The Next Adventure

It's about to begin!

After a year and a half, and hours of work, I'm bound for Australia!

I depart Dec 14th PST and will Arrive in Sydney on Dec 16th (time change).

Gathering new gear, getting paperwork sorted, and preparing for Oz Moot is what's apart of my agenda over the next 27 days. I learned recently I will be going Rock Climbing for my expedition, so I have to get my body prepared for the brutality that is ahead.

I will be going to Sydney, Cairns, Melbourne and Adelaide. Final travel and events are slowly coming together.

Stay tuned for updates on my travels!

YIS

Kimberly McGilvray

Almost!

I've now made it into Calgary. I'm happy to report that I'm finding the transit back to be very swift and easy. Though I expect the last 16 hours of my trip to be the worst, for obvious reasons.

When I got to Regina, I took a quick walk around the block. I found a Casino, mall, and a ton of closed signs. (I was there 7pm to 8 pm).

Once I was back on my bus, it was a rough evening filled with shifting, on again off again sleep, and a familular site, Calgary.

I'm currently waiting for my next transfer to Vancouver. My last bus. My last time zone change. I'm hoping that I get to sleep threw the altitude changes, but I doubt I'll be so lucky. I'm due in to Langely (new point of pick up) at 8:30 pm. I can only hope that we arrive early, though I doubt it will happen.

Till next blog,

Yours In Rovering,

Kimberly McGilvray
xo

Tavelling

So, I spent all of three hours in Winnipeg. Saw 90% of the airport, and got onto my new bus. Due to feeling extremely ill and not being able to keep anything in my stomache, I've decided to just head home for the sake of my health.

I will continue on my original route, via Regina and Calgary, but without stopping aside from my layovers.
It's unfortunate, but I'll probably come back out this way in a few years with friends to check it out. I glanced at the Parliment and the Mint, and it's nothing super special, at least from the outside. I saw the Mint Pavillion while it was in Vancouver for the Olympics, so I can wait. ;)

I was lucky enough to find myself a shot glass in the airport, so I'm super happy. Hopefully I can pull the same in Regina :D But, who knows?

I'm due home Tuesday at 8 50 pm (coming threw Coquitlam). I will have my final post up on Wed.

Till next time,

Yours In Rovering,

Kimberly McGilvray
xo

Coaching

I'm currently at the Toronto Coach Terminal, waiting for my bus. (1 am departure). I'm super excited to be starting my treck home. I've enjoyed the Central of Canada, kinda wanna stay longer, but I'm wanting to come home.

There was an announcement that Justin Beibers in the terminal. I think it's a little hokey, but that's ok.

So, today. Quiet the day.

I spent most of it going threw my gear, and double checking I had everything done and set to go.

I also happened to go threw a traditional Rover Investiture (via 1st Whitby). It was rather interesting, but at the same time, extremely bland. Made me think of how I'm going to do Cubs this year. Gotta be something cool.....

After wards, we went into another ceremony, Knighthood. Before we started with the super secret things, I was asked a question, and it was one i have ironically spent a long time thinking about. "If you weren't involved in Scouting, would you be where you are today? Be where your going? Being the person you are?" I couldn't help but smile. Because I know my answer is "no". There's a wonderfully long list of the reasons, but I'm much to lazy to type it out.

We proceded with the knighthood. And yes, there was a REAL sword. Had to kneel, and get dubbed. I'm now "Sir Kimefur". Unfortuatley, I dont feel any different.

We then when to Whalley's World for a burger. Now this isn't any old burger, it's a death burger. it hurts. It was followed by a Dairy World Twisted Oreo Ice Cream/Bizarre creation. My stomache still hasn't forgiven me.

I then packed up, and said good bye to the people I've met and enjoyed the last week with.

I've gotta jet to get into line. Boo!

Till next time,

Yours In Rovering,

Kimberly McGilvray
xo

Great Big Sea

I have to admit, yesterday was one heck of a day. I spent most of it pre-packing and waiting for Millie to come over. We went for Greek (simply delicious!), and headed into the downtown core. It was simply nuts! With all the events going on, it boggled my mind.

I never did make it IN to the CNE, but I did get a good view from the Princess Gates.

We finally got to the concert, and it was mind blowing. I always appreciate a musician more when they sound the same live, if not better. Great Big Sea was definitely better live. We were 4th Row from the stage, in the pits. Simply marvelous. I was even given a set list off the stage! :D It's totally getting taped to my wall.

After wards, given it's my last night in Toronto, we went into the night life. It's pretty much the same as Vancouver, just a little more crowded. We ended up at a high class restaurant near Keith's place. I experienced a few Czech traditions, and was invested into the "Order of the Buffalo". I just hope that Vancouver is ready to be Buffaloed....

And that was pretty much yesterday.

Today, aside from packing and saying good bye, I'm going to be Invested and Knighted into 1st Whitby.

Should be an experience. Hopefully I can bring the Knight theme BACK to Vancouver, just because it's super cool (to me).

Other then that, I'm not exactly sure when I will have the net next. I'm hoping to in Winnipeg, but who knows!

Till next time,

Yours In Rovering,

Kimberly McGilvray
xo

Toronto Part 3

Yesterday I started my day at the St. Lawrence Market. It's just like the Public Market on Granville Island, only in an old brick building and two stories. It also smells a lot like fish. I picked up a lovely fruit salad for a dollar, and continued on my way. I found the day to be extremely warm so I thought I'd be smart and tour the underground walk ways. Not exactly what I was expecting, but still interesting. I found it easier and quicker to walk underground then above ground.

During my lunch break, I called Brad Olson (my Contingent Advisor) and gathered information for the other two member I was going to met with later that day.

I finished navigating my way back to Union station. I purchased my Go Train ticket, and struggled with which platform I was to board on. As I learned, it was 3. It's not actually on the ticket, you have to watch the television and it tells you.

Meeting with Karen and Adam was a lovely evening. I found Coffee Culture, enjoyed a quiet Mocha, and got down to business. I did a quick tour of Brampton, and headed back to Toronto.

Not exactly the most exciting day, but that's alright. It was pretty chill.

Today, I'm doing my laundry, pre-packing, and getting my ducks in line for the long haul to Winnipeg. Later today, I'm going to the CNE with Keith and Millie. Around 7, I will be going to the Amphitheater to watch, Great Big Sea. I've always wanted to see them, and I finally get to!

I'm not exactly sure what's on the agenda tomorrow, aside from me getting on a bus in the later evening. I may get a chance to blog or I may not. I'll do my best to write in Winnipeg. I should be there on Monday.

If not, I'll be leaving Winnipeg the same day and heading to Regina for Tuesday. I'm still not sure about stopping in Calgary as my relatives and the council haven't responded to me as of yet.

Depending on how it all comes together, I'll be back in the Lower Mainland on Wednesday or Thursday. :)

Till next time,

Yours In Rovering,

Kimberly McGilvray
xo

Possibilities

So yesterday I ended up walking up to the GO train (much like our West Coast Express). I ended up at Union station (at the very base of the heart of the city). It took me a while to figure out exactly where I was located, but found myself once I was away from the station. It was then I thought it be a good idea to go check out Casa Loma.

A lovely 3 hour walk later, I found myself staring at the building used for the school in X-men. If you are ever in Toronto, I highly suggest venturing threw Casa Loma. It's being fully restored to it's pride and joy. It has the separate Lady and Sir's rooms (walk in closets, separate bath) and even a guest room. The Scottish tower was one of my favorite features. Also, they have self guided tours with an audio accompaniment. It's probably my favorite part of Toronto right now.

I then used for the first time the Maps application in my cell phone. I found where I was, and requested it to find my way to my current residence. From what I could figure in my mind, wasn't too far. It claimed 9 minutes. I was a little leery of that, but went with the idea. Of course, it was a 9 minute drive, and a 3 plus hour walk.

On my way, I passed the ROM (Royal Ontario Museum) which was closed when I got around. I also happened to cross another Museum with secret treasures of the Geisha and Samaria. As that one turns out, it's nothing but porcelain bowls and vases. j

I also happened to stroll threw Little Greece. Interesting neighborhood. Haven't gone threw one like that before. Mainly built up of restaurant, there was very little to do with the Greek culture. I also happened to see my first Amish person. I've only read about them, and have always been fascinated by their way of life. Actually getting to see one, was pretty exhilarating. (Odd, I know, but it's me).

After my long walk, I sat down, rubbed my sore feet, and watched Glee for the first time.

Today, after getting lost in the subway system (really, Montreal has THE BEST subway ever), I found myself not quiet where I wanted to be. It took me about an hour longer than I'd want to get to the CN tower. In the end, I decided against it. Mainly due to the overall 90 minute wait. Just didn't seem worth it.

I moved onto the Design Exchange (dx.org). It is more or less a quick show of local design as well as design history. I only had time to check out the two shows. They also utilized a GR application (basically you take a funny picture with your blackberry phone, it decodes said image and links you to a website with information). It's a great way to have information available and save paper.

I had to dash up King Street to make it to my meeting at MEC (Mountain Equipment Co-op). I arrive a few minutes early, so i popped in to check out what was so different. Aside from the layout and it being two stories, not too much. Over all the exact same product, and friendly service.

I met up with Robert Skinner (Contingent member), and chatted with him about Oz Moot, his ideas, what he wants from the Contingent, concerns, etc. Over all, pretty chill guy. He comes from a town of a few hundred just outside of Toronto. Their down town consists of a gas station. I have to say, that's a little bit too country.

I then met with Kevin Dunn for dinner. He's a retired Rover from the Ottawa area who is currently crew-less. We chatted about all things scouting. From Steve Kent (Chief Commissioner) to the joys of being a Beaver Leader. Over all, pretty cool guy. Lots of advise, information, and support.

Tomorrow, I'm heading off to Brampton in the later afternoon. In the morning, I hope to maybe explore the islands, and possibly make it over to the fort. But again, depends on time.

In other pretty awesome news, I'm going to a concert on Friday. Specifically, Great Big Sea. The camp I had intended on attending has been post-poned till further notice. I plan to depart Toronto late Saturday night and start trekking home.

OH! I also did a social experiment today. I didn't wear my hat (cowboy/bush hat)! I was treated differently. No longer like an alien. It's odd, but interesting for me. I can't decide if I want to wear it tomorrow or not. Still deciding.

Aside from that, I'm starting to miss Vancouver. As familiar as Toronto feels, it's not Vancouver.

Yours in Rovering,

Kimberly McGilvray
xo