About Me
- Name: Patrick
- Location: Gateshead, Tyne and Wear, United Kingdom
I'm an Engineer working in Tyne and Wear, having moved from Belfast 3 years ago. Before the move I had never lived away from home and have had to work alot of things out for myself. I'm a big fan of Ice Hockey, in particular my team the Belfast Giants who I travel to see all over the UK. I also have a beautiful fiancee Victoria with whom I live in Gateshead. I also publish a weekly Ice Hockey Podcast with my friend Aaron, available on iTunes called A View From The Bridge
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Between July 9th and August 20th 2004, Patrick Smyth and Claire McAllister will travel between Vancouver and Toronto on a whistle-stop tour of the Worlds 2nd biggest country.
Thursday, July 15, 2004
"...This Side of The Rockie Mountains....."
An 8.30am departure from the old courthouse hostel meant that we were on our way to Valemount. A long journey made quite unbearable by the choice of music in the bus.... Celine Dion, Shania Twain, Enya, Dixie Chicks... it was sickening, but in the end worth it...
Claire enjoying Shania Twain
The Twin Peaks hostel was stunning, stuck in the expansive valley between the Caraboo and Rockie mountains. It was a luxury cabin with free web acess, widescreen tv and incredible facilities. We gathered together and a number of us headed off horseback trail along the western slope of the Rockies.
Claire catches a gopher on camera during a rest stop.
Claire got a horse called "The Brat" and I got "Cisco" two lovely and docile horses, and we were led up throught the forests up the mountain. The views were amazing (this is a recurring theme, the stunning views... so forgive me if i keep repeating myself). The trail leader was a very eccentric Cowboy called Tony but he led us to a view across the valley to the Caraboos. Where we watched a thunder storm build over 20-30mins and slowly head toward us before giving us a quick shower. The sun came out again and we headed back to the cabin.
Claire and "The Brat"
Patrick and "Cisco"
On the trail
A BBQ was once again headed up by Angelo, we all enjoied our food and got steadily drunk, playing Taboo and enjoying the craic. I, however, put on some chicken to cook for the next days lunch, then forgot about it. As smoke bellowed from thew pot i went running and gave eveyone a good laugh. :) It was the fact that as soon as i had put the chicken on... Dan hadnded me a beer... and that was that.
Anyway, it was a late night that ended with us all on the balcony in pitch black darkness staring at the stars above the trees and watching a distant thunderstorm flash over the mountain.
Claire and Darren play Taboo
Patrick + Claire
Claire enjoying Shania Twain
The Twin Peaks hostel was stunning, stuck in the expansive valley between the Caraboo and Rockie mountains. It was a luxury cabin with free web acess, widescreen tv and incredible facilities. We gathered together and a number of us headed off horseback trail along the western slope of the Rockies.
Claire catches a gopher on camera during a rest stop.
Claire got a horse called "The Brat" and I got "Cisco" two lovely and docile horses, and we were led up throught the forests up the mountain. The views were amazing (this is a recurring theme, the stunning views... so forgive me if i keep repeating myself). The trail leader was a very eccentric Cowboy called Tony but he led us to a view across the valley to the Caraboos. Where we watched a thunder storm build over 20-30mins and slowly head toward us before giving us a quick shower. The sun came out again and we headed back to the cabin.
Claire and "The Brat"
Patrick and "Cisco"
On the trail
A BBQ was once again headed up by Angelo, we all enjoied our food and got steadily drunk, playing Taboo and enjoying the craic. I, however, put on some chicken to cook for the next days lunch, then forgot about it. As smoke bellowed from thew pot i went running and gave eveyone a good laugh. :) It was the fact that as soon as i had put the chicken on... Dan hadnded me a beer... and that was that.
Anyway, it was a late night that ended with us all on the balcony in pitch black darkness staring at the stars above the trees and watching a distant thunderstorm flash over the mountain.
Claire and Darren play Taboo
Patrick + Claire
