Wednesday 18th June 2009 Drayton to Hinton

Another fine day in Drayton Valley, but the sky was thundering and lightning but no rain.

Our transit day so over to Alex's house for 9.00 for Coffee for final farewells to our hosts and to load the luggage on to Judy's station wagon.

Then down to the Town Hall for 9.30 to meet with the Mayor and Council, The Mayor held the Council proceedings and Julie and Alex introduced the team to the council, most of whom we had already met. Martin explained the purpose of the "Group Friendship Exchange" and Jim presented the council with a Highland Council plaque.

The Mayor then presented Martin with a framed photo of the Pulling Together Statue.

We then were taken for breakfast and after our final farewells set off to meet up with the Hinton club. The transport exchange worked with military precision with Ed arriving in the Bus and Dennis and Brian arriving with the trailer within minutes.

We set off through the differing countryside towards the mountains with Ed providing commentary, the first sight of the mountains with some snow was quite exciting.

We stopped for lunch at Edson and met a Rotarian over lunch. Then we arrived at Hinton at about 4.00 and were exposed to a little rain, as we were now really close to the mountains the weather can change quite quickly.

We were delivered to our hosts

Rod and Luisa - Dennis and Brenda

Martin and Kay - Bruce

Ann and Harry - Janet and Lyle

Keith and Pauline - Rod

Iain and Marjory - Henry

Jim - Bernie then Bruce

Henry is the newest Rotarian at Hinton Club, .... soon to be inducted.

Dennis and Brenda put on a splendid BBQ for the team and hosts and despite a couple of showers we were able to see round the farmstead. The welcome from our hosts was amazing again and Iain thanked everyone for collecting the team and for the fine food on the evening.