The last day of our holiday! Today was cloudy, no rain, but you could almost wring the water out of the air and that includes our trailer. The walls, the windows, even our clothes were damp this morning. And then of course the bugs ........ mosquitos and teeny creepy crawlers everywhere!
After about 2 minutes of discussion, we decided to just pack up and go home. Too bad really because Marble Lake Lodge is on a very pretty lake, lots to do and see! So, we said goodbye to Connie (we just missed David when we came yesterday) and promised to come back and stay longer next time.
We stopped for breakfast in Tweed at the Gateway restaurant, then as we neared the 401 the car magically pulled in to the maple dale cheese factory. Lots of yummy samples to check out, some of which were award-winning cheeses. gotta love those fresh curds! ... and the fresh-baked cheese-breads.
The drive didn't seem so long this time. Before we knew it we were in Milton at a truck stop making our lunch in the trailer one last time.
We rolled into our driveway at home at 4 pm. Sigh........
The epilogue to our story is of course the hours of unpacking and clean up. But also talking about all the fabulous places we went and the interesting people we met on the trip! Lots of ideas for what to do on our next trip...........
Next time we'll have less driving days and stay longer in the places we really enjoy. Our little trailer worked out well. Always things to learn. We've met lots of people with good advice for us, just have to sift through it all.
Yeah, next time..............
Thanks to everyone who has been following along on our adventure. We wish you happiness and many adventures of your own.
Saturday, 29 June 2013
friday
After a wonderful evening with a blazing campfire and then a gentle rain during the night, we slept like babes. We woke however, to rain so heavy that we checked the closets for paddles and hoped our little trailer would float!!
Everything inside the trailer was damp including Max. Somehow all manner of wildlife had managed to get into the trailer as well as pine needles and sand....... sigh.
Between trying to dry us all out, walking Max in the rain,rehooking, and undoing hookups etc... well it was an interesting start to our day.
Our first stop was Dieter and Heather, only 2 hours away. They had invited us to their cottage for a visit. We had a fabulous lunch and a nice chat, catching up on each other's new since we saw them last summer. Their cottage on Buck Lake has one of the prettiest views. And, the lake is WARM even this early in the summer. Unfortunately we were already cold and damp so a swim was not in the works!
Our next stop was to visit our friends, Connie and David at Marble Lake Lodge near Cloyne about 45 min. away. They bought the park and lodge just over a year ago and have put lots of time into renos - it really shows. They were nice enough to hold a camping spot for us to use tonight. We stopped at a roadside-booth for blueberry pie and I managed to save a piece for Connie.
We were treated to a nice supper in the lodge restaurant and got a chance to visit with Connie before she got busy with campers etc.
By late afternoon, the rain had stopped so we took a stroll along the lake. I walked Max, and Karl walked Connie's golden retriever (who has to weigh 80 lb. and it's all muscle). I tried to walk her, she almost pulled me off my feet! Max spent the entire walk acting goofy.... showing off for the other dog, a female. Didn't seem to care about the size difference, he was smitten.
And now we're just relaxing. reading some good books. Connie may come for another visit tonight or maybe before we leave tomorrow. Since this is a long weekend, she is a popular lady here.
Tomorrow after a mere 5 hours driving, it's back to life in the city, and getting re-accustomed to 'civilization', for better or worse.
Thursday, 27 June 2013
thursday
so, today it was off to ottawa. luckily this campground is on banks ave, which goes 14 miles straight in to the parliament buildings. so, finding our way there was not a problem, but have you ever tried to find a parking spot in this town? the downtown is jammed solid with traffic and tourists, and not a spot in sight anywhere. after going in circles for a while, we got off the beaten path and finally succeeded in our mission. the way these people drive here is nuts!
then a walk around the parliament, sparks st., etc. had lunch at a patio cafe on sparks st, while everyone passing by was ogling and playing with max. watched some boats going thru the locks on the rideau, followed by a 1.5- hr sightseeing boat cruise on the ottawa river, looking at some mansions, ambassadors' homes, embassies, etc. saw a girl at the locks who i swear must have been nicki minaj but i didnt go over to ask.
ok, it's really hot and humid and by now we're dead tired, time to head for the campsite. drivers once again just as crazy as this morning! streets jammed like crazy.
back at camp joanne whipped up some really weird stuff for supper but it was good just the same. of course karl got stuck doing dishes cuz she cleverly decided this was an opportune time for a shower.
tomorrow we're off to visit karl's brother at his cottage for lunch, just outside sharbot lake. then off to visit karl's friend david at his campground in cloyne.
While we were in Ottawa, an RCMP officer stopped to ask us about max. Karl of course told him max is a "trained killer dog" at which the the fellow just chuckled and said yeah, I can see that, at your command, right? A little while later he stopped again and came over to talk to us. What a character! He regaled us with some "strange but true" stories about the people whose statues we were looking at!
You wouldn't belive the number of people who stop to ask about Max and/or pet him!! We have met sooooo many people that way! Even on the boat, The captain stopped by with water for him, and some Chinese exchange students came to pet him.
Well, we have a fire roaring ( smart move when it's 30C) and Max is bugged by the bugs, so I gotta go rescue him and put him back in the trailer........
then a walk around the parliament, sparks st., etc. had lunch at a patio cafe on sparks st, while everyone passing by was ogling and playing with max. watched some boats going thru the locks on the rideau, followed by a 1.5- hr sightseeing boat cruise on the ottawa river, looking at some mansions, ambassadors' homes, embassies, etc. saw a girl at the locks who i swear must have been nicki minaj but i didnt go over to ask.
ok, it's really hot and humid and by now we're dead tired, time to head for the campsite. drivers once again just as crazy as this morning! streets jammed like crazy.
back at camp joanne whipped up some really weird stuff for supper but it was good just the same. of course karl got stuck doing dishes cuz she cleverly decided this was an opportune time for a shower.
tomorrow we're off to visit karl's brother at his cottage for lunch, just outside sharbot lake. then off to visit karl's friend david at his campground in cloyne.
While we were in Ottawa, an RCMP officer stopped to ask us about max. Karl of course told him max is a "trained killer dog" at which the the fellow just chuckled and said yeah, I can see that, at your command, right? A little while later he stopped again and came over to talk to us. What a character! He regaled us with some "strange but true" stories about the people whose statues we were looking at!
You wouldn't belive the number of people who stop to ask about Max and/or pet him!! We have met sooooo many people that way! Even on the boat, The captain stopped by with water for him, and some Chinese exchange students came to pet him.
Well, we have a fire roaring ( smart move when it's 30C) and Max is bugged by the bugs, so I gotta go rescue him and put him back in the trailer........
Wednesday, 26 June 2013
Wednesday June 26th
Believe it or not, we are currently sitting around a campfire in Poplar Grove Trailer Park, Ottawa.
The weather turned suddenly COLD and windy about 9 pm. last night in Qubec. Then, when we got up this morning, the forecast was for a cool rainy day today and again tomorrow. Guess it would be okay for indoor activities, but we had planned to see Old Quebec City and do some outdoor touring of markets, etc.
So .... instead, we headed back on the road for Ottawa where the weather is warm today and "supposed" to be the same tomorrow!
We were ready to give Quebecers the benefit of the doubt about their anti-English attitude (we have both had unpleasant experiences in Quebec in the past). Truth is everyone we met in Quebec this trip was polite and did what they had to for us, but were very distant. We noticed that there was no effort made at friendliness. Even at the trailer park last night when we went for a walk, we tried to speak to a number of people but no one was interested in making the effort to "try" to talk to us and make us feel welcome. In contrast, when we went for a walk tonight, we stopped to talk to 4 or 5 couples. Again our 10 min. stroll turned into 45 min. I admit language can be an issue, but it's hard to miss the general feeling that we just weren't as welcome in Quebec. And it was also interesting that when we crossed the border into Ontario, we felt such relief that we did an immediate "high five", And stopped at the welcome centre to do cartwheels!! (can you picture Karl doing those? He told me to put that in)
We found a cute campsite in the woods and hope to visit a few tourist sites in Ottawa tomorrow....... unless it rains again! Otherwise, who knows where we'll be tommow??!! This gypsy thing is fun!
Poor Max is so tired from his day of travelling that he gave up and went to bed half an hour ago.
The campfire is beautiful.. it's a warm night. You can hear the crickets... the bug spray is actually working and.... you can hear the sound of jets overhead - we are apparently really close to the Ottawa airport. Oh well, you can't win them all!
The weather turned suddenly COLD and windy about 9 pm. last night in Qubec. Then, when we got up this morning, the forecast was for a cool rainy day today and again tomorrow. Guess it would be okay for indoor activities, but we had planned to see Old Quebec City and do some outdoor touring of markets, etc.
So .... instead, we headed back on the road for Ottawa where the weather is warm today and "supposed" to be the same tomorrow!
We were ready to give Quebecers the benefit of the doubt about their anti-English attitude (we have both had unpleasant experiences in Quebec in the past). Truth is everyone we met in Quebec this trip was polite and did what they had to for us, but were very distant. We noticed that there was no effort made at friendliness. Even at the trailer park last night when we went for a walk, we tried to speak to a number of people but no one was interested in making the effort to "try" to talk to us and make us feel welcome. In contrast, when we went for a walk tonight, we stopped to talk to 4 or 5 couples. Again our 10 min. stroll turned into 45 min. I admit language can be an issue, but it's hard to miss the general feeling that we just weren't as welcome in Quebec. And it was also interesting that when we crossed the border into Ontario, we felt such relief that we did an immediate "high five", And stopped at the welcome centre to do cartwheels!! (can you picture Karl doing those? He told me to put that in)
We found a cute campsite in the woods and hope to visit a few tourist sites in Ottawa tomorrow....... unless it rains again! Otherwise, who knows where we'll be tommow??!! This gypsy thing is fun!
Poor Max is so tired from his day of travelling that he gave up and went to bed half an hour ago.
The campfire is beautiful.. it's a warm night. You can hear the crickets... the bug spray is actually working and.... you can hear the sound of jets overhead - we are apparently really close to the Ottawa airport. Oh well, you can't win them all!
Tuesday, 25 June 2013
Tuesday June 25th
Today is our son in law, Dave's birthday! Happy birthday, hope you had a great day!
Every day we slow down just a little bit more...... our. campsite in Sunset View campsite was. so pretty, we slept longer.
The owners had made an English garden very close to our site, about the size of a large back yard, fenced with gorgeous flowers (perennials) everywhere, wrought iron seats and small statues! Karl had to convince me to leave, sigh!
We made our trek to Quebec in about 8 hours, slower going with the trailer and the never ending hills.
We checked on the internet and apparently Fredericton is 8 ft above sea level...... no wonder todays journey had more ups than downs!
Quebec actually feels like another country. Of course "no English" on signs contributes to that. But even the rest stops on the road are different than I've seen elsewhere in Canada - very pretty and well cared for instead of just picnic tables with (hopefully) an outhouse the way they are in Ontario.
We are staying at Camping Juneau for 2 nights since we are now road weary, need a break and would love to see something of Quebec City. Only a few working at the park speak English, but everyone seems at least patient and most are pleasant.
We are running low on groceries and had to scrape a few cans together for supper. Tomorrow Karl can practice his French and brave the local epicerie (grocery store???) for something a bit more appetizing!
Well, it's cooling off, thank God! Somehow I think the heat from Ontario has found us.
Karl has started a campfire so I'd better go get abit closer...... for warmth.
Ciao ...... (how's my French?)
Every day we slow down just a little bit more...... our. campsite in Sunset View campsite was. so pretty, we slept longer.
The owners had made an English garden very close to our site, about the size of a large back yard, fenced with gorgeous flowers (perennials) everywhere, wrought iron seats and small statues! Karl had to convince me to leave, sigh!
We made our trek to Quebec in about 8 hours, slower going with the trailer and the never ending hills.
We checked on the internet and apparently Fredericton is 8 ft above sea level...... no wonder todays journey had more ups than downs!
Quebec actually feels like another country. Of course "no English" on signs contributes to that. But even the rest stops on the road are different than I've seen elsewhere in Canada - very pretty and well cared for instead of just picnic tables with (hopefully) an outhouse the way they are in Ontario.
We are staying at Camping Juneau for 2 nights since we are now road weary, need a break and would love to see something of Quebec City. Only a few working at the park speak English, but everyone seems at least patient and most are pleasant.
We are running low on groceries and had to scrape a few cans together for supper. Tomorrow Karl can practice his French and brave the local epicerie (grocery store???) for something a bit more appetizing!
Well, it's cooling off, thank God! Somehow I think the heat from Ontario has found us.
Karl has started a campfire so I'd better go get abit closer...... for warmth.
Ciao ...... (how's my French?)
Monday, 24 June 2013
Monday June 24th
Yesterday was a birthday for my granddaughter Charlotte, and my brother and sister, Arnie and Margaret. Happy birthday and hope all of you had a great day!
As for us, by this morning, we had more black fly bites than we wanted to count despite the use of an insect repellant! So, although we would have loved to stay for a lot longer, we "saddled up" and headed out - all the while telling each other we would be back and next time stay longer......
We left the island by the confederation bridge which is definitely cheaper than the ferry. No cost for coming to the island either by ferry or bridge, you pay when you leave. The bridge is 12.8km. long. Quite an experience being out in the middle of the water on a bridge with no land in sight!
More big hills ..... we had a quick lunch again across the road from Tim Hortons ..... and finally after 8 hours, we made it to Nackawic, Sunset view campground. (one hour west of Fredericton)
The little town of Nackawic is across the river and a few miles away. It is a picturesque town, really spread out. There is a nice park with a river walk and the largest axe in the world (to commemorate the forestry industry in New Brunswick). We took pictures of course.
The water looked so clean and cool that Max jumped in and .... I thought what the heck, so went in for a swim as well, clothes and all! Poor Karl had to stay dry, because, well, someone had to drive and we only had one car blanket and no towels,
We had a quick supper, a long walk to explore the park and ...... the blackflies are back so we're done for another day. Hoping to get close to Quebec City tomorrow. Karl is dusting off his French, should be interesting! Auf wiedersehen mes amis?!?!
As for us, by this morning, we had more black fly bites than we wanted to count despite the use of an insect repellant! So, although we would have loved to stay for a lot longer, we "saddled up" and headed out - all the while telling each other we would be back and next time stay longer......
We left the island by the confederation bridge which is definitely cheaper than the ferry. No cost for coming to the island either by ferry or bridge, you pay when you leave. The bridge is 12.8km. long. Quite an experience being out in the middle of the water on a bridge with no land in sight!
More big hills ..... we had a quick lunch again across the road from Tim Hortons ..... and finally after 8 hours, we made it to Nackawic, Sunset view campground. (one hour west of Fredericton)
The water looked so clean and cool that Max jumped in and .... I thought what the heck, so went in for a swim as well, clothes and all! Poor Karl had to stay dry, because, well, someone had to drive and we only had one car blanket and no towels,
We had a quick supper, a long walk to explore the park and ...... the blackflies are back so we're done for another day. Hoping to get close to Quebec City tomorrow. Karl is dusting off his French, should be interesting! Auf wiedersehen mes amis?!?!
Sunday, 23 June 2013
sunday
today started out another beautiful cloudless day, so we figured we might as well enjoy for a few hours and did laundry!
around 11:00 we left for cornwall, just beyond charlottetown, to meet up with jim & freda terpstra. along the way we stopped for lunch at charlottetown harbour and got bamboozled again (elephant price, mouse-size food). guess we didnt learn our lesson the first time
then off to jim & freda's for a short visit to get caught up on the news. nice place they have, right on the water and no one else in sight. rita and her daughter kaiyla came over to see us as well!
quick note to dan from uncle jim - there is a tree fort beside their cottage at least ? 25 feet off the ground and he needs you to put in a zipline!?!?
back to our campsite as clouds started rolling in. checked the water temp and it was pretty good with the toe test, so we got our suits on and went back down to the beach. started strolling into the water and, and holy smokes, didnt it get real cold every step farther in you went. by the time we were in up to our knees we felt like we were wading thru snow, so that was the end of that!!
ok, so our next trick was to cook supper over an open fire. got some really nice coals going, set some potatos on the grill, and, surprise, it started to rain! took all the supplies inside, and the rain stopped. got it all going again, just got nice and hot, and , surprise, it started to rain. ok, so that was the end of that, and we will shamefully admit we resorted to using the microwave to finish the potatos. funny how low you will stoop when hunger strikes!!
tonight we have the campground pretty much all to ourselves as all the locals have pulled out after the weekend. quiet! ... yeah!!
just an addendum to yesterday's missive .... while we were at the ferry stop waiting for the boat to arrive, we decided to have some lunch in the trailer, in the parking lot. made up some sandwiches. karl finished early and went outside to chat with the fellow in the camper behind us in line. he was dutch so joanne came out. after our chat joanne went back in to finish her sandwich and cheese, only to find max sitting on her bench seat with a big grin on his face. the sandwich and cheese were gone!
around 11:00 we left for cornwall, just beyond charlottetown, to meet up with jim & freda terpstra. along the way we stopped for lunch at charlottetown harbour and got bamboozled again (elephant price, mouse-size food). guess we didnt learn our lesson the first time
then off to jim & freda's for a short visit to get caught up on the news. nice place they have, right on the water and no one else in sight. rita and her daughter kaiyla came over to see us as well!
quick note to dan from uncle jim - there is a tree fort beside their cottage at least ? 25 feet off the ground and he needs you to put in a zipline!?!?
back to our campsite as clouds started rolling in. checked the water temp and it was pretty good with the toe test, so we got our suits on and went back down to the beach. started strolling into the water and, and holy smokes, didnt it get real cold every step farther in you went. by the time we were in up to our knees we felt like we were wading thru snow, so that was the end of that!!
ok, so our next trick was to cook supper over an open fire. got some really nice coals going, set some potatos on the grill, and, surprise, it started to rain! took all the supplies inside, and the rain stopped. got it all going again, just got nice and hot, and , surprise, it started to rain. ok, so that was the end of that, and we will shamefully admit we resorted to using the microwave to finish the potatos. funny how low you will stoop when hunger strikes!!
tonight we have the campground pretty much all to ourselves as all the locals have pulled out after the weekend. quiet! ... yeah!!
just an addendum to yesterday's missive .... while we were at the ferry stop waiting for the boat to arrive, we decided to have some lunch in the trailer, in the parking lot. made up some sandwiches. karl finished early and went outside to chat with the fellow in the camper behind us in line. he was dutch so joanne came out. after our chat joanne went back in to finish her sandwich and cheese, only to find max sitting on her bench seat with a big grin on his face. the sandwich and cheese were gone!
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