UTOC Reunion 2001

Our first reunion held in Canmore Alberta in 1998 was such a success that we decided to continue with a new tradition. Thus our 2001 reunion was born. A committee consisting of the Beals, Jeffreys, Hughes and Stevens was formed to plan this event. It was decided to duplicate some of the things we did back in the mid 60’s. We planned our week of activities from Aug 13 to Aug 17 around a stay at Hart House Farm and Algonquin Park.

Mon, Aug 13

People began trickling in after 12:00 PM. We spent some time talking about old times and then mid- afternoon Larry Stevens led nine of us on a short hike past the Quarries. We were joined later by Bergid, as Keith drove by looking for the farm.

Maggie McEwan managed all the meals at Hart House Farm. 29 people enjoyed her chicken dinner with salad and pie for desert. That evening we all watched slides of many UTOC trips. As usual people were recognized by hats, jackets & boots before the faces. Later that evening eight of the group said there good byes because they could not arrange there schedules to join us longer.

The dormitory sleeping that evening proved quit interesting. All bottom bunks were filled first. Then as we settled down we went attempted to sleep by with a few resonating snores. None of which were in tune.

Tues, Aug 14

21 people had breakfast and then prepared lunches for the days activities. Nine people followed Larry on a 18 Km hike and nine went with Ken Jones on a shorter hike. The rest went off on there own. The two groups of hikers met at lunch time by the Credit river. After the hike most went down for a refreshing swim in the quarry. For Dinner we enjoyed Maggie’s Lasagna. After cleaning up we were all sitting outside when someone showed up with some old song books. This of course led to Fred & Less playing there guitars and a good old fashion sing song. Later we went in side & enjoyed some more slides. It was then off too bed to sleep with what now seemed like more snorers. Two people got up & went downstairs to sleep. The rest of us toughed it out. Of course three people slept very well.

Wed, Aug 15 (Morning)

15 people had breakfast and we all said if this was done again it would be snorers in one room & the rest of us in the other. We now quickly cleaned the house and most of us left for Algonquin Park

Wed Aug 15 (Afternoon)

We picked up Alison Saunders Pat Saunders (Bennett) daughter visiting from England, who joined us for this part of the reunion. 18 people got together for this part of the trip. Some stayed at a camp, others in motels & a few got to stay at the Jeffrey’s cottage. That afternoon we started collecting the Jeffrey’s cottage for dinner. Some arrived early for a swim. A few people brought canoes & left them here.

We had a great BBQ, then slides & planned for the next day

Thurs Aug 16

11 brave souls met at the Jeffrey’s for a canoe trip. (Brief trip summary) Four of us went on the 13 Km Track & Tower Trail. The trail had 11 points of interest with some interesting history learned at each one. The rest did some site seeing.

That evening we again collected at the Jeffrey’s for dinner

Fri, Aug 17

Eight of us went on the 13 KM Mizzy Lake trail. The most interesting part was a 2 Km side trip to the Bear dens. An area of Beech trees the bears climb in the fall for nuts. We did not see bears or dens but did see the Bear claw marks on the sides of the trees.

Three people braved a canoe trip and the rest relaxed and did some site seeing.