Day 1 is in the books

Well, I have to say, that was one of the more terrifying experiences of my life.

Unlike Friday, as the Chevy Astro bore down on my driver's door, this one I did by choice.

Tobogganing behind the Chateau Frontenac was something else. I was at the back of the line, at the bottom of the hill, when the kids started whizzing by. And I gotta tell you - it sure looked awfully fast - to the point that I was almost freaking out when my turn came. I felt good that no one had wiped out, so I still went for it, even though my life insurance increase is still pending.

Wow - it was John from 7A, Mme Froese and myself on the toboggan, and despite a late start, we still won the race down. The second run Evan, Drew and John invited me aboard, and made me go first. Very different. The speed was incredible - breathtaking almost.

We got to the hotel, and discovered as we were leaving that several kids were planning to do a walking tour and tobogganing without hats or gloves. We actually missed a few - luckily we had packed a few extras....

The walking tour was awesome - old Quebec is incredible (I've never been here before). Tough taking pictures in the dark and cold - I left my tripod in my van - I hope I get there again in daylight at some point. We spent about 45 minutes walking around before we made it to the restaurant. The food was incredible - the pea soup was a particular stand out. The restaurant was in a very old, stone and wood building - just kind of a neat ambience.

The drivers here are, to say the least, aggressive. Makes NYC look safe - the big difference here is that the traffic is so much lighter, they can actually get some speed, unlike the Big Apple. We have to be very careful crossing the street, and even getting off the bus in the very narrow one way street was a challenge.

The walk back to the hotel was mostly without incident, as well as getting everyone into their rooms. At this point, it's quite late, I think I'm rambling pointlessly, and I'm going to bed. Big day tomorrow, including the dogsledding! Another item off my lifelong to do list - woohoo!