Meanwhile, back in Canada ...

So, back in Canada ... Part 2 of Day 1

After the ceremony, we visited the Coast Guard Communication Center,  Sam Babisky gave us a great tour of their facility.  But you'll have to trust us that it was fascinating, because this is one of those places where the cameras stay put.  Thanks, Sam!

After that, it was off to visit Lambton College and one of our favorite guys, Ron Sparling.  What a great guy!  He has made our tour feel so at home, and we always have a lot of fun and the College.  And you have only to look at his face as he was given the 9-11 Fallen Firefighter statue for all of his support of H2H to see his heart. 

The cadets had fun with Rookie "putting him through the ropes", as it were.  They also had a lil fun with Ron.  Remember, always be aware of your surroundings when we're around ... Think that's Rule 9.  lol

After leaving Lambton College, and hitting a local Tim Horton's  (Starbucks represented at the ceremony with our first Canadian barista.  Talk about cool!  C'mon ... when in Canada, eh?) We were taken back to the States by our Canadian hosts, Kevin & Sue McHarg. 

Gotta tell ya ... I have found - and I won't speak for anyone else, but - You don't play with the American side of the house at our international borders.  Our Customs folks don't smile as much as their Canadian counterparts.  Not sure why, but I just try to rein it in a tad when crossing the border home.  Sigh.  So, again no pix for this one.

But there are plenty of pix from Port Huron,Michigan.  Apparently there is a very good working relationship on both sides at our borders.  So Kevin wanted us to come meet their friends at the station.

A side note, our own Tacoma Battalion Chief, Ron Stephens, is from Port Huron, and sent 2 of his department challenge coins up for them.  So were presented them during our visit.

We can see why they are so liked, they were all smiles and willing to support the program, wholeheartedly.   They even made sure to get a patch over to us at the International Flag Plaza (US side).  And showing their support is not just talk, we got another shirt for the troop, on the spot! 

We just missed the french fry truck.  Guess we'll have to come back, eh?

Enjoy!

lj & the road crew