Kyle's Graduation from CFLRS

NCdt Kyle Stephen Doucette

Kyle has joined the Canadian Forces as a Martime Surface and Subsurface Officer (MARS).

"The primary function of Maritime Surface and Sub-Surface (MARS) officers is to be a part of the crew of the seagoing combatant units of Maritime Command. They are responsible for the command, coordination and control of Military Maritime Operations that require the ability to lead and make decisions, often under adverse conditions. They must possess knowledge and expertise in a wide range of activities relating to the exercise of sea power, including maritime strategy, tactics and procedures in the operation of ships, submarines and aircraft, maritime sensors, combat information and weapons systems. MARS officers also provide input into the design, procurement and evaluation of ships or systems and perform staff, training and administrative duties."

see the following link for a short video on MARS officer duties:

http://www.forces.ca/en/job/maritimesurfaceandsubsurfaceofficer-65#video-0

The Trip to St. Jean Sur Richelieu

A breif stop to cross the World's Longest Covered Bridge in Hartland, NB

   The 1,282 foot Hartland Covered Bridge is the longest covered bridge in the world.  It was originally constructed by the Hartland Bridge Company, which was formed by citizens on both sides of the St. John River, and officially opened July 4, 1901.

http://www.town.hartland.nb.ca/

The Day before grad (Wed 16 Mar 11) Kyle showed us around the megaplex

Boot Camp

http://www.cflrs.forces.gc.ca/

Sure doesn't look like an 'H' Hut

I need time to get ready...

Outside the Drill Hall just before the Graduation Parade



Inside the Drill Hall

inside again (hurry up and wait)

two platoon's graduating on this parade

All drill positions were manned by graduating students.  Awsesome job!

Final Inspection

a quick right dress before the march past

eye's right

on to the reception in the mega plex

lounging...

Am I happy to be finished boot camp? Gee, let me think about that...........

another sailor maybe???

Wishfull Wind's XO and First Mate re-unite

 one in Halifax and one in Victoria.  no more brother and sister quarrelling now

A very proud mother and son!

And a very proud father and son!

 A scene from 'Top Gun'. 

Maverick proposing to his finace while his wingers wail out "You've lost that loving felling".  You bet they were excited to be finished with the megaplex! Check out Julio in the back!

After the reception, we had the chance to go out for dinner with Kyle but them it was back to the megaplex to see his classmates off and get ready for a 5:30 AM transit to the airport and a flight to CFB Esquimalt, where he will be for the next two years undergoing basic MARS training.

Kyle MARS training begins in Sep 2011. Until then, he and nine other MARS ASLt's are spending their sumeer on HMCS Oriole learning basic seamanship and crewing while at sea in and around the Gulf Islans, Starit of Georgia and Vancouver.  What a way to spend the summer!!!  All the best Kyle!

http://www.navy.forces.gc.ca/oriole

 

The Pont Champlain crossing over the St. Lawrence  River

We spent Fri 18 Mar in Montreal, visiting a family friend in the Veterans Hosptial west of Beaconsfield, and then downtown for lunch.  We dropped Kayla off to meet with two of her friends from Katimavik and then we headed for Dunn's for one of their famous smoked meat sandwiches.

We weren't dissappointed.  Well worth the effort to get here! (gotta love Magellan, or Garmin)

Myer Dunn founded Dunn's Famous Restaurant in 1927. Due to my grandfather's unique recipes and high quality standards, Dunn's Famous quickly became a local institution for Montrealers and visitors alike. In keeping with the Dunn's Famous tradition, I invite you to visit one of our locations and experience what montrealer's have been raving about for years.

http://www.dunnsfamous.com/

Rue Sainte Catherine

Rue Sainte Catherine

Rue Sainte Catherine

Kayla's pictures of the Palais des Congras building in Montreal.

"The Palais is a veritable hub where the city’s main attractions converge. It connects Montréal’s business centre, international district, arts and entertainment district, Chinatown and Old Montréal. For exhibitors, event planners and visitors alike, the Palais represents an unforgettable experience in a generously naturally lit environment that exquisitely combines form and functionality. Welcome to the Palais des congrès de Montréal!"

www.congresmtl.com/en/

inside the Palais des Congras

La Banquise

Kayla's Lunch Menu (25 different kinds of poutine!!)

"La Banquise, originally a small ice-cream shop, first opened its doors in May 1968. In fall of the same year, its founder, local fireman Pierre Barsalou, decided to transform the enterprise into a 24-hour snack bar. At the time it specialized in exceptionally good hot-dogs and great fries.

Poutine first appeared on the menu at the start of the 80s and originally just two varieties were offered, classic and Italian. However, in response to repeated requests from very satisfied customers, the restaurant’s poutine varieties quickly multiplied. Today we offer no less than 25 different types of poutine. Today, La Banquise remains a family business."
http://www.restolabanquise.com/

Voila!