Then back to Tarentorus Curling Club where we had been the previous evening for a fabulous pot luck supper. Tarentorus is the Tasmanian Devil, so named because they have a devil of a time there! Halfway through our games, jello shots were brought onto the ice to be consumed before the games continued. Our meal afterwards was lasagne and cake - very nice. We were given a fantastic welcome here by Helen Stewart our adopted tour member, her volunteers, in particular Cindy Cudmore and Bonnie Hammerstedt. Many thanks ladies for two fun evenings and the 2 nights with our billeting hosts which allowed for a bit of relaxation, washing to be done and friendships built.
Our hosts at Sudbury returned us to the Idylwylde Golf & Curling Club after their very generous overnight hospitality, when they opened their homes to us. After a short journey to Espanola, we were again greeted by a broom arch , and coffee and muffins. We were piped onto the ice and sang our national anthems. Five generations of curlers were represented and Molly Gallant (also known as Sasquatch) threw the ceremonial stone, which was swept by Zoe Hill. Two more juniors, Zoe Rothwell and Adrian Morgan carried the flags. The games then proceeded for five of the Scottish rinks against the "wild animals of Northern Ontario". The sixth rink were driven around by John Haegeman, a great raconteur. He showed us the "good luck" shoe tree and Chaga, a possible cancer cure , growing on trees; we visited the Dare 2 Dream alpaca farm and saw John's collection of timber hammers, used to notify "ownership" of felled trees. He also showed us how he produced wooden slabs which were in great demand as taxidermy mounts as well as other uses. Thanks to Jack Tait and Jim Randow and their team of volunteers for a memorable visit, including the gentlemen who were responsible for the catering - the salads and freshly cooked white fish from Lake Huron were delicious. Thanks also to Jack for the stained glass ornaments we received as gifts. Such a shame that we ran out of time.
We received a warm welcome from Blind River Curling Club, for a break in our journey from Espanola to Saulte St. Marie. We didn't curl here but had an enjoyable time with some excellent singing from our hosts, which provoked some impromptu dancing. A folk group called "the guys" gave us Scottish songs, including Loch Lomond and one from Newfoundland. Country singer Fern McCoy sang a couple of songs including one from Neil Young, who was once stranded in Blind River when his car broke down in 1962. A female group then gave us some lively songs. We were able to respond with songs from our own songbook. Snacks were provided which included a French Canadian pastry called Pettes de Soeurs or Nuns' farts. These had been specially baked by Lorraine Joffrey and thankfully they were delicious and tasted nothing like their name!
A very early start and a ferry crossing to Billy Bishop airport on Toronto Island for a short flight to Sudbury. We said "au revoir" to Jacques who we hoped would be there to meet us on our return! We were greeted excuberantly by Helen, our Northern Ontario courier, having also said farewell to Jane earlier in the day.
Then on to the curling, we had a great group of ladies led by Barbara Booth that sang the National anthems with us in wonderful harmonies.. We were welcomed by Karen Luczak and thanks to all her volunteers.After an excellent beef dinner, with wild blueberry pie, the Ladies entertained us with a table vs table quiz scored by an exuberant local curler Terry. At the end of the dinner we were visited by Tracy Fleming, Northern Ontario Champion and team mate Amanda Gatez, they had hoped to throw the ceremonial stone but had both been working. WeAfter a very tiring day, we were then taken away for the first home hosting of our Tour. More info to follow..
We now had a new Greyhound bus driver in Luc, and Andrew joined us for an informative tour about Sudbury and the local area. It is famous for its nickel mining, used in the stainless steel industry, but also is a world leader in re-greening, ongoing since the 1970 ' s with over 10 million trees planted. Blueberries also grow locally and their are over 300 freshwater lakes in the area. We went to the Big Nickel and sang an involuntary rendition of Highland Cathedral whilst having a group photo. We then visited Christine Tworo, in the communal area of her condo on the side of Lake Nepahwin where she and some helpers had organised a fantastic lunch with a variety of ethnic origins. The sunshine tempted us out onto the wooden area below for views over the water. Peter and Jan Pulah then took us to the Science North Museum, where it was good to see a very active schools programme. Nail beds made Fakirs of some of our group, and budding astronauts offered their bodies to the gravity ball! We met a 16 year old beaver with only half a tail, a porcupine asleep in a tree and a turtle. We then adjourned to their theatre where we were treated to a 4D film called Wild Fires, which documented how forest fires were controlled in Northern Ontario, with planes that skimmed along the water collecting water as they went, so that it could then be dropped on the problem areas. The 4th dimension of this film included moving seats, smoke and the occasional unexpected spray of water! Unfortunately time meant that we could not visit Dynamic Earth, to compare this with the facility of the same name in Edinburgh.
Toronto Cricket Club - no wickets for us, just wick-ins and wick-outs! A beautifully appointed facility, modern yet cosy, Toronto Cricket, Skating & Curling Club is a sports complex. We were delighted to watch Canada ' s young future skating champions - triple salchows and toe loops all looked so easy from our side of the glass. However, we were given a great welcome and the warm scones, cream and jam were greatly appreciated. Our team photos were placed on the windows by the sheet where we we were playing. This allowed our hosts to easily identify us, and Naomi was a force not to be withstood! The buffet lunch to follow the game, consisting of soup and wraps, hit just the right spot.
Onward to Richmond Hill ... and a very welcoming broom arch.Two other people were there to greet us, who had traveled 100 miles to do so - Jim & Sheila Purvis, relatives of RCCC Ladies Branch President, Marion Fraser. A group photo was taken on the ice as well as individual team photos before the games began. We were welcomed by Mayor Dave Barrow and Club President Mike Tombosso. Smoked salmon and cheese dip nibbles were present on the tables when we came off the ice. An excellent dinner of salad, turkey and home made butter tarts was consumed. We were entertained by the ladies barber shop style choir who sang a variety of curling songs to well known tunes. Thanks to Lady President Gayle Tanner, and Tour host Carol Thompson and her very hard working volunteers. We responded with our own Tour song and a couple of curling songs and received a standing ovation - we were obviously improving!!
Bayview Golf and Curling Club, what a lovely setting, a number of us looked longingly out onto the golf course, could we not have a change of sport for the day? No chance! On with the curling, we were welcomed by Councillor Valerie Burke of the city of Markham, and to dinner by Mitchell Cohen, Cheryl McPherson and her volunteers did a sterling job of hosting us, thank you very much Bayview.
A lovely lunch stop here on a beautiful day, as you can see below, along way from home.
Can you believe we were sitting outside with no coats on eating lunch on the 16th of November in Canada!! |
Archives
November 2015
Tour RETURNS
SCOTLAND 902
CANADA 752 FINAL RESULT The Tourists very much appreciate the following sponsors for their very generous support of the Tour
|