MUNGO EATS Latin America

Here is the weekend update for all you followers…what did the McLeans do this weekend?  There were no races this weekend, which is always a good start.  The kids love to race and we will always take them, if they want to go, but sometimes it nice to have a race-free weekend.  Just because they were not racing, did not mean they were not skiing.  In fact, both kids were in Canmore for practices on Saturday.   The biathlon range was being used by another group this weekend, so even Sean just ended up skiing.  Luckily, while the coaches took their charges out on the trails, Kevin and I had a chance to put some distance on our skis.  We do not get a lot of time on our skis, and it is was a great day, quite warm, although not really sunny. 

In the afternoon, the kids went tobogganing with Sara’s team.  Sean was allowed to tag along.  The coach took them to  Grassi Lakes to toboggan.  Kevin and I were not really sure where they would go down.  Our experience with the Grassi Lakes area was that there was a wide trail going up to some lakes at the top.  Although the hills on either side of the trail are plenty steep for sliding, they are also full of trees.  We were therefore a little puzzled, until we saw the kids coming straight down the walking trail.  Well, maybe straight down is not a good description, as the trail twists and turns it’s way down the slope.  The kids had lots of fun though. 

In the evening, Sara went to sleep over at a friend’s house, and Kevin and I headed to the hockey game.  Sean was content to stay at home and rest with the dog.  This was the first hockey game I have been to in likely 10 years.  We were given the tickets, through Kevin’s work, and apparently they were worth $500 for the pair.  I like hockey and enjoyed the game (even though we lost), but I can think of about a million things I would prefer to do with $500!!    Oh well, it was free to us and it was an exciting game to watch.

Sunday did not involve skiing.  No practices at all.  We had two events to choose from, both at the Stampede grounds.  There was a dog show, and there was a boat and sportsman show on.  Now normally, we are not “boat and sportsman” show people, but this year, there was a chance for the kids to ride motorcycles again.  As soon as Sean heard this, the dog show was off the list.  He was a little upset when he found out that he missed his chance to ride a few weeks back, so he was determined to get on a motorcycle this weekend.   

There was much more instruction involved in this “learn to ride” event.  It took almost 45 minutes for them to learn all they needed to know to ride safely.  They practiced stopping and steering and controlling the throttle, before they were let loose.  First things first though, first you have to gear up.  I could not resist snapping a picture of the kids in little surgical ‘”bonnets”  Strange to see how similar they look.  I never really see the similarities when they are standing in front of me.

Then it was time to get on the bikes and “learn to ride”.

In no time, they were zooming around the course (I use the term “zoom” quite loosely!)  Here is a picture of Sean.  He has quite the look of concentration!!

He had a blast, and now motorcycle is on the list of things “I gotta have”.  To be fair, it was always on the list, now it is highlighted!

The rest of the show was okay.  There were some nice boats, but I get sea sick, so they held little appeal for me.  There were plenty of dead and stuffed animals, also not that appealing.  We did see some live birds of prey.  I am not really sure what they were doing at the show, but they were cool to see.  You could even pet them if you wanted.

So, that was the weekend.  Oops, almost forgot, we did meet up with the Ridgeback breeder at the dog show (actually, we met in the parking lot).  We gave here a kennel and a deposit for our new puppy.  So, in a few weeks, we will once again be a two ridgeback family.  Hold onto your hats folks, this could be exciting (or ugly!!)!