Another Update
We will post pictures as soon as we can. Tomorrow night we will be somewhere around Bar Harbor, camping. We hope to stay in Acadia National Park, which won't have wireless service so we won't be able to update. However we will be back in Eastern Time and our cell phones will work (hopefully) without costing a small fortune per minute.
Day 13 Back to Halifax, and the start of the last leg
Today was an early morning: we need to have our bags out by 6:30. So we sat our bags out and went off to a good buffet breakfast. We made a few stops on the way to the airport including a stop at Rita's Tea Room. Evidently Rita MacNeil is a famous Canadian singer. The morning was quiet - more snoring on the bus than anything else, but we did make it to the front of the bus via daily seat rotation. The 5 of us were able to surround "Blake" which I am sure he thought was thrilling. They let people off at the airport then a handful of hotels, and we were the last on the bus being dropped off with Blake back at the Marriott. We loaded up Rhonda the Rondo with our stuff while Ann, Karen, and Nan sorted out their room, and then went out to Salty's on the water for lunch. It was been great that so many of the hotels and restaurants have had water views and nice scenery. We then walked around the boardwalk for a while and took a harbor cruise. Once the cruise was over we parted ways with Jean's friends and got back on the road.
We stopped at walmart and stocked up again on snacks and bought some Nova Scotia Tartan ( the nice lady at the tartan shop directed us to walmart where it was half the price of what we found at the tartan shop). Our next stop was in Turo where we stocked up on some cheese and lunch meat at the market we found on the way to Halifax. We pulled off for the night in Amherst, the last location to stop before we enter New Brunswick. So tonight its the Super 8 with an indoor pool, a water slide, and wireless (if you sit in just the right spot).
We stopped at walmart and stocked up again on snacks and bought some Nova Scotia Tartan ( the nice lady at the tartan shop directed us to walmart where it was half the price of what we found at the tartan shop). Our next stop was in Turo where we stocked up on some cheese and lunch meat at the market we found on the way to Halifax. We pulled off for the night in Amherst, the last location to stop before we enter New Brunswick. So tonight its the Super 8 with an indoor pool, a water slide, and wireless (if you sit in just the right spot).
Day 12 Fortress of Louisbourg
Today was the first day that the signs of bus fever began to show. We sat our bags out at a decent hour and headed out for another plate breakfast. Afterwards we had a long leg in the bus to get to the Fortress of Louisbourg. Plus, it didn't help that it was raining, and lightening. Most of the bus seemed to sleep. We first visited the visitors center, where we all bought umbrellas and rain gear. Then we went into the fort itself, where we listened to the guide in a museum building. We saw a few of the buildings, and then went to eat. That in itself was an experience. The only utensil was a spoon, the napkins where tied around your neck and the menu was, shall we say, limited. Jean had Italian Macaroni (basically penne with some paprika and oil) while the rest of us had Pea Soup. Jean liked the pasta, but there were complaints about the pea soup that had more turnips in it than anything else. We also all had hot buttered rum, which warmed us up, but wasn't overly drinkable. They kept brown sugar on the table, and we tried to doctor up the food. The bread was something else all together. Our guide came in and sat with us. He ordered the french toast, and when it came, I think he was the envy of the table. Back on the bus, most of the riders immediately went to open up snacks! It was then a multiple hour drive to our next hotel.
Once at the hotel we had some free time and then attended the farewell dinner. The food was good (salmon again), and remarks were made. We all received a certificate showing that we are now members of the Order of the Good Time.
Afterwards we gathered in Ann's room. Nan was making notes about the trip and we compared those to our blog. Karen was telling us a story about asking Nan about her maiden name (Moose) and managed to spell it Mouse. As though there haven't been enough moose comments in the first place. That was the definitive point of bus fever we gather. While we never got around to finishing the game of Phase 10 that we started earlier in the week, we did have a good evening talking about our travels.
Lesson Leaned: Moose, Mousse, and Mouse, are very different entities.
Once at the hotel we had some free time and then attended the farewell dinner. The food was good (salmon again), and remarks were made. We all received a certificate showing that we are now members of the Order of the Good Time.
Afterwards we gathered in Ann's room. Nan was making notes about the trip and we compared those to our blog. Karen was telling us a story about asking Nan about her maiden name (Moose) and managed to spell it Mouse. As though there haven't been enough moose comments in the first place. That was the definitive point of bus fever we gather. While we never got around to finishing the game of Phase 10 that we started earlier in the week, we did have a good evening talking about our travels.
Lesson Leaned: Moose, Mousse, and Mouse, are very different entities.
Day 11 Cabbot Trail
This morning we sat down to a plate breakfast (they put a plate in front of you and you eat it) with the 5 of us joining our tour director. We then boarded up and headed out to view the Cabbot Trail. The mountain terrain meeting the ocean was stunning as the road wound around the countryside. We stopped at several overlooks and a bog where we saw some insect eating plants and a cool frog. After a picnic lunch we made our way towards Cheticamp where we boarded a small boat for a whale watch (on the love boat). Being on the water was awesome! The water rocked the boat and occasionally sprayed us with salt water. Ann and Jean were able to drive the boat for a short period of time, and then we headed out towards deeper water. We spotted multiple Minke Whales, but they proved to be camera shy. Some caught a glimpse of a seal, but it eluded us. The 5 of us walked to several restaurants before we settled on one and had another good seafood meal. Teleghaph house is where we finally decided to eat.
Lesson Learned: Moose, like whale pictures are elusive.
Lesson Learned: Moose, like whale pictures are elusive.
Day 10 PEI to Cape Breton
After packing up our bags and eating breakfast we boarded the bus. We crossed Prince Edward Island and took the ferry back to Nova Scotia. On board the ferry we finally partook in some Cows Ice cream, and walked around looking at the view. On one of the upper decks where the wind was rough Nan was a little blown away. After some brief titanic moments we realized we were entertaining more than just ourselves!
We made a stop in Pictou and saw Hector (a ship), ate at the stone hause restaurant and went tarten shopping. (That night a storm came through and we later saw on the news that the ship - Hector, had been damaged!) We then headed towards Cape Breton. We stopped in Baddock to see the Alexander Graham Bell Museum. It was pretty cool. His wife and family were interesting as well, since they were very supportive and helpful in his projects. Bell was involved in a lot more activities than I realized including deaf communication, flight, and submarines.
We checked into our hotel, had a lovely dinner (salmon once more – this time with a mango chutney), and had an evening boat tour on Lake Bras D’or. We saw the island that the Bell family still reside on (Beinn Breagh), and a bald eagle. We capped it off back at the hotel looking at pictures that we have taken thus far and sharing the bottle of ice wine that we bought back in Toronto with my friends from Mount Union.
Lesson Learned: Know who your audience really is!
We made a stop in Pictou and saw Hector (a ship), ate at the stone hause restaurant and went tarten shopping. (That night a storm came through and we later saw on the news that the ship - Hector, had been damaged!) We then headed towards Cape Breton. We stopped in Baddock to see the Alexander Graham Bell Museum. It was pretty cool. His wife and family were interesting as well, since they were very supportive and helpful in his projects. Bell was involved in a lot more activities than I realized including deaf communication, flight, and submarines.
We checked into our hotel, had a lovely dinner (salmon once more – this time with a mango chutney), and had an evening boat tour on Lake Bras D’or. We saw the island that the Bell family still reside on (Beinn Breagh), and a bald eagle. We capped it off back at the hotel looking at pictures that we have taken thus far and sharing the bottle of ice wine that we bought back in Toronto with my friends from Mount Union.
Lesson Learned: Know who your audience really is!
Day 9
This morning we had a continental breakfast. As we got onto the bus our tour guide for the morning (Astrid) was playing the accordion. Our first stop was a small fisherman’s village (North Rustico) where they taught us all about how to catch lobsters. (Or at least how the lobster traps worked) The lighthouse there was cool, and there was a fisherman there who was interesting as well (he looked so stereotypical it was almost unreal). The bus actually drove right on the beach to turn around, which he could do since it was low tide (and evidently did only because he was a local). While fishing for lobsters can’t be much fun – it isn’t a bad job – they said that they make about 80 to 100 thousand for 2 months of work. They can even get unemployment in the off months! Our guide also pointed out where and how the farmers farmed mussels.
Next we went to the Green Gables house from the Anne of Green Gables books by Lucy Maud Montgomery. We saw Lovers Lane, the Haunted Woods, and toured through the house and barn. The gardens on the property were very pretty. In general the flowers were amazing all over the areas we were visiting. Lupins grew all over the place casting wild areas of grass with pink, lavendar and purple flowers. The place is located insode of Prince Edward Island National Park and we made several stops to look at the scenic vistas that the park contained.
Then we went on to the town of Rustico. Rustico was a period village where we learned about the history of the area and toured the church and bank. The stained glass in the church was beautiful. The area was host to the first automobile, and the first automobile accident in Canada. (The priest had brought the car from London).
We then went back to the hotel to pick up anyone who didn’t go out with us in the morning and had a free afternoon in Charlottetown. Charlottetown is the Capital City of Prince Edward Island. We ate at the Off Broadway Theatre in a private booth (the whole place was set up with booths like that) and had a fantastic meal. We drank a bottle of wine with lunch that was great, and topped it all off with a wonderful dessert. We did have a bit of a problem with the restroom door handle though... It kept falling off and was a bit of an adventure. After lunch we looked around downtown at the local shops, and then boarded the bus back to the hotel.
After freshening up we headed out for our lobster supper. Heather and I both decided to have lobsters, as did most of our group. The chowder and 60 foot salad bar was wonderful as well. George, our bus driver, took the shot of all of us with our lobsters! While the experience was fun, I think I prefer the lobster meat to come already away from the lobster, and Heather will stay away from the whole dish, but the experience was interesting. We checked out a local wool shop and went back to the hotel for the night.
Lesson Learned: Eating a whole lobster isn’t all its cracked up to be.
Next we went to the Green Gables house from the Anne of Green Gables books by Lucy Maud Montgomery. We saw Lovers Lane, the Haunted Woods, and toured through the house and barn. The gardens on the property were very pretty. In general the flowers were amazing all over the areas we were visiting. Lupins grew all over the place casting wild areas of grass with pink, lavendar and purple flowers. The place is located insode of Prince Edward Island National Park and we made several stops to look at the scenic vistas that the park contained.
Then we went on to the town of Rustico. Rustico was a period village where we learned about the history of the area and toured the church and bank. The stained glass in the church was beautiful. The area was host to the first automobile, and the first automobile accident in Canada. (The priest had brought the car from London).
We then went back to the hotel to pick up anyone who didn’t go out with us in the morning and had a free afternoon in Charlottetown. Charlottetown is the Capital City of Prince Edward Island. We ate at the Off Broadway Theatre in a private booth (the whole place was set up with booths like that) and had a fantastic meal. We drank a bottle of wine with lunch that was great, and topped it all off with a wonderful dessert. We did have a bit of a problem with the restroom door handle though... It kept falling off and was a bit of an adventure. After lunch we looked around downtown at the local shops, and then boarded the bus back to the hotel.
After freshening up we headed out for our lobster supper. Heather and I both decided to have lobsters, as did most of our group. The chowder and 60 foot salad bar was wonderful as well. George, our bus driver, took the shot of all of us with our lobsters! While the experience was fun, I think I prefer the lobster meat to come already away from the lobster, and Heather will stay away from the whole dish, but the experience was interesting. We checked out a local wool shop and went back to the hotel for the night.
Lesson Learned: Eating a whole lobster isn’t all its cracked up to be.
Day 8 Hopewell Rocks, Prince Edward Island
We loaded up our stuff early this morning, set it out for the porters to take to the bus and headed down for another great breakfast. Then we all boarded the bus and headed towards Hopewell Rocks. The bus lulled most of the bus asleep, and those who were awake were tormented by the dry humor of “Blake”, the guide. The flowerpot rocks were pretty awesome, and we were able to view them from multiple areas and walk along the water. It was low tide, so we could “walk on the ocean floor”.
Then we headed back into Nova Scotia, north and over the Confederation Bridge. The bridge is the longest (over 8 miles) to cross freezing salt water. We had made it to Prince Edward Island. Since we were staying near Cavendish, we got to view some of the countryside prior to getting to the hotel. The scenery is amazing. We had a dinner at the hotel that wasn’t our best yet – they ran out of salmon, and turned the lights off on us. After dinner we played Phase 10 until they kicked us out of the lobby.
Lesson Learned: 30 seconds per woman to use the restroom is not enough when there are only 2 stalls.
Then we headed back into Nova Scotia, north and over the Confederation Bridge. The bridge is the longest (over 8 miles) to cross freezing salt water. We had made it to Prince Edward Island. Since we were staying near Cavendish, we got to view some of the countryside prior to getting to the hotel. The scenery is amazing. We had a dinner at the hotel that wasn’t our best yet – they ran out of salmon, and turned the lights off on us. After dinner we played Phase 10 until they kicked us out of the lobby.
Lesson Learned: 30 seconds per woman to use the restroom is not enough when there are only 2 stalls.
Day 7 Halifax and Peggy’s Cove
Day 7 Halifax and Peggy’s Cove
Today we had a great breakfast, complete with an omelet bar to start our day off. In line at breakfast we met yet another person who knows where Rogers, Ohio is. Considering the population of Rogers’s barley exceeds 200 people, I found this pretty amazing. We loaded into the bus and took a short tour of Halifax and then headed to Peggy’s Cove. We explored the cove and walked around the light house. The scenery was beautiful. We bought a few postcards and mailed them from the light house (now a post office). Some of the group saw dolphins or whales in the water!
Returning to Halifax we saw more of the town, and stopped at the citadel for a trip through some of the museums, and to watch them fire the cannon at 12 o’clock noon. Then it decided once more to rain.
We went to a local eatery called the Bluenose 2 (named after a ship), and then went to the Maritime Museum of the Atlantic. The Museum was fantastic. They had a wonderful display on the Titanic, as well as an exhibit on the Halifax explosion.
After we made it back to the hotel we had dinner at the Marriot. The food was amazing. The chowder and the salmon is wonderful up here. After dinner, we all shared a bottle of wine that we bought at Magnotta Winery and posed in the sou’wester for our yearly picture.
Lesson Learned: It really is a small world after all.
Today we had a great breakfast, complete with an omelet bar to start our day off. In line at breakfast we met yet another person who knows where Rogers, Ohio is. Considering the population of Rogers’s barley exceeds 200 people, I found this pretty amazing. We loaded into the bus and took a short tour of Halifax and then headed to Peggy’s Cove. We explored the cove and walked around the light house. The scenery was beautiful. We bought a few postcards and mailed them from the light house (now a post office). Some of the group saw dolphins or whales in the water!
Returning to Halifax we saw more of the town, and stopped at the citadel for a trip through some of the museums, and to watch them fire the cannon at 12 o’clock noon. Then it decided once more to rain.
We went to a local eatery called the Bluenose 2 (named after a ship), and then went to the Maritime Museum of the Atlantic. The Museum was fantastic. They had a wonderful display on the Titanic, as well as an exhibit on the Halifax explosion.
After we made it back to the hotel we had dinner at the Marriot. The food was amazing. The chowder and the salmon is wonderful up here. After dinner, we all shared a bottle of wine that we bought at Magnotta Winery and posed in the sou’wester for our yearly picture.
Lesson Learned: It really is a small world after all.
Day 6 Monton to Halifax
Friday, June 22nd 162 Miles
This morning we repacked Rhonda the Rondo and set the tent out to dry before we left the hotel for the day. We made a quick stop at Magnetic Hill where you drive down a hill, put your car into neutral and coast back up the hill in reverse. There was a quaint little wharf for shopping and food there as well. Once we experienced the defeat of gravity (or at least the illusion) and bought some souvenirs, we headed out towards Halifax to meet up with friends from Mount Union College and our Caravan Tour. We went to the opening meeting of the tour and met some of the others on the trip with us. We met someone who lives in PA who’s sister works at the Rogers Sale. Later that night we settled in on the harbor front in the Marriot.
Lesson Learned: Evidently there are two groups of people who don’t regularly take tours: Men and young women.
This morning we repacked Rhonda the Rondo and set the tent out to dry before we left the hotel for the day. We made a quick stop at Magnetic Hill where you drive down a hill, put your car into neutral and coast back up the hill in reverse. There was a quaint little wharf for shopping and food there as well. Once we experienced the defeat of gravity (or at least the illusion) and bought some souvenirs, we headed out towards Halifax to meet up with friends from Mount Union College and our Caravan Tour. We went to the opening meeting of the tour and met some of the others on the trip with us. We met someone who lives in PA who’s sister works at the Rogers Sale. Later that night we settled in on the harbor front in the Marriot.
Lesson Learned: Evidently there are two groups of people who don’t regularly take tours: Men and young women.
Don't worry we are still alive!
Evidently the wide spread use of the Internet isn't as common in the Atlantic Providences, or the majority of elders on the tour doesn't find it necessary, or who knows what else. What we do know is that I don;t know that I have stayed in such a length of time in area area where getting online was so impractical. And, when you do find a computer it is dial - up, which doesn't agree much with loading pictures. I was going to transfer recent blogs from the laptop, but alas this old computer doesn't even have an usb port. So, long story short, hopefully tomorrow, when we arrive back in Halifax, we will be able to at least post a blog or two, with picture to come as soon as possible!
Day 5 Fredericton to Moncton
Thursday, June 21st - 200 Miles
Today we slept in and then traveled to Saint John. In Saint John we checked out the Reversing Falls. The falls reverse twice a day when the tide comes in or out. Saint John is located in the Bay of Fundy which sees the largest tides in the world. We ate lunch overlooking the whirlpools of the falls, and the salmon was fantastic. When we left St. John we headed east towards St. Martin via the Fundy Coastal Drive. Along the way, we encountered quaint old churches, beautiful Canadian wild flowers, covered bridges, and breathtaking views of the Bay of Fundy. Once in St. Martin proper, we drove the 11 kilometer Fundy Trail Parkway, and saw more fabulous views from the numerous overlooks, including a gorgeous waterfall. There were however, some very scary steps to the water fall. The steps consisted of 4x4 posts with air craft cable run through them to make a half staircase half ladder contraption.
We then drove east to Moncton where we are staying for the night at the Country Inn and Suites, as the rain has continued on and off all day.
The Lesson today is that just because you have a map, doesn't mean you know where you are on the map.
Today we slept in and then traveled to Saint John. In Saint John we checked out the Reversing Falls. The falls reverse twice a day when the tide comes in or out. Saint John is located in the Bay of Fundy which sees the largest tides in the world. We ate lunch overlooking the whirlpools of the falls, and the salmon was fantastic. When we left St. John we headed east towards St. Martin via the Fundy Coastal Drive. Along the way, we encountered quaint old churches, beautiful Canadian wild flowers, covered bridges, and breathtaking views of the Bay of Fundy. Once in St. Martin proper, we drove the 11 kilometer Fundy Trail Parkway, and saw more fabulous views from the numerous overlooks, including a gorgeous waterfall. There were however, some very scary steps to the water fall. The steps consisted of 4x4 posts with air craft cable run through them to make a half staircase half ladder contraption.
We then drove east to Moncton where we are staying for the night at the Country Inn and Suites, as the rain has continued on and off all day.
The Lesson today is that just because you have a map, doesn't mean you know where you are on the map.
Reversing Falls:
Bay of Fungy:
Day 4 Quebec City to Fredericton, NB
Wednesday, June 20th - 365 Miles
Today we woke up wet. It started sprinkling last night after we made camp, advanced to rain and then became a torrential downpour at 3 am. We woke up with a few minor wet spots ( the tent held up well considering), but striking camp wasn't a whole lot of fun.
From the KOA we took a bus tour of Quebec City. There is a reason they call it the Canadian Paris, it was like we were transported to Europe for the day. The tour wound around the city showing us the walls, Parliament, and both the old city and the financial district. Jean was very happy not to drive on all those crazy tiny streets that went in every direction. We stopped for a half an hour in La Place Royale. Where we purchased some beautiful handmade paper and of course the customary postcards. The Chateau Frontenac was impressive.
Once we got back to Ronda the Rondo, we headed towards New Brunswick. Quebec in general was an adventure because everything was in french. Street signs, gas pumps.... I wasn't sure when I was pressing the button on the pump, if I was going to purchase a pack of Canadian cigarettes or to get the receipt that I wanted. We wanted to stop for lunch, but prior to entering a small restaurant off of the highway Heather made me go in and see if they spoke any English.
Finally we crossed the border into New Brunswick. Hooray English again. And a first for both of us - entering into Atlantic time. It is very weird to be hour later than eastern time. We stopped in Grand Falls, "the largest falls east of Niagara", and when we stopped and saw the falls, we learned that grand doesn't always indicate impressive. The gorge was interesting. It was here as well that we were to learn, that places to sleep for the night were coveted and we were greeted with many no vacancy signs. So we pressed on to Fredericton, following the St. John River. The drive was beautiful, if rainy and cloudy, but we did see the longest covered bridge in the world. We finally settled in for the night at a Days Inn just outside of Fredericton. As it was still raining, and the forecast called for storms, we thought we would give the tent a break.
Today's lesson is while you might be warm and dry inside the tent, trying to take down the tent and remain that way is a different matter.
Today we woke up wet. It started sprinkling last night after we made camp, advanced to rain and then became a torrential downpour at 3 am. We woke up with a few minor wet spots ( the tent held up well considering), but striking camp wasn't a whole lot of fun.
From the KOA we took a bus tour of Quebec City. There is a reason they call it the Canadian Paris, it was like we were transported to Europe for the day. The tour wound around the city showing us the walls, Parliament, and both the old city and the financial district. Jean was very happy not to drive on all those crazy tiny streets that went in every direction. We stopped for a half an hour in La Place Royale. Where we purchased some beautiful handmade paper and of course the customary postcards. The Chateau Frontenac was impressive.
Once we got back to Ronda the Rondo, we headed towards New Brunswick. Quebec in general was an adventure because everything was in french. Street signs, gas pumps.... I wasn't sure when I was pressing the button on the pump, if I was going to purchase a pack of Canadian cigarettes or to get the receipt that I wanted. We wanted to stop for lunch, but prior to entering a small restaurant off of the highway Heather made me go in and see if they spoke any English.
Finally we crossed the border into New Brunswick. Hooray English again. And a first for both of us - entering into Atlantic time. It is very weird to be hour later than eastern time. We stopped in Grand Falls, "the largest falls east of Niagara", and when we stopped and saw the falls, we learned that grand doesn't always indicate impressive. The gorge was interesting. It was here as well that we were to learn, that places to sleep for the night were coveted and we were greeted with many no vacancy signs. So we pressed on to Fredericton, following the St. John River. The drive was beautiful, if rainy and cloudy, but we did see the longest covered bridge in the world. We finally settled in for the night at a Days Inn just outside of Fredericton. As it was still raining, and the forecast called for storms, we thought we would give the tent a break.
Today's lesson is while you might be warm and dry inside the tent, trying to take down the tent and remain that way is a different matter.
"Grand Falls"
Quebec
Day 3 Long Sault to Quebec City
Tuesday, June 19th - 225 Miles
Today began with breaking camp on the island and traveling to Montreal. When we arrived in Montreal, we toured the Biodome and Olympic Park. We began our adventure by trying to find the bathrooms. In Quebec province everything is in French and Jean and I learned the difference between the Quebec sign for elevators and the sign for the restrooms. Then we purchased our tickets and took at trip to the top of the Montreal Tower in Olympic Park via the funiculator. On the way up we met a family from Heather’s home town of Pittsburgh, PA who compared the funiculator to the Monongahela Incline. Once at the top we had a spectacular view of the “Montreal Environs” including a fantastic view of the skyline. Then we traveled back down, and visited the Montreal Biodome where we explored a tropical rainforest, the local forest and marine habitats, and a penguin exhibit. We finally got to see some of the American Beavers that we heard splashing into the river last night as we were in our tent. We got the chance to see and photograph a number of monkeys, birds, fish, and a lynx. The ecosystems in the biodome were very well done, and it felt like you were actually in the animals’ native habitat. After leaving Olympic Park we made a quick stop at an IGA (grocery store) where we checked out using a strange combination of French, English, and Sign Language, and finally found an ATM and procured some Canadian “play money.” Finally, we got back on the road and drove to Quebec City, where we are staying the night in the Quebec City KOA. Anyone know how to say tent in French?
Today’s lesson is shopping is difficult when you can’t read the labels.
Today’s lesson is shopping is difficult when you can’t read the labels.
The Olympic Tower
Bio Dome
Day 2 – Toronto to Long Sault
Monday, June 18th - 269 miles
We started off today with a swim and a soak in a hot tub, had a good hot meal, and hit the road. The first stop was Magnotta Winery the only winery in Canada to also have both a brewery and a distillery. Though we didn’t have time for a tour we sampled a number of their products, including their icewine, grappa, and a white merlot. After sampling, we made a few purchases and headed east toward Montreal. Our next stop was in the small city of Kingston, Ontario. There we took a trolley tour of the historic city. Highlights of the tour included: Queens Collage, Fort Henry, a surprising number of penitentiaries, some interesting sculptures, and the Royal Military College. From Kingston, we continued our journey east and stopped for the night at a campsite in the 1000 islands. From our campsite on Mille Roches island we had a spectacular view of the St. Lawrence River. While we were setting up camp, Ronda the Rondo made a new friend when a very adventurous local squirrel decided to explore her interior.
Today’s lesson is Canadian speed limits are only for foreigners.
We started off today with a swim and a soak in a hot tub, had a good hot meal, and hit the road. The first stop was Magnotta Winery the only winery in Canada to also have both a brewery and a distillery. Though we didn’t have time for a tour we sampled a number of their products, including their icewine, grappa, and a white merlot. After sampling, we made a few purchases and headed east toward Montreal. Our next stop was in the small city of Kingston, Ontario. There we took a trolley tour of the historic city. Highlights of the tour included: Queens Collage, Fort Henry, a surprising number of penitentiaries, some interesting sculptures, and the Royal Military College. From Kingston, we continued our journey east and stopped for the night at a campsite in the 1000 islands. From our campsite on Mille Roches island we had a spectacular view of the St. Lawrence River. While we were setting up camp, Ronda the Rondo made a new friend when a very adventurous local squirrel decided to explore her interior.
Today’s lesson is Canadian speed limits are only for foreigners.
The Winery:
Kingston:
Camping:
Day 1 Ohio to Toronto
Sunday, June 17th
Rogers, Oh to Toronto, ON, Canada - 314 miles
After loading up Ronda the Rondo, and petting our pups goodbye, we set off in the early afternoon for Toronto. This leg was not overly exciting. We munched on food that our parents sent us off with (we left Kansas City a few days ago so the pups could vacation with Grandma and Grandpa). Traveling through customs is always fun, especially since our plans are subject to change, and poor ole loaded Ronda made us look like we were moving in. Along the way we had some spectacular views of Lake Ontario. After traveling, tonight we are staying at the Quality Inn in Mississauga, Ontario, just outside of Toronto. Hooray for Choice Privileges reward nights!
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