Positively the last blog!!

We set off from Whistler at 11.00am and were surprised but very pleased to once again have Kevin to drive us on our last day, how fitting to have him finish as our driver when he started with us on our first day!

We all felt a little emotional as we put our cases on the coach but but managed to smile as we had a photo on the steps of the Tantalus Resort Lodge.

We had one last mini excursion to Brandywine falls on a sunny day and enjoyed a final beautiful Canadian view of the falls and the mountains, lake,and river in the distance.

Thank you to Investec for their generous sponsorship of our hockey and netball playing shirts....

Thank you to The Big Picture Nursery for their generous sponsorship of our tour hoodies...

Thank you to Light Distribution Ltd for their generous sponsorship of our travel shirts.....

Finally, thank you to Nationwide Produce PLC for their generous sponsorship of our tour gilets....

Wishing everyone very happy summer holidays.

Mrs Jones, Mrs Dickinson, Miss Taylor and Mrs Miller (the Canada Crew)

Last Day of the Tour!

I cannot believe how quickly the second week of our tour has gone and now we blog on our last day activities!

We began our final excursion at 9.30am - The Eco Tours Peddle and Paddle Adventure. We divided the group into two and whilst one set off on mountain bikes, the other began on the water in kayaks and canoes.

The setting for both activities was yet again spectacular and combined the two most popular summer sports in Whistler.

Once the canoeists had finished on the water they swapped over to the bikes and the cyclists took to the water.....our very own biathlon!

We even got to see each other as we peddled and paddled!!

It was great fun and both activities had their own technical and physical challenges to overcome!

The girls had time to relax and explore Whistler for the afternoon before getting ready for our last evening meal together as a group in Blacks-a local restaurant in Whistler where we had our Awards Night. 

We had two special guests for dinner can you spot who?

It was lovely to see Mrs Hurst and her husband who are also enjoying a holiday in Canada.

We had great fun throughout the night made even more exciting when two bears appeared on the lower slope of Whistler. A fitting end to our tour!!

This has been a fantastic tour experience for all of us! We have shared an amazing 18 days and are ready to come home and share it within you all!

The Blog Team x

Zipping around in Whistler & Bear Necessities!

IThe scenery on the drive up to Whistler was beautiful although most of the passengers on the coach used the 2 hours to catch up on some sleep!

For the first time in the tour we encountered poor weather and rain. The majority of the group chose to go on a zip trek around the mountain which turned out to be a thrilling way to spend 2 hours; it was certainly not spoilt by the inclement weather.

 There were some nervous faces before the first zip wire....

Rebecca managed a smile....

We have some great video clips but unfortunately I was unable to attach these successfully to the blog.

In the meantime, Ellie and Lucy alerted Mrs Dickinson to a bear grazing at the base of Whistler mountain....

.......most of the group were in the right place to have a viewing....except Miss Jones who was zip wiring!!

Mrs Miller and Miss Jones were to put that right by booking themselves on an early morning (6am start) bear hunt tour.......how lucky to have a close viewing of a mummy and baby bear. The sighting came in extra time of the tour....another cloud and silver lining moment!

We watched baby bear climb the tree and find a prime vantage point....

....the icing on the cake near the end of a wonderful tour!

Happy Bear Bloggers!!

Capilano Suspension Bridge, Vancouver

Our final stop in Vancouver was a 2 hour visit to the Capilano Suspension bridge which was built because a man called Mackay built a lodge on the wrong side of the river, all the animals he needed to hunt for food were on the other side of the gorge so it saved him walking over 5km down and up the other side of the gorge. It was wobbly but all the group made it across! 

We enjoyed a guided nature tour and some were brave enough to hold a banana slug.

The tree tops walk was a spectacular way to see the canopy of the rainforest.

The cliff walk had a glass bottom in places showing the incredible height.....

Then we waved goodbye to Vancouver and set off for our R & R in Whistler; the final stage of our Canadian Adventure.

Mrs M

Last Netball Match

After a tough tour we faced our final netball opposition. The girls were raring to go and confident they could win. We headed off with high spirits to play Burnaby.

It was a close game and after the first quarter we were one goal ahead, but the competition was tough. With some fantastic defence from Ellie Buxton and Rebecca Dunne we were able to hold onto our one goal lead in the next two quarters. 

In the final quarter out shooting partnership of Millie Mccaughrean and Ellie Parrott came into their own scoring some brilliant goals, finishing the game at 14-9. Their was a tremendous roar as the final whistle went. 

Hugs and kisses were the order of the day!

The second team faced some tough opposition but played with energy and enthusiasm. They were able to hold Burnaby to a close game and they should be congratulated on their performance, not only in tonight's game but everyone this tour. 

 

The girls were given a wonderful opportunity to meet several members of the Canadian national netball team who are currently training for the world netball series.

Congratulations should go to all of our girls, they have been been faced with tough opposition in both hockey and netball and they have proudly represented themselves and the school at every opportunity. They have gained much experience which can be taken to the training field next year. 

 The staff are all incredibly proud of the girls achievements and attitudes throughout this tour, Well done, girls! 

Signing off guest bloggers Miss Taylor and Mrs D