They Don't Call Them MOUNTIES for Nothing!

The Royal Canadian Mounted Police made an appearance in front of the Olympic Cauldron.  They came trotting down the street in queue (that's Canadian for "line"!) and posed in front of the flame for the ultimate Canadian photo op.  The horses were gorgeous and so well behaved, and the stunning red of the uniforms against the gray skies and the cauldron behind made for quite the view.  

Shortly after that, the Martin Mars Water Bomber - the world's largest operational flying boat ever built --  made a fly by and dropped its load of 37,000 litres of water in the harbour right in front of the cauldron.  

 We happened to be sitting in a waterfront restaurant when the plane flew RIGHT overhead.  We could practically see the whites of the pilot's eyes!!!  It was spectacular.  Canada has definitely done its part to showcase some of their amazing treasures.

Last night's Ladies Short program was wonderful; real world-class skating and all the athletes seem to have brought their A-games as personal bests were scored by most all the skaters.  The house came down when Canadian Joannie Rochette took the ice and skated a gorgeous, inspired performance.  Her mother died just 2 days before from a heart attack here in Vancouver and everyone wondered if she would go on to compete in light of the tragedy.  She decided to skate in honor of her mother and there wasn't a dry eye in the house as the music ended and she covered her face with her hands and broke down.  Everyone was on their feet crying and cheering her incredible bravery and poise.  She's currently in 3rd place going into the final so she'll definitely be a crowd favorite tomorrow night for the free skate.  I know WE will all be cheering her on.

We are able to enjoy the nightly fireworks show right from our perfectly situated condo.  They occur each night at 10:45 and never cease to amaze and bring us all to "ooh's" and "ahh's".  It's tough to get good pix of them but here's one that's not too bad.

 

 Well, it's time to sign off as we need to start getting geared up for Ladies Aerials Finals tonight up at Cypress Mountain.  It's been snowing there all day so we'll definitely need to break out the winter gear tonight.  Should be a great competition!