Ice Hockey Star meets World Famous International Backpacker

When Toronto Marlies Assistant Captain and centreman Kris Newbury heard I was attending the game against Milwaukee (along with Dave - see earlier post) a couple of weeks ago, he couldn't wait to meet me after the game. "Hearing that Owain was in town, and then that he was going to be watching me playing was such a thrill. I couldn't pass up the chance to impress him and really show what I could do on the ice." Kris may, or may not, have said in a post match interview.

Since that meeting, Kris's career (we're on first name terms now!) has taken a marked upward turn, and while the Marlies have not been in exactly red-hot form, Kris has been playing well, and as a run of injuries took their toll on the NHL Maple Leafs team, he was called up for his first NHL appearence last night in Pittsburgh against the Penguins. Sadly a weakened Leafs team, totally unaided by some incredibly incompetent officiating, lost 4-1, conceding 3 goals in the final period, but Kris played a solid game, and even laid a couple of good hits on Sydney Crosby.

I think its clear for all to see that, I am infact the catalyst for Kris Newbury's blossoming all-star NHL career, and if any other potential hockey greats need a helping hand I am more than willing to offer them the opportunity for an autograph and photo session. Just drop me a note at the usual address or add a handy comment here with your contact details!

Have fun everyone and join in with me again please:

"Go Leafs Go! Go Leafs Go!"

Have yourself a Merry Little Christmas

Just one last Christmas post I think. Here's a photo of Amanda's family on Christmas Day. A good day was had by all, and even my cooking went down well..... which is always a nice surprise to me. A big thank you to everyone up here in Orillia who has made me feel so welcome. if I couldn't be home for Christmas, then I think this is the next best thing.

(l to r): Thelma (family friend), Aunt Lois, Grandma Marion, and Amanda.

Christmas wishes to you all, and especially those of you back in sunny South Wales who I'm not with at this special time of year. Take care and have fun everyone.

Izzy's Christmas

Here we see Izzy preparing to tackle the excellent Christmas Dinner. The butternut squash and homemade (British style) stuffing were her personal favourites. I did attempt an "after" photo as well.... but the scene of carnage and destruction left by a small backpacking polar bear in the middle of Christmas dinner was too horrific to be broadcast to a family audience!

Merry Christmas & Happy New Year

Just a message to wish all our friends and family around the world a very Merry Christmas and a Happy 2007. We hope you are all having as fun, happy and special festive season as we are.

love Amanda, Owain & Izzy (of course!)

Quick Update

Just a quick update from me now. Been very busy and very hectic since I last had chance to do anything on here, so this is it!
I'm still over the Atlantic in Canada, and having a great time doing loads of cool stuff.... including ice skating at Trinity-Bell Square in Toronto (an outdoor rink by the city hall which has a great atmosphere there), and hanging out with some friends from the hostel in the Eaton Centre.


Friends from the hostel in Toronto. One of us all infront of the Christmas tree there. Those sparkly bits aren't lights, they are infact crystal decorations!!! Very Expensive crystal decorations! (from l to r): Emily, Ben, Me, Amanda & Dave again.



A nice one of me and Amanda skating. Look, you can stop laughing now! The thought of me on ice skates isn't THAT daft.... I didn't even fall over once! Yeay Me!

A new arrival!

Along with Richard and Karen (congratualtions guys..... and welcome Max. A little playmate for Ozzy!), I've had a new arrival in my life. Every traveller needs a mascot, and after Barry's success in the tournament, I got a little white Canadian Post polar bear to keep me company. So say hello to Izzy from St. Isidore please everyone.

Here Izzy is enjoying the Toronto Marlies v Milwaukee Admirals AHL game from the stands. The Marlies won 4-2! Yeay!


Izzy's quick to make friends with a fellow backpacker. Dave from Middlesbrough was a top lad who I hung out with for a few days in TO.

The Final

After a tough first period the guys found themselves 2-0 down, but played amazingly well to come back to 2-2, and then out-skated their oppontents to win 4-2. Sorry, camera batteries ran out (typical eh?!) during the celebrations, but this shot is just before the comeback, as the Capitals (in red this time) start the decisive 5-on-3 powerplay they subsequently score 2 goals from.

Barry's Tournament

Its been a hectic week, and now I have the chance to catch up a bit. Last weekend I was back in Ottawa staying with my wonderful family there. It also happened to be a tournament for Barry's hockey team in the nearby town of St. Isidore. Of course, this meant more photos as we cheered on the boys from the sidelines. Never thought i'd be a "hockey mum" .... or in this case, cousin, but guess I am now!

Here Barry winds up for a slap shot which forced the keeper into a smart save.


Frasor's shut-out (sorry if I've spelt your name wrong) in the semi-final was a fantastic effort and well deserved.