Beautiful morning with clear skies and a light breeze. 06:30 breakfast and a ride down to the bay for a swim with the The Ontario and Manitoba kids. Funny thing happens at low tide in the bay. You can walk for 200 to 300 meters before the water is even waist deep. Fortunately a friendly islander (who is also a triathlon volunteer) was driving by and stopped to educate us about finding deeper water and avoiding walking in the shallow water as there is a good chance of stepping on  razor fish or shells. (damn tourists).

A quick breakfast and catch the bus to the Opening Ceremonies at 10:30 A.M. As the host province of the 2005 Summer Games, Saskatchewan was given the "honor" of being the first to leave for the ceremonies 2 1/2 hours early. After a 7 minute ride we were herded into the non-air conditioned staging area to await the start of the ceremonies. To make it short, we were all exhausted and dripping by the time we hit the cool air of the arena.

The wait was worth it. Lights and music and a 'from the heart" speech from our Governor General started the proceedings. The entertainment was excellent with lively celtic musicians and a pair of Acadian humorists. Hightening our provincial pride was Catrina Lemay-Doan assisting with raising the Games flag. Despite the drone of the politicians we saw a show we won't soon forget. 

Tomorrow's another day.

By the by, Happy National Acadian Day! (for real).