Hey guys, Bryan here!
We've just hit the road again after spending an exciting night and day at the Henvey Inlet Firehall. Day 1 was spent at the Magnetawan Community Centre where we felt incredibly welcome by the people. Friendly and good listeners, they kept us busy all day and gave us an incredible feeding for both lunch and dinner! We left with full stomachs, smiles on our faces and new T-shirts! Thank You Magnetawan!
We had a small hiccup in the evening when we pulled into a gas station in Grundy Lake and couldn't get our van started again! Fortunately after about an hour's worth of excitement we met an older gentleman who was both experienced with our diesel engine and kind enough to share some of that experience. He had us up and running in minutes!
We arrived at the Henvey Inlet Firehall shortly after with very little energy left after our long day. So after a little bit of set-up for animals we gladly let our heads hit the pillows. We had some excitement in the night when a bear decided to have sniff around our campsite, at one point he even lifted the edge of my tent with his snout before moving on to the garbage can between the trailer and the firehall! It wasn’t until morning that any of us were aware of our "encounter".
Up early, and set-up quickly, it seemed like EVERYONE in the community showed up to greet us as we opened. It also helped that the parents were having coffee next door at the administration office. (I love you Henvey Inlet!).
During the hands on section there were plenty of nervous people but most of them gave in as they saw others having fun. I am extending a particular congratulations to Maurine and her daughter Kayla who were very unsure about the team's sanity at the beginning, but after some coaxing they returned often to make sure they had a chance to hold every snake! Most of the morning was filled with snake handling and kids trying the different activities we had set-up. Needless to say it was a very busy room! We finally got all the kids in the same place for their lunch .The day wrapped up without incident and the van even started the first time! Thank you Henvey Inlet for and awesome day!
As I write this blog we are en route to Garden Village for the night.
Wish us luck and happy trails everyone!
Bryan