The Adventures and Tales of the "Good" Ole Irish Weather

It’s for sure that all the international contingents have endured a lot of rain while they were in Ireland. During our visit, we had to expect at least one rain shower every day. Before anyone arrived at camp, the weather was so horrible that they had to move the campsites around three times before they found decent ground. Our group ended up at camp a day early in the down pouring rain. Of course we had to put up our tent up in it. (That never fails) It took six Canadian Rangers and three Irish to put up our tent. I didn’t think it would be rocket science until I realized that the fly had to go first. Then, the pods where you sleep connect from the inside of the fly and then a tarp goes on the group so the floor wouldn’t get soaked. With only 2 hours of sleep on the plane we never thought to put the tarp and pods inside the fly. Therefore they had a good soak before we realized they were sitting in the rain.

Overcast over the lake Due the incorporate weather and the lack of room in our tent three of decided to create a mountain of luggage after we tripled checked again absolutely everything in our suitcase was in a plastic bag. It gave us extra room to get in and out of the tent and we were able to throw a huge tarp over our bags to make sure puddles didn’t form on the outside of the suitcases. However, every time someone needed to get into their suitcase things got really messy. The weather got better throughout the week. It still rained of, but we got so used to it, none of us realized it.

Never went every where without a rain jacket. This was visitors day. It started off nice, then rainy and then COLD! Ireland just doesn’t get rain showers! We experienced sun showers a few times too. The sun would be shining with a few clouds and then all of the sudden it would just pour rain. The last day of camp, a few of us ran out in it and played on the equipment. Our bums got wet from sitting on the equipment.

Our group woke up to sun and not a cloud in the sky one morning after camp. A leader woke us up yelling; “FIRE DRILL, FIRE DRILL” to get us out of bed and made sure we all saw the beautiful weather. Somebody didn’t want to get out of bed, so they dragged her outside in her sleeping bag. A leader took out her pad of paper and asked everybody to give her a penny and an estimate on what time it would rain. Guess what everybody? It rained!

double rainbow Despite the daily rain forecasts everyone was still very happy and continued with the program. I and sure of lots of others can now say we are pro campers in the rain

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High Ho! High Ho! Off to Ireland We Go!

The day had finally came after two years of fundraising and filling out loads of paperwork. At 11am, most of were on the road with our camping gear and clothing in tow. We stopped along the way for lunch, where most of us ended up meeting coincidentally.. The excitement started to hit me when we arrived at the airport. The group went up in 3's to check in and go through security. I was relieved when I found out that my bag wasn't over the 51 lb weight limit. As we boarded I watched the start of an amazing sunset. It got better as we reached 39,000 feet above altitude.

Before We Took off

The stewardess's fed us a choice of chicken, or beef on top of noodles. I always heard people say that airplane food was disgusting but I never really believed them. I found out quickly that disgusting was an understatement. Over cooked noodles, dry chicken, with some sauce and white stuff that looked like cheese wasn't appealing. Our first little bit of green Irish land was beautiful. I never saw so much green; even the pylons on the runway were bright green. The excitement grew on the airplane with applauses and a cheer that we were finally beginning our dream destination. After picking up our luggage, we met the girls that were picking us up at the airport. When we waited for more Canadians to come in, we explored and had to figure out how to use the toilets and bathroom taps before we did anything else. After a few tries we eventually figured it out.

Lush Irish Land

A long and tiring 2 and a half hour bus ride was ahead of us. Good time for a cat nap. When we arrived, we had a bit of a surprise. Instead of going to the scout hall across from the camp, we ended up at the campsite. It was a surprise, but were Girl Guides we handled it well, despite the 2 hours of sleep we had. We unloaded our gear, and had our first very warm welcome from three of the girls and a few of the leaders. The group of were ready to start our long awaited journey with many new adventures upon us. I couldn't wait to see what they had in store for us first!!!

Get Ready! Get Set! Go Ireland!

The moment that 22 of us have been looking forward to for almost 2 years, is finally coming true in only in 3 days. The preparations for fundraisers and the hard work that everyone has put in; is finally paying off. We have an amazing 18 days ahead of us. For the first week we head to Camp 101 with 15 other countries to celebrate the cenetary of Girl Guides. The theme of the camp is "Together we can change our world" The Rangers have been giving special jobs as staff for the week. Pathfinders will have the opportunity to participate in many activities they chose earlier in the year. In the evening every one will participate in different fun ceremonies. We have been asked to bring a funky pair of pants and a white top. What could that be for? After a week of camping, the group will travel to Shannon, Ireland to begin the Kerry Fling tour. We will see sights such as the Blarney Castle, the Dingle, the Ring of Kerry and much much more. I cannot wait to be able to kiss the Blarney Stone.... did u know it is the 2nd most dirtiest tourist attraction in the world. So are you ready to start the trip of the lifetime? Are you ready to meet friends from 15 different countries? Are you ready to be able to see some of the most beautiful sights that we may not be able to see again? I know I am. My bag is almost packed and ready to go. Just a few more swaps to do and some more labelling. Only 3 days left!!!!!!!!!!!!

Shopping! Shopping! and more Shopping

What does a girl love more than shopping! Friday afternoon began with lunch at McDonalds, then to on the road to a GIANT Target-- It was 2 floors!!!!!!!! I got a tonne of clothes that were on sale.

We ventured down to a really neat store called Sports Authority for my brother. They walked around almost for half an hour to find out that they didn't sell any hockey equipment.

Giant Target was great, now it was time to head over to Bellevue to get a ham for New Years Day. The GPS took us for quite the ride. We ended up in Seattle, it was a clear day so the skyline was beautiful. Of course the one day it is clear, I didn't have the camera with me. It was raining on the other end of the freeway, so there was quite the rainbow.

I had the opportunity to be a kid in a candy shop except it was a craft store. If it wasn't for my brother nagging me to be finished I would have spent all day in there.

Day well spent :)

PFFFT!!!!! Who Needs Wine to Enjoy Themselves

We set out to the most beautiful winery that there ever can be called Chateau Ste. Michelle in Woodinville. As we walked the path to get in a Peacock was in front of me just minding his business not caring about a thing. How wierd to find such an exotic aminal on property.




We walked in to the Chateau for a tour. I lost interest within the first 10 mins. To sum up the process the grape is picked, it is skinned if it is white, if its red the seeds and skins are left on for flavour. It then goes into a fermintation tank for several days. Then, into barrel and of course bottling afterwards. An interesting fact about Chateau Ste. Michelle is red wines aren't made or grown here, however the white wines are. The Reds are grown in a much warmer climate but shipped here once bottled.

Once my parents were in the tasting room, I set off for a walk along the propertytio try and find the Peacock again. I came across the trout pond, that had many Ducks. They weren't afraid of people, as long as you weren't loud they would come right to you and then swim away. The clouds lifted a bit, I was able to see a couple mountains. The Peacock that I named Fred was in the parking lot standing right next to me, like I mean I could bend down and pet him he was so close to me. He didn't do anything, he just stood there like I was nothing to him. It was kinda of cool.






Our journey ended with another winery, that I was rather bored because I had to find other ways to occupy myself other than taking pictures. What did I result to? Listen to my mother talk about how fabulous the wine was.

I was happy to go home, and be able to go home and shop with aunt at the mall. :)

I can get used to this way of life photos