Off to Rotterdam

Today we packed up our cottages and headed off to Rotterdam for the next couple of days. 

Back on our sightseeing adventures but this time with Dr. Webster in tow. The car was stuffed to the gills for our trip to Rotterdam but it was only an hour trip. On our way we stopped at Keukenhof to see the tulip fields. So amazing to see more varieties of tulips and orchids than I could ever have imagined. The scent from all the hyacinth in bloom was incredible. 

We arrived at our hotel late this afternoon and went to find the second largest work of art in the world. The ceiling at the Markthal was quite the site as was all the vendors in the building.  Enjoyed a lovely Italian dinner and calling a day. 

We are done

Well I had good intentions to post everyday through the competition but it just didn't happen. After day one it has been a whirlwind. Up at 6am back at 9pm, shower, make a lunch for the next day, a quick check of things at home when able to get back on wifi and it was time for lights out.  So now a recap of the last few days. 

Slice was amazing!  Everyday we stepped to the line together as a team. She trusted me to guide her through the course and we were connected in every moment. A funny thing happens when I step to the line. The whole building is buzzing and the announcer says your name then your team mates chant out the team cheer. At that moment I put Slice on the ground and suddenly I don't here anything but Slice and I wiring through the course. Every now and then you hear a gasp, oooohs and awwws but mostly it is serene.  The run is clean and I hear the crowd cheer and my little girl screaming at me that the run was awesome. Such a thrill. There is nothing in my life that even compares that a little bit. That adrenaline rush is like no other. 

Round after round over five days I got to enjoy that moment with Slice. Besides living in that moment and taking in all the wonderful memories of the championships we achieved three top ten finishes in overall results. 

Day 1

Quick post after day one of competition. We started the day with a quick 15 equipment familiarization which was an organized chaos but great training time. After all the teams had their 15 minutes we moved into opening ceremonies. They were quick and loud. First round of the competition was Biathlon Agility. I won't lie, starting out with a high valued standard run always scares me a bit. The course was good and has subtle challenges. I had my mind mostly set before the walk thru but did make a couple adjustments while I was walking. Due to the fact Slice was a bit cheeky the past couple of days I wanted to ensure I had her at every turn and establish the connection right off the bat. We did it! Our first run at this championship was clean. We are sitting in 7th place which I am super pleased with. 

Now time for bed and get ready for tomorrow need to be on sight for 7:30

Official Check-in

Today was all about business. We arrived on site at 10 am to set up our crating area. Quarters were pretty cramped but we fit everyone in. 

Once we were all settled it was time for our vet check, micro chip verification and measuring. 

Following all that we had a one hour equipment practice. We got to see the teeter and chute which is the most concerning for Slice. All good now. The teeter was a bit slow and has a different rubber contact surface than we are used to. The chute is made out of heavy vinyl which is a bit problematic but Slice figured out how to find a fold and make it through. She was a bit cheeky on course but we had a little chat and now we are good. 

The next part of our day was filled with team photos.  A long process but some great shots taken. 

Spent a quiet evening in our cottage relaxing and getting ready for tomorrow. Opening ceremonies and first round of the championships. 

Team Practice

We have had a busy couple of days as the team practices have started and our free time is a little less. Most of our day is away from wifi and when we get back it our time is spent looking after ourselves and the dogs. 

Our practices have gone well and Slice is super happy to be doing what she loves. She loves the surface at the competition venue but found the windy conditions today a bit of a struggle. Still a good practice and a day in the sun. 

Lots and lots of laughs today. This is a great group of people to hang out with. 

We went for a fantastic dinner at Cafe Arnhem and a quick stroll around. Shops were closed when we got there so we will go back tomorrow. 

Utrecht

IAnother 9.5 km walked today and we found our roommates for the next 10 days. We met Stéphan Henry and Lisa Pichurski at De Haar Castle in Utrecht. Such a beautiful walk around with all the dogs and the castle was great to explore.

Slice in the rose garden

The four legged roommates 

Bullet found the dead end in the maze

 We split off after our castle excursion so they could get some rest and we went off to Deventer to explore. Such a sweet little town. There was a market in the square and some quaint little shops. No cars driving around just people and their dogs. 

Witch on a broom flying into the wall of a pub. 

Umbrellas hanging in the alley. Very pretty 

Yet another church we stumbled upon. Quite different in feel than the others we visited but quite large and a story of its own. 

The organ was breathtaking 

Then there was a second one!

We continued strolling through town and got to the market where we found a vendor with dog treats and Quasi and Slice did some shopping. 

After we picked out dog treats we found people treats. Chocolate dipped stroupwaffles. Yummy!  Of course figured everything I eat she should share. 

We had to leave town as the shops were closing and we were tired. Back at the cottage and all our coats are hung with care and it is clear team canada is here. 

Team Hotel

We have arrived at the team hotel, Landal Coldenhove, and it is so lovely. 

Our day was pretty relaxed and included a light agility practice with Willem-Alexander Kelders. So great to get the kids out to stretch their legs. Some great feedback and instruction leading into competition week. 

Alexander sent us up the road to see a castle which occupied some of our afternoon. The castle was lovely from the outside but inside it was a museum/gallery and did not look anything like a castle or the history we expected. 

We did get to climb 104 tiny spiral steps to the top of the tower to look out over the castle. Glad I don't have to do that every day. 

We are settled in our home and enjoying the extra space and comfort.