Riding The Scenic Route

We've all heard about why we should never assume.
(you know the punch line that follows. Ask someone if you don't).
So it was for your intrepid blogger this morning as he climbed on a shuttle bus he thought was headed directly to the Credit Union Centre.
(I assume it's directly. I still have no idea exactly how we're getting there. But we do and that's all that matters).
When a couple of coaches told me "you know this bus is going to the practice rink," I wasn't concerned. After all, the last time the BMO Canadian figure skating championships were held here in 2003, skaters practised nearby at the Agri-Twins complex. Not that I paid much attention to the name then — and now, either, as it turns out.
Anyways, I more or less recognized the route as we headed out beyond the hotel district where we're all staying in downtown Saskatoon. But I began to suspect something was amiss when we headed over one of bridges into what I believe is the east side of the city. Soon enough, I learned this year's practice rink is the ACT Centre, the home of the Saskatoon Figure Skating Club. And it's waaay out there.
We rolled past the campus of the University of Saskatchewan (where many skaters have been fascinated by the cows they see). Saw the stadium where the Saskatchewan Huskies, one of Canadian university's top football teams, plays its games. And on and on we went to a neighbourhood called Sutherland, where the rink is located.
Of course, I had no idea how we were getting to the Credit Union Centre from there. All I knew is we had to traverse the South Saskatchewan River again at some point. Once that happened, we were on our way. Started recognizing a few main street names and some of the airport-area hotels we've passed every day here.
So it wasn't the exact way I figured the day would start. But at least I can say I got a rather scenic tour of Saskatoon before settling in for another day of skating.
At least I assume so. As risky as that might seem.