Winners are Grinners

RMC Titans travelled to Orillia last week to compete in the Father Fogarty Hockey Tournament. Unfortunately, I could not attend as I was already committed to going to Quebec City. Anyway, the boys won the tournament, with one team member receiving MVP, and their goalie have the least amount of goals scored against him (if any?). Each team member (note some of the haircuts) is entitled to have the trophy at home for one night as part reward for their success. Next week begins the Playoffs. GO RMC TITANS.

Minus 20 Sunrise

Well, when the radio announces that the temperature will be minus 20, but feels like minus 30 what are you to think? I had to ask, so apparently when the say 'it feels like..." this actually is referring to the wind chill factor. So how do you portray minus 20 to people not here? My most immediate thought was to photograph a stunning sunrise. Waking up this morning and feeling the sun on your face is a moment that makes you smile and warms the heart. Wow, you know you're alive on mornings like this!

Winter Carnival Parade

To round off the middle weekend of Winter Carnival, a parade is held on the Saturday night. All I know is that is was bloody cold, although the atmosphere was one of warmth with many locals filling us in on the past years events and happenings. The parade consisted of many 'floats' of various interest. Many of the participants, including the audience succeeding in maintaining a sense of excitement, even though being snap frozen. The star of the parade is Bonhomme, who is the mascot of the festival. Here I am pictured with Bonhomme at the Quebec Hilton. Enjoy!

Just Chillin' Out!

One of the many highlights of the Winter Carnival is the Ice Hotel. Situated just half an hour out of Quebec City, people pay anything from $200 per night to sleep at this frosty palace. Each year the hotel is rebuilt and of original design. Not everything was ice though. Included in your accomodation package is a spa/sauna, fireplace, and thermal sleeping bags. Although we didn't stay the night, just visiting for the day gives you an idea of the type of icy expereince you'd be in for. So after touring the chapel (Yes, you can get married here), hotel rooms, kids playroom, nightclub and formal entry it was time for us to warm up from the inside out. At the bar, drinks are served in ice glasses (no washing up), and whatever your drink of choice they have it. And thankgod, because all extremities were losing any sign of feeling.

RSVP Quebec

Quebec, the heart of French culture in Canada. With a Population 167,000, and 94% of people identifying themselves as having French descendants it's certainly like visiting a European country without leaving North America. I would defintely encourage anyone travelling Canada to add Quebec City to their itinerary. With it's historic background, narrow streets and hillside location this city is an easy walk (even with the hills, many steps, and icy footpaths). Our main aim whilst here was to experience the Winter Carnival. So with this in mind, plus keeping warm, well at least feeling in the finger tips and toes it was straight outside to begin our 'icy' tour of the city. P.S. Sorry about the photos