First Break - Toronto

Derek caught in a moment of Citroen lust

A signed ball for the Toronto Arsenal Supporters' Club

Got to Toronto OK 1st section went well 1250 miles. We had two events in Toronto, one with the Arsenal Supporters of Toronto and the other with the Citreon Owners' Club. Both meetings raised money and we meet some great people. As the weather was so good I got a ride in a small Citroen through the streets of Toronto, an experience. The Arsenal event was a different type of thing but I handed over the signed ball. At this point we lose Rob Metcalf and Jeffrey Carmen. Chip Gillespie takes over as co-driver and Derek will continue to man the support vehicle. Thunder Bay here we come!

Section 1 - Part 3 - Quebec- Ottawa

C2C team in black and white quarters

(from left Derek, me, Rob Metcalf and Jeffrey)

along with members of the Ottawa 2CV Club

The Pinnacle of French Engineering - Puts the TGV to Shame

There is so much to write about in this first section that I will have to get my brain in gear. There have been so many people that we met; I have got to be sure not too miss anyone out or any of the places we have seen. We had a great meal on Tuesday night thanks to Rob Metcalf and Jeffrey who left the next morning. Chip Gillespie arrives today so that doesn't give me too much time to write my blog. Derek wants to do some work on the 2CV. Roll on to Sudbury!

Fredericton

Since leaving Halifax I have not been able to get WiFi for my lap top, so I can't send my photos, but I am sure I will when I get to Ottawa this afternoon.

So far everything has been so good. We met Bob & Rita in Fredericton; he is a Canadian 2CV owner. They looked after us, fed us, and I can't thank them enough. It made the first stop on our trip such a great experience. Now that we got to Quebec, I wish I was going to be here longer. Pictures say a lot more, so I hope to get them on my blog later today.

Proof that it's not the only 2CV in Canada

A meeting of the zeniths of French agricultural engineering

Section 1 - Part 2 - Fredericton to Quebec City

Always time for a "Cleansing Ale"

Yesterday we stopped for lunch at The Brasserie Breughel in Kamouraska, QC. It is a micro brewery on the way to Quebec, great beer and very nice bread and cheese as well. Aussie Rob is delighted that the Wallabies won the cup at the London Sevens.

Section 1 - Part 1 - Halifax to Fredericton

Clearing the Car

Friday 21st was a day when all we could focus on was "will we or won't we" clear the car. I tried to think, if it's going to happen it will. It did happen 2.30 pm. We went to the Atlantic in the morning to get some water and a couple of stones to put in the Pacific. So a day of worrying was worth it. I am not sure if Rob Metcalf was surprised by what it's like sitting in a 2CV. Dinner last night was typical local shell fish, it was so good. As Rob is a Lexus driver, I am sure that he did not find it the same on his drive from the port back to the hotel, about eight miles . Today will be Fredricton (300 miles away) and then it's 1,111 miles to Toronto. We will be setting off at 08.00 in order to meet Bob, another 2CV owner, mid day in Moncton.

Collecting Atlantic water freezing cold.

The Halifax to Toronto team

Ann runs a small shop, post office on the coast.Speedo on collecting the car from the compound in Halifax.

Pictures from Halifax

Colin collecting Atlantic Ocean water to carry to the Pacific:

Collecting the car from the shipping company:

Colin chatting up a guitar player Thursday night:

Halifax, part 2

Jeffrey Carmen and Rob Metcalf have got to Halifax, so there are now all four of us for this section. All we need now is the 2CV. I should know more on Friday; it could be our first hold up due to 'mud'. If, when the car is inspected, any soil is found, the car will have to be jet washed. Let's hope it goes through OK and we can pick it up. We do have a plan B.

Halifax

Derek and I got to Halifax today so we are now in Canada. Next step trying to get the 2CV out of the port. Hope that we can do that tomorrow.

Journey of Hope Map

Brand new to the Journey of Hope website is our new interactive map. The red dots represent Colin's route on the Trans-Canada Highway, the blue dots represent the locations of the Journey of Hope staff, and the green dots represent the people who have been kind enough to donate money to our cause.

Visit http://bit.ly/journeyofhopemap to view the map!

Farewell Drink

Tonight's farewell drink went well. What can I say but thanks to everyone who came.

Also thanks to all the UK co drivers. Only 2 days before we go!

Colin's Leaving Drinks

A great collection of friends and family convened tonight at The
Prince of Wales in Hertingfordbury. Volcanic ash appears to clearing
so everything looks good to go.

Charity Auction and Fundraiser

Charity Auction and Fundraiser

Colin Craythorne will be driving across Canada in a Citroen 2CV to raise funds for The Leukaemia & Lymphoma Unit, at the University College Hospital, in London.

To contribute to the charity and this fabulous event please come to the Quail and Firkin on Wednesday May 26th at 7pm and participate in the auction for Arsenal memorabilia including a matchball signed by the players!

Laurie

The following was written by Laurie Dixon:

Hello Colin,

I just want to wish you the best of luck on your trip. I have just finished reading your blog and am so sorry to hear of your loss but am so glad you won your battle, I hope Canada treats you well on your journey. We also have cancer in our family, my brothers grand daughter, now 3 years and 5 months has had her tumour return after evasive surgery last year. She too is a brave little one. If your trip takes you through Edmonton, Alberta, my brother and family would love to hear from you I am sure and I will be glad to introduce you. They are all going through a very hard time and to have faith and hope is sometimes hard to keep close by when the chemo treatments take such a toll.

I will monitor your shot and keep you informed to progress and will offer any assistance needed.

Wishing you all the success for your trip from coast to coast and when in Toronto, if time permits please come by a say hello.