American Independence Day. Although the legal separation of the 13 colonies from Great Britain occurred on the 2nd July 1776, the Declaration of Independence was only approved two days later by Congress. Hence July 4th has become known as American Independence Day. It was poignant morning for Mr McKillen as it was his daughter Isla’s 6th birthday. A FaceTime call and a rendition of Happy Birthday from the boys went down well. It was also a bad hair day for a few of the clipper happy touring party.
The touring party had the freedom to roam about Berkeley University before we made our way to Maxwell Family Field for an afternoon of sporting activities. Thanks must go to Mariah from the University Sports Centre for her advice and for supplying some equipment to help with the afternoon fun. Squad captain Claytan Milligan handed over a Down High rugby T-Shirt to Mariah as a token of our thanks. A fantastic afternoon was had with the main highlight being aptly a game of American Football. The majority of the boys had not played it before but showed some great skills in playing a new sport. It was then on to a place kicking completion involving all the touring party (staff included). This started at about 30 yards in front of the post with straight elimination if you missed and the ball being placed five yards further back after each round. Matthew Porter took the bragging rights as he was successful with six kicks, the last being from 55 yards. For the record Mr McKillen won the staff battle. Some impromptu football penalty kick competitions and Frisbee throwing completed the sporting afternoon. Thanks to the two Michaels (Harper and McDowell) who collected some pizza for the group. The latter part of the afternoon was spent in an outdoor swimming pool where pride of place went to Mr Gunson who won the Belly Flop competition (see attached photos). Rumours of the tsunami siren almost being triggered are greatly exaggerated. Mr McKillen became a bit of a local celebrity. He was interviewed by a journalism student about our tour to the USA. Whether or not the interview makes The David Letterman Show is yet to be seen.
Fireworks are a great tradition of Independence Day and it was decided to try and view the fireworks from the hills overlooking Berkeley. Unfortunately a sea of mist had rolled in from San Francisco Bay which meant our view of the main fireworks at Berkeley Marina was restricted. However there were a number of smaller firework displays dotted around the San Francisco area. The ever improving singing ability of the group came to the fore as we went through the full repertoire of songs on our hymn sheet- much to the enjoyment or amusement of onlookers.
San Francisco has been absolutely fantastic. Golden Gate Bridge, Alcatraz, two great rugby victories and Independence Day. Next up Seattle- let us see what you can bring!
The touring party had the freedom to roam about Berkeley University before we made our way to Maxwell Family Field for an afternoon of sporting activities. Thanks must go to Mariah from the University Sports Centre for her advice and for supplying some equipment to help with the afternoon fun. Squad captain Claytan Milligan handed over a Down High rugby T-Shirt to Mariah as a token of our thanks. A fantastic afternoon was had with the main highlight being aptly a game of American Football. The majority of the boys had not played it before but showed some great skills in playing a new sport. It was then on to a place kicking completion involving all the touring party (staff included). This started at about 30 yards in front of the post with straight elimination if you missed and the ball being placed five yards further back after each round. Matthew Porter took the bragging rights as he was successful with six kicks, the last being from 55 yards. For the record Mr McKillen won the staff battle. Some impromptu football penalty kick competitions and Frisbee throwing completed the sporting afternoon. Thanks to the two Michaels (Harper and McDowell) who collected some pizza for the group. The latter part of the afternoon was spent in an outdoor swimming pool where pride of place went to Mr Gunson who won the Belly Flop competition (see attached photos). Rumours of the tsunami siren almost being triggered are greatly exaggerated. Mr McKillen became a bit of a local celebrity. He was interviewed by a journalism student about our tour to the USA. Whether or not the interview makes The David Letterman Show is yet to be seen.
Fireworks are a great tradition of Independence Day and it was decided to try and view the fireworks from the hills overlooking Berkeley. Unfortunately a sea of mist had rolled in from San Francisco Bay which meant our view of the main fireworks at Berkeley Marina was restricted. However there were a number of smaller firework displays dotted around the San Francisco area. The ever improving singing ability of the group came to the fore as we went through the full repertoire of songs on our hymn sheet- much to the enjoyment or amusement of onlookers.
San Francisco has been absolutely fantastic. Golden Gate Bridge, Alcatraz, two great rugby victories and Independence Day. Next up Seattle- let us see what you can bring!
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