Day Six and Seven

World's Biggest Goose

Day Six – Thunder Bay to Sault St. Marie

Morning: Thunder Bay Departure; Breakfast at Hoito (Finnish Hall); Drove to Marathon and lunch at St. Paul’s United Church

Afternoon: Drove to Wawa and saw the Big Goose; picked up food for supper at the Supermarket; Katherine’s Cove on Lake Superior for Picnic Dinner and swim at the beach.

Evening: Drove to Sault St. Marie to Willowgrove United Church and some of us went to the YMCA for a shower; Cake at the church, Vesper/Meditation; Sleep.

I loved swimming in Lake Superior and watching the sunset over it as we drove to Sault St. Marie. – Val

The balls of my feet hurt from jumping off that dang Goose.-CHRIS MITCHELL

Swimming in the great lake was amazing!! – Matt

Swimming on Lake Superior

I liked that I got some sleep and going to Lake Superior- Mason

I had a great day today, mainly because it was my birthday!!! Courtnay was giving me hugs all day long which was soo sweet of her. At breakfast I was surprised with candles in my food and everyone sang me happy birthday; even the other folks around us sang to me :D When we stopped at the lake I wasn’t going to swim, but I thought to myself “It’s your birthday do something fun!” I’m glad I did because the lake was nice and warm and now I can say that I have swam in Lake Superior!

A great way to spend a birthday on the road! ~Astrid~

Leaving our mark at the Beach

I love pizza and I am stoked for Tonortoontoooo! – Jake

Worship at the Apology Cairn - Sudbury

The World’s Largest Goose!! Too bad it’s white, not brown, and is slightly rusty… But, Lake Superior definitely lived up to my expectations! I enjoyed a nice walk on the beach and looked across the ocean-sized lake as the sun slowly set.  ~Tabitha~

Day Seven – Sault St. Marie to Toronto

Morning:  Breakfast at the Church; Drove to Sudbury

Afternoon: Lunch at Huntington University (Sudbury); Visited and worshipped at the Cairn marking the site of the 1986 Apology to UCC First Nations people;

Evening: road side stop and played tag and ball; Supper at Eastside Mario’s in Barrie; on the bus to University of Toronto.

Victoria and Yasmin are playing scream 4 on Matthew’s ipad and screaming a lot……… in the game you play as the killer (?!)

I loved being in the place where the 1986 UCC apology to the First Nations occurred. I felt like I was a part of history. -Val

Laughing at videos that AIDAN RICE made on his ipod ….. Mason

I liked the part of the trip where I was asleep. And I am excited to sleep in a real bed tonight. – Jake

Watching Victoria and Yasmin playing games on my iPad and listening to them screaming was really funny!!! Listening to Ciru sing Year without Rain by Selena Gomez was really great!!! GREAT FINAL TRAVELING DAY!! – Matt

So today was something else, I sang with Matt, laughed I’m sortta excited because we just got in to TORONTO!!!! And I say this as I am typing so I’m lucky J well I have never had such a great bus trip for 6 days and now being able to sleep in a proper bed! WHOOT WHOOT!!! ROUNDEZ-VOUS 2011 PILGRIMAGE has come to a great end, THANKS CLINT BEST BUS DRIVER EVER!!!!

-Ciru

NOOO the bus ride is oveer!!!!! So much fun! Its insane!!! I’m so glad we still have 4 days at rendevous, annd I will be able to sleep on a bed!!! AAHHHHHH.  Today was great, we laughed like crazy! Sang like crazy! We played ipad games and had people laugh at us like crazy… apparently we are funny when a game is stressing us out to a point where we are screaming like crazzyy!! BUT WE DID IT!!!! Haha such a fuuun day!! We just made it to Toronto!! AND I HAD THAT PASTA IVE BEEN CRAVING!:D

            ~VICTORIA

I can’t believe that the bus is almost OVER!! I’ve only been on the bus for 3 days but it was the BEST 3 days of the summer!  Today we drove and laughed more than ever!  Bringing back old memories and making new ones.  Victoria and I played a bunch of Ipad games and apparantelly everyone on the bus found it hilarious that we were stressing out and screaming over a VERY intense game!!  I made new friends!! (who love Friends.)  I have to go because we are having a dance party on the bus……~Yasmine

Today I had to put up with two crazy girls named Yasmine and Victoria…….

It doesn't really feel like I’m in Toronto this trip has gone by really quickly but it feels like I haven’t been home for years   

Btw this is the only blog post that I actually wrote, Yasmine wrote the rest ( because she’s the best!)~ANGUS

Today was really long it seems like forever that we were at the forks and even longer since the hotsprings but now we’re here (and it’s weird!) –Ross

Aghh!!! I can’t believe the bus trip is already over! I never thought I’d enjoy being on a bus for 10 hours a day, and for 7 days. But I met some great friends and shared some great laughs. It’s gonna feel weird not being on a bus all day! We still have Rendezvous, but after that I’m gonna miss all of you so much!!! Thanks for an amazing time J - Anthea

I’ve got to say, that was truly the most beautiful part of our trip so far. It really helped to complete the trip in its own way and it helped me appreciate it much more.  –Aidan

Today was a good day having a good sleep and traveling from Sault St. Marie to Toronto and pinching myself because I think I am dreaming I am in Toronto

~ spencer ~

WE ATE AT EAST SIDE MARIO’S :D

~Nicholas

It’s been an amazing trip and I’ve made so many friends. I sort of wish that we could bus back to Vancouver too but we’d probably get sick of it. I hope we do a trip like this again !!! ^_^  ~Emi

           

I have had a good week on the bus , sometimes it was difficult considering we were with the same people 24/7 but it was most definitely a good experience ! I’m excited to sleep in a bed … That’s for sure. ~Courtnay~

Stoked to sleep on a bed tonight !!! loved the trip and the people were amazing and I am ready for Rendezvous BRING IT ON !!!!!!!!!! ~Becca~

This was sooooooooooooooooooooooooo much fun.  It was the best bus I have ever been on. ~Eva~

Well the bus ride has finally come to its end and as much fun as it was I’m really looking forward to sleeping in a bed with no one else in the room with me! It was touching going to the Cairn where the Apology happened to the first nations in 1986 and I hope we can all keep working towards being forgiven. Now that we are finally in Toronto it’s hard to believe that we will not be boarding the bus again first thing in the morning. However….Bring on Rendezvous!! ~Astrid~

What a long day, and a long trip! Somehow we made it and were greeted by air conditioned rooms and soft, REAL beds! ~Tabitha~

Love the breakfast, love the long bus rides and beaches we visited, and the pizza was very good at Mario’s pizza place, last but not least, finally had a shower without any delays or long line ups I get to sleep in a room with a soft mattress and air conditioned room, wonder what today will bring?  -Justin Boucher-

Having a good day so far, feeling a tired and excited all at the same time, and cant wait for Rendez-vous to begin and to explore the city. –Jonathon-

Thank you EVERYONE, especially Eric, Rev. Jen, Pamela, and Henri for everything you’ve done. You’re amazing and I love every one of you so much. You’ve made me laugh when I wanted to cry. You’ve made me smile when I wanted to frown. You made this summer one of the best I’ve ever had, and I’ll never forget any of you. I’m so sad that I won’t see you for at least a few months, and maybe longer. I just need to give my biggest thank-you to each and every one of you. And Clint, I need to express my heartfelt thanks, and best wishes for your future. You are an amazing man, and you made this bus trip what it is. I hope to see you again in my Greyhound adventures. Pamela, our fearless leader, you created this and made it possible. Without you we’d all be directionless and your coordination is what made all of this possible. Sorry for any stress I may have caused you. Eric, you’ve always been a hero in my heart. Your willingness to take on challenges and to remain patient when you really don’t have any patience left is what makes you so amazing. You have been an amazing leader at so many youth and young adult events over the years, and I love you so much. Henri, this was my first time meeting you, but news of your fame has been spread to my ears by many many people. Your work at UVic is amazing, and I am amazed at everything you do. Thank you for your meditation time. It really helped me to calm myself and to help me get through what I needed to get through. And Jen, you are so amazing. I’ve seen you at BC Conference many times, and I think I was even at your table group one year. You are so enthusiastic and full of grace. You always know what to say, and you are so fun-loving and humorous. Our shared love of Flight of the Concords made me chuckle deep within my soul. I hope to see you again very soon. Everyone here, I wish you safe travels home and I wish you happiness and love in everything you do. You’re all amazing. The best people in the world. I love you all, and hope to see you soon. What an adventure!

Love from, Jake

Love you all! I was gonna write something super long, but now I can’t, so I’ll just say that I’ve had the best time this week and I’m gonna miss all of you so much!! You are the most amazing people ever, you all need to facebook and email me and keep in touch. I love all of you, I’ve gotten to know you so well in the past 7 days and I never thought I would. I hope we see each other again soon!

Love, Anthea

Astrid and Becca ham it up

This bus trip can not compare with anything in the world! I don’t know what to say! This was amazing! I love everyone that was on the bus like my family! U guys rock! Will miss u! ~Love all ways, Eva~

Day 5 – Winnipeg to Thunder Bay

Jake says 'hi' to Mom

Morning – Leave Winnipeg, first morning of silence on bus; big rain storm

Afternoon – Dryden, Tim Hortons, World Biggest Fish (Muskie), Kakabeka Falls; met Matthew, had swim and awesome picnic.

Evening – Drive to Thunder Bay to St. Paul’s United Church, met the MP and had Vespers/Meditation

What were the highlights of the day for you?  Anything funny happened that you want to let folks back home know about?...

I loved the thunder and lightning storm on the way to Thunder Bay, and the way our bus driver Clint was so awesome in driving through it. - Valerie

At Kakepeka Falls

I really liked going to Kenora and seeing Husky the Muskie. Kenora is a cool town and I also enjoyed spending the night in the world’s largest church in Thunder Bay. I love my mommy and daddy. – Jake

Worlds biggest fish was very coolJ finally got the first of two good photos with the brother and mother. The swim was amazing! First swim in open water this summer, and it was really nice. I am surprisingly not that bored on the bus, theres lots to do and lots of convos to have ~Victoria

………..ice cream…….mmmmmmmmmm…….. (“)>  ~greg

Astrid, Becca, Thomas and Tabitha

Yesterday I swam for the first time! The water was so nice! Exept when boys pour water on your head (Angus)……the dinner that night was wonderful!  We’ve had lots of fun so far playing volley ball and tickle fights.....there will be more to come ~Yasmine

I love this bus trip!! ~Angus            

We swam in a lake and it was really fun, and surprisingly warm. We’ve had ice cream almost every day so far and the meals have been great.

~Nicholas

We ate some chicken and slept on the buss. ~ Sam

Lots of laughter yesterday during lunch and caught up on some sleep . – Mason

Lots of laughs yet the silence during the bus trip was helpful to catch up on some much needed sleep –Aidan

It rained A LOT yesterday; once we saw this perfect fork of lightning.  Luckily it cleared up so we could have a great picnic by a river.  The river water was nice and warm so lots of people went swimming and wading the water. ~Gwyneth

Yesterday was the first time it rained on the bus trip. The picnic by the river was amazing and once again the bus was lot’s of fun!!~ Matt

Yesterday was a good day because of swimming in the calm water. It was also really fun because there was a quite time to do what we wanted~mat

The falls were amazing! I loved them and got some pictures.

                                                                                        ~Eva~

I thought yesterday was cool because my mom was raised in Thunder Bay, and she knows the drive from Winnipeg to Thunder Bay by heart .. So it almost felt as if I was in a second home. The falls were absolutely stunning , and it was great swimming in the warm Ontario water. ~Courtnay

 The World’s Largest Fish could almost swim around in the rainwater flooding the ground! ~Tabitha~

Tons of WIPEOUTS on the ukulele, wonderful meal with out a sandwich, plenty of sleep, and a chance meet the local MP. Grease Lightnin’

~Ciru~

It rained so much yesterday that the road had lakes forming on it! It was cool being in a really old church in Thunder Bay, but I kept expecting to turn around and see a ghost !  ~Astrid~

Crazy thunder storms in Dryden yesterday we saw a semi truck tires being covered, the Kakabeka falls were soo pretty and it was a great swim in the hydro electric lake “if you hear a siren RUN out of the water” lol enjoying quiet time on the bus not enjoying the extremely hard floors cant wait to sleep on a bed ! but I like knitting my scarf – Becca

Day Four – Winnipeg

Dinner at Churchill UC

We had an amazing day today.  We were hosted by Debbie and Joey at Churchill Park United Church, with a support cast of enthusiastic kitchen helpers who prepared amazing meals for us.  In the morning we swam at the local YMCA, worshipped with our host congregation, followed by lunch at the Church.  Then we were off to the Forks, a market and shopping area with lots of cultural stuff.  Then late in the afternoon we went to Folklorama, an annual cultural festival with venues in various parts of town.  We has supper and a show at the French Pavilion, followed by an amazing Capoiera performance at the Brazilian Pavillion.  It was a high energy show and we were all pumped by the experience. We finished with playing Grounders in the park and Vespers in the sanctuary at Churchill Park United.

What was an amazing experience for you on Sunday in Winnipeg?  What was the best?  What did you learn? Is there a story you can tell of something cool that happened?...

Worship at Churchill UC

Yesterday was a day full of fun! The Forks was a wonderland to shoppers, luckily I was able to keep my wits to me and buy only a few items that would fit into my suitcase. Our evening at Folklorama was amazing! The French-Canadian tap dancing and spoon playing was great to see, but the best part of it all came from the Brazilian pavilion. Men banging drums, aboriginal costumes and the beautiful dancers with feathers everywhere and their hips moving so fast, what a workout! A truly wonderful experience!! ~Astrid~

     Well yesterday was just the beginning of my trip, on the way to Winnipeg I caught a flight which was calming and nice.  As soon as me and my brother jon arrived at the airport, pam was there to meet up with us, and things were starting to get smoothly.  As soon as we arrived at church hill park, we got in the ‘jesus bus’ to go see the Folklorama to have supper.    We went and seen the French Pavilian and

The Brazilian Pavilion which was awesome.   Today we are on our way to thunder bay with a calm bus ride which is what I need, but this is just the beginning…………. Justin Boucher

Aiden, Timothy and Nick at the Forks

I had a lot of fun at the pavilions, great food and great entertainment! -Jonathon-

The pavilian were awesome food  at the first one was not so good but the second one was just amazing. I love it how we all laugh at nothing too Thomas-

Yesterday was amazing shopping at the forks and sharing time with our Jesus bus family laughing so hard till we cry :p The Folklorama festival saw step dancing which was good but the food was not so good yay cold peas and carrots …. However the night ended with a bang at the Brazillian Pavilion with AMAZING dancing and yummy cake and the treat of dancing on stage with the dancers themselves :D ~Beccalicious~

At the French Pavilion

Spending the afternoon with my aunt was great! Folkorama was amazing, the dancers were very good.  Eva <3

Yesterday was an okay day for me , I enjoyed watching the brazillian dancers and trying the Brazillian pop. Forks was neat , I wish I had had more time to look around because there was so much to see ! ~Courtnay~

 Goin 2 Thunder bay from Winnipeg it is starting 2 get cold and still I am having an awesome time GO CANADA!! Spencer

We went to two Folklorama pavilions, the French-Canadian one and the Brazilian one; my favorite was the Brazilian one.  We got to try a Brazilian pop and all the dancing was really good.  My favorite was when Ciru and Becca got up on the stage and danced. ~Gwyneth    

The Capioera Performers at the Brazillian Pavillion

Yesterday, I flew in from London to find a bus of crazy teenagers now half of them are my friends, who knew busses were good for getting to know people. ~Yasmine

I found out that I love Queen and their song bohemian rhapsody!  ~Angus

I loved attending the Churchill Park United Sunday morning service. The music and sermon were so different from what I’m used to in my own congregation.  – Valerie

I really enjoyed church Sunday morning and I had an excellent time at the Children’s museum and exploring The Forks! I met a man from New York and we took pictures of each other! – Jake

Becca and Ciru on stage

Fun fun fun! Nonstop in winterpeg! – Victoria

I really enjoyed the cultural pavilion’s at Folklarama, and I really loved being able to finally purchase my Winnipeg Jets t-shirt, that was awesome! - Aiden

We had a splash of culture at the French-Canadian Pavilion and the Brazilian Pavilion. Earlier in the day, I also enjoyed dancing with dancers from one of Winnipeg’s First Nations Tribes! ~Tabitha~

Day Three - Goodbye Saskatechewan, Hello Manitoba

At the Saskatchewan Legislature

Another driving day.

            Regina (Wascana Park, Legislative Building), 

            Verdin (lunch, ‘Oil capital of Manitoba’),

            Winnipeg (Supper, Playground Park - Grounders, Music & Meditation, Sleep)

What was an amazing experience for you today?  What was the best?  What did you learn? What was a surprise? ….

-       Highlight – watching Ciru roll around on the gravel laughing her head off for 10 minutes. I think it was rigged with laughing gas…

-       Highlight- GROUNDERS!!

-       Touring the Saskatchewan legislative building and learning all about the influence people from Saskatchewan have had on our country.

-       Having “pigs” come up 5 time……yeah….

Picnic at Verdin

-       While I was riding on the bus I sat down upon a seat. In the holder within the seat in front of me was a book, its cover was a kaleidescope of purples and blues. I picked it up and entered a whole new world…….

-       I really enjoyed Verdin AND SEEING THE TOURIST INFO BOOTH! Sleeping was nice. Maybe tomorrow I will eat a pizza! – Jake

Day Two – Calgary, Medicine Hat, Moose Jaw, and Regina.

 After a night’s sleep (most report getting some fairly good shut eye!), we had breakfast, packed up, prayed in the beautiful sanctuary, said thanks to our amazing hosts – St David’s United Church, Diana, and Aaron – and headed off into the prairie.

We drove three hours to Medicine Hat, Alberta, had a picnic lunch at Police Point Park  (first major experience of bugs if you don't count the four billion that have lost their lives on the front on our bus!), took pictures at the largest teepee in the world, Saamis Teepee and then on the road again…to MooseJaw. 

In Moosejaw we had supper – some of us at the Thai Restaurant, the others at Java Express. We also had an amazing time in the Moosejaw Tunnels – half of us took the AL Capone tour, the rest of us took in the Chinese Immigrant tour.  Then off to Regina, where we went swimming – we had the whole pool to ourselves!  We came to rest at Westminster United Church where Linda welcomed us and we all crashed for the night.

What was an amazing experience for you today?  What was the best?  What did you learn? ….

There were a lot of fun things that we did today but I really enjoyed the giant pictures in the world’s biggest teepee and also the tunnels of Moose Jaw where I got to experience what it was like for the Chinese men who came to Canada in hopes of making money to help their families back home. I look forward to seeing other landmarks on the way to Toronto! ~Astrid~

Driving in Saskatchewan today, we almost crashed into a massive teepee. Later, after pulling out my ukulele and singing on the bus, a giant moose chased us down. What a day! ~Tabitha~

Today I felt as if there was more of a connection between the people on the bus. Yesterday felt so much longer because there was more tension and shyness between all of us, today it felt as if we all had a much better time because we spent more time together. Great day, great trip, great people! ~Courtnay~

I had a wipeout later today while seeing the moose but that didn't take out any of the awesomeness of the day ~Mathew~

What a crazy tourist day :p but the best thing I learned today was how to knit !! so psyched Gramma ur getting a dish cloth by next year :P looking forward to more learning and laughter and if you ever order a chai tea latte ask Eric what happens :P ~Becca the Hippo <3~

Today went extremely well today we went to the park and a couple of tours they were fun and made me feel less tired than I should have been

~ Spencer Mc awsomeness~playin’

playin’ cardz wit my friendz~ Ross

Today was a great day for having fun!!! I connected a lot with more people on the bus and felt like we were becoming family. Eric of course kept us on our toes with his humor. Was stared at by people in a small town, and Jennifer and I were told to take out our guns, then later realized the lady was referring to the tour. I couldn't have asked for a better day!

~Ciru talks a lot Kinyanjui

I enjoyed being an illegal rum-runner and also I enjoyed water. – Jake

Having a hymn book sing-a-long was the highlight of my day. – Valerie

I enjoyed the Capone experience and the pool was fantastic! –Aidan

I went to the Al Capone underground tunnel experience, with about 15 other people. What FUN! Spooky and frightening, if I were sitting watching what was happening I would have been on the edge of my seat. The actors took us back to a time of bootleggers and al capone, ruthless gang leader who, quite successfully, avoided the law. We started by being taken into a bar like room, and were told the story with a video. I was less focused on the video than on the creepy moving statues. We were then taking into “al capone’s suite” and as we walked into the office suddenly the fire place moved revealing a hidden exit, it was so unexpected and suprising everyone in the room jumped. It then closed and we moved into the next room, taking a different hidden exit into the underground tunnels.  Getting scared by hidden doors, people popping up from no where and flashing lights, more than once I found someone hanging onto my arm for dear life! The actors were amazing and funny and did their job perfectly, building up suspense, and showing us what it was like back in the day of rum runners, and gangs and mobs. It was amazing! Best part of my very long day ~Victoria<3

We saw all kinds of new things and learn new things it was awesome - Thomas

Our First Day!

Day one of the Rendezvous bus to Toronto.

We left at 7 am Thursday morning, everyone accounted for, and enthusiastic about the journey ahead.  The Victoria crowd had already spent one night together at Dunbar Heights United Church and joined the others at the Bus Depot.  Clinton our bus driver is the happy guy who is driving us all the way to Toronto. The bus is air-conditioned and comfortable and will be our traveling cocoon for the next few days.

During the day on the bus we played get-to-know you games, napped, entertained ourselves with our electronics, and learned how to meditate.

We stopped at the Canyon Hot Springs for a soak and swim – beautiful location, with brilliant blue sky canopy lighting the mountains and trees.  We had a pizza supper hosted by the good people St. Andrew’s United Church inn Golden.  There we learned a little bit about Thomas Merton -  a display of Merton photography graced the church sanctuary and we had someone explain who Thomas Merton was and what he contributed to spiritual learning and contemplative life.

Then on to Calgary through the magnificent Banff National Park.  We arrived in Calgary about 10:30 Alberta time and settled in at St. Davis’s United Church where we treated with juice and chocolate zucchini bread before collapsing onto our foamies for a deep (and warm) night sleep.

We passed the computer around and here are some of our comments…

It was a good day with a fair amount of breaks and waaay more driving time but it was really fun 1 day down however more to go. Matthew

I enjoyed the hospitality of Golden United and the yummy meal they set up for us - D

Feeling really tired - Becca

Enjoyed the hot springs and the nice swim we all had. The pizza was great too thanks Golden United -  Thomas

A little while after we entered Alberta I saw these two mountains that were sort of over-lapping and even though it was still light out it looked like the moon was being cradled by the two mountains. I tried to get a picture but the moon wasn’t bright enough so it didn’t show up.  Gwyneth 

Naps?  What’s not to love ‘bout them! Very fun time so far! –Eva

So far its been go go go to places that are fun and relaxing like the pool and dinner at a church it has been the best time ever so far – Spencer

I can’t remember what the house looks like. I think I need more sleep but it’s still been a great time. –Ross

As tired as I am this has been a really fun trip so far. – Matt

Caught up on my sleep on the bus. ^_^’’ So far its been rather fun , and I’ve met lots of amazing people :3 ~Emily

I’ve gone about 12 hours without playing a guitar, agh! New record! How shall I survive :P Ah well it is very fun and meeting great people ^.^ - Anthea

Today felt really long because I have done the drive to Calgary many times but I have met some really nice people and have had fun getting to know them! ~Astrid~

As a man, I enjoyed relaxing today. Showering three times was good. I like Rendez-Vous. – Jake Highfield

I enjoyed spending the first full day of travelling, reconnecting with old friends and meeting new ones through games and meditation. – Valerie

I enjoyed meeting up with old friends and meeting new ones as well. The hot springs were a great and the meditation was a great way to release after the day. –Aidan

After a long day of travel, it was great seeing all my friends, and making new friendships. I am looking forward to having more fun : ) –Mason

Most recent Rendezvous BUS information letter

Hello Rendezvous bussers!

Pamela sent around a Rendezvous Bus Information letter on July 27 which all of you riding the bus will have received through email already.  Just in case the email got lost in your inbox, or somehow you did not see it, or you want to have another way to access the letter, here it is:

Rendezvous Bus information letter - July 27

Just a few sleeps left!

See you at the bus!

Henri

Henri Lock
hlock@uvic.ca