These Boots are made for walking....

I left late today, last minute details that always seem to pop up. Perhaps I dragged a little slower because Gus was being buried today....Gus was adopted by my grandma Clara, long story.  Anyway before I left I had to say see my mother and father.  I was a bit frustrated that I was leaving late but that all dissipated once I saw my mom and dad.  Seeing them before I leave is always a must.  I hugged my mother a little longer than usual, trying to absorb some of her never ending strength.  Before I give my Dad a hug he asks if I need money, thankfully I don't.  As I prepare to leave they both reach for their cameras....something I remember from our early elementary school days, pictures before we leave.  I am a little sad as I stop by at my sisters home, I knock on the door knowing she is probably fast asleep.  I am happy she answers the door.  She is looking amazing even though she has been ill this past week and I've woken her up.  Quick hugs and I am off to Paula's, her truck is not there and I am surprised as she must be off on some exciting adventure...at the casino!

As I leave M'chigeeng I am mentally reviewing the list in my head, I can't remember if I packed my passport, I pull over and check my bags.  Its there.  Soon I am on the road again, I realize nearly an hour later I have forgotten my moccasins and swimsuit bottom on the couch...along with my towel.  I still need to pick up my socks and return the jacket that I won't need.  Before that however, I am going to have breakfast with my grand babies.  Breakfast is over way to soon and I am back on the road again.  I am making good time and am in and out of MEC in no time flat. Miraculous actually since as my daughter can attest, I can spend hours in that store.  I'm running low on time and have to make the decision as to the quickest way to the airport.  I opt for the 400/401 soon I am racing down the highway.

Once I get to the airport, I pull into an empty parking lot.  I pull out my bags and redistribute my belongings.  20 minutes later I am pulling up to the valet parking and on the shuttle to terminal 3.  It isn't long before I see Shelagh and more of the JIM team.  Its brutally hot and I am sweating like there is no tomorrow.  I take some time to clean up a bit, get some supper than its off through security.  Soon I am standing with the remaining JIM team members from across Canada.  28 in total, 3 are already on their way or in Iceland waiting for us.  I turn toward the window and watch as I see my bag being loaded onto the plane our boarding call is made and we line up.  I find my seat the reality that this is really happening is beginning to sink in.  I make small talk with Shelagh for a bit and am out before we take off.

I wake occasionally throughout the flight checking our progress on the screen before falling back to sleep.  I wake 20 minutes before landing, raise the window blind and am treated to a bright red/pink sunrise.  Soon I see the shore line it looks like muskeg...then rock.  We land with a slight bump, there is nothing surrounding the airport...its the middle of  no where.  We disembark only to have to go through security once again.  I take my boots off, open my purse and spill my water out of the jug.  It isn't long before I am changing my Canadian dollars to the Icelandic Korons.  I feel rich as I hold 17 5000 korona bills in my hands...little do I know how quickly these money will disappear.

The group is led to a chartered coach which takes us through the countryside to our hotel in Reykjavik.  We are all left to our own devices until the first meeting then the welcome dinner....I opt to SLEEP!