore. Cool story and has a lot of true history behind it. Good way to freak some of the kids out.
So back to camp for more stories, songs and snacks tonight outside and then hit the sack. As I lay in bed I realize I have only been in Canada for one week. What a long week it has been, I sure have covered some ground.
Over and out.
Paddled up stream a little way and practiced some moves across the river before heading back down stream and then into a marsh land. Seemed like we were paddling over land which was pretty cool. Also tried some bush cranberries, a bit sour but nice. Turned around and headed down river again towards camp. This is exactly how I pictured the great outdoors in Canada. After a gentle drift downstream and hearing "how much further to camp?" every two minutes we broke into the lake and back into the beach. A challenge was made by one boat with 3 girls in it to get to the beach first, but Kevin and i soon took care of that with some technically sound paddling and powered into the beach first. So canoes are fun, bit more practice and I'll be all over it!!
So back to camp and we are going for a swim. The sun has been out today, beautiful weather so better make the most of it. Swimming in Canada in late October, this trip is full of surprises. Water was a bit cold but was able to hang out in there for a minute or so. Feeling clean and fresh now with a swim and some cleaner clothes on.
Just started writing this when I hear my name being called out. "Bruce there is a Porcupine out here!!" Another first, good times!!
That evening the weather stayed nice so after dinner most of us went out for a short paddle in the moonlight. It was really beautiful, the stars were out in force and we watched as shooting stars screamed across the night sky. The only problem was it is hard to get high school kids to shut up and just enjoy the moment, but never mind. Kevin told us a sweet story about Slap Foot.
Basically many years ago there was a native man who was accused of killing a white man, the penalty for which is death. So he disappeared in to the bush around where we were camping and could not be caught. However there was one persistent mounty who continued to track the native man. One night after returning from town for supplies the native man knew that he was being tracked and was sick of it. So he doubled round on the mounty, snuck upbehind him and cut both of his archillies tendons so that he could not run after the native man anymore. So they say that the ghost of this mounty wonders Slap Foot Beach still looking for the native man. At night you will here the sound of him dragging his feet along the shore. Cool story and has a lot of true history behind it. Good way to freak some of the kids out.
So back to camp for more stories, songs and snacks tonight outside and then hit the sack. As I lay in bed I realize I have only been in Canada for one week. What a long week it has been, I sure have covered some ground.
Over and out.
On the road again
Awoke the next morning to Jan touching my foot. Its way to early but we have to hit the road as I was to join him on a 3 day high school camp that he is helping out with. So after a quick shower and throwing some clothes in a bag (I seriously need to do some washing). We hit the roas and met up with the group and we are off to Kejimkujuk National Park (Keji for short) for canoeing and mountain biking.
So after another couple of hours in the U haul cube truck we have arrived. What a beautiful place. Just what I imagined the outdoors of Canada to look like. Plus Autumn colours are out, very picturesque. Actually reminds me of Norway, little fishing villages dotted around Halifax and houses look similar too. Weathers not great though, fog, rain and thunder are in the forecast but who cares!! I'm hanging with my buddy Jan and loving it.
So a few activities for the kids after lunch and some organization of camp. Dinner was cooked for me. I'm loving this. Great dinner, maybe the best I've had in Canada. Very simple but it is a welcome change after basically a week of eating crap (besides the spag I made in Fernie). Oh yea had my first taste of TIm Hortons this morning on he way to the park. A very popular chain store who makes sandwiches, bakery stuff etc, very nice. So now we are just chilling, looking forward to a longer sleep and hopefully get out, in the canoes tomorrow. Bring it on!! That evening the kids had a couple of initiative exercises, veryinteresting to watch the dynamics of a high school group. They can get pretty personal when they want too. Then some music and its off to bed.
Goodnight Jan
So after another couple of hours in the U haul cube truck we have arrived. What a beautiful place. Just what I imagined the outdoors of Canada to look like. Plus Autumn colours are out, very picturesque. Actually reminds me of Norway, little fishing villages dotted around Halifax and houses look similar too. Weathers not great though, fog, rain and thunder are in the forecast but who cares!! I'm hanging with my buddy Jan and loving it.
So a few activities for the kids after lunch and some organization of camp. Dinner was cooked for me. I'm loving this. Great dinner, maybe the best I've had in Canada. Very simple but it is a welcome change after basically a week of eating crap (besides the spag I made in Fernie). Oh yea had my first taste of TIm Hortons this morning on he way to the park. A very popular chain store who makes sandwiches, bakery stuff etc, very nice. So now we are just chilling, looking forward to a longer sleep and hopefully get out, in the canoes tomorrow. Bring it on!! That evening the kids had a couple of initiative exercises, veryinteresting to watch the dynamics of a high school group. They can get pretty personal when they want too. Then some music and its off to bed.
Goodnight Jan
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)