It was a great day here in Ottawa today. The crisp winter weather froze up the ski tracks beautifully in Gatineau and the sun was shinning on us as we headed out for a rip after our weights were polished off this morning. Adam V is up and he came out for the ski, along with a gang of usual suspects. We had a great time taking advantage of the fast conditions. Ridge Road was in great condition and we had a blast ripping it down Penguin.

The boys at the Top of Penguin Hill


On the way home from the park Angus and I stopped of at city hall to be part of the celebraiton of the Olmypic flame coming to Ottawa. It was a great event with local athletes, politicians and just lots of regular folks out to share in the joy and excitement that the flame brings. I was cheering like a little kid on Christmas when I saw the flame come down Laurier across the canal. Here is a shot of the first torch bearer I saw, an Aboriginal Veteran who brought the flame to the beautiful Aboriginal monument which sits on Elgin Street in Confederation Park. The flame was then brought back around the park and into what is now known as Marion Dewar Plaza in front of city hall. It was a really specially moment for the city and everyone there to see a special cauldron lit on the steps of city hall, I personally was very moved and excited to see the flame and watch the Vancouver Olympic flag be raised. As you might expect Rideau was very well represented in the crowd and on the stage. Sue Holloway and Greg Joy were honoured along with other Olympians including the real darling of this weeks festivities in Ottawa, Barbra Anne Scott. (My new hero) Here are Sue and Greg along with great friend of the club, former mayor of Ottawa Jim Watson, with the flame.