Six TPW members met in Ottawa to complete the Army half this
weekend. Poor Susan and Alex had to miss
the event due to illness. Sue, Lee,
Philippa and Linda met at the train station on Friday morning for the
journey. Laurel and Ela flew in later to
join us. We were touched by the thoughtful
goodie bags that Helen, Rorie and Phyllis had prepared for us.
We had a grand day on Saturday, with perfect weather, taking
in the sights of our nation’s capital, starting with a productive tour of
Byward Market resulting in many new accessories – hats, scarves, bracelets and
earrings. Several of us visited the
National Art Gallery to look at Tom Thomson masterpieces. The day ended in a great dinner. Thanks to Sue for organizing perfect
accommodation and restaurants.
The race itself required the ability to breathe
underwater. As soon as our corral
crossed the start line, it began to rain and poured without cease throughout
the race. Just when I thought I couldn’t
get any wetter, the rain would intensify and I’d realize that, yes, one part of
my underwear had been dry and now wasn’t.
Some of our members had the pleasure of shaking hands with
Governor General David Johnston who braved the downpour to meet the public when
the race circled Rideau Hall. There
didn’t appear to be anyone home at 24 Sussex.
Thank heavens it wasn’t too cold. Everyone finished, and several of us
discovered that, to our surprise, we finished faster than expected. It must have been the anticipation of a hot
shower and dry clothes.
