August 29, 2009. Western Head, N.S. Timbersports.

We usually see these competitions on TV, but today, right in the park along the river was the National championship. The area was being prepared yesterday but we did not know what was to happen, so this morning, Ken looked up the Queen's County Times on the Internet, to discover that today, at noon, the Stihl Timbersports Series was starting today at noon. The five who win today compete against the winners from the West tomorrow, so tomorrow we get to see the National Champions in the six events.

It was twelve thirty when we four decided to brave the elements and attend the contest. The rain was heavy but we went and enjoyed and cheered. As is the case with most things, seeing the real thing is much more impressive than watching it on T.V. These events are very hard work. We saw the Hot Saw, the Springboard, the Underhand Chop (women competitors), and the Standing Chop. By that time we were chilly and wet so we headed home for a cup of hot tea. It was interesting to see the competitors. They were all fit and energetic as you would expect, but they all seem to have known each other from other competitions around the world. Several competed on the international games last year, representing Canada. It seems that all these groups of special interests get together and know each other well. Last weekend the World Championships for Laser class sail boats was held at St. Margaret's Bay, just south of Halifax, and the weekend before, the women's world Championship for rowing was held in Dartmouth. So this is a busy place for competition, even though it is an obscure part of the world.

It was fun watching the competition, but even more fun eating lunch. We ate hamburgers which very quickly got cold and soggy. By then the rain was falling cats and dogs. And we just had to buy chips, as the firefighters were selling them as a fund raiser. We were forced to eat things one at a time, as Dave and Irene were holding umbrellas. When we bought the french fries, the salt was so damp it would not pour, and the rain very quickly drowned the chips, but we four are gallant soldiers and we ate them all, still cold and soggy and salt less.

Now we are watching the rain fall from the comfort of our home. The storm Dan is heading for the Bay of Fundy but here, all we will experience is a lot of rain, which is a good thing. Our causeway can not stand any more damage.