That's right, there was a special RainCamp in Canada on Wednesday, Aug 4, with attendance by Special Invitation.
As my wife needs a break from work eventually, we decided to visit Niagara Falls as she had never been there. This thought to visit the Falls was not without a selfish motive, however, as it's location on the Canadian border is a relatively short drive from Brampton, Ontario Canada, home to Al & Peggy Cunningham.
As I do on occasions, I do call and chat with my fellow ActiveRainers, and there will sometimes be a spark that just says you want more.
That is exactly what happened with the Cunninghams, and I felt that a trip was in order, and why not set it up so that I could also add to my family of friends.
The day and times were set. We did our part and got to Niagara Falls NY the evening before, 480 miles of a drive. Only fair to do this as Al is after-all, an older person, and one must show age it's respect. The greetings were like lost family, and understandably so. As anybody who spends time on ActiveRain knows, reading the blogs and sending comments back and forth leads to a camaraderie and good will feeling that goes beyond meeting someone for the first time. For those ActiveRainers that attend those other RainCamps know, this feeling is well understood. Seeing someone in person for the first time is not strange because the warmth and caring has been expressed numerous times in our posts.
We talked and visited. My wife, Cauna, who is a very warm person naturally had no problems immediately accepting these two people as long time friends, and this feeling stayed with us for the rest of the day. We found the time to sit and relax and just visit.
We had a very pleasant and very long lunch, at which not only the families were discussed, but surprise, using ActiveRain was also discussed.
I felt like such an expert, maybe it was from staying at the Holiday Inn, or quite possible attending the other 3 RainCamps. I shared some of what I thought I learned to Al & Peggy, and they also offered me a few tips on how to do things just a bit better.
On the Canadian side, the atmosphere is very much a Carnival, with the big rides, the side shows, the souvenir shops and a very relaxed vacation type of atmosphere.
The noise of the falls is ever present, and we were fortunate to get a higher view of the Falls, after the boat ride while riding an enclosed Ferris Wheel
So many people about having a great time. We went into a little restaurant for something to drink, and just sat and chatted. Three hours later we thought it might be time to get up and stretch our legs a bit.
It is unusual to go so far away, meet with people and not be at all uncomfortable. There were no apprehensions about meeting the Cunningham's, just a great warm feeling with the first hugs and hand shakes. This is the type of family ActiveRain can actually start.
Al and I were both at ease and were pleasantly surprised when we both found Craig Rutman sitting on a bench outside a souvenir shop.
We immediately recognized him, in spite of the Photo-Shop job he had done trying to create another blog post. Craig you are such a kidder!
RainCamp, Niagara Falls, NY. Not sponsored by Bob Stewart, nor presented by Bob Kinney, but entirely the creation of the ActiveRain Platform and the sprit that exists on this site.
They say there are two sides to every story. You've just taken the time to read our side, maybe you'd like to see and read the Cunningham's side?
Maybe this can be the start of a new offering from ActiveRain: Tell us about you special ActiveRain RainCamp, or Where's the next mini RainCamp?.
Comments(28)