The Mystery Bus trip’s theme this year was an Irish one, we called it 40 Shades of Green. When we hit the road we wondered if we should have themed it 50 Shades of Gray as it was overcast with many dark clouds around. You could hear the group trying to guess where we were headed, the clear spots were suggested to be the best route. However when we reached our destination, The Crowsnest Pass Golf Club, it was clear and dry but I must say we did encounter shades of Irish weather throughout our round. We had sun and warmth, take the layers off, then wind brrrr put them back on, then clouds and some showers and then some rain, wow we had it all. On the ride home we even saw a beautiful rainbow, how Ireland is that?
Even though the weather could have been better we had a lot of fun and many laughs…………….have you ever tried to hit your drive with oven mitts on? Yer Aff Yer Heid, Trudy did an amazing job. Not sure about driving a mashmallow rather than a golf ball Loch Ness Pop Challange……not much distance I understand. We had the usual contest holes and also some interesting game holes. As usual we had some mulligan moments ask Trudy and Shantel about their cart excitement……..sure was slippery on them thar hills…….Shantel is very agile and thoughtful of her passenger as she tried to shield her from harm. Theresa learned that it is difficult to hit when wearing a straight jacket, she put her coat on backwards to keep warm and when she went to hit the ball the hood flew over her head and let’s just say she missed the ball. She also got a bit disorientated and was going to tee off the wrong way…….maybe too much birdie juice!!! 
The golf course staff were so welcoming and helpful, it was fun to see our scores and accomplishments on the screen. We were also so happy that they looked after the scoring and skill holes, that was a real treat for us. The golf course was in great shape and the new holes and clubhouse look fabulous, don’t forget to go check it all out if you can. The meal was wonderful and they decorated everything beautifully. Alberta Coach and our driver Hugh were great also and Hugh was so much help which we very much appreciated. 
Kristy was teeing off on Tuesday and heard “remind me to take the following day off next year” we hear you as we always feel rather beat after having so much fun.
When I think of our previous trip to Ireland I always remember that each and every day we saw a rainbow so for me it is a major symbol of Ireland and seemed so appropriate to see one on our way home from our 40 Shades of Green. We always think of finding the pot of gold at the end of the rainbow but there is no “end”. Even though it is impossible to reach the end of the rainbow, the rainbow has since become an Irish symbol of hope. As most people hope to one day find the riches in the pot, others use the rainbow to signify fulfillment, desire and purpose. For us it was the perfect ending to a perfect, or almost perfect, day.