Sandcastle Parade-Texada Island

Yesterday morning we were lined up for the Texada ferry at 7:30 AM preparing to take our part in the parade. That's me second from the front on this side.

We had music blaring feminist songs.

Of course we won a trophy.

We have 3 paddlers who come faithfully to practices and festivals from Texada, so this was payback for all the island support. Quite a commitment when you think it's a ferry ride each way just to get here. A BBQ followed at Joan's house.

We all rode to and from the parade in the boat, including Bailey.

A quiet day planned today. Ken's watching golf so nothing happens until that's over.

. I just picked an ice-cream bucket full of black berries down by the lookout-they aren't ready anywhere else.

I may make jam today.

Circumnavigating Scout Mountain

A few days ago our trusted friends Nora Lee, Richard, and Teddie, said they had found the trail to Scout Mountain and would we like to go.

Of course we did.

We were to start out from Sunset Park in Wildwood, and we arrived about 11:00 AM full of vim, vigour and enthusiasm.

Of course we couldn't find the trail, and after several false starts, we finally followed a rocky river bed suitable for mountain goats and gorillas, not for grandparents!

Anyway, we arrived and had lunch at a beautiful spot with

a gentle breeze and spectacular views.

Never ones to run from a challenge we decided to find a quicker way down. After proceeding for about 1/2 an hour, we found a sign pointing upwards to guess what! Scout Mountain- a 30 minute hike.

We hadn't even gotten there yet!

In true explorer fashion we proceeded on a trail which lived up to BC's reputation of seeming to take the longest distance between 2 points.

Certainly never in the general direction of the truck.

Richard kept referring to a guide book presumably written about 1590 and containing a map the size of a dime.

The only thing we know for sure is that there really is a Scout Mountain.

After nearly arriving at Powell Lake, (wrong) we scrambled through someone's back yard, and carrying poor, tuckered Bailey, arrived back at the park.

We never did find the trail, and Teddie flopped in anything even remotely resembling shade.

The looks of reproach from the dogs was beyond belief..we are never to be trusted again.

Did I happen to mention that we were stumbling around up there for over 3 hours without ever getting near to our intended destination????

Did I happen to mention that we had an absolutely wonderful time????

So that's what we did today-how about you????

Nanaimo Dragon Boat Festival

Opening the festival consists of an eye-dotting ceremony in which a group of Taoist monks put red paint in each eye of each dragon head to awaken the spirit of the dragon.

Lots of incense!

Following a huge fun survivor's dinner, we all paraded to the lagoon and launched candles into the water. Finishing a race soaking wet.

One race started with us being grounded on a sandbar, and then after the start, having to come to a full stop when we were cut off by another boat.
Being totally ticked off, we finished the race in second place, and according to Ken, the entire audience was cheering us on.

The carnation ceremony in which all the breast cancer survivors raft together and with music playing throw carnations into the water-Definitely a 2-hanky affair. In the foreground is our coach with the headband and our team supporters cheering us on.
Worse(better) yet, we all march up the ramp under an arch of paddles while the other 70 teams sing "You are my Sunshine"
I lost it during that walk.....

The warrior women after the breast cancer race. We were immediately turned around, told to get in to the next race, without getting a chance to pee.
We won that one, partly in an effort to get back to the biffies!

Kathaumixw-2006

Kathaumixw is an international choral festival held here every 2 years. It is a Salish word meaning a gathering together of different peoples.
It's huge!

Like I mean 26 choirs from all over the world, 900 singers....

We went to the opening ceremonies last night. We (and about 1200 other people) heard the Tai Pei orchestra , a Uganda choir and a girls choir from Australia among others.

Today we(Lion's Club) go and help other service clubs prepare a BBQ for 500 people at Willingdon Beach.

Tomorrow, Ken & I will take our turn selling bottled water at the music academy.

Just billeting this many people must be a nightmare.

Friday we will go to the island for a dragon boat festival in Nanaimo, so we miss the big closing ceremonies.

Oh well, next time....

Canada Day Ducky Races

and great fun was had by all...