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

  Vancouver skyline from Stanley Park

 

same location at night

The Olympic rings 

Gastown steam clock built 1977

  

Totem poles Stanley Park

Lions Gate bridge 

  

 Village and ferry docks Horseshoe Bay West Vancouver

(I used to live here)

Photo's and posted by Glenn

Our Little Home Away from Home

After talking with some of the other drivers I think we are fortunate to be in the 2400 Motel.
Built circa 1942 as military housing

 

  

Our cottages have loads of room and very comfortable 

I think Jim and I have the original 1942 stove (a Frigidaire) but it still works well

 

Photo's and post by Glenn

The Sights of greater Vancouver

Today Glenn and I had an opportunity to visit Vancouver's many beautiful sights by car.
The following photos will give a brief outline of some of these breathtaking sights.
The North Shore Skyline

 

   Gastown looking west to the downtown

Nick Kordts

Let the Games Begin

It's official, the touch is lit, even some of our American neighbors are supporting Canada

 

A typical Vancouver site, the many cargo ships waiting in English Bay for their turn to sail under the Lions Gate bridge and unload/load their cargo

photo and post by Glenn

Arrival in Vancouver

After pulling into our depot our units were inspected and decaled fairly quickly then it was off to the tent, the tent of kaos. During all of this we were able to get our accreditation, checked into the motel and was given both breakfast and lunch. The rest of the day was spent reciving info that changed every 10 minutes, but we took it all in the true McCoy spirit.

photo and posted by Glenn