Day 6-Bouchtouche and Shediac-180 km

Right, so the bed was a little soft but there wasn't a sound all night and it was the birds that woke me up in the morning. I actually slept in a little bit and it was after 8 when I got up and moving. The sun was up and the little picnic table outside my room was a perfect set up for my breakfast.

I packed up and departed and headed into St. Louis de Kent saying goodbye to a "rustic" resort with some nice pine trees!

Acadian people, for the most part, are very religious. There are grottos and statues of the Virgin Mary everywhere. In St. Louis de Kent there is a spectacular grotto and celebration to Mary. It also is the place where the Acadian flag was born. I visited the grotto and found an interesting thing n the water. It was a rosary, made of fish floats coloured as in the Acadian flag floating just off the shore from this grotto. Very, very interesting. The lady (who spoke English) and man who were there cleaning the grotto with great care told me it is to protect all people who use the water for their life and livelihood. It was very, very cool. The picture doesn't do it justice.

From there I continued to head south and east towards Shediac, which is my destination for the night.
My co-worker BW, who helped me plan this tour, told me of neat place where some spectacular dunes have been formed. Bouchtouche is a typical fishing village for this area and just outside of town is an interpretive centre and huge boardwalk along this 12 km stretch of dunes. The whole thing was initially funded by the Irving gas company. Initially 2 kms of boardwalk had been built but recent storms have taken 1 km away from that total, again showing the power of the waves and wind here considering the boardwalk was built with 4 x 4 timbers.
Ready for a long walk I ventured out onto the boardwalk. The breeze was lovely and the sun shining and the grass made a swishy sound in the wind. It was great. I hit the remaining part of the boardwalk then hit the beach for a long walk. At low tide it's quite a challenge to walk at such an angle but slow and steady makes it! The sound of the crashing waves drowning out any thoughts in my head. It was beautiful.
The beach here is covered in clam (quahog) and razor clam shells and huge oyster shells instead of the mussel shells from my earlier beach experience.

 

The low tide uncovers all sorts of things that might not be shown and being a beach comber I love to find things. This wreck wasn't identified anywhere for me but I know it must be fairly old as it's all timber but their are iron spikes holding it together. I loved looking at the way the salt water erodes the wood when it's exposed.

Again, after about 3 hours of walking I decided lunch was in order. Conveniently there was a little chippy stand that was right across the road from the entrance to the dunes. Right, so in Acadia, chips are secondary. This place advertised fried clams! I'm not a real fan of fried clams but I knew they'd have lobster rolls!! Off to try another one.
Acadian lunches rock!

It seems that every meal here comes with coleslaw. Glad I like that. First off, this

Lobster roll was in the hot dog bun that is buttered on the outside. Don't ask me why I don't get that part but man, it's good.

As the temperature here is quite warm (though not as warm as Ontario!) I was getting a little wind, sun and temperature burnt. I think I was done with my sight seeing for the day. Off to Shediac and....more lobster!!  Maybe....

The road hugged the coast and I went through some areas that are so close to the shore that if the waves got too high I'm sure they'd go underwater. Maybe that's why part of the road was only one way because the other lane was washed out. With the water being calm I was beginning to wonder what it would be like when it was really rough. I bet it would be a fun drive, maybe not so much fun to live there. I know now why many of the homes are clad in aluminum or plastic siding. The older wooden homes are so beat up from the wind, water and sun that they'd need a coat of paint every month. Oh yes, it would be white paint. Acadian homes are white with a splash of colour, that's the Acadian flag flown out front, or hanging from the front banister or from the window, you get the idea.

Around 3 pm I arrived in Shediac and drove around this town a bit. It's fairly large and has all the things a town would have. It's about the size of Hanover, ON with it's "main street" and outskirts of malls and motel strip. I found my hotel and checked in. After some challenges finding where to park my Equinox (a school bus and propane delivery truck were competing for space) I am safely parked where I can see my vehicle (something I'm kind of freaky about). After a good rest and a swim in the salt water pool (fun!) I decided to follow my lobster loving nose and head to a marina that had "New Brunswick Lobster Dinners" advertised on a sign I had seen. Also it was written up in the one book I have so I headed there.

After paying my $2 toll (ew-whee baby) to get to the wharf  I wandered around and checked out what the deal was. So it was to "Lobster Tales" which offered a 2 hour boat cruise with stories and a dinner afterwards. The skies were darkening and the wind was definately getting stronger as I spoke with the reservation guy. He was a little concerned that I was only wearing a t-shirt and shorts (not a problem, the truck is packed with stuff), that I'd get cold (rightttttttt). He also warned me that if it did get rainy and windy we'd cut everything short. Oh, that would be different. Hmmmm decisions.

I decided to just go for a lobster dinner at Captain Dan's (the owner of Lobster Tales told me that was a good one, there was only one other sit down restaurant there) so off I went.

Sitting on the top level of a patio, under an umbrella (just in case), watching the harbour comings and goings with a Bud Lite Lime in my hand I was a happy girl.

So dinner was a unique lobster experience. A lobster that had been steamed then "blanched" or plunged into icey cold salty water for 20 minutes. Then it's cut and clipped and drained before serving. So the lobster is already cold when you get it and you still get to fight with it to get the meat out then there's some steaming hot buter to dip it in. I've never had anything so sweet in my life!!! Oh yeah, there was coleslaw and potato salad to go with it, natch. That was my "cold lobster plate" dinner. Really something.

I wandered around the dock and talked to some Coast Guard Fisheries Conservation officers who told me their job was to make sure that the lobsters coming in are coming from the right spots (there are rules) and the lobster pots have the proper dimensions (more rules). They are roaming around the area doing spot checks and making sure all is well. They were a rough couple of guys that when you think of and "old salt of the sea" you'd think of these guys. They even were wearing watchmen's caps. All they needed was the hooked pipe hanging out of their mouths.

Off the wharf walls there were folks catching piles of mackerel. Lines with weights at the bottom and a series of 6 hooks hanging off the lines. Seems this is the "breakfast fish" to catch right at the moment. Really the whole place was just so......maritime! How hookey is that. Anyway, that's what I thought.

I leave you with some pictures from today's adventures.....

Oyster farms in the waters of the Northumberland Strait, the Bouchtouche dunes are in the background.

Warning sign not to take shells from the beach at Bouchtouche dunes. I love the crab trying to reach for a new home.

The eclectic decor at the lunch spot.

On to PEI!!

Day 5- Escuminac and Kouchibouguac Area-130 km

As there wasn't any internet access where I was staying on Tuesday night I am posting twice tonight! I don't want to disappoint anyone that was hoping for such regular updates, I can only post when I can connect. No I don't have it fixed up with my Smart phone! Ho hum...

When I looked at the distances I have travelled I really thought that it was time to slow down a bit. I enjoyed driving around this area but today I decided a beach day was in order. I was at the sea for heaven sake! It was time to explore and take some time out for beach combing and just sitting and enjoying the atmosphere.

I had read and heard that the beach at Escuminac was awesome and somewhere to head to.
Travel books and tourist guides are only as good as the people that write in them and I'm finding that they're not always as "lovely and pristine" as they say.

Using my nav system to follow the road and a map to plan my route I found the little fishing hamlet of Escuminac and the campsite and beach. For a $4.00 day fee I enjoyed a beautiful stretch of beach on the Northhumberland Strait. Something I've been waiting for!
The beach is "raked" each morning and there are "washing stations" (to get the salt off before changing) and little change huts. Very neat. There are also washroom and a canteen (tuck shop). So well worth the fee. They also have lobster dinners on the beach if enough people sign up. As I was continuing on my way south I declined that and figured I would have lots of chance for that.

I hit the beach first for a long walk. I wanted to check out what washes up on their beaches. I know what comes up on Lake Huron's shores.
The beach was covered with mussel shells. Not the kind I'm used to. The kind you eat!  They were very big and made me think of when I order mussels in a restaurant only these shells are just washing up.

This area is known for it's peat moss farms. There is one just outside of the town. I think the peat moss that's on my lawn at the cottage came from here. The dunes are all peat and they are really, really tall. Especially at low tide which it was while I was walking along. The peat changes the colour of the water to a coffee coloured flow and the dunes stick out into the sea and the waves give a slapping sound when they hit the spongy masses.

It was fun to walk along the shores and pick through the seaweed and shells and lobster pot left overs. The high tide must have been over night because there were lots of things at the high water mark. There were a few beat up lobster pots on the shore and they reall were mangled. Made me think how powerful the waves could be in this area, they weren't today though, thankfully.

Lobster pot ID against a peat dune along Escuminac Beach Northumberland Strait, New Brunswick

Growing up swimming in great lakes I'm a strong swimmer and don't worry about things sneaking up and getting me. We don't have things like that. Here, there are jellyfish! Jelly fish are weird looking. Jelly fish, especially the Lion Mane Jelly Fish, can sting you. EEEEKKK I don't think I want to be stung. I found out from the folks in the canteen here that the red jelly fish are fine to touch on the top of them but don't come in contact with the tentacles. They can be very long and can getcha. EWWWW. I was certainly on the lookout for the red, bloom looking Lion Mane jelly fish where ever I went. The sting isn't really bad if you get one, more like a bee sting and if you do get one you should rub the area with sand or a rough towel. There are little barbs that stick into you and give you the pain. The sand helps get rid of it all.

I'm not finding out.

With the warm weather and water there have been a few more jellies coming into shore and you only need to be vigilant to them. I was, let me tell you and I didn't have any problems.

3 hours at the beach, enjoying the sand, surf, people watching and sun it was time to head out to find my accommodations. I was a little nervous about it as it just didn't sound great but I figured I could cope.

After a very nice drive along some really nifty roads I found the Kouchibouguac Resort. Well, it's not a resort. Maybe it was in it's day but not now. As I drove in and saw only 1 vehicle there, by the office I could hear the Bates Motel theme running through my head. "Here we go" I thought.

The owner is Austrian (everyone is bilingual in Acadia)  and very nice. I saw only 3 keys on the side counter. As I noted that there wasn't another car in the whole complex I asked where everyone was. The owner said they were probably still at the beach. Hmmm we'll see.

The "lounge" area had some sheets thrown over the chairs and there wasn't a light on. Not welcoming really. So I took a breath, paid my bill in cash, took my key and was recommended to a restaurant in the town that specialized in seafood pizza. Well that was a bright spot!

The room was very basic and Mike Holmes would have a renovating fit if he ever got near it( which I doubt would ever happen I can't see this place being open for much longer.)

The whole place just made me laugh. After checking everything out and seeing it was okay or at least passable I headed into St. Louis de Kent where the restaurant was.

The recommendation was an awesome one. The seafood pizza had huge scallops, shrimps and a liberal amount of lobster meat on it. So yummy! I had to wash it down with a couple of Alexander Keiths.

All in all a good night and again I notice that there is a real lack of people around. There were only 3 other cars in the "resort" when I called it a night and it certainly was quiet. This area is for fishing and logging and really I think the economy has truly made a difference here. Acadian people are proud to be here and do what they do, tourism isn't high on their list. That's okay, I'm enjoying it.

 Fisherman memorial in Escuminac for those lost in the great storm of June 20,

 1959. Every family in the area lost someone. The harbour is in the background.

Day 4-Miramichi and Area-270 km

After some review of my already booked areas I realized that I did not book a 3rd night in Miramichi at this hotel. Always looking ahead I'm glad I did. I was a little bleary eyed when I checked in last night. So, on the computer this morning and checking the CAA book I brought with me I found some places that would do. I can't imagine travelling without my computer! Oh dear, I've become a techy nerd traveller.

So, with a day to investigate Miramichi and area I set out before 9 am. The touristy type things in this area are few and far between and I needed to learn why. I did discover that Miramichi is actually a series of small hamlets or districts that are all called Miramichi. Divided by the river the different parts are confusing to navigate but I wasn't in a rush to figure anything out and just drove around and followed my nose.

Always fascinated by water I noted that there were few boats on the river, yes, it flows very fast and actually has a tide of about 1 meter but there wasn't a "beach" to be seen. Interesting. I wonder why....

Off to Chatham, which is across the river from where I was staying. This used to be a hub of ships moving timber up and down the river. Now quiet, there is a nice, small park and the main street is a one way with some small shops of no real significance. hmmm interesting.

I drove out of town (don't ask me the direction as I'm TOTALLY turned around here) and found a couple of shorelines that were accessible. I found some jelly fish, dead but really interesting to look at but only one little oyster shell. Hmmmm.

I did see the water tower painted with "Canada's Irish Capital" on it. Now that explains the large number of Irish flags I have seen around the town. I think this might help explain who was here first to settle the area. More to investigate.

Down the road a bit (down river too!) was Middle Island. All for the tourist experience I headed there.
This island, sadly, was the place that town officials told the arriving Irish famine ships to land with their human cargo. Many aboard these ships died during the crossing and the Typhoid and fevers that ran rampid in the holds of the ships' lousy conditions. The townfolk did not want the diseased and dead on their shores. This island acted as a refuge for the treatment of the sick (yes, the doctor died too after all his work, he was only 28!) and burying the dead. There is a beautiful memorial there and an interpretive series of plaques.
The sun had come out by this point and it was hard to imagine the island (about the size of a football field) filled to the edges with very confused and scared Irish escaping the potato famine.

Of note, the hedge is planted and clipped in the shape of a shamrock. Very neat.

By this point I'm hungry. I've been walking shorelines and checking out islands and it's time for LOBSTER in some form.

If you've never experienced a lobster roll then you don't understand why it's important to get one while you're here (unless you don't like lobster or allergic to crustaceans, and that would be sad...)
Anyway, my goal is to experience lobster and shell fish in anyway possible.
I found Muriel's Kitchen down on Richies Wharf which is the little area near the town centre on the shore that is used for gatherings and boat cruises. Muriel makes a great lobster roll and a yummy salad. Lobster rolls are like chicken salad, just with lobster meat. YUM! Traditionally it's in a hot dog bun by I thought I'd like a wrap. Man was it good.

After my refuelling I got the truck refueled and headed north east to the Acadian peninsula. Along here there are some beaches that you can swim from but they were very small. Again, more information to figure out but it's all coming together now.

The town of Miramichi recently lost one of the largest mills in the area. The logging industry has all but left this area. But with the loss of the mills is the gain of the river. The river is cleaner, the wild life is coming back, the food from this part of river is becoming edible again (farther up river it's been fine all along). No one ever swam in the river because of the pollution and the strong current that could sweep you away in the curves.  The economy of this area is not so lucky. This explains much of what I've seen and heard. This area is very depressed financially and though the people are very, very friendly there is an underlying feeling of despair. I'll have to see what it's like farther down the coast as I head for the lobster area and salt water beaches.

Oh yeah, tonight, for dinner I had a lobster club house sandwich and home made clam chowder. OOOhhhh YUUUMMMM. Never thought that bacon and lobster would work together but man does it ever...

I leave you with one final picture....

What a great country we live in!!

Day 3-Cornwall to Miramichi NB-over 1,100 km

I was a driving machine much like my beloved Equinox! Wow, what a tour! So much road behind me now! Fortified by a nice swim and good breakfast I was good to go.

I got a little turned around with some construction near Montreal and I was thanking my lucky stars that I planned to drive through this area on a Sunday. The traffic was much lighter and there were fewer trucks. It was still a little hairy and I had to think in my high school French quite a bit. It was a little tiring but it was worth it once I got past the chaos of the Champlain bridge (neat though) and the turn offs to keep heading east.

I programmed my navigation system but it got really upset when I tried to go a route it hadn't planned on. I wanted to go along the shore of the St. Lawrence until "above" the road to Miramichi New Brunswick then head south (by the map but actually still east by the compass). I then used the system and it was helpful telling me how long I had to drive. It was a long, long day with 12 hours on the road which actually ended up being 13 because it's an hour earlier here. My brain just couldn't handle that time change yet.

The roads in New Brunswick are fantastic. Okay, the Quebec roads are nice but NB ones are really lovely. I'm not thrilled with the "Danger Moose" along the roads. It seems that moose are a challenge and the province has spent millions on "moose fence" along highway 11 and 8. There are miles and miles of this fence and thankfully I didn't see a moose but I did have a black bear run across the road about 100 yards in front of me! Yikes! All was well!

The countryside of Canada always amazes me with it's changes. From the fields of corn and canola around Cornwall to the long field plots along the Quebec shores of the St. Lawrence  and the hills and rolling roads of New Brunswick. There was a sweet smell to the country too, I noticed it as soon as I got out of the urban area of Montreal. I think it was from the logging that's been done in the whole area. Thousands of acres of forest are cut down, mainly pine by the look of the huge piles of logs awaiting transport (thankfully not on a Sunday). The reforested areas are doing very well to my untrained eye and the whole province looks so lush and green. At least it did from the road.

On the way towards Rimouski a storm blew through, I decided this was a good time to stop and get gas. It was quite quick but helped in lowering the humidity for a while. I thought it was safer to pull off and let what looked like a nasty storm go through (okay too many tornado shows I've watched I'm sure influenced it all).
I noticed so many motorcycle travellers and I felt for them as they soldiered on through the rain. I always thought that would be cool, to drive a bike across the country. With my Equinox and it's comfy quarters I have thought again about doing that when I saw the soggy riders.

I have to get into a new mindset with the urban areas behind me for the most part. I have to remember that life has a slower pace here and things are done on maritime time. I'm not sure what that is yet but I'm willing to check it out.

Neat signs along my journey...

Capitane Homard Camping (the sign had a giant lobster on it looking none too happy)
Night Danger...Be Alert for Moose on Road
Attention! Turtle Crossing

and my favourite...

Welcome to New Brunswick!

I had made it!
So my goals here? Eat lobster in as many ways as possible (even McDonalds and Subway have lobster items here) and go on a boat cruise around the area.

Have a shucking good day all!

Day 2 Saturday the 16th-Cornwall

I've always taken the stand that getting up early, even while on vacation can mean a full day of entertainment and with the weather the way it is, cooler entertainment.
After a nice breakfast I headed out to check out the town and see what's what.

First stop was the waterfront (Seaway front??) where folks were getting their fishing boats launched (very popular activity it seems) and I watched a flock of young ducks have some breakfast. The Seaway is quiet where I was standing but about 100 yards out it is really moving. I guess this is the downflow of the hydro dam. It is the construction of this dam that flooded the Seaway and took away several towns. Oh yeah, they had 4 years warning that this was going to happen but I'm going to investigate all of that today.

The hot air balloon festival was not set up yet but I talked to some of the pilots and assistants as they were unloading the equipment (basket weighs over 250 pounds in some cases and can take a month to make) and testing the winds (none so to speak of). One group had a portable weather station that they used as the thermoclines above water or land can make a huge difference in steering these things. It was only 9 am and the real show wouldn't be until 11 or so. Oh well, it was neat to see the process of getting these craft good to go.

I drove out of town to the west along #2 highway to Long Sault, which is a relocation town from the 1958 flooding for the dam. I found the Long Sault Seaway parkway which is a neat road connecting many small islands. I found the display of the pre and post Seaway and what they did to make the flooding work with the least disruption. There is a number of divers preparing for a view of the towns as they stand right now. From my angle I couldn't see anything of course but I understand from the air you can see the outline of some foundations and the divers find it weird to see a submerged town. The only indication of direction to find it is a rope staked in the side of the bank that disappears into the Seaway.

I drove along the parkway and found a nice shaded area and stopped to sit by the water and enjoy. Hoople island was one of, I think, 8 islands that had tables and nice views. After setting up my chair I settled in to watch the world go by. I guess it's finally hitting that I don't have to do anything unless I want to. Hmmm neat feeling but it's taking me a while to get to that point...

Around noon I packed up and headed off to check out the bird sanctuary (birds have passed through for the season) and found out that this is one of the most popular spots in the fall. This area was once a farm where Holstein cattle were introduced to Canada in 1886. There were 6 to begin with. Holy cow! They are everywhere now. Again, small trivial things...

I found the Aultsville museum area, which is run by volunteers and has a good example of some buildings and artifacts from the towns. When a museum is run by volunteers I find they are so grateful with the artifacts that they get and they have to display them in any manner possible. I love the way that pictures are indicated with "Uncle Max's last fishing trip" and things like that. It makes it more home like. There were other visitors at the museum site and the young lady in one building was explaining to them that the townspeople had 4 years to leave and there was a huge amount of preparation for the event. Many buildings were moved ($85.00 to move the school) and some were donated to Upper Canada Village. The  relocated people had a lot of time to mentally prepare too. The other visitors listening to this still couldn't get their heads around the whole concept. I found it hard too and I think that's why there is a museum site to remember what they had before the inundation.

Hot and a little tired I headed back into town and with my sandals now nearly completely apart at the back (okay, I bought knock offs) I decided I needed to get something a little more useful that didn't squeak when I walked.
I found some Keen's on sale (yay!) and also bought a pair of Croc sandals too, for the pool and the water. The sales lady and I were chatting about life and weather and I used my line that I'm travelling through and she asked where I was heading. She was so envious of my trip and the other sales girl, who overheard, said she so wished she had done that "in her youth". We all laughed when she reacted to my grey hair! Yes, I think I'm young but I think it's the chrome highlights that make a difference!

Hungry now I headed to famous Billy K's steamy weenie shop. For 79 cents you can get a "loaded" steamie. A soft, squishy bun with hot weenie crammed inside and covered in mustard, relish and slaw. Oh yum!!!!
The fries and gravy were pretty good too.
I think the weenie and bun are steamed and I don't know that I could ever reproduce it but man, they were good. I think I could eat, um, at least 6 but I held back at 2.

I decided the 31 degree heat was too much to handle and headed back to the hotel to watch football, have a snooze and cool off. (Thank God for AC).

Tomorrow is a long driving day to New Brunswick and a good rest is good plan I think....

Hmm I wonder when Billy K's is open in the morning....I could get a bunch of steamies to go.....

Day 1-735 km Southampton to Cornwall via Haliburton

After a little hiatus from posting (been at the cottage and there's no internet there!) it's time to get back at it! I'm glad I can remember how!

It was a lot of hours in the saddle, so to speak, but it was an awesome drive.
The terrain changed so much from the shores of Lake Huron to the shores of the St. Lawrence Seaway. What a beautiful province we have.

Cottage cleaned up, truck packed, I think I have everything I need and if I don't either I don't need it or I can buy it.
It was with great anticipation and some fatigue that I moved over to The Man's house on Thursday night. My first renter comes on Saturday and I had to make everything ship shape before hand.

The moment I have been thinking of for so long had finally arrived. I was heading out on my North American pilgimage. Wow!
The weather was warm and not too humid when I left so windows open, breeze flying by and all was good.
I did come across a road block on Grey Road 18 (yes, I'm taking back roads for the most part), a flock of Canada Geese, probably 50 or so, on the road. Roosting on the road. Not standing around, SITTING on the road. Yikes! So, I slowed to approach them and they slowly scattered. I thought, I hope that this is the only wildlife I have to move off the road to make my way but I'm thinking this might be the start.

I left Southampton around 7:30 am and my destination was Cornwall, Ontario. Why? Because it's there and The Man was last in Cornwall to work and live and I wanted to see what he's been talking about all this time.
I picked a route that would take me there without the 401 being used. It would take me longer to get there but Cornwall was a destination that I had, when I got there didn't matter. I was booked already in the hotel.

The Haliburton Highlands is some of the most wonderful country, not only to drive in but to sight see in. The roads are in good shape and my favourite road, from Bracebridge to Haliburton, is a fantastic drive. My friends D and S have built a house in West Guilford and I have been there a few times and know this route. It was a great drive on a beautiful day and no traffic. I don't mind traffic. I just don't want to be stuck in any unless I have to.

After lunch in Haliburton by the lake under a big pine tree, I made up a route that I haven't done before. From here on it was uncharted territory for me. I have been this way but only on the 401 or #7 so I was taking back roads and had to figure out where to turn. The navigation system is good in the truck but it can only go where it's programmed and I wanted to go a route that I might change as I go along. Remember, I'm a map girl and I loved finding my way with my maps.

In Merrickville I stopped briefly to watch some boats lock through the Rideau. I was driving on the Rideau trail scenic route and it takes you through some lovely countryside. Have a full tank of gas (I didn't by this point) or know you'll make a major town as the gas stations are few and far between. I stopeed when I felt I needed to and by Merrickville I was looking to get up and walk around a bit. The water bottles I had were now warm (hadn't used AC yet) and the Kool-a-tron was working perfectly. It's so nice to have a little fridge along to keep things cool without worrying about ice and all that mess.

After driving through what it seemed like fields and fields of corn, after the rolling hills of Haliburton and the rocky landscape of Muskoka it was so different and neat to see. In a matter of hours the landscape had changed so much. I can see why towns like Perth and Smiths Falls started. There's nothing then there's a whole town that appears. Between which there is nothing but fields.
In Haliburton there's nothing but rock, then a town! Kind of reminded me of north Bohemia. Hills, rocks, (okay, higher hills than Haliburton) then a boom, a town! Very neat. I was thinking of the way my cousin V drove through the steep parts on the way to the mountain cottage and I was channelling her good driving. I didn't have a standard transmission though but had fun coasting down the long slopes.

Tired, eyes burning from the hours on the road and the sun I arrived in Cornwall at the hotel. After a few trips to the truck and back I was settled in for a couple of days, I think. I didn't really know where I was in regards to any restaurants so I just drove down the road and had a nice meal at an East Side Mario's. One of my goals is to find out of the way diner type places to eat (yes, I love "Diner, Drive Ins and Dives" on the Food Network) but I was in need of dinner and would settle for what ever. I picked up some tourist brochure things and found out that there is the Kiwanis Lift Off festival happening. This is a hot air balloon festival. How cool is that! I LOVE hot air balloons. After dinner I drove down to the area where the festival is and there were thousands of people, a midway, carnival, a bandshell and in the distance some hot air balloons. This is something to check out tomorrow I think.

Saturday is a day to investigate the area a little bit and head to Long Sault which is a town that was created when 4 or 5 other towns were "drowned" to make the St. Lawrence Seaway. There is a museum and expo of the life that was and is now. I'm fascinated by this concept of uprooting people just for the sake of the betterment of something else. Is it right?
I will not comment on that but I will learn things about what happened to Aultsville and the rest of the towns along the banks in the pre-Seaway days.

Flipping between the football game (Argos lost) and baseball (Blue Jays won) I drifted off at the end of my first day on the road.

Up, up and Away!

Final Day in the Big Smoke, for now

Surprisingly not having air conditioning (but a couple of fans) has made it relatively bareable in the humidity of the Canada Day weekend. Okay so part of it was spent watching Transformers 3 (very cool movie, lots of action!) in air conditioning and then taking it easy for the rest of the afternoon before the Black Creek Jazz festival at night.
Diana Krall was a great performer and used the audience and even a plane flying over head to change her lyrics. Very neat to see her live.

Tony Bennett, much anticipated by the crowd only sang 6 songs before the lightening and rain decided that's all we were to hear of him. Again Mother Nature wins!
Tony was in great voice and did some moving around on the stage despite his age (have no idea, he's well preserved) and had a great repore with the audience. It was neat to see a real professional performer work the audience.
The audience was going to stay for how ever long it was going to take to get him back on the stage but the fork lightening (quite a show in itself) and the pouring rain decided otherwise.
The Rexall centre is the tennis centre and thus outside. Tony was covered by the stage but the poor guys up on the scaffolds with the spot lights were in a word, lightening rods.
Oh well we saw and heard him for a bit anyway.

This afternoon it's another Blue Jay game and then a quiet night I think. Tomorrow is packing and up to the cottage. I think I'm organized now. Maybe. I'm sure I'll think of something else....
As the guys at work said, think of all the stuff you'll need then take 50% of it. Hmmmm I think I'll have a problem with that but I'll try to take that in advisement as I'm cramming stuff in the truck.

It's been a different weekend spending it in T.O but a fun one doing different things. That's the whole goal!

Let's Go Blue Jays...Let's Play Ball....