Day 9 - Wednesday, October 14, 2009

Although the itinerary stated that breakfast started at 6 a.m., I am certain that there were not many willing to leave the soft fluffy beds at that hour. Once again, conversation filled the room as we enjoyed our coffee and croissants. Not long after 9 a.m., our group leader Don addressed the room. He reminisced about our adventures and mentioned highlights of the last nine days.

Afterwards, John Ham got up to present our leaders with gifts of gratitude from the group. Jane opened the first treasure, a bobble head polar bear, which is undoubtedly something everyone needs as part of their décor. Next was a very special gift indeed…remember the hat that flew off the buggy and coincidentally chewed on by a polar bear? Yes, indeed the same hat was courageously retrieved by our phenomenal buggy driver Kevin!!!! What a man, eh? (o.k. I couldn’t help myself) It was a collaborative effort on the group as well to approach Kevin for such a dangerous mission! At first, Don thought he knew what was carefully wrapped inside. He believed it was a new hat, a replacement for the one he lost. As he was opening the well wrapped gift, he started to get more excited as he figured that quite possibly could be the hat. The closer he got to it, the more his hands shook and fumble for what lay inside the bag. The look on his face was priceless as he saw this mangled yet still wearable hat, with the exception of holes, torn material and bear drool!!!

As we wind down from all the excitement, it starts sinking in that our trip is ending. We have to start heading back to our lives, such as they are and all that it entails. Photos, hugs and well wishes abound. Most of the group making announcement and plans for the upcoming Monicos in Motion rallies across the U.S. One thing for certain, newfound friendships and memories of our time together have left an indelible mark on us for many years to come.

See you on the open road!


See all photos at http://picasaweb.google.com/mimpolarbears/PolarBearCaravan#