We Stand On Guard For Thee

So after the dog and I did our daily patrol of the south western portion of the seawall, we retreated to the dog beach by Granville bridge for the obligatory fielding session. And it appeared that today in the lower mainland, military maneuvers were afoot.

No sooner did I throw the ball for Arthur, the canine fielding phenom, than we both heard the unmistakable low rumble of a low flying aircraft. Sure enough two fighter jets in tight formation streaked overhead, at a clip that was faster than the sound of their engines, heading west presumably to CFB Comox.

Not two minutes later, a very military looking helicopter strafed the sky heading south. Then within seconds a Coast Guard patrol boat chugged past and parked itself at the Vanier Park landing. Followed directly by a Vancouver Police boat, and then a very stealthy looking Navy Seal type combat raft.

Maybe this multiple convergence was complete coincidence ,but I'm assuming that some kind of war games/terrorism scenario was in play. Which would be par for the course as the military presence in town and in Whis has been quite noticeable recently. Yesterday, while hiking Davie St with the dog, we came across a massive Navy pick up truck. Also of note, Muskoka regaled tales recently of back country poachers getting pinched by ski snow troopers, out of bounds around the Whistler/Blackcomb hills.

So to all this, may I put on my Don Cherry zoot suit, complete with Maple Leaf tie, and broadcast from Camp Maniwaki this message re: the added security:

Affirmative.

With some of the shenigans going on recently and in Olympics past it's good to know that we're taking the last few lines of our national anthem to heart.

To add to this sense of national pride swirling around Camp Maniwaki today, the Canadian Olympic brass has named our flag bearer for the opening ceremonies. And although she took a pass the last time around (garnering the very justified backlash including the Wrath Of Grapes) HQ supports this stellar choice in speed skater, Clara Hughes.

Way to go. Hoist'er high and as proud as a hostess can, when you lead our squad last into BC Place on the 12th. We'll be standing on the seawall for you.