McCoy at the Vancouver 2010 Games

We're back!

2010-03-06T10:19:00.002-05:00

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

2010-03-02T20:56:00.000-05:00

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

2010-02-27T00:30:00.001-05:00

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

2010-02-22T00:23:00.002-05:00

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

2010-02-19T21:35:00.001-05:00

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

2010-02-18T15:33:00.002-05:00

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

2010-02-14T23:11:00.001-05:00

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

2010-02-14T22:02:00.001-05:00

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

2010-02-13T22:52:00.002-05:00

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

2010-02-13T11:21:00.001-05:00

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

More Photos of our trip to Vancouver 2010:

2010-02-12T12:54:00.001-05:00

Finally we arrived in Vancouver after 4 days on the road. All of us are proud to represent McCoy Tours at the once in a lifetime adventure. It is a pleasure to be part of a great bunch of guys, working together to get to our destination safe and sound. The days were long but the spirits were high at all times. Once we arrived in Vancouver and settled into our Motel, we were able to relax a bit and reflect on the journey just completed and the exciting days to come.

I have attached a number of photos taken during the adventure so far. I hope you will find them interesting.

Regards;

Nick Kordts

Day 5, We are getting closer

2010-02-10T23:38:00.001-05:00

Today was a short travel day as we drove the 2 1/2 hours from Kamloops to Chilliwack. An easy drive again with spectacular sights.

We were lucky driving the 4550 kms across the country during the winter. Good weather and only minor mechanical problems we are now only an hour away from our final destination.

photo's and posted by Glenn

Day 4, Sunday Feb 7, 2010

2010-02-08T00:19:00.005-05:00

Another early start, 5am again (local time, yes we figured it out) -6c and foggy. We left Medicine Hat AB for Kamloops BC. Just past Calgary the fog lifted and some of Canada's best scenery was before us. We will let the pictures do the talking.

When we arrived in Kamloops it was a balmy +4c , time to break out the shorts

Day 3, 6 Feb, 2010

2010-02-07T23:43:00.000-05:00

Well we had agreed we were going to leave at 5am but was that 5am eastern time or central time, one things for sure, Winnipeg was having a heatwave as it was -6c this morning. The weather forecast called for 40% chance of flurries I would say more like 100%

Our journey today took us right across the prairie provinces from Winnipeg MB to Medicine Hat AB

Day 2 Friday Feb 5, 2010

2010-02-07T22:41:00.002-05:00

5am, -15c and we're northbound 17 leaving Wawa. Schreber Ontario is where we stopped for breakfast at the old Voyager restaurant.
While on the drive towards Thunder Bay both BJ and Nick spotted moose. Weather was clear and traffic was light as we traveled the long, lonely stretches of highway from Thunder Bay to the Manitoba border

Just after entering Manitoba we were treated to dinner at Sophies, located on highway 11 just north of the Trans Canada by BJ's friend Larry. We all thank Larry for doing that.

After dinner it was straight to Winnipeg and our motel.

photo and post by Glenn

Day 1, Thursday February 4, 2010

2010-02-04T01:48:00.003-05:00

It was once said that a journey of a thousand miles started with one step, I wounder if that person was up at 3am?
With the buses packed, checked and re- checked there is only one thing left to do, borrowing that famous line from NASCAR "Gentlemen start your engines" as we head west to Vancouver

The journey begins leaving Kingston heading west along the 401. Traffic was light and the weather clear so it didn't take long before we were north bound up the 400 then lick-a-dee split up hwy 69 to Sudbury . With the clear roads and light traffic it wasn't long before we were in Sualt Ste Marie then northbound on 17 to Wawa where we spent the first night.
2 notes about Wawa Ontario, 1 is if you ever want to visit an old time Canadian Tire it's here.
2 we found a great place to eat called North of 17 restaurant right in downtown Wawa.

posted by Glenn