Altogether again. No curling today.
Now we are all assembled again. Each of the three tours plus all of the couriers who have helped us along the way. Breakfast at 8am and on the bus for 8:30am. I have no idea where we are going and I’m too tired and sore to care. I keep hearing the words Musical Ride but I don’t understand what we are in for.
We were bussed over to The Royal Canadian Mounted Police Club again and taken into their equestrian training centre to watch some of the RCMP candidates go through their training regime with their horses.
A symbol of tradition, honour, and pride, the Musical Ride is a Canadian icon recognised at home and abroad. The Musical Ride supports front-line police operations by building positive relationships, supporting recruiting efforts and promoting the RCMP’s image in communities in Canada and around the world.
The troop of up to 32 riders, who are all police officers, and their horses perform intricate formations and drills set to music, lasting about 30 minutes. These movements demand the utmost control, timing, and coordination. It’s an impressive operation with some 80 horses all kept there.
After lunch at RCMP of chilli and salad, we were taken on a tour of the Royal Canadian Mint to see how all the various coins and medals are made for Canada as well as many other countries. This was followed by a short drive to the market section of Ottawa and given the opportunity to have a wander around or just stay on the bus and have a bit of rest. The original intention had been to sample some beaver tail – a flat, sweet pastry snack. Rather than wander around, everyone pretty much agreed to get the beaver tail and just get back on the bus to the hotel. There is a lot of tiredness amongst the group.
The evening’s entertainment took place at the Ottawa Hunt Club, where we will all also play our final games tomorrow. We enjoyed a buffet dinner and each of the tours performed their various skits and songs for the assembled crowds of past and present Strathcona Cup players and other guests.
John Shea had arranged for a star studded panel of curling celebrities to be on stage for a Q & A session during which they talked about their experiences of curling in their lifetimes as well as their own individual hopes for the future development of the sport. There was a shuttle bus running all evening from OHC back to the hotel, so everyone was able to pick and choose their departure times.
Stephen McClymont