I am writing from Heathrow airport, where I wait my flight to Johannesburg. I thought I would give you a quick update of my travels.

As you have probably read, last week I was in Calgary, Alberta for the Scotdance Canada Championship series. I need only one word to sum up the week I had - AMAZING! I have been competing for 20 years now and travelled to comps all over Australia and Scotland. I have competed in 9 Champion of Champions events and 9 World Championships - whilst not taking anything away from these two competitions, The Scotdance Championship series is the best highland dancing event I have ever witnessed.

At time of printing the competition had over 900 competitors, whilst I don't know the official number, I would assume there was well over 1000 at the event.

It began with a choreography competition and concert, which as you all know is my favourite dancing event. The standard of the choreographies was absolutely brilliant - I highly recommend you purchasing a DVD from the sdcchampionships website.

On Sunday I competed in the Highland, which as a Fling, Swords and Reel - the standard was phenomenal - I was pleased to stand on the stage for presentation with some of the best dancers in the world.

Monday was the interprovincial championships in which Canadian dancers had earlier competed for a spot in their own provinicial championship. I watched the entire adult group in awe as every dancer had something to offer.

Tuesday was the Hebridean Challenge (which I gave a miss and for anyone who has seen me do Nationals you will understand why). On this day I went up to the rockies with a mate, they are every bit as amazing as they look on TV.

Wednesday was the big day, the Canadian Rockies Championship. I was entered in the adult group, which hosted several World Championship placegetters and Canadian Champions. I pulled off a personal best which I was really pleased with as was my teacher - but to add to that I was announced 4th runner-up in a line up of amazing dancers. I must say it was overwhelming to stand near such greats as Michelle Nadeau, Erin Rose and Sarah De Wolfe.

All in all the competition was the best experience of my life - and my praise and thanks go out to the organisers of this event who made me feel ever so welcome and put on the best competition in the world.

I have only just skimmed the surface of my week and I will write another page with the "social" side of the week. As for now, well I'm off to Johannesburg, South Africa, for the All-African championships before heading to New York USA for the North American Championships and the very exciting launch of Dougies Sydney into North America.

To everyone who sent me congratulations for the Canadians thank you, each email and card made me smile a little more.

Keep your eyes on the travel diaries for more updates.