About Me

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Delta, British Columbia, Canada
I took very early retirement from teaching in '06 and did some traveling in Europe and the UK before settling down to do some private tutoring. As a voracious reader, I have many books waiting in line for me to read. Tell me I shouldn't read something, and I will. I'm a happy, optimistic person and I love to travel and through that believe that life can be a continuous learning experience. I'm looking forward to traveling more some day. I enjoy walking, cycling, water aerobics & and sports like tennis, volleyball, and fastpitch/baseball. I'm just getting into photography as a hobby and I'm enjoying learning all the bits and bobs of my digital camera. My family is everything to me and I'm delighted to be the mother of two girls and the Gramma of a boy and a girl. I may be a Gramma, but I'm at heart just a girl who wants to have fun.

Saturday, September 27, 2008

RIVERMANIA

I've been having such a great time today and am just stopping for a few minutes to tell you about Rivermania. It's a symbolic trip down the mighty Fraser River, the cradle of British Columbia and Peoples along the river as the creators of the history and culture of BC. River communities, and Delta as the end of the river, have been hosting major local celebrations and festivals spotlighting their unique character. The "trip" started on Aug. 24th in Prince George (about 500 miles north of us here) and arrived today in my village of Ladner. You can see it's a perfect day for the festivities, 18C with barely a breeze. Look at the reflections in the water here at the wharf where we waited for the First Nations to arrive in their longboat.


Cathy and I have lived in this area for over 30 years now so we thought we should check out this particular celebration. It's BC's 150th birthday this year and the anniversary of the first settlers in the area - the Ladner family in 1858. We decided not to attend the free pancake breakfast but were on hand for the reenactment of the Ladner Brothers being guided into the slough by Tsawwassen's First Nations "Eagle Spirit" canoe. We followed the parade, led by the Delta Police Pipe Band into the center of the village to listen as our Mayor and the band's Chief welcomed the Ladners.







We saw "Yukon Dan" illustrate how to pan for gold by separating minerals with magnets to find fool's gold or strike the real thing. We also admired his collection of artifacts and jewellry that he had on display. We checked out the clam chowder cook-off contest and got hungry smelling the soups as they slowly simmered to perfection.









Klondike Kate was on hand with her "girls" to entertain us all. It was hilarious to see her flirting with all the old coots and she even had some of them dress up in flaming red longjohns and crazy wigs and hats to do the can can with her.

I got a couple of good videos that I'll try to post later. I positioned myself in front of the Delta Police Pipe Band and slowly moved out of the way as they reached me and passed me by. I also got a few great videos of Klondike Kate performing. She was fabulous. (David, did you see her performance when you were up in the Yukon?)


Oh, and we also took a horse and buggy ride around Ladner Village and learned a lot more about where we've lived all these years. Here we are on the buggy - a lady kindly took our photo (we never seem to get in a photo together) because I took hers with her two little ones.

And here are a couple of photos of the horses. I just love Clydesdales - they are SO big but also SO gentle. These two had beautiful colouring and were impatient to get going.

For now I hope you enjoy these few photos as I prepare for the evening festivities - the final Ladner Market of the season. It's the first evening market (named "Moonlight Market") they've held and I want to see if I can find some Christmas gifts before Cathy and I find a comfy spot somewhere to have dinner. The market consists of 144 artisans and 22 local merchants and we will be entertained with live music by the rock & roll band Tyme Machine and blues band Grey Notes. Apparently, local restaurants are going to be providing special themed Rivermania menus. I'm getting hungry already!

11 comments:

Katney said...

What fun! Serious history and a colorful local festival! We attended a colorful event this morning and then went to the local farmers' market for lots of fresh veggies. Stop over and take a look, you will enjoy it.

Jo said...

Leslie, that looks fabulous! I love evening markets. It looks like you and Kathy are having a great time.

I have been on that horse and buggy ride, from Stanley Park. I took the munchkins on it once. It was a hoot!

Enjoy the eveing!

Linda said...

You always seem to have the most fun. Great way to celebrate.

Ruth L.~ said...

You have the most interesting adventures, and I always appreciate the photos you take to accompany the story. And you look like your back feels better? At least for the moment.

jmb said...

Great post Leslie, I am sure it was great fun for everyone despite all the hard work involved.

Anne in Oxfordshire said...

Enjoy yourself at the market. I love Christmas markets, especially in the evening.

meggie said...

A great post Leslie. Hope the evening was fun.

Cath said...

Sounds like you had a fabulous time. I remember David mentioning Klondike Kate on his blog - he photographed the advert I think.

So much activity - so much fun! Thanks for sharing it.

Smalltown RN said...

Leslie...those are absolutely fabulous photos....retirement is agreeing with you...you new hobby and photography...good for you....I love how you get up and out and about the city and share all of your adventures with us.

I have to tell you hubby and I saw those long boats when they were coming down from Comox to Qualicum Beach...is was something to see....all of the long boats paddling in unison and the guide boats in close contact...something to be proud of.....

That festival looked like a lot of fun...you know I often think I need to get out and participate in more community events and explore more...today however if weather permits(fog right now)we are going out on the boat...so camera will be in hand....

What a lovely post...and your photo of you and your friend is very nice...your looking great and healthy even though that back of yours is so very painful....

Thinking of you....

Unknown said...

Oh yes - this looks like so much fun and reminds me of everything here in Victoria also!

Anonymous said...

Oh Leslie - you make me miss Ladner so much. Thank you for posting it. Today is a day I'd really like to pop in for a visit.
- Heather