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TARCanada S3E8: Idol Guesswork & Bad Cabs

8/27/2015

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Apparently I'm still on island time but I'm getting close. We join episode eight with Jon's usual recap of the previous leg, a birthday win for Brent & Sean. I still can't believe how many teams have either switched tasks or taken penalties this season but it's becoming way to common. Hopefully this leg there'll be none of that.

Having won the last leg of the race, Brent & Sean are the first to depart at 12:41am. They're on their way to Kolkata, India and as the winners of the last leg they get to choose another team to join them in Air Canada International Business Class for the trip. That's going to be a lot more comfortable than steerage. All teams also get $350US on their BMO Cash card. Hopefully the upgrade will give the boys enough of a lead once they arrive in India.

Gino & Jesse are close behind at 12:49am and I'm sure they'll be playing up to the Designers for that upgrade. Dujean & Leilani are way behind at 3:06am but we all know everyone will be on the same flight. Leilani really wants to sweet talk Brent & Sean for the upgrade but she could be too late. Pretty sure it's not going to Brian & Cynthia though, who leave at 3:10am. Somehow I think this leg will either make or break the Winnipegers because neither one of them seems to keep their cool under pressure, especially Brian. 

Nick & Matt are out at 3:30am and Simi & Ope bring up the rear, departing at 4:43am. If I were the Designers I'd seriously consider giving that upgrade to the father/daughter team. Teams are now in their way from Saskatoon to Vancouver, where Brent & Sean will need to make their decision, . . . and decide they do. They feel that the one team that helped them the most was Dujean & Leilani and most of the other teams seem okay with that, except for Brian & Cynthia who look ticked off. Guess it pays to be nice and supportive of other teams rather than grumpy and dismissive. 

Business Class looks really comfortable. Sean reveals that they picked Dujean & Leilani because of their support on the equestrian task. That's as good a reason as any. Everyone is now on their way from Vancouver, via Tokyo, to Kolkata, India, the second largest city in the country. Once teams arrive in Kolkata they need to make their way to the Mallick Ghat Flower Market to receive a blessing and their next clue. 

It's a mad rush out of the airport and despite being in business class it's not much of a lead as all teams hit the street running for cabs. Once in the cabs everyone notices how chaotic the streets are, but what I notice is just how colourful everything is. Brent & Sean managed to grab the right cab as they were first to the flower market and first to receive their blessing and the next clue.

Stop And Smell The Flowers, has teams locating one of six designated flower stalls where they'll need to recreate a traditional flower garland using a needle, thread, and fresh flowers. Once they've recreated the garland they'll get their next clue and this should be an easy challenge for the Designers. It doesn't surprise me that Sean knows all the flowers by name. Maybe they're studying to be floral designers. 

All the other teams arrived at almost the same time so this should add to the chaos. Gino & Jesse are fairly detail oriented so they should also be able to race through this task. Brian & Cynthia? Not so much. 

Brent & Sean were done in no time and gave the garland to the stall owner for his wife as they tore open their next clue. Teams must now find their way on foot to the Armenian Ferry Ghat and then take the ferry downriver to the dock at Bagbazar Ghat to find their next clue. 

While the boys are off and running Brian & Cynthia have their "spidey-senses" going off all around them due to all the bumping and jostling in their personal space. These two seem to be suspicious of everybody and that can't be good. The Wrestlers in the other hand are used to crowds and just tune them out. Gino & Jesse are focused on making their mother proud with their garland, as Leilani assumes her garland is awesome. It's not, but I must admit that these two have brought a lot less drama to the race than I thought they would. 

As Dujean & Leilani start over, similar & ope hand theirs in for a check . . . and receive the next clue. They're now off in second place to catch up to Brent & Sean at the ferry. The Wrestlers have also finished their garland and Jesse looks a tad confused at how they're falling behind, but they stay focused and finish to get the clue.

At the ferry, Brent & Sean are hoping it gets going before any other teams arrive but Simi & Ope have arrived, followed by Nick & Matt. As Gino & Jesse are racing down the dock the ferry is being untied . . . and they just made it. The ferry is on its way, leaving Dujean & Leilani and Brian & Cynthia back at the flower market where they finalize their garlands, get their clues and race off to the find the next ferry. 

The first four teams arrive at Bagbazar Ghat to find the clue for this leg's Roadblock; Who Wants To Meet Their Idol? In this Roadblock teams must find Kumartuli Pally, a potters colony with over 450 pottery shops, then locate a specific shop with statues of the goddess of wealth and beauty, Lakshmi. Six of these idols have one unique feature matching a supplied photo in the clue and the team member who chooses the task will need to find that matching idol. This looks like a job for me as I'm more detail oriented than Wayne. Find the goddess, get the clue.

Nick, Gino, Simi and Brent all decide to do it. As they leave the dock Gino & Jesse find a guy who will walk them straight to the colony, but they're a little perturbed that Simi & Ope are following along. Brent & Sean wander off in a different direction entirely and so do Nick & Matt, both of which are wrong. 

After quickly finding the shop Gino noticed immediately the difference in his photo and was even quicker in finding its matching idol. Gino & Jesse are the first to get the next clue and have reclaimed first place, . . . for now. They must now make their way by taxi to Swami Vivekananda House & Cultural Centre to find their next clue. Swami Vivekananda made a trip to Vancouver and is credited with bringing the art of yoga to the western world so we know there's about to be a yoga task coming up. 

With Gino out of the way, Simi is able to locate her matching idol fairly quickly and she and her father are on the boys trail. As Gino & Jesse are having trouble trying to find a taxi driver who knows where to go, Simi & Ope luck out on their first choice and move into first place. 

Back at the idol shop, Nick & Matt have arrived and Nick is sure his first idol is a match, but he's wrong. With a little more focus he finally realizes the difference he's looking for and he and Matt are off even before Brent & Sean have found the shop. As the Wrestlers race away from the shop the Designers race in. Knowing they've moved out of the lead has added a bit more pressure and Brent looks like he's just guessing as he tries to find a match. Focus, boy, focus. 

Meanwhile, Gino & Jesse finally find a cab who says he knows where to go, as do Nick & Matt. No worries though as they're all ahead of the final two teams who have just arrived at Bagbazar Ghat and are in search of the idol shop. As the final two leave the dock, Simi & Ope have found the statue of Swami Vivekananda and this leg's Detour; Tuck or Roll.

In Tuck, teams will have to locate a residence and then learn a series of six different couple's yoga poses and then perform them in order for the guru to get their next clue. This does not look like the type of Detour Wayne and I would choose, especially when you consider our height difference. There's no way we'd line up so I guess we'd head for the other Detour.

In Roll, teams will need to find the university institute hall and load up a rickshaw to make two deliveries to local merchants, while navigating the narrow streets. The first delivery is empty bottles to a soda shop, then return to reload their rickshaw with bundles of cloth for a decorating store. Yep, this is the task for Gord & Wayne. 

Simi & Ope decide to do Roll, despite Simi being concern about the busy streets and the heat. Speaking of which, the heat is on for Brent & Sean as Brent continues to randomly guess as Brian & Cynthia and Dujean & Leilani arrive at the idol shop. It took no time at all for Leilani to spot her matching idol and she and Dujean pull into fourth place. It's now down to Brent or Brian to determine who falls behind. 

Despite finding the idol Dujean & Leilani can't find a taxi and are quickly losing their lead on the last two teams. Brian is sure that all the idols are the same, hence the episode title, but when he tells the shopkeeper his theory she tells him he's wrong. Brian seems to have missed the concept of the challenge which is the only saving grace Brent is going to get here.

Gino & Jesse arrive at Swami Vivekananda's statue and ask their driver to wait as they race to get the clue ahead of the wrestlers who just arrived, but when they go back for their cab, it's gone. Both Gino & Jesse and Nick & Matt have chosen Roll. As Nick points out, grunt work is their thing. 

Back at the idols I can't believe Brian found a match before Brent did. Things are not looking good for the Designers as Brian & Cynthia leave them in the Kolkata dust. Having fallen into last place Brent finally focuses on the task at hand and finds the matching idol. Time for the Sweeney brothers to play catch up. 

Dujean & Leilani finally find a cab while Brian & Cynthia struggle to do the same. In the meantime, Simi & Ope have found the university institute only to find themselves at the back entrance and now having to work their way around to the front. Nick & Matt however found the front and have finally moved into first place. Let's hope they can keep it. As the Wrestlers begin loading their chosen rickshaw, Gino & Jesse have arrived and grab another one just as Simi & Ope find the entryway. 

Nick & Matt decide to hold some bags of bottles as they finish loading up and head out to make their first delivery, an attempt that Gino & Jesse decide to copy as they squeeze past Simi & Ope still loading up. Gino & Jesse decide to follow Nick & Matt and I think it's funny how they have no problem following someone else but don't like when they're the ones being followed. 

Somehow, Brent & Sean managed to jump ahead to the Detour clue box. As they opened their clue Dujean & Leilani arrived and there was no sign of Brian & Cynthia. As Simi pulls the rickshaw, Ope follows behind shouting guidance and Brian & Cynthia finally find the Swami and choose Roll. 

Dujean & Leilani and Brent & Sean are the only two teams who chose Tuck and Brent is sure there's no way he can do any of those poses. Dujean doesn't look too sure either, but as dancers they're used to having to watch and copy other performers so this may be a lot easier for them. While they contemplate their moves, Nick & Matt make their first delivery just ahead of Gino & Jesse. Bottles are spilling all over the place as Gino & Jesse pull ahead of the Wrestlers and race back for the bundles of cloth. 

Simi & Ope are a lot more careful with their bottle delivery than the first two teams, but that's also slowing them down. As they unload, the other two are back and already reloading. As soon as Jesse says "no problem" to finishing the second delivery you just know there's going to be a problem.  They get directions and head out as Nick & Matt return for their load, unfortunately their first set of directions was wrong and when they stop again for directions these ones seem even worse. 

Sean is having some serious trouble lifting his brother into one of the poses and I'm surprised neither has mentioned switching yet. There'll be no switching for Simi & Ope who are now loading up their bundles and ready for their second delivery. As they pull out, Brian & Cynthia arrive, complaining that they need ear plugs to cut down on the noise. As they move out, most of their bottles do the same, falling off the sides. Maybe they should raise the rickshaw roof.

Out on the street Gino & Jesse keep dropping their bundles and again I wonder why nobody us using the cover of the rickshaw to hold things in place. It's not rocket science, the Wrestlers figured it out. Which is probably why they were able to complete their second delivery ahead of Gino & Jesse. 

Dujean & Leilani are ready to be judged and so far so good. That sixth pose looks really tough, but they did it on their first attempt and have received their next clue. They're on their way to the National Library on the grounds of the Bel Deere Estate to find Jon at the next Pit Stop. As the Dancers race off, the Wrestlers return their rickshaw and move unknowingly into second place as they also race for the National Library. 

When Sean leaned too far back on that sixth pose Brent almost broke his neck as he somersaulted overtop. I gotta give them credit for sticking with it though, despite the tears. For a change its Brent who's the one breaking down. As they keep trying to nail that pose, Ope hauls the second load in an attempt to move ahead of Gino & Jesse who have started getting on each other's nerves. Heat will do that to people. Getting stuck in a traffic jam isn't helping Simi & Ope, but it did allow Gino & Jesse to unload first and move into third as Simi & Ope move into fourth. 

Or not, because they've managed to find a cab before Gino & Jesse. While the boys try to hail a cab Brian & Cynthia are trying to locate their first delivery. Done. As Brian & Cynthia return for their epsecond load, Brent & Sean feel they're ready, having figured out what they were doing wrong on the last pose. Their first five poses looked really good but now it's time for the last one, . . . and it's good. The Designers think they're in last place but from the looks of the editing Gino & Jesse are still trying to get a cab. 

As Dujean & Leilani catch up to Nick & Matt's cab, the Wrestlers turn off to the left and that could be the deciding factor in first or second place right there. It's a foot race to the mat and it looks like Nick & Matt got shafted by their driver as Dujean & Leilani are Team Number 1. They don't believe it and Jon has to keep repeating it to them. I can't believe it either. They also win a trip to London, England and free gas for the next year. 

Unfortunately, Nick & Matt are Team Number 2. They're not happy, but they only need to be first once. Not something Brian & Cynthia are going to be this leg as they finish their deliveries and begin yelling at each other in their search for a cab. As they echo Gino & Jesse, Brent & Sean pass Simi & Ope as they near the National Library. As they race across the field it's Brent & Sean as Team Number 3, and Simi & Ope as Team Number 4. Lots of hugs as both teams realize they're still in it. 

Out on the streets Cynthia appears to have found a cab before Gino & Jesse and as she and Brian load their bags this could be it for the brothers. Just like that Gino & Jesse find a cab and Brian & Cynthia hit a traffic jam. It looks like it's going to be close but I have a feeling that if it comes down to a foot race Gino & Jesse will pull ahead. 

As Jon points into the distance Gino & Jesse are Team Number 5. Not their best leg but better than Brian & Cynthia who were the last team to arrive and have been eliminated. It's a good farewell for the two of them and they stayed fairly supportive of each other as they walked off into the Indian sunset. 

Next week the teams are staying in India as they head to Delhi to transport live slippery fish and enjoy some spicy peppers. Mmm, yummy. A turban challenge could have teams in knots while the Wrestlers finally look like they'll get a challenge built just for them. Looking forward to it. 

Speaking of looking forward to things, keep an eye out for Wayne's review of episode eight and our exit interview with Brian & Cynthia. We're back together for our video review at the Druid on Friday and we hope everyone enjoys our point of view. Until that time. 
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TARCanada S3E7; Too Many Caps, Not Enough Beer

8/24/2015

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Since I was still on vacation in Hawaii I'm using that as my excuse for being late this week. Not as late as last week mind you, but late nonetheless. At this point my review of episode seven is more like a refresher than a review but at least it's here. Hopefully everyone enjoys it.

We catch up with Gino & Jesse who won the last leg of the race and are now the first to depart at 9:01pm. All teams are now on their way from Sudbury, ON to Saskatoon, SK nearly 2,000kms away. Ooh, all teams get a twoonie on their BMO cash card, . . . that'll go a long way. Nick & Matt are over three hours behind, leaving at 12:05am, and Brian & Cynthia are out at 12:09am but we all know that all teams will be on the same flight so the boys having a three hour lead is irrelevant, even to Dujean & Leilani who are over seven hours behind at 4:21am. 

Brent & Sean need to use their Express Pass at some point during this leg and hope they make the right choice to get them into first place. As I said, all teams are on the same flight to Saskatoon via Toronto. When they touch down at the John G. Diefenbaker Airport they'll need to get down to the Tarmac and find three flight boards. 

Time to test the racer's knowledge of time zones as they set up flight paths to cover three continents from the 190 direct flights that Air Canada flies around the world. There's a lot of math in this one but it's basic addition so it shouldn't be that hard, right? They need to create multiple flight plans that will total up to 25 hours of total flight time and then present that to Captain Pat to get their next clue. 

Everyone has trouble with the concept of time zones but how can Kristin never have heard of Greenwich Mean Time before? How is that even possible? Then we have Brian who needs to remove his shoes to get past ten, and the Designers who say that, as design students they never use math. I'm seriously worried about their designs. Just like that Brent & Sean decide to use their Express Pass and they're now off to . . . 

Roadblock. Brent & Sean (and all the teams after them) now jump into their Chevy Cruze and drive to Saskatoon's north end to find the Apex Trampoline Park, where they'll complete a three part trampoline course. First they need to jump in numerical order around a nine-part trampoline, then launch over a foam wall without touching it, and finally bounce high enough to ring the bell and get their next clue. What this has to do with Saskatoon I don't know, but it should be entertaining to watch. Brent decides to do the Roadblock.

With Brent & Sean in the lead, Dujean & Leilani decide there's no way they can do this task and opt to take the two hour penalty. I just don't understand why anyone would take a penalty for a simple math task. They're on their way to catch up to the Designers who have just arrived at the Trampoline Park. Sean is pretty pumped that Brent gets to jump around like a kid on his birthday, but it's too bad he couldn't bring balloons and a cake. 

Brent's first attempt on part one was spoiled by a bad jump but he nailed it on his second run and moved on to part two. Unfortunately for Brent getting over the foam wall is going to be more of a challenge, which is what Neil & Kristen face when their first call at the flight boards is wrong. Time to crunch some more numbers. Nick & Matt also have to do some crunching. Gino & Jesse on the other hand, have figured out they need a formula to solve this. They should thank their math teacher. 

Neil & Kristen think they've got it this time but once again they're wrong. Rather than keep pulling random flights they decide to follow Dujean & leilanis lead and take the penalty. I know that penalties are there to give the racer's an option but I've never seen so many quitters in a season. It almost vindicates Rex & Bob. Almost. Kristen is not happy with her father's decision.

Back at the trampolines, Brent has finally cleared the foam wall and, after figuring out how to get some height, ringing that bell was easy. He gets their next clue and Brent & Sean rip open the envelope to find a bottle cap imprinted with Original Founders. Outside the trampoline park they find someone who directs them back downtown to the Great Western Brewery, a task fit for Gord & Wayne. 

As Brent & Sean leave Dujean & Leilani pull up and Dujean feels he can do it. He made short work of the first part as Neil & Kristin arrive and Kristen is still ticked at her dad but Leilani tries to console her with the fact that they could have been there a long time. Who knew Leilani was such a peace keeper. She's also pretty pleased that another team took a penalty so now all they need is to stay ahead of that team. Neil isn't as light on his feet as he used to be but Dujean cleared the wall and rang the bell in no time and he and Leilani were off. 

Back on the tarmac, Gino & Jesse decide to convert their flight times to minutes and get the other teams to join forces to catch up to Brent & Sean and pass the penalty takers. Simi & Ope seem to be on the outside of this group running their own race and that's unfortunate because once they all worked together Gino & Jesse, Nick & Matt, and Brian & Cynthia all got the correct answer, leaving Simi & Ope in last place. 

When Simi & Ope ask for a check Captain Pat tells them their durations are correct but their addition is wrong. It's a good thing that Simi is the calm one on this team because she is always having to refocus her father. As the three teams arrive at Apex, Kristen is still complaining when Matt and Cynthia sit down beside her to watch Nick and Brian bounce around. Little known fact, wrestlers train on trampolines. Who knew?  

Nick and Jesse both breeze through part one and Nick just cleared the foam wall. Jesse? Not so much, but he made up for it on his second shot and both teams had it easy ringing the bell. Nick & Matt are just seconds ahead of Gino & Jesse as the race out of Apex and back to their Cruze. Kristen is looking less than impressed. 

Meanwhile, Brent & Sean have found the Great Western Brewery and the clue box with the clue "Cap In Hand". The Great Western Brewery used to be an old O'Keefe's Brewery but when it shut down over 25 years ago, 16 original employees banded together to create the Great Western Brewing Company. Once inside teams will need to search through a bin of over 5,000 caps to find 15 bottle caps that identically match the original pale ale cap in their clue. Once they have all 16, an original employee will give them their next clue. Man, that's a lot of caps and not one beer to be drunk. 

Brent & Sean don their protective gloves and get started, finding their first cap pretty quickly, while back at the airport Ope finally realizes the same thing Gino & Jesse did. He needs to convert his times to minutes. With that done they're given the next blue and race off to play catch up. That shouldn't be too hard as Neil & Kristen are still there along with Brian & Cynthia. 

Not sure how long it took but Brent & Sean capped off their lead by finding all 15 caps in no time. Speaking of time, it's time for the Detour. This Detour will give teams a chance to master one of two techniques that First Nation's people have been performing for thousands of years, Nimitook or Mikwap.

Teams will need to travel outside the city of Saskatoon to the Wanuskiwin Heritage Park, an area dedicated to teaching the history of northern plains indigenous people. In Mikwap, teams will have to build a traditional teepee, using the provided materials and a finished teepee as a guide. In Nimitook, teams must perform a traditional hoop dance and learn to mimic five spirit shapes while performing the dance. No brainer for Gord & Wayne, we don't dance. 

As Brent & Sean leave, Dujean & Leilani again pull up to the brewing company to try and overtake the Designers. Dujean has an eye for detail as he pulls cap after cap out of the bin, while Neil finally completes part one on the trampoline. Brian has some fun moves but he can't nail the squares in order without rolling into them. Apparently he doesn't think he can do it despite Cynthia's support. Maybe he should take a penalty.

Then again, maybe not. Right after complaining he couldn't do it, he did it. Neil had a much easier time clearing the foam wall than he did in part one, surprising his daughter even more when he then rang the bell and they received their next clue. They're off to the brewery but not before Dujean & Leilani have left and are off to perform hoop dancing where they'll find Brent & Sean who also chose Nimitook.

The boys get trained in the storytelling with their five hoops and they must make a snake, an eagle, a butterfly, a flower and then end with Mother Earth. They get the idea of all the shapes but I'm not sure about the dancing. Over at Apex Brian clears the wall and rings the bell putting them into fifth place so far as they head out. 

Gino & Jesse and Nick & Matt arrive at the brewery together but Gino & Jesse are a lot better at finding those 15 caps than the Wrestlers are. The brothers have all 16 caps while Nick & Matt have only five. As Gino & Jesse grab their next clue Nick asks if they wanna just hang out. Nice try. Gino & Jesse decide to choose Mikwap as they drive off and Simi & Ope arrive at the trampoline park. 

Ope just raced through part one but he was having some serious trouble getting any height for part two. Nick & Matt had no trouble finding the rest of their caps and are back trailing Gino & Jesse. As the Wrestlers drive away Brian & Cynthia pull into the parking lot and Brian's hoping it's a beer drinking task. Me too, Brian, me too. Neil & Kristin come in right behind them. 

Time for Brent & Sean's first attempt at the hoop dance, then their second, then . . . Kristin broke a nail as Brian & Cynthia find all 16 caps and pull ahead. Neil & Kristin are right on their tail and both teams have chosen Mikwap. In the back of the pack, Ope clears the wall and rings the bell. They're still in this, and they don't have a two hour penalty to wait out. 

Unlike Dujean & Leilani who have arrived at Nimitook causing a little stress for Brent & Sean because they're professional dancers. The boys don't know they took a two hour penalty though. Dujean & Leilani also failed their first attempt as Brian & Cynthia get lost on the wrong side of the river. These two have never been on my list of favourites this season and the more they race they ruder they seem to get with other teams and each other. A fine example of the Wnnipeg Police force. 

Gino & Jesse have arrived at Mikwap and happy to see they've caught up to Brent & Sean. This looks like a no-brainer challenge for the boys who've built many things together and have already figured out how to construct their teepee. While Nick & Matt are on their way to the same challenge Matt reveals he was having dreams about building a teepee but then Nick says he dreams of eating sandwiches (hence the episode's title) or pancakes sometimes and Matt shrugs. These guys are funny. 

Brent & Sean mess up their flower on their fifth attempt while Gino & Jesse stake down their teepee. The Designers really want to come in first for Brent's birthday leg and their sixth attempt keeps them in the lead as they receive their next clue. They now need to search the park, on foot, to find Jon and the next Pit Stop at the Wanuskewin Lookout Point. 

Gino & Jesse call for a teepee check and they've nailed it on their first attempt. Time for a foot race to find Jon at that Pit Stop. While running through the park both Brent & Sean seem to be about to puke. These two kids are seriously out of shape. That said, and despite Sean choking out a lung at the mat, Brent & Sean are Team Number 1 and win a trip to Paris, France and a year of free gas. That's a pretty good birthday leg.

Gino & Jesse are Team Number 2 and when Jon asks where they find the fire to keep going and they admit they keep pushing each other. They're not just brothers they're best friends and that keeps them running. 

Back at Mikwap, Nick & Matt ask for their first check but their sticks are wrong. Second check, sticks are wrong. Third check, sticks are wrong. Fourth check, I think the elder is getting tired of saying "your sticks are wrong". 

As Brian tries to convince Cynthia she's gone in the wrong direction again, lo and behold she finds Wanuskewin. Once again Brian is proven wrong. You'd think he'd get tired of opening his mouth after awhile. He does admit that he gets frustrated way too easily and tends to take it out on those closest to him, but at least he knows he needs to work on that. They get started on their teepee as Nick & Matt keep trying. 

On the topic of "keep trying" Simi & Ope have found all their caps and are now on their way to Nimitook. They're still in it and they know that two teams ahead of them still have to sit out a penalty. One of those teams, Dujean & Leilani are on their fourth attempt at the hoop dance, but they nailed it and are now searching for Jon as Neil & Kristin arrive at Mikwap. 

Brian & Cynthia ask for their first check and guess what, . . . their sticks are wrong. While they disassemble their teepee Dujean & Leilani are the third team to arrive but they now have to sit out their two hour penalty until Jon can check them in. Time to just sit and wait.

Brian & Cynthia's second attempt has the sticks right but the wrapping is wrong. Nick & Matt on their fifth attempt have their first three poles wrong and down comes their teepee. Nick points out that Matt's dream has become his nightmare. Here's a thought boys, go check the example. Neil & Kristin aren't doing much better getting tangled up in knots over their teepee. They decide to check out the other side of the Detour but it doesn't look much easier. 

Kristin leaves it up to her dad who finally decides they should switch, so they do. Their first attempt was pretty bad and on their third attempt Neil got caught in the hoops. At least the other dancers are having fun watching them. I think they should have stuck with the teepee, but then again Nick & Matt are still there. The elder comes over to tell Nick & Matt that their sticks are still not right on their sixth attempt. They decide to switch. 

That may be a good call as Neil & Kristin apparently can dance with hoops, having completed the challenge on their sixth try. As the Wrestlers dress up, the father and daughter race to find Jon and Brian & Cynthia get a pass on their teepee's fourth attempt. At the dance Nick has proven he's no master of the hoop. 

Neil & Kristen are the fourth team to arrive and must now start their two hour penalty, while Jon calls Dujean & Leilani to the mat having served their two hours. How could Neil & Kristen fall that far behind? Dujean & Leilani are Team Number 3, and Brian & Cynthia are Team Number 4.

Simi & Ope have arrived at Nimitook as Nick & Matt finally master the dance on their eighth attempt. Nick & Matt are Team Number 5, a big drop for them. When Jon asks what they're going to do to change that Nick says, "not build teepees".

It's down to Simi & Ope or Neil & Kristin for last place as Neil & Kristin wait out their last 40 minutes and Simi & Ope attempt the dance. 30 minutes to wait as Simi & Ope start attempt number four. They're so glad they got to experience the dance but even happier to have completed it. Now all they have to do is find Jon before Neil & Kristen's last 20 minutes of their penalty runs out. 

They did it. Simi & Ope are the last team to arrive at the mat as Jon calls Neil & Kristen over. He tells Simi & Ope that they are Team Number 7 because of the penalty and unfortunately Neil & Kristen have been eliminated from the race. So close. Kristen is still so proud of her dad and that's great to hear. 

Next week teams are on their way to Calcutta, India where chaos in the streets has all teams on edge in search of a zen moment. I'm looking forward to it, and thanks to my vacation I'll have a pretty short wait. Be back in a few days with my review of episode eight, maybe sooner if Wayne still wants to do a quick video recap of these last two legs. Until that time.
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TARCanada S3E6; A Little Jeopardy, Baby

8/19/2015

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It took a bit of time but I finally managed to catch episode six while sitting on a beach in Hawaii. Of course then it took a little longer to fit in time for my review which you now have before you. I hope you enjoy it. I'll probably be late with Isolde seven as well, but for now . . . On with the show. 

It wasn't that difficult to realize by the second or third place finisher that episode five was likely a "keep on racing" leg and that was confirmed when Simi & Ope arrived last to stand beside Neil & Kristen at the mat. Both of these teams had a hard fifth leg and it would have been sad to see them go after that, despite taking penalties, but by extending the leg both teams are still in it. For how much longer is anyone's guess but for now they're all off to Sudbury, Ontario. 

Gino & Jesse were the first team to continue their race at 5:57pm and they were off to catch the ferry to P.E.I. where they could then catch a flight from Charlottetown to Sudbury via Toronto. Missed it by that much. The next ferry doesn't leave until 8:00am giving all the other teams ample time to catch up. That kinda sucks when you're in the lead but I do understand it from a production point of view, you don't want your assets spread all over the map or it becomes a logistics nightmare. 

All teams arrive in Sudbury together but it's Gino & Jesse who are first out of the airport, into their Chevy Tracks and off to the community of Copper Cliffs in search of the Vale Mining Company where they once again get to wait until the miner comes out of the office. Once he does teams find that they will descend two at a time 1.3 kilometres beneath the surface into a nickel mine. Gino & Jesse and Neil & Kristin are the first two teams to go down. 

When they get to the bottom and exit the freight elevator they find the pile of freshly drilled ore, pick a large chunk and set it down to start hammering away at it until they find a nickel pellet inside. This is a task that could be really hard on your arms, especially with the weight of the sledgehammer and the reverberations every time you hit that ore. The boys are on it like Thor swinging Mjolnir, while Kristin just keeps chanting "ex-boyfriend, ex-boyfriend," until she actually breaks the hammer. 

The second elevator down has Nick & Matt and Brian & Cynthia, other teams will follow in the order they arrived. Not that it matters to Gino & Jesse who have already found their nickel pellet and received their next clue. Nick & Matt just laughed as the boys passed by but Brian & Cynthia were a bit less impressed, hoping their luck runs out soon. Not so far. 

When they reach the surface the boys open the clue to find just a nickel, but they immediately decipher that clue to lead them to the "Big Nickel" a Sudbury landmark. Standing 30' tall and 2' thick that's a lot of coin. While Gino & Jesse race to find it, Kristin cracks her ore with her new hammer and finds their nickel pellet . . . followed closely by Brian & Cynthia who decide to follow Neil & Kristin to the nickel. As they pull away Nick & Matt find their pellet and head up. 

At the Big Nickel Gino & Jesse are first to the clue box and find they have a choice, they can do the Detour, or the Fast Forward. When you're in the lead you pretty much have to take the Fast Forward and they do. Wayne and I certainly would. They're off to Science North to Feed the Turtle, and unbeknownst to them, feed themselves as well. 

When Neil & Kristen and Brian & Cynthia arrive at the Big Nickel they both know that the boys would have taken the Fast Forward and decide not to bother. They're off on a Detour to the Laurentian University to either Synchronize, or Analyze, . . . but there's a catch. Each Detour only has slots for four teams at a time forcing a team to either wait or switch detours. 

In Synchronize, teams need to practice a synchronized swimming routine in the shallow end of the pool before joining the synchronized swim team in the deep end to perform the routine. Do it correctly and they get they're next clue, . . . do it wrong and it's back to the kiddie pool. With so many teams this season unable to swim I'm thinking there's going to be a log jam at the other Detour.

In Analyze, teams get to go over a 3'x3' crime scene in the woods to locate and identify bits of teeth and bone and then correctly transfer the locations of each piece to a graph sheet. If their graph matches the official overlay they'll receive their next clue but if it doesn't they need to go back into the woods. Analyze is a simple math task that teams should just breeze through and I'm pretty sure this is what Wayne and I would choose. Of course, if we screwed it up I'd never hear the end of it from my wife the math teacher. 

No surprise that Brian & Cynthia decide to do Analyze as they're both police officers in Winnipeg (my home town) but apparently they've forgotten the rule about not choosing something you're supposed to be a professional at. Just ask Nic about his soccer debacle. They figure they can zip through this ahead of everyone without revealing that they're police officers, especially Neil & Kristen who have also chosen Analyze. 

Nick & Matt get to the Big Nickel and also choose Analyze, leaving only one slot left, while Gino & Jesse have arrived at Science North. The boys locate the turtle display and are shown how to feed the turtle his lunch and then they pick their turtle based on the one that's moving. Well, he was moving until they tried to feed him but now he's a little wary of his replacement feeder. They figure the whole Fast Forward relies on that turtle eating every worm, super worm and cricket in his tray, and they're halfway right. 

Brent & Sean find the Big Nickel, realize there's no sense going after the Fast Forward and choose Analyze. Which is where we find Brian & Cynthia and Neil & Kristen suiting up just as Nick & Matt arrive on the scene. I love how Brian pretends he doesn't know a thing about police work and Kristen agrees with him. I guess we'll soon see who makes the better officer. 

Kristen's gameplay for this task is pretty much exactly what Wayne and I would do, just keep talking and talking to break everyone else's concentration. It works because every time Kristen talks Cynthia gets a confused look on her face. It doesn't seem to phase Nick & Matt though, probably because Nick is also a school teacher and used to numerous voices chattering away while he works. Not to mention all those screaming fans as he piledrives an opponent. 

Nic & Sabrina arrive at the Big Nickel and choose Analyze because Nic is afraid of water but they may be a little late for that. When Dujean & Leilani arrive she really wants to do Synchronize but Dujean reveals that he can't swim, especially not in sync with anyone else. I understand casting people who can't swim for the added drama, but why would you audition if you can't swim? Case in point, Simi & Ope also choose Analyze because Ope can't swim. There's always going to be a swimming task. Always.

Back at Science North Gino & Jesse are thinking they picked a bum turtle but then he finally starts snapping at his lunch. Just as Gino dares Jesse to eat one of the worms along comes a tray of delicious protein for the boys to eat. The same worms, super worms and crickets as the turtle gets. Rather than wait for Jesse's one bug at a time system Gino picks up the tray and dumps the whole thing in his mouth. Down the hatch. 

While the boys enjoy lunch Dujean & Leilani have gotten lost in Sudbury and can't find the University. At least Dujean finally stopped to ask for directions but while he was getting set on the right path Brent & Sean arrived at Analyze. The designers didn't really get the task and realized that all the teams there had been way ahead of them so they decided to switch. That switch leaves an opening for another team and in race Nic & Sabrina just in time, cutting ahead of Simi & Ope. 

Father and daughter discuss whether they should just wait but Ope decides they should at least take a look at the other side of the detour. Nic & Sabrina get started on their crime scene and it becomes apparent that the ten years between their ages creates two different ways of approaching this task, both wrong. At least they stay supportive and loving in their miscommunication. 

Speaking of miscommunication, the professional police officers, Brian & Cynthia, have blown their first attempt at recording the crime scene. So much for doing what you're good at. They head back to remeasure their crime scene unaware that they only have two items wrong, which is better than Neil & Kristin who incorrectly measured half of their clues. 

Brent & Sean have arrived at Synchronize and immediately feel good about their choice as the crowd cheers them on. They look pretty . . . let's go with cute, . . . in their flowered swim caps. Did they steal those from somebody's grandmother? It's not an easy routine as they start to count it out in eights and go through the moves. Way more difficult than measuring ten points on a grid, but the boys stick to the challenge. 

Finally Gino & Jesse get the turtle to take his last bite and they get their next clue. After successfully completing the Fast Forward the boys are off in search of the Bell Park Gazebo where they'll find three members of the Sudbury symphony orchestra accompanying Jon with a little background music at the Pit Stop for this leg of the race. 

Over at Analyze, Nick & Matt have proven to be better cops than the undercover ones as they solve the crime on their second attempt. Brian & Cynthia are not amused. The Flatliners are now on their way to the Sudbury Outpatient Centre at Health Sciences North to find their next clue. 

Meanwhile, Brent & Sean feel they're ready to perform the routine. It's an entertaining attempt but they're not there yet. Back to the kiddie pool boys. As they head back to the shallow end Simi & Ope arrive to check out the task and immediately Ope starts sweating. This is not the task he is looking for so they decide to head back to Analyze and wait for a slot to open up. 

Too bad that Dujean & Leilani beat them to Analyze and took the spot that the wrestlers opened up. Leilani still wants to switch but Dujean admits he can't swim and takes control of the task at hand. Simi & Ope have no choice but to wait. Fortunately it wasn't a long wait as Brian & Cynthia go up for their third check and they've done it, opening up a slot for Simi & Ope. Third time's the charm I guess. Simi & Ope get started on their crime scene as the designers hit the deep end in their third attempt, and fail again. 

Nick & Matt have finally found the Outpatient Centre and this leg's Roadblock; Who's Got Heart. One member of the team will join the ER and perform 2 minutes of CPR on a computerized mannequin during an emergency simulation. If the dummy has a pulse they'll get their next clue, but if the dummy dies it's back to class. Matt decides he has more heart, but they realize it should have been Nick's task as he's a certified CPR instructor. Good thing Matt has taken nick's course. 

Matt's first attempt looked a bit like Dr Evil to Nick, and I'm sure it takes a second to assess the scene when you first walk in to the simulation. Matt has to go back and practice his CPR. At least the report card tells him what he did wrong so he knows what to fix next time. 

As Matt readies himself for another simulation Gino & Jesse have found Bell Park Gazebo. They race up the hill to jump on to the mat and Jon introduces them to Alex Trebek who welcomes them to his hometown. It's Jeopardy, baby. Gino & Jesse are Team Number 1 and also win a flight to any of Air Canada's California locations as well as 5,000,000 PetroPoints to redeem for a year's worth of gas. With three wins the boys are definitely painting a target on their backs, but I don't think they care.

Attempt number five for Brent & Sean looked really good despite the silly caps, and they did it. They're now on their way to the Sudbury Outpatient Centre for the Roadblock, which puts them ahead of Nic & Sabrina who have messed up 80% of their crime scene, and Dujean & Leilani who missed four clue locations. Neil & Kristin on their fourth attempt are still messing up the same five clues. Maybe it's time to switch who does the measuring. 

I kinda like Kristin's sense of humour when she says that she knows why there are so many dead people in the woods, they all started out trying to do this task, failed, and died. Not so for Simi & Ope who solved the crime on their second attempt and are moving on. Nic needs to stay more focused on his own task rather than worrying about whether another team has completed the task of not. As Sabrina says, it doesn't matter. 

Back in the ER, Matt's fourth attempt finds a stable pulse and he gets the next clue. Nick & Matt are now on their way to the Vale Living With Lakes Research Centre where they'll need to paddle a canoe 1 kilometre across Ramsay lake to the Pit Stop. As they race out, hoping that Gino & Jesse didn't get the Fast Forward and chose to swim, Brian & Cynthia arrive. 

Cynthia decides she has more heart and Brian is sure that'll work in their favour when they read the clue as Cynthia used to be a paramedic for 13 years before becoming a police officer. Did they not learn anything during their undercover task? Wayne and I really need to write down the rules so everyone can memorize them before they audition. All those years and she still couldn't resuscitate the victim. Gotta give her credit though, she got right into the scene, even to the point of consoling the fake "mom".

Brent & Sean have now arrived and Sean thinks he can do it. As long as he doesn't exert himself too much and puke all over the dummy before he passes out. It probably wouldn't look good if Sean needed CPR himself during the task. No surprise he misses his first attempt but what's with the confused look on Cynthia's face when she blows her second try. 

Both of Cynthia's report cards have different errors and she apparently hasn't a clue what she's doing wrong. Here's a thought, . . . read the report card. Good thing she changed careers. At least she redeemed herself on her third attempt and the dummy lived. As Brian & Cynthia head out, Simi & Ope arrive. 

Simi feels she has more heart and takes the Roadblock while Neil & Kristin hand in their seventh crime scene. There's a long pause before the lead investigator hands them their next clue and again Kristin seems to come alive. She may be more fun than her past edits have shown. They're off the Outpatient Centre leaving Dujean & Leilani and Nic & Sabrina alone in the woods. 

Nick & Matt wasted 20 minutes trying to find the lake before stopping at Science North for directions. Good thing they did because it allowed them to get to the canoes just as Brian & Cynthia pulled up. The wrestlers may lack the skill of a canker but they more than make up for it with muscle, powering their way across the lake ahead of the Winnipeggers. 

It's Sean's eighth attempt in the ER and he looks ready to collapse but this time his dummy has a pulse and Sean gets the next clue. Off the designers run to find the lake, where Nick & Matt are just hauling their canoe ashore. Nick & Matt are Team Number 2 and happy to meet Alex Trebek. They're glad to be moving up from third but they're getting tired of sniffing first. As they walk away from the mat, Brian & Cynthia are Team Number 3. 

Leilani has had enough of Dujean taking control and she takes over the crime scene and hands in their seventh attempt. Once again Nic gets sidetracked by another team completing the task ahead of him. Focus, dude, focus. Dujean & Leilani move on, leaving Nic & Sabrina in the dirt. 

Once everyone else was gone, and Nic had no more distractions, Nic & Sabrina made short work of the task and moved on in search of the Outpatient Centre. Too bad they'll be too late to see Simi nail the CPR on her second attempt. Ope is so proud of his daughter the doctor. Speaking of daughters, Neil & Kristen just arrived and Kristen steps up for the Roadblock. 

While Kristen fails her first attempt (Really?) Brent & Sean arrive at the Pit Stop and Sean does a double take when he recognizes Alex Trebek and mentions how they were in a bit of jeopardy for awhile there. Alex laughed and thanked him for the plug. Nicely done. Brent & Sean are Team Number 4.

Nic & Sabrina seem to always catch a break, arriving at the Outpatient Centre before Dujean & Leilani who managed to get lost again. When Sabrina says that Nic should do it he asks why and she just shrugs and says "you know stuff". I'm pretty sure she knows stuff too, but apparently she may have some self esteem issues. She should work on that while Nic learns to swim. Nic does the Roadblock.

When Sabrina gets to the viewing room she's surprised to find Neil still there and no sign of Dujean & Leilani. She hopes Nic can race right through this and they can stay ahead of the Exes, but based on his compression technique Nic may be racing a little too fast. 

Once more into the breach for Ope as he and Simi haul their canoe to the water's edge and he realizes he's about to be surrounded by water. His little panic attacks cause the whole boat to shake but he manages to hold it together and not tip them both into the lake. Again he has proven himself stronger than his fears to not let his daughter down. Simi & Ope are Team Number 5 and there's a nice moment of bonding from Alex Trebek who says he's proud of what Ope has done for his daughter and compares it to the bond he has with his. We Canadians are way too touchy feely. 

Across the lake at the ER Kristen manages to keep her dummy alive on her third attempt and she and her father are off and running. It's a battle for last place as Nic is on his fourth failed attempt and Dujean & Leilani have arrived. When Leilani sees Nic she knows one of them may be going home. 

Well, it won't be Neil & Kristen as they are Team Number 6. Nic is still way too fast with his compressions on his seventh attempt and Leilani's first attempt was all over the place, as obviously was her second. On her third attempt Leilani kept the dummy alive and as she race past Nic she was still reassuring him that he's got this. That's nice, but unless she and Dujean get lost again, Nic is going to have it a little too late.

Despite knowing they're in last place, Sabrina is really supportive of Nic and gives him a calming pep talk which is apparently all he needed. On his ninth attempt, even though he'd given up on himself and was walking out the door to try again, the nurse told him the dummy had a pulse and Nic was overjoyed. I guess Sabrina should have given him that talk a lot earlier.

Dujean & Leilani are Team Number 7, and as the sun sets on Sudbury, Nic & Sabrina are the last team to arrive and they have been eliminated from the race. I guess their luck finally ran out. They may not have won the race but they've proven their support for each other and that may be a far bigger win.

Next week the teams are off to Saskatoon, Saskatchewan where they'll be bouncing all over the place, tied up in circles, and caught up in hoops while Brian & Cynthia have a meltdown. Sounds like a fun episode.

So there you have it, my review of episode six. It may be late but at least it's before the next episode. Hopefully this one I can catch on time and get my review up sooner. Until that time.
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TARCANADA S3E5; Frozen Legs & A Face Off At Sea

8/7/2015

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I'm back and on time for another amazing review of the Amazing Race Canada with Episode Five. Jon has eliminated four teams in a row so far, and I don't think anyone saw some of those eliminations coming. Could this episode bring a fifth elimination or are we likely to see either an extended leg or a non-elimination leg? Well, we're about to find out as Jon gives a quick replay of last week's show before flowing smoothly into tonight's race for . . . you know what they're racing for, let's move on.

Dujean & Leilani, having won the last leg, are the first to depart at 1:30am and teams are now on their way to Les Iles de La Madeliene, the Magdalen Islands, in Quebec (although actually north of Halifax). Brian & Cynthia are 20 minutes behind, followed by Nick & Matt and all the other teams. There's only a single loonie on their BMO MasterCard this leg and that's not going to go far. Nic & Sabrina are the last to depart at 4:14am.

Everyone is now leaving Halifax and upon landing they need to grab their Chevy Colorado and pack it up with all the gear they need based on a photographic list. They also get warned of the Double U-Turn ahead. It's funny watching everyone load up their trucks and wonder if they're doing it right (they're not), but Jesse & Gino manage to pull into the lead with Brian & Cynthia and Neil & Kristin on their tail. 

At Plage de La Dune du Sud teams find the Roadblock; one racer will need to recreate a sandcastle around their teammate who is buried up to their neck in sand. I would definitely bury Wayne as it would be a much smaller hole. Everyone starts burying their teammate and only Brent seems to worry about whether the tide is coming in or not. A little late for that Brent.

Gino & Jesse got there ahead of everyone and they were done in no time and they're already off to the next location, the Monument Aux Pecheurs to find their next clue. Cynthia calls for a check but it's no good. Nic & Sabrina are the last to arrive and I'm surprised that Nic is the one in the sand. It doesn't help when Sabrina almost breaks his arm stepping on it.

Nick is shivering but Kristin is starting to freeze under the sand and when Neil calls for a check he notices he forgot the stairs on his castle. Well how else did he expect the sand men to get in. Kristin starts complaining about the cold and wants to take the penalty and just move on. Seriously? Neil decides to keep going and finish his stairs while Cynthia realizes she forgot just one step on her stairs. A quick correction and she and Brian are off.

At the Monument Aux Pecheurs, Gino & Jesse encounter an Amazing Race first, The Face Off, a head to head challenge against another team in a 2 goal round of kayak hockey. Win the round and you move on, lose and you face the next team to arrive. Simi & Ope move into third place after completing their sandcastle as Brian & Cynthia arrive at the Face Off. Gino & Jesse are pretty confidant on this one and make two quick goals to move on to  . . . 

The Detour: Ride It or Pull It. In Ride It, teams must locate the Centre L'Equestre stable and master the art of dressage as they guide their horses through a course within 8 minutes. In Pull It, the teams must roll up their sleeves and a bale of hay from the pasture to the barn at Ferme Leo et Fils, then each team member must milk a cow to get a litre of milk. Gino & Jesse decide to Pull It.

Nick & Matt, Brent & Sean, and Dujean & Leilani complete the sandcastle and move on while Kristin continues to shiver. Meanwhile, Simi & Ope arrive at the Face Off and again Ope has to perform in a water task. This poor guy can't get a break. Good thing for Brian & Cynthia, who make up for their first attempt, beat Simi & Ope, and decide to Pull It.  This should be fun watching Brian attempt to milk a bull. Good luck with that.

Nick & Matt aren't great at kayak hockey, but they're better than Simi & Ope. Brian & Cynthia arrive at the farm just ahead of Gino & Jesse but the boys are the first to get their bale rolled and start milking their cow, not the bull, but the boys are a little too gentle on those nipples. Come on guys, it's a race not a date.

Back on the water Simi is getting angry, but not angry enough to beat Brent & Sean who beat them and also decide to Pull It, and now Simi & Ope are up against Dujean & Leilani, . . . who also beat them. Dujean & Leilani however decide to Ride It. 

On the beach Neil calls for another check and this time he's done it. Unfortunately when Kristin tries to get out of the sand she cramps up and can't move so Neil makes the dad call and they head to the hospital to make sure she's okay. I'd have done the same thing if it were my daughter and so would Wayne. At the end of the day, it's just a race.

Gino & Jesse and Brian & Cynthia are busy milking their cows when the wrestlers arrive at the farm, making short work of their bale. As the wrestlers get started milking Gino & Jesse finish the task first and are now on their way to L'escalier de la Pointe aux Meules, where they'll need to climb to the top of the lookout to find the Double U-Turn with Brian & Cynthia right behind them. Arriving at the equestrian centre Leilani figures this'll be easy. Not so much. She spent most of her first attempt just getting started.

Brent and Sean wrestle their bale in and now get to wimper while they milk next to Nick & Matt. On the water, Ope's starting to shiver as they wait for another team. They decide to take the four hour penalty rather than continue to wait  and that could be a big mistake because Nic & Sabrina just finished their sandcastle. 

Leaving the hospital Kristin is still cramped up but she's been cleared to race and when they arrive at the Face Off they decide to take the penalty and move on to Ride It, even though she'll need to ride a horse to complete the challenge

Somehow Brian & Cynthia are first to the Double U-Turn but decide not to use the U-Turn on the boys. They're off to the Pit Stop at Pointe Old Harry on Grosse Iles and in the lead to find Jon. Right on their tail Gino & Jesse arrive at the Double U-Turn and, surprised to not be U-Turned, discuss whether to use it on the wrestlers to slow them down, or the designers to force them to use the Express Pass. Decisions, decisions. They decide to U-Turn Brent & Sean in an attempt to get the Express Pass out of the way.

With both Simi & Ope and Neil & Kristin taking a four hour penalty, there are no teams for Nic & Sabrina to compete against and they move directly to the Detour and they choose Pull It. These two must have horseshoes in their packs.

At the Pit Stop it's Gino & Jesse as Team Number 1 and they also win two tickets to anywhere that Air Canada flies in Canada and PetroCan is giving them free gas for a year. Brian & Cynthia made a wrong turn and are now Team Number 2. So close.

Nick & Matt decide to not U-Turn anyone but Brent & Sean decide to do the other side of the Detour rather than lose their Express Pass. They feel they have no choice but to U-Turn Nic & Sabrina to stay ahead. They meet Dujean & Leilani leaving Ride It and Leilani says they can do it. Nice way to support another team Leilani, Wayne would've told them it was really hard.

Nick & Matt find Jon and are again Team Number 3 as Nic & Sabrina arrive at the farm to find Simi & Ope milking their cows. Over at Ride It, Kristin realizes that her pain may make it impossible to ride a horse, her favourite animal in the world, and she thinks this is it. There's still the other side to the Detour but I'm not sure how much help she'd be rolling a bale of hay either. Kristin decides to give it a try as Brent & Sean dress up and get started.

Not only started but Brent & Sean did it, saved their Express Pass and they're off to the Pit Stop. Kristin hobbles out to her horse and is so glad she decided to try Ride It when she discovers she barely needed to use her legs as she and her dad complete the task. They're still in it.

Simi & Ope arrive at the U-Turn to find they weren't U-Turned, nor were Neil & Kristin, but Nic & Sabrina arrive to find that they were. They can't believe that Brent & Sean would do that but why not, it's part of the game . . . especially when you're in the back half of the pack. They head off to Ride It while everyone else heads to the Pit Stop.

Dujean & Leilani are team number 4, and Brent & Sean are Team Number 5. Neil & Kristin are the sixth team to arrive but have to sit out a four hour penalty, which is the same for Simi & Ope who are the seventh team to arrive. Kristin is still shivering as they move to the side to sit out their penalty. If Nic & Sabrina are more than four hours behind then these two teams are safe, but if not it may be time to say farewell to Simi & Ope.

When Nic & Sabrina arrive at Ride It they are told that they can't complete the task because it's gotten too dark for the horses. They had to wait out a pre-determined time before receiving their next clue and moving on to the Pit Stop. 

Nic & Sabrina are the last team to arrive but because of the penalties they are Team Number 6. With that, Jon waves them in and Neil & Kristin are Team Number 7 and Simi & Ope are the last team to be checked in but, as we suspected, this is an extended leg and the teams are still racing. Those are two very happy teams.

Next week the teams are racing off to Sudbury, Ontario where they get to enjoy a lunch high in protein and it looks like somebody loses a pulse, but isn't that Jesse trying to kickstart the heart? Hmm, somebody's got some x'splaining to do around here. Then teams go underground just like Wayne did last week. This week we bury them and next week they go under. Looks like fun. 

Be sure and check out Wayne's review on his page and watch for our video recap coming up real soon. As there's no eliminated team there'll be no elimination interview but maybe we can get a guest review. I'm on the road again next week to celebrate my 25th Anniversary with the most incredible woman in the world and hope I can catch a feed to keep up my review but I'll definitely miss next week's video. Maybe Wayne can surprise us with a guest co-host. As long as they wear the vest it's all good. Hmm, I wonder if Jinder is in town. Until that time. 
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    Gordon L Gale

    Gordon L Gale is a Freelance Illustrator, a Graphic Designer, a Dad and (according to his children) an Ogre. 
    A big fan of the Amazing Race Canada & Amazing Race US, he is currently working on a  graphic novel with his good friend and future TARC teammate Wayne Arthurson. Occasionally you can find him aboard a time-travelling steam train.

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