Thanks from Ham.

[Hamish]

This is the first time I have logged-on for over two weeks and I am going to keep this one brief (how many times have I said that?!!). It will have to be brief because I am still jet-lagged from the 10 hour flight (extended by a badly-timed fire evacuation at Gatwick Airport before we had reclaimed our baggage!).

I'll be going into greater detail, I am sure, before many days have passed and building a sub-album devoted to The Gathering within my Photo Album, but I just had to offer a public and heartfelt "Thank You" to those responsible for making The Gathering the success it so obviously was. Notably, Raphael who, with his dear wife Louise and son Nathaniel, could not possibly have done more to make our stay in Vancouver so enjoyable. Apart from the 'official' events and functions, those dear people ensured that we saw and experienced just about everything within a day's drive from the city that should not be missed. We must have driven hundreds of miles, dined in every type of restaurant (and their home) and picnic-ed elsewhere. Dave and I had very little time to ourselves - and that's NOT a complaint!! We can never repay their magnificent hospitality, but we can and do reciprocate the love and friendship they extended to us.

Others who put themselves out to welcome us, and in no particular order, were Colin and his wife, Jill; Bear and his family and Steve Ashton. It was wonderful too to meet with and put faces/voices to those previously known only by their names: David, Binx, Andrew, Todd, Nathan and several others, and to meet again Jamie and his family from the other Vancouver(!) and, albeit briefly, Bob and Elaine from Portland.

These past two weeks at The Gathering in Vancouver will live forever in my memory. It has been a fantastic experience and I am indebted to everyone we met over there.

Thank you all.

Take care,
Ham.

[Graham]

Glad you're back safely, I'm all too aware of the hazards of international flights these days.

I'll look forward to the piccies

[Colin]

It was a pleasure to have met you and Dave and to have you come and visit us. Fiona is still talking about all the "tilts" that were at her house.

[Freelander Sporrano]

I can't wait to see thoose pictures Hamish?
welcome home Mate!!!!

[Raphael]

Thank you for the Kind words, Ham. I am just glad that you and Dave enjoyed the trip. Your visit to Vancouver will forever live in our memory as well.

[bear]

Hamish was the exact same person we have come to know on the forums and it was entirely our pleasure to have him here. He was witty, charming, and always the gentleman you'd expect him to be.

We never hear enough about Dave on these excursions. Dave is a great guy, who also has a quick wit. A series of events had us strolling through serene Japanese gardens in the morning, then digging in the dirt together in the hot afternoon sun. Dave was an eager participant in both cases.

I wish I'd had more time away from the store to spend with them but it just wasn't possible. The time I did manage to sneak away was all fantastic.

The success of Hamish and Dave's trip and The Gathering was all due to Raphael. He spent countless hours searching venues for the dinner, seeking places to take Ham 'n Dave, and a managing a million details.

There was a LOT of people that confirmed their attendance at the dinner, then just plain didn't show up. We got a few regrets but most who promised to be there and weren't, simply didn't come. The dinner would have been bigger but not better. The food was great, (mmm that pie!), and the company was excellent. We had a Kilts Night that is going to be tough to top.

I suspect Ham 'n Dave will need some time to rest up from their vacation. Some of those days were very long days! I think they must have seen every landmark of Vancouver and the surrounding area. I'm very happy they had a great time.