Elaine's Dad had wanted to RV east this summer and find Curry Hill Park, which is apparently in Lancaster, Ontario, close to the border with Quebec. The Curry family came to Canada as United Empire Loyalists in 1782. It was Elaine's Grandfather who brought his family west and…back into the United States in the early 20th century. The Currys are of Scottish ancestry, which Elaine's kilt clad, brother Martin honoured yesterday with wonderful renditions of 'Amazing Grace' and 'Scotland the Brave' during the service.

We have promised Elaine's Mother that we will locate the graves of the original Curry family members to live in Lancaster and photograph the memorial, erected in 1933, to them and the other UEL settlers buried there. As it happens, Lancaster is on our intended route up the St. Lawrence River from Quebec City to Thousand Islands (July 6th?).

However, I did doodle a couple of notes earlier about the final preparations of Pooh. Our Mini was given a very close, visual inspection by Craig Maguire, Craig's Automotive in Mission, B.C. He has a reputation for being picky, but why not before a long trip at significant distances, from time to time, to any realistic parts or service support?

He also has years of experience with Minis. So, when he referred to the rare occasions when the earlier two piece crank pulley has separated (with grenade like effect on things as fundamental as the radiator and fan), a cast, damper pulley was installed. Craig also noted incipient cracks in one inner CV boot, so it was replaced.

He also offered up an elegant solution to failed spot welds, which had retained the bonnet steady rod bracket. Neat plug welding solved an annoying problem, which was touched up with some 10-year old russet brown paint from his stocks. Good suppliers, like Craig, are most important and appreciated.

John Goolevitch, our (as in yours and mine) Web Master, offered friendly almost Fatherly help through the inspection. John's assistance will also be vital in relaying words and pictures from Pooh's Millennium 'Expotition' to you via the Web site.

However, starting Friday morning July 23rd it is up to Elaine and I to bring Pooh back safe and sound and bring a little joy to others, especially the "hospital patients and shut-ins", who can't get away for a holiday. We will be rolling in the morning for Kamloops, Roger's Pass, and the Rockies. We'll see how far we get towards Calgary and should catch up to the schedule by Saturday night in Moose Jaw, Saskatchewan.

ALL TOGETHER GO POOH GO!