The torch

We saw it! The torch came through Steveston and Margaret and I were there and I get it! It truly is an amazing feeling - this flame is infectious - it is Canadian and it is home! Always the perfect guide, Margaret mapped out the route beforehand and today after I got home from my dreaded early morning shift, I was allowed a mere 20 minutes to put up my feet before we headed out on our torch adventure.

I groaned internally but I was too excited at the chance to say "I was there" to complain, so off we went.

 Margaret suggested we walk to the village along the back roads to see the old town, the cannery and the historic village before we joined the crowds waiting for the torch to come through. What a beautiful serene walk - my feet and calves quickly forgot they were tired as we strolled allong the boardwalk, next to the ducks and the water and the lowering sun. And of course, as always, those beautiful mountains in the distance.

A little further ahead we could see people and as we got closer to town, we were joined by men, women and children decked out in red and white - hats, mitts, jackets and flags draped around their bodies. Of course we had to be a part of this!  One toasty Starbucks hot chocolate (and bladder break) later we arrived on the main drag. At first it was quiet but soon the crowds began to swell - and we passed the Coke truck, with staff handing out pendants to wave and the RBC truck with folks handing out mini-tambourines. Some other sponsor had balloons and all of a sudden there were hundreds of people lining the street.

And I spied the most fabulous Canada hat ever.

This young lady was ever so pleased to pose and most polite - she even aked if she could show her beer can in the picture. Well of course - it was Molsons Canadian after all!

We found a great vantage point, and I set my camera - gotta get me one that works way better in outdoor conditions! Police cars with flashing red and blue lights rolled along to make way for the oncoming torch bearer - the excitement was just palpable - a woman next to me apologized for getting in my way - but her autistic son was so excited and happy and calm, she just wanted to make sure he got a good view. And he did, and we did. We all did. The torch came by - less than 3 feet away and I understood why everyone before had felt so emotional, so connected. It was real - it was here and we were the lucky ones to have seen this flame cross our country and arrive in the city that would host the world. I will never forget this day. I believe. (Too bad my camera can't take a decent picture of something moving but here's what I caught. Margaret's on Facebook is better.) 

Well of course, we had to cap the night with some good wine and food, so Margaret took me to her local - Gudruns - OMG- I love good food. A fabulous bottle of Chilean Syrah - all you red wine fans make a note - Chono Reserva Carmandere Syrah (someone check please - if LCBO does not stock this I will bring back a bottle or few), a starter of creamed watercress soup with a dollop of La Maure and a scrumptious charcuterie platter - BC Tiger blue (another thing I must bring home), Guiness cheddar, Vietnamese duck pate and more! What a way to end a day.

Good night and sleep well - I know I will!