Rotary Group Friendship Exchange Scotland Canada

Back to Scotland

2009-06-30T13:47:00.001-07:00

Luisa, Ishmael, Jim, Hank, Vicki and ED

Yours truly and Luisa stayed on for a couple of days with Ed and Vicki and on Sunday afternoon we were guests of the South Edmonton Club at their post scavenger hunt BBQ at Gary's. Guess what - it was another fine day in Canada. We and Jim who was also staying over for a couple of days were once again given the best of hospitality and fellowship and we had the opportunity to meet the Members of our host Club.

The winners of the Hunt were presented, see photo, then Ed Korbyl asked Jim and I to give a quick feedback on the Group Friendship Exchange which we did and we also managed to field quite a few questions raised by the Members.

Hank who had been hosting Jim arrived just at the end of the BBQ, he had been over to the Birmingham Conference and had been visiting friends in London. Jim was delighted to find that Hank was slightly shorter than he was, contrary to all that we had been led to believe! The other photo shows Ishmael and Luisa, Hank and Jim and Vicki and Ed.

On the Monday Luisa and I had a quiet day, giving a final oiling to our whales, then over to Columbia Awards - Ed's Business where we saw laser engraving on metal and wood- cool stuff - we met Ed's staff and Jim would have enjoyed meeting a 6'8" Scot's descendant, sorry no battery in the camera again. Then we had an Italian lunch and a lazy pm before catching the plane to London. When Ed and Vicki dropped us at the airport it was a "fine sunny day!" but an hour later it had turned to thunder and lightening and the airport was closed down for an hour. Then we were away and landed only 40 minutes late at Heathrow and after connections we arrived at Edinburgh 10 minutes early. Having discovered that Andy Murray had made it to the 1/4 finals of Wimbledon.

At the house we were surprised to find food in the fridge- obviously our Australian visitors have had a positive effect on our kids! Only one day left for me as Secretary of the Club but I have received plenty of end of year and start of year correspondence.

Saturday 27th June 2009 - Farewell Party

2009-06-28T13:48:00.000-07:00

The welcome Cake

Dru gedts a quaich from martin

Ann, Keith, Ed, Martin and Jim

Wayne and Dru

Richard, Gwen, Sheila, MacKenzie, Vicki, Kay and Luisa

Henry, Clayton, Margory

Ed and Ed!

We were all invited to a farewell party at Wayne and Marlene's, everyone had prepared some of the meal and Wayne had barbequed a huge side of beef which was succulent and really tasty.
Some of our hosts from Hinton and Whitecourt also came over and it was great to see them all again, Gwen, Richard and their grand daughter Mackenzie were there with Sheila and Sandi from Whitecourt. Bruce and Henry came from Hinton.
After the meal Martin took to the stairs and thanked all our hosts for the exceptional welcome given to us at each stop. He reflected on the Friendships that had been made and the sights that had been seen.
He next presented a Quaich to the Edmonton Club and one to Ed Korbyl for his major role in the whole tour. Martin then presented a Quaich to Dru and Gavin for all the detailed arrangements and running about in Edmonton.
We gave our final presentation of the tour and completed the evening with Auld Lang Syne.
A very emotional end to a splendid exchange.
A hundred thousand welcomes await you in Scotland.

Martin, Kay, Iain, Margory, Keith and Pauline will leave for Jasper tomorrow. Rod and Luisa will leave Edmonton for the UK on Monday and Jim will travel to Vancouver on Tuesday.
Ann and Harry catch the flight to Edinburgh on Sunday as Ann will be installed as President of Kirkcaldy Club on Tuesday. Good luck for a great year.

Saturday 27th June 2009 - Old Strathcona Market...

2009-06-28T10:09:00.000-07:00

Kay, Marlene, Clayton and Martin

Rain overnight left the morning a little overcast but this burned off to a really sunny day by mid morning.
We met up at the Old Strathcona Saturday farmers market, where we saw lots of Canadian foodstuffs from yellow tomatoes to Ukrainian baking.
There was a jazz band playing and Ann entertained the shoppers with a display of country dancing.
We then took a return trip on the streetcar over the high level bridge over the river. It was really interesting - the cars and tracks have been fixed up by volunteers and the cars are manned by volunteers. The conductor was a retired Physics professor which made our Iain delighted as he had not had a physicist to talk to all tour! The conductor was also a Scotsman having emigrated from Paisley in 1972.
We went up to the conservatory a modern building of four pyramids each displaying different tropical plants. A great surprise to all was a burlesque show put on by 'Capital City Burlesque' a very saucy dance display. At the second performance Ann's services were needed again---no not for the dancing ---the music for the Can Can failed and Ann and one of the girls had to sing the tune for the girls to dance to- sorry no photos as your roving reported had the video going!
Back to our hosts before the farewell party.

Friday 26th June 2009 Edmonton Fort - Soap Stone Carving

2009-06-27T15:53:00.000-07:00

Yes another sunny day.

We were off to Edmonton Fort a living museum with relocated buildings from all over Alberta, with working farm, waggon rides, Indian demonstrations.............. Dru had arranged for a guide, Emily and she led the group round filling us all with interesting facts and arranging a tram ride back to the entrance for lunchtime.

Our hosts had arranged a picnic in the woods just outside the fort and this was really lovely on the sunny day we had.

Well the morning was pretty special but in the afternoon we set off to meet Ken Griffiths a Rotarian artist who showed the team how to carve soapstone. Well we had all thought this would be a serious challenge but Ken coaxed everyone into making a stone whale complete with fins and then we were shown how to oil it to bring out the feature in the stone. What a super experience. Rod thanked Ken for a super experience.

An evening with our hosts rounded off another great experience.

Thursday 25th June 2009 - Edmonton - West Edmonton Mall

2009-06-27T08:32:00.000-07:00

Yes another fine sunny day in Canada.
Off to the Legislature Building (House of Parliament) for a tour of the building including the debating chamber and seeing portraits of a Lieutenant Governor and his wife both of which had eyes and knees that followed us right around the building.
We also were shown the 'secret spot' where on the top floor one could clearly hear the sound of running water ion the fountain floors below. This was a chance phenomena discovered by a workman some time after the building was opened. Jim presented a pin to Janet our guide for providing a very informative tour.
A lunchtime meet of the Edmonton Rotary Club was the next port of call, a large Club with about 200 members and it was the President's Valedictory so we were treated to the year in Rotary, with some fantastic projects carried out by the Club. A youth exchange from Mexico gave her presentation of her year with the Club and was quite emotional as she bid farewell to the Club.
A 90th birthday was celebrated during the proceedings.

Next off to the City Hall to pick up some history on Edmonton and where Martin signed the City visitor book on behalf of the group.

Next off to West Edmontn Mall the biggest shopping mall in the world! Well this sorted out all the souvenirs for the folks back home and we caught a sea lion display and ice skating.

An evening with our hosts rounded of another great day.

Wednesday 24th June 2009 Baseball at Edmonton

2009-06-26T07:51:00.000-07:00

Ed Korbyl had arranged for us all to go to the Baseball. This was a super evening with plenty of sunshine and our hosts explained the game and the rules. Edmonton Capitals were playing an American team Armada and beat them by 5 to 1.

After the game back with our hosts after a short tour of the town.

Our hosts were:

Ed and Vicki Korbyl - Rod and Luisa

Gavin and Drew Edmiston - Keith and Pauline

Wayne and Marlene Cameron - Iain and Marjory

Clayton and Margaret Ridgeway - Martin and Kay

Russ and John Mann - Ann and Harry

Hank Hendricks and Ishmael Flores - Jim Rennie

Wednesday 24th June 2009 Whitecourt - Buffallos - Edmonton

2009-06-26T07:35:00.000-07:00

Yet another fine day in Canada. We met at the Forrestry Interpretive Centre and Gwen arranged for us to get inside some of the old buildings in the grounds, the old church was so interesting and the farmhouse with the stoves downstairs and upstairs.
Then it was time to go to Mayerthorpe, to the East on the 43. Here we spent time at the Fallen Four Memorial. A memorial to four RCMP officers killed in action. A truely moving visit where we were able to leave our thoughts on paper and in the digital book of rememberance.
We next went to the Bison Ranch at Rochfort Bridge again just off the 43 here we met Neil who had recently taken over the ranch from his grandfather who had started breeding Angus cattle then moved in to Bison. The Bison bulls that Neil had close to the farm were very inquisative and came up close in the paddock so we all got a great view.
Neil handed out Buffallo Jerky for all to try and our Canadian hosts rated it amongst the best they had ever tasted.
Neil then took us across country to see the young bulls, about 100 of them in a herd, they were quite frisky and we got some near stampede type shots. Neil had a 15 year old Bison that was tame and he lives with the young males to 'calm' them. So here we are in the middle of a huge field with bison running round us and this old bill comes up to be petted!! Wow what an experience.
On the way to Lunch Neil took us past the Cows and calves again for some great photos. After Lunch Ann thanked Neil for a wonderful time.
The hosts from Edmonton arrived after lunch and we bid farewell to our Whitecourt friends.

A link to Google Maps

2009-06-26T07:29:00.000-07:00

http://maps.google.co.uk/maps?f=q&source=s_q&hl=en&geocode=&q=drayton+valley+canada&sll=54.13026,-112.950439&sspn=2.987252,7.042236&ie=UTF8&ll=52.629729,-116.499023&spn=6.190322,14.084473&z=6

The link shows Drayton Valley at A with Edmonton to the East, Hinton to the West and Whitecourt to the North.

Tuesday 23 June 2009 - Paper Mill, Camp Fire Lunch

2009-06-23T16:30:00.000-07:00

A sunny fine day at Whitecourt.
A 10.00 meet at the Forrestry Interpretive Centre where we met John Dahl a very senior member of the community, a Rotarian and President of the Community Heritage Society. It was John that had led the building on the Centre. John had the Team singing before he left.

A short safety video and we were off to the Alberta News Print works for a guided tour with Katrina.

At the plant were were made more than welcome by all whom we met and the process was explained at every stage. It was truely fascinating to find everyone on the staff so involved in the economics of running the plant, the price of energy being monitored every 20 seconds. The paper rollers and driers had paper running over rollers at 1900 ft per minute!

At the end of the tour Iain thanked Katrina and the rest of the works team and presented Katrina with a token of the team's appreciation.

We were next off to Rochford Lake a beautiful lakeside setting where a camp fire was expertly lit by Ralph and Iain and we were all able to make hot dogs and 'smores' (Marshmallows with chocolate bar bushed inside and sandwiched between two crackers - Delicious!

After a walk around the lake it was back to the host's to prepare for the evening meal at the Casino.

Other Members of the Club and John Dahl joined the team for a fine meal at the Casino, once again the quality of the food was excellent and the quantities huge!

Iain thanked the hosts and the Club for accommodating the Team and went on to present tokens to Gwen who had done a splendid job of arranging the stay and the programme. A quaich was presented to Nevis and Fred for their contribution to the visit.

And so to bed!

Monday 22 June 2009 Whitecourt

2009-06-22T23:56:00.001-07:00

A fine sunny day. We met at 9.00 at the Forrestry Interpretive Centre where we were allowed to roam the display area with many old photos and stuffed cougar-really quite a large creature!
We were then given a really interesting series of for videos informing on the care and study of the widlife and plants of the area and how to avoid and deal with forest fires.
Next we were guided by Katrina, from the Chamber of Commerce, around the Millar Western pulp mill a huge mill where we saw the whole process from the wood chippings coming in one end to the pulp going out the other. We were shown the computer control room and the process was explained by the operator.
Next off to lunch at the Club meeting where Lyndsay Moyle the Club Secretary was in the chair. Banners were exchanged and the Mayor was presented with a Highland council plaque. We then gave our presentation and the Mayor thanked the team for an informative talk and confirmed the Whitecourt welcome.
After lunch we were back in Katrina's capable hands, she had come to lunch with us. We were shown round the saw mill side of the plant seeing the logs entering the building, then having their bark removed next sawn into planks. The planks were then computer sized and run through a planer, visually inspected, bundled and packed for delivery. Rod thanked Katrina on behalf of the team and made her an honorary Rotarian for the day as she will be guiding us again tomorrow.
The Rotary Park was the next stop, a park with waterslide, fountain, pavillion and 100 ft planter and flowers all sponsored by the Club. What a fine facility this was. Ice creams then home for dinner.
After dinner a serious quad trek to the fire tower for Rod and Luisa. Richard needed to winch Rod out of a flooded track at one point. The views from the top were pretty special, we were able to see all the town.
We were all invited up to Nevis and Fred's helicopter, at the airport and taken for an ariel trip around the area. This was a super treat with all the party getting some great pictures from the air Rod thanked Fred and Nevis for the extraordinary treat, noting the delighted faces on the whole of the team who all joined in a hearty round of applause.
Fred then took us all outside and gave a short talk on harvesting the pine cones with helicopter equipment-truely fascinating.
And so to bed.

Sunday 21 June 2009 Whitecourt

2009-06-22T23:03:00.001-07:00

Jim, Nevis and her son Christian arrived in a yellow school bus to take us over to Whitecourt, we stopped at Edson for lunch and by the time we arrived at Whitecourt, yes you are correct, it was a beautifull sunny day. The trip over and the forecast was heavy rain, which had the planned boat ride cancelled. We visited the new sports centre instead and some of the team tried out the Rotary sponsored running track.
All the hosts then picked us up and took us to their homes before a 'pot luck' BBQ at Gwen and Richard's.
Yours truely, Luisa and Jim were treated to a quad and gaitor trip round the steading before the rest of the team arrived.
Richard had deep fried two turkeys which were delicious. It was Gwen's daughter Lisa's birthday so there was cake with the other desserts, by this time we were round the camp fire and Jim thanked all for the day and Gwen and Richard for a fine meal and hospitality.
Our host families were
Sandi and Peter Griston - Martin and Kay
Cheryl and Norm Hodgson - Iain and Marjory
Merv and Thelma Hilland - Keith and Pauline
Nevis and Fred Prufer - Ann and Harry
Gwen and Richard Dionne - Rod and Luisa
Sheila and Ralph Schutte - Jim

Saturday 20th June 2009 -Anniversary and Farewell Party

2009-06-21T08:42:00.000-07:00

6.00 pm was the hour, Brian and Linda's was the venue, party was the name of the game.
Then it rained wow and how it rained, but within 20 minutes the sun was out for a lovely evening.
We gave our presentation in the early evening after being welcomed by President Janet. Martin thanked the Club and our hosts for the hospitality and friendship shown to us over the stay. Particular thanks were offered to Bruce for organising the programme, Bruce was asked to pass thanks on to Ian Duncan for the use of the minibus.
Martin then called up Ed who has been our tour guide and best friend for the whole stay. Martin gave Ed a quaich and thanked him for being such a good guide and friend to the team and thanked his wife Andrea for giving up Ed for the duration of the stay. Martin presented Ed with a quaich from the team and a little something to go in it.
A super BBQ was provided by our hosts. President Janet asked Bruce to present two Paul Harris Fellowships to Daniel Duval and Jim McClelland.

Jim gets his Paul Harris

Daniel gets his Paul Harris - oops it's the same as Ian's - Bruce only got the one medal from HQ so they'll both have to wait for untill the second medal arrives before they can have their own!

Janet thanked Brian and Linda for hosting the Anniversary party.
Time for bed after a super day.

Saturday 20th June 2009 Boardwalk and Miette Hot Springs

2009-06-20T16:17:00.000-07:00

Getting Boring I know but it was another fine sunny day, albeit after a good night of rain.

We were taken by our hosts to the Beaver Boardwalk where we met up with Ed and Bruce. The Boardwalk is about a 3 mile boarded walk round a beaver dam and into the forest. Rotary had sponsored the construction and the lumber was provided by the local lumber yard. We didn't get to see a beaver but by chance we met Rocky Morin who was one of the major volunteers, he was out doing some maintenance but spent the rest of the morning showing us squirrel dreys, bird nests bear marks and much more.

We went for coffee and checked up an Keith who is probably coming to the BBQ this evening.

Then we set off for Miette Hot Springs joined by Amanda, Dennis and Brenda's daughter who acted as additional tour guide and when we got to the springs she led the trek while those who were bathing went into the springs. The trek went up to the old hot pool which was closed down when the new springs were opened. Up past the old pool we saw, smelt and felt the spring water at 42 degrees.

We regrouped at 3pm for lunch then set back to Hinton to get ready for the BBQ and Anniversary celebrations at Brian's.

Friday 19th June 2009 Hinton to Cardinal Divide

2009-06-20T15:49:00.000-07:00

Another warm sunny day in Hinton.

We met up with at the Town Hall where Ed was ready to start out days tour. We met Deputy Mayor Ian Duncan who welcomed us to the Town and recounted on his roots in Aberdeen and his recent visit to Scotland. Martin explained the Group Friendship Exchange and Jim presented a Highland Council plaque.

Bernie then gave us a guided tour round the new building which serves the local community. The building is designed to minimise the impact on the environment using river water to provide cooling in the summer, local timber in the structure and a drainage system which keeps all the surface drainage within the plot.

Next we went over to the fire department and met Fire Chief Roger and his deputy Mike who showed us round the building and the equipment, including rapid response units and tracked recovery vehicles. Roger told us about a Rotary sponsored fire training initiative for grade 9 school pupils which gives them fire and emergency awareness training and also a practical exercise of cutting open a crashed car. Roger said that following the course several young people have volunteered for the Fire Service. What a splendid initiative.

We next went to the Hinton training centre where we experienced the interactive training that is given to fire fighters dealing with forest fires. This is very intense training but extremely effective in a simulated environment before the students have to experience the real fires.

Lunch was at Queens where Peter made us most welcome and we all enjoyed the freshly prepared fayre.

Keith had been admitted to hospital this morning just for tests so we went over and Martin and Janet went in to see how he was feeling which was ok but probably in for a day or two.

After lunch we went over to Cadomen where a huge open cast coal mine was being landscaped after it had closed down due to economics. There were long horn sheep, deer and black bears to be seen and we then went off towards the Cardinal Divide traveling parallel to the new mine road with huge Euclid trucks running alongside us. We were a little late when we got to the old cemetery which overlooked the location of the old town - which was flattened many years ago- it was quite spookey to look over the old photos of a town which no longer exists. So we didn't quite get up to the Divide.

The evening was spent with our hosts and a good time was had by all.

Thursday 19th June 2009 - Jasper

2009-06-18T18:10:00.000-07:00

After a good rest Ed collected the team from their hosts in the bus and we set off about 9.15 to Jasper, once again with a great commentary from Ed. The scenery was striking and you would not believe the length of the freight trains; we saw one that was about 2 miles long - Harry was in his element. In fact when we arrived at Jasper there was a train so long that it was blocking the two level crossings in the town.

At jasper we had refreshments and were given gifts by Ed, then to the ... Hotel which was a huge complex where we strolled around the small shopping mall which any small town, let alone a hotel, would have been proud of. We met.... a Jasper Rotarian and were made most welcome.

Next the decision was to take the cable car up Whistler for lunch.

Unfortunately there was a technical fault with the car and after we had been loaded for some time and had a 20 metre trip upwards we were landed again while the engineers fixed it. Eventually we took off in the second car and were soon at the top experiencing some of the most breath taking views over the mountains and lakes. We were also able to see Jasper and the full length of several freight trains.

Lunch was good although Keith took a slip and hurt his leg so wasn't feeling the best for the rest of the day.

Back at ground level Ed took us on a tour round the old road with even more scenery, lakes, waterfalls and mountains. The wildlife had evaded us for most of the day but on the way homewards we were treated to squirrels, chipmonks, elks, deer and Ann was sure she saw a beaver and Rod thought he'd seen some bears!!!

A super day with really warm sunshine all day. Well done Ed!

We were back with our hosts to prepare for a BBQ at President Janet's which was a great evening, Lyle prepared some Bison steaks amongst other goodies. After the meal Lyle lead a short trek through his land showing many of the wild plants growing and admitting that he was colour blind, which was a great disability when it comes to picking wild strawberries. We saw some great oaks that Lyle had planted over 10 years ago----they don't seem to enjoy the Hinton climate! Walking back by the river with a red sky put the end to a perfect day.

Ann gave a vote of thanks reminding all of the welcome awaiting any vistitors to Scotland.

Wednesday 18th June 2009 Drayton to Hinton

2009-06-18T17:32:00.000-07:00

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.

Tuesday 16th June 2009 Golf and Shopping

2009-06-16T07:31:00.001-07:00

Everyone met at Alex's house after breakfast and the girls loaded up into Julie's station waggon and set off to Pigeon Lake for a days shopping.

The men loaded up the golf clubs and set of for Drayton Valley Golf Course. Bob, John and Alex and of couse not forgetting Non Rotarian Mike had arranged carts, clubs Home Hardware balls and a really fine sunny day.

We tee'd off at 10.30 in a betterball free for all! fotunately Pauline had come along and was steadily up the fairway where as some of the longer shots from the guys were a little wayward at times.

We all came in for lunch after 9 holes when Chris kelly replaced Mike who had an evening match and needed to reserve his energy.

The afternoon nine was equally enjoyable even for Martin, Keith and Harry who were supposedly not golfing. What we saw of Harry coming up the 18th was not a non golfer putting in a really good show.

Keith and Martin had kept the game moving providing driving (cart) services and ball retreival services, certainly martin found us more balls than were lost.

In the evening it was over to Colin and Michelle for a BBQ complete with Jazz Band entertainment from Marvin and his friends.
Then a very emotional thankyou and farewell before off to bed. Slightly tired but full of friendship.

Monday 15th June 2009 - Drayton Valley

2009-06-15T16:13:00.001-07:00

Yet another good fine Canada day 20 degrees plus and sunny. A day for the team to be with their hosts. Jim, Luisa and Rod with Bob and Dianne went on a walk down the Rotary walk a walkway through the forrest cut out and sponsored by the Club.

Lunch was at the town square where MLA Diana Mc Queen was holding a BBQ and we had the opportunity to meet her and many of the townsfolk. Martin and Kay with Michelle and Colin, who had been there earlier returned and greetings were exchanged.

After lunch we headed off to Lodgepole Pine for afternoon drinks, when we arrived the landlady advised that she was just cleaning up after the Alex Blais group had only just left, they had been on a visit to an oil rig. Which from the photos and the excited commentry from Keith was a fascinating experience.

Back to Bob's and a new dear came to visit, followed by a million dollar storm.

Evening plans for a meal at the pub then....

Saturday 13th June 2009 Edmonton to Drayton Valley

2009-06-15T09:04:00.000-07:00

The team were up early and breakfasted over looking the river. We were all ready when Ed Korbyl arrived from the Edmonton Club with his wife. Ed brought gifts from the Club and the programme for the exchange. Soon after Ed arrived the removal van driver sent from Drayton Valley quietly arrived. John Mulligan had been detailed by President Julie, his wife to come over to collect all our luggage. Julie soon arrived in the bus with Colin Campbell and Alex Blais.
After a group photo we set off in the bus. Julie welcomed us with a glass of cold cider which was really refreshing and just hit the button at 10.30 in the morning.
Julie and Colin gave really interesting commentaries as we passed through the oil and coal areas and particularly the forested areas.
We took a short detour to Seba Beach where we all had ice creams on Julie and it was really interesting to see the water activity centre which was buzzing with people.
About 12.00 we arrived at Drayton Valley where the town fete was being held, we were made so welcome by all the people we met and we met our hosts.
Martin and Kay- Colin and Michelle Campbell
Rod and Luisa -Bob and Dianne Kelly
Jim -Bob and Dianne
Iain and Marjory -Mike and Judy Ferrey
Keith and Pauline -Julie and John Mulligan
Ann and Harry- Alex and Gaylene Blais

We had a photo shoot at the new Rotary Library sponsored by the Club. The local RCMP officer Greg Gerbrandt completed the photo in his fine red tunic and riding kit, Greg even managed to dwarf our giant member Jim, see pic.
The fete was held in the local ice halls which had been converted into play areas and cattle rinks and it was good top see one of the heats won by an Angus beast. There were reptiles and we were treated to a fine lunch.
The highspot of the day was the 'Crapper Racing' this was a race between to teams pushing one of the team sitting in a purpose built timber toilet unit mounted on wheels. All went well through the heats with John Mulligan's team in second place. Then the RCMP who had been refereeing the event decided to team up, Julie was to be the driver and after a team briefing Julie felt confident of a win!! then -- well the Crapper turned over at speed and out came Julie with a badly bruised *****.
The evening was at the Kelly's a BBQ by Bob and Dianne, the weather was still fine and we all sat enjoying the food and drink until sunset. During the meal one of Bob's neighbours a white tailed deer walked boldly into the garden to have her supper. Bob advised that she had a young foal and was a daily visitor to his garden.
Bob set a fire at the bottom of the garden and some of us stayed up till after midnight watching the stars.
A super day was had by all.

Sunday 14th June 2008 - Drayton Valley Em Tee Town

2009-06-15T08:33:00.000-07:00

Another fine day in Drayton Valley. The team were with their hosts for the morning and some headed off to church, Harry and Iain were taken off to a Tractor Pull, a Tug of War for tractors. Rod was in his element as Bob took him round the building developments of the town.
The highlight of the day was a trip out to 'Em Tee Town' so we all met up and donned cowboy hats and neckers and boarded the bus, good old Wendell was driving again after coming over to Edmonton to pick us up on the first day.
Cold beers seem to be the main fuel and they flowed round the bus before it even moved. The ride was about half an hour and Anne provided some amusement with the 'Scottish Songs' video and there were even buffallo to be seen on the way. We stopped at a trading post full of amazing Canadian goods from saddles to riding boots and bear skins to beds -- and it was in the middle of nowhere!
We arrived at Em Tee Town which was an old town setting with jail house saloon ------ and even a mortuary, with a coffin to check for size. And there was the hores shop, it looked like a livery stable to me.
After a good look round in the baking sun, it was cold beers again before a couple of photo shoots, one of which was stage managed by our resident safety guy Alex as he single handedly checked out the 'Do not go on this balcony' balcony before getting all the ladies up there for their photo-- well done you brave man.
President Julie called the visit to order and we all went inside for the special meeting of the Club. O Canada and Flower of Scotland opened proceedings and Jim said grace.
After the meal we gave a brief presentation which was alot more interactive than we had ever expected. It felt as though everyone enjoyed it.
Banners were exchanged with both President Julie and Vice President Mardi Dancey from all four of the visiting Clubs.
Martin proposed a well researched vote of thanks, which I think ended up with him related to everyone in Canada, he certainly seemed to thank every lady Canadian with a kiss! The team presented a quaich to the Club which was accepted by Alex Blais, who was thanked for organising the visit.
Back on the bus and cold beers were exchanged for "a we dram" from the quaich which travelled the bus - Scottish songs were exchanged for Johnny Cash and the bus was back before we knew.
Another super day - and so to bed.

EVERYONE HAS ARRIVED

2009-06-12T21:54:00.000-07:00

Friday was another really warm and sunny day in Edmonton. After breakfast at the hotel Martin and Kay, Ann and Harry and Iain and Marjory went off to the West Edmonton Mall where they saw a huge indoor beach, pirate ship and loads of shops, pics to follow.
Rod and Luisa took the tram car over the river to Strathcona, then took the train to South Campus and a bus out to Fort Edmonton. This is a super park with streets reconstructed with buildings from periods over the last 150 years right back to the fur trading posts. There were steam trains and street cars, a very interesting place which will require another visit to give it justice.
Martin and Kay found their way out to the Fort by late afternoon by which time the Fort was near to closing time.
Back at the hotel Jim had arrived after spending a couple of days with friends in the south. Keith and Pauline arrived at tea time and all were now arrived.
Martin had called a meet prior to dinner an advised that the hosts would be at the hotel at 9.30 in the morning.
After drinks in the bar we moved up to the 24th floor to the revolving restaurant. Here we were looked after by Jason and a fine chef in the kitchen. A memorable meal was had by all with little room left for dessert and good panoramic views over the city..

THE TEAM GATHERS

2009-06-11T21:34:00.000-07:00

Rod and Luisa had a fine late breakfast at the hotel overlooking the park and the river on a beautiful warm sunny day.
Spent the afternoon strolling around Edmonton, saw briefly the city hall, caught a junior orchestra concert and returned to the hotel to find Iain and Marjory in the bar after arriving from Vancouver where they had a good time.
A meal out needed to be arranged as the hotel was commited with graduation dinners. Martin and Kay had arrived from Torronto in the late morning un-known to the others and we all met up for dinner. Martin and Kay had a super time catching up with old friends from when they lived in Canada.
As we gathered for pre dinner drinks Ann and Harry arrived straight off the flight from the UK.
Iain had arranged a fine restaurant and a vary tasty meal was had by all. The desserts were almost too much but we all managed. A generally quiet day is planned for tomorrow.

View over the river from hotel

2009-06-11T21:17:00.000-07:00

Arrived

2009-06-10T19:15:00.000-07:00

We arrived here at Edmonton after good and on time flights. 20 degrees and sunny. We travelled the 30 minutes to Downtown Edmonton to get to our hotel the Crowne Plaza Chateau Lacombe which is right by the river. There is wifi in the rooms so this post is from my mobile.
Well it's equivalent to 3 in the morning and despite some sleep on the plane it's time for a light meal a bottle of red and bed for 10 Emonton time.

the story so far - rain & snow

2009-06-02T12:03:00.000-07:00

02/06/09 -as anticipated we have ben unable to have access to the internet in a form that works well. Like NZ the distances are great with thin population and thus a lot of people are on dial up!!
Anyway, here is a brief update.
27/05/09 We arrived in good time at Edin Airport, courtesy of son Andrew. Unfortunately our BM flight was delayed by 45 mins which made our connection time to LHR very tight. Managed to catch the Air Canada flight and had a reasonable flight in an Airbus330 - 7 hours - and landed on time in Toronto. We were met by the Browns which was fortuitous as it was rush hour and we holed out in a nearby restaurant. We have known the Browns for 23 years as our oldest, David, did a Rotary Youth Exchange, with Greg Brown in 1986. We have been meeting up ever since in Scotland, Canada, and Florida. The drive to their house in Cobourg (105km) was hairy with torrential rain on the 401 - we had collected our hire car and drove in convoy which made things a lot easier for our first drive.
28/05/09 - drove up to Port Perry where we met up with Greg, his brother doug, and sister Merrilee, who is a family doctor. She had visited D'dee a few years ago and sat in on one of my surgeries and also met Dave Snadden who is now a prof of Family Medicine in BC. BBQ at Dougs house overlooking the lake and met all the grandchildren. More to follow when we have access again!!!

Ready for the off

2009-05-25T15:59:00.000-07:00

We are just about ready for the off! Gardening done, daughters grass cut, son's hedge cut - I'm half cut after all that. Got my currency the other day - C$1.749 to the pound at "The Money Shop". Keith and Pauline are off tomorrow as well - have a great trip to Alaska. The boss is doing the packing - I'm not entrusted with such important matters - I'm relegated to battery checking, passports, the garden, e-mails, tickets etc

Saturday 15th May 2009

2009-05-16T09:39:00.001-07:00

Arrangements for the trip are nearing completion. The group have had three meetings commencing before Christmas with a meet at Gargunnock at which Mike Barron the Fellowship Exchange coordinator informed the group as to the general arrangements. Martin was elected team leader, based on his experience on the recent exchange with New Zealand. A second meeting at Martin and Kay's at Newport on Tay, saw more details come to hand and uniforms, badges, cards and gifts being organised. A third and final meeting was held in March at Iain and Marjory's in Dunblane where the presentation was practised and some detail of the Clubs hosting the team were issued. Keith was just back from a knee replacement op and was looking in fine fettle.