Welcome To Canada, And No, We Don't Set Our Elderly Out On Ice Floes. Just Jaywalkers.

While I was out and about spending my Canada Day among a frenzy of patriotic Canucks (it happens), I thought I'd have an image blog for you. A full report shall follow later on in the day, once my head clears up a bit.  Prince William and Princess Catherine (Wills and Kate) have arrived in Canada for their first official tour. In the next few days, they'll be crisscrossing the country, avoiding Toronto (no photo ops for Fat Bastard, the Mayor), heading to Prince Edward Island (Kate's a fan of Anne of Green Gables, you see), stopping in Quebec and Alberta. 

As I wrote this on Thursday, they made their arrival at the airport here in Ottawa, coming downtown to place a wreath at the National War Memorial, which was dedicated by Will's great-grandparents King George VI and Queen Elizabeth. 

As you can see, it was very busy at the Memorial.  I'm there somewhere in the crowd. As a matter of fact, I got a fairly decent view of the wreath laying.  It was rather amusing watching the press photographers rushing to get in place to take pictures as the newlyweds made their way up towards the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. That said, however, to borrow a phrase from the Bard.... a long lens camera! A long lens camera! My kingdom for a long lens camera!

Aside from the obligatory politicians, there were a good number of veterans on hand, and the newlyweds mingled and chatted. The Last Post sounded out across the square, and Will and Kate met the public. It's a fairly friendly crowd, as you can see....

And so the Royal Tour has begun. They're taking part in activities for Canada Day, including stops at Parliament Hill, the Museum of Civilization, and the War Museum during their stay here. Great Big Sea is among the acts entertaining the crowd and the Royals for July 1st. I wonder if the Duke and Duchess like the sound of Captain Kidd or The Old Black Rum.....

That's it for me (and here I thought this week was going to be light for me, blogwise). When next I turn up, it'll be with an after-action report, and a hangover. And I say that as someone who doesn't even drink. Tylenol shall be the order of the day on Saturday....