McCoy at the Vancouver 2010 Games

We're back!

Vancouver BC - Calgary AB
The tears of Vancouver were flowing (ok it was raining) as we leave Vancouver and start driving eastbound on the #1 to Calgary. The clouds broke and the sun came out as we neared Hope BC which opened up that spectacular scenery that British Columbia is famous for as we started to wind our way towards the mountain passes. It was disappointing that we weren't able to hear the Canada/USA game on the radio (couldn't find it on the sat radio either) We did manage to get updates via cell phones and news reports and were in the kicking horse pass when Sydney Crosby scored the gold medal goal. We also celebrated another birthday today with a free dinner at Denny's in Calgary for Jim as he turned 52.

Calgary AB - Brandon MB
The prairies can be a monotonous at the best of times, I think they added curves in the highway to give you something to do, but today it was a little more difficult as we encountered fog for the entire trip between Calgary and Brandon.
If you ever want to have a good loaded breakfast, stop at the Medicine Hat airport, you get enough on one plate to feed a family, all for a good price. (cash is the accepted payment)
When we arrived in Brandon we were reminded that yes it's still winter as the temperature was -10.

Great weather followed us the rest of the way as we traveled to Thunder Bay, Sudbury and finally Kingston.

It was a incredible once in a lifetime opportunity to travel across country to work at the Olympics.

Thanks to all for the support and encouragement

The Wawa Goose

Lake Superior just north of Sault Ste Marie

Photo's and post by Glenn

So long, farewell, goodbye

Saturday BJ and I did the final shift from the athlete's village. We had the honor of some of our gold winning ladies hockey players on both our buses which made for a fitting end to our work.

We were fortunate to get to work with some great people here, like the Village transportation supervisor Christo to the many volunteers in blue (smurfs as we called them) who came from all over the country.

Christo

My friend Megan (who worked traffic control)

The Athlete's Village

222 waiting for the next run

Photo's and post by Glenn

Last Shift

It's been a quiet couple of days as things here start to wind down. Tomorrow is the last shift, and we have been getting ready to pack up the buses, and bid our farewell on Sunday.

Today Nick and I were in North Vancouver and took the opportunity to have lunch at the Tomahawk restaurant, which first open in 1926. Decorated with First Nations artifacts, great food at reasonable prices makes the Tomahawk a busy little spot

The one thing that's not so great about Vancouver and the lower mainland is the gas price. When we arrived the price was around $1.06 a liter, since the Olympics started the price has been between $1.10 and $1.13 a liter

photo's and post by Glenn

Celebration

While the medals are being presented we had a celebration of our own. Tonight we had the rare opportunity for all to get together for a sit down meal prepared by RJ then surprised Nick as his 65th birthday is tomorrow. Unfortunately we were unable to obtain a fire permit to light all the candles on the cake but in true McCoy style improvised to the fullest.

HAPPY 65TH NICK!!!

Photo's and post by Glenn

Another great day

Another great day working here at the Vancouver summer games, had time to work on my tan in between runs. It's hard to think of these as winter games with temps in the double digits and people walking around in short sleeves.
We did have a superstar sighting this morning as Sydney Crosby walked past, RJ even got a wave as he walked past him.

From day one we had been told about possible protester's trying to stop the buses and it finally happened to me today. As I had just entered into the venue I knew something was afoul when I was stopped dead in my tracks as several of these so called protesters took over the roadway, but not to worry as I was rescued by our integrated boys in blue as they quickly pushed them back off the roadway and allowed me to pass as the following pictures will show.

Signs of spring is all around us, 3 days ago the sign for the Vancouver City hall was bare, today the tulips were in bloom

And finally this is the inuksuk that greats the athletes as they enter the village

Photo's and post by Glenn

Going for Gold

The McCoy drivers are getting rave feedback from the few athletes and volunteers we work with here at the Olympic Village. There have been reports (including news reports) of drivers getting lost on their routes or not even showing up, not us, we are showing the world that we will do everything to keep up the high professionalism that you can expect from any of the McCoy drivers. (do we get that bonus now Shawn LOL)
A Swiss athlete in a panic approached me at the venue BJ and I are assigned to, he had left his camera that had all his pictures including the ones he took at the opening ceremony on the bus, with a quick phone call, BJ was able to return the camera back to a now relived athlete within 30 mins.
(please note that we are not allowed to elaborate on security procedures, routes, venues or athletes at this time for security reasons)
Even tho it feels more like spring then winter, (double digits again today) the sights around Vancouver and the lower mainland are awesome. Not only the natural sights but everywhere you go Canada pride is all around, from kids and adults alike walking around with face painted maple leafs to wearing the Canadian flag, sights to make you feel proud to be Canadian.

Now for more photo's from around Vancouver