September 4 - Niagara Falls
It was a beautiful day when we left Mildmay.  It was clouding over by the time we got to The Falls.  the humidity was so high that by the time we got from the parking lot to the actual Falls, we were soaked from the inside out.  There was a slight mist around the falls when we first got there, however, after not much time it socked in quite a bit.  We wandered around, took pictures, went into the Gift Shop, and when we were about to leave the sky opened up and then we were also soaked from the outside in.  It rained so hard the raindrops were bouncing off the pavement back to your knees, there were puddles everywhere.

The Falls from the walkway down from the parking lot

Who, in their right mind would want to go over this in a barrel

This is the view from our table in the Restaurant

The bridge is the border between the US and Canada

Dad and Daughter

Rebecca and I wanted to see Marineland and if the weather had cooperated it would have been a perfect day.  There were only about 50 people in the entire park.  It is a huge park, meant to accommodate thousands of people at a time.  Because of so much space it made us feel that we were alone, except for the screaming coming from one of the rides.  The one that goes slowly to the top than comes down really fast, I think it is called the Drop of Doom or some such name.

Wish I knew how to rotate this.  It looks pretty scary to me

There was a huge tank of Beluga whales, must have been at least 8 in there, they must get along really well, it was fun to watch them swim around.  They must be coached that when they see a camera they are to come out of the water for a photo shoot.  Sometimes they would keep jumping out of the water.  They were lovely to watch.  However, there was another tank, much smaller, containing an Orca, a lonely little Orca.  It seemed so distressed that its dorsal fin was flopped over.  I think that happens when they are in captivity but it just seemed so sad and lonely.

I think this one likes to get his picture taken

They like swimming upside down

Poor lonely Orca

I think they are soooo cute!!

They did put on a very nice show with 2 Belugas, 3 California Harbour Seals, 7 Dolphins and one very large Walrus.  The Walrus was so big that if it would have gone in the water it would have drained the pool.

They were really fun to watch

All waving good-bye

I told you it was big

They don't seem to have trouble walking on their tails

Just one more shot

It was raining even harder by the tie were left.  Dalton took the umbrella, which was purchased at The Fall and was too small to cover us all, got the car and picked us up.  We had found some shelter while we were waiting.

The drive home was pretty bad for most of the way.  The heavy rainfall and all the traffic.  The windshield wipers were working overtime, sometimes it was impossible to keep the water off.   People were in such a rush they found themselves in difficulty, some stalling out by going through huge puddles while others went off the road by hydroplaning, at least we think that is what happened, couldn't see any other reason for them being in the ditch and parked by the center median.

The closer we got to Mildmay the nice the weather got.  By the time we arrived at Rebecca's we were dry and warm again.   We were all glad the drive was over.

September 5th - Ultrasound Day
Today was the day we found out that Rebecca and Rob are going to have a girl.  I think everyone was pretty excited.  We got to go into the Ultrasound Room and watch it all take place.  It is pretty amazing what technology can do these days.  Rob took the morning off so he could get the news firsthand.  When it was over he went to work and Rebecca, Dalton and I went to Tobermory for the day.

Tobermory is on a point where Lake Huron is on one side and Georgian Bay is on the other.  It is a beautiful place, looks like the ocean it is so big.  There are lots of shipwrecks in the area and we took a glass bottom boat tour so we could see some of them.  The day was very overcast so we didn't get any really clear shots through the bottom of the boat, much better over the side.

One of the shipwrecks in the Harbour

We also took a tour around Flower Pot Island.  A you can see, the rock formations with the vegetation growing out of it, actually does look like flower pots.

They really do look like flower pots

On the way we went through Wiarton, the home of Wiarton Willy, the Groundhog that predicts whether or not we get 6 more weeks of winter.

   

September 2
Rob and Rebecca took us on a journey around the area where Rob grew up.  I have to say that Ontario has some of the cutest little towns.  They are very well kept, small, but cozy looking.

Flesherton is the highest point in Southern Ontario, and this is what I saw, could hardly believe my eyes:

I don't know how they manage to be fresh, can't imagine being the person loading the machine

We also visited Markdale, the home of Chapmans Ice Cream.  Unfortunately, it was Sunday and most of the little towns are closed on Sunday and some also Monday.  Markdale is a Town you want to visit if you are looking at antiques.  There are a number of them, used to be more but some have closed down over the past few years.

Some other interesting sights: 
On the outside of some of the towns with a higher elevation they have these bee hive looking buildings, one contains salt and the other sand.  They look a lot better than the lean-to affair they have in our mountain passes.

we also came upon an 18th century school house, in beautiful condition.  The school yard is more run down than the building, it looks like they used to eat their lunches outside, judging by the picnic tables.

some of the playground still exists

Picnic tables and in the back the Outhouse or Privy as some would say

It is a really nice looking building, well kept, we were wondering if it had been reopened

 The Grist Mill in the following picture backs on to the property that once belonged to Rob's parents.

No longer in use, the Grist Mill is in a beautiful setting

Dalton, Rebecca and Rob on the bridge where the pictures of the Mill were taken.  The bridge could use a paint job.

August 27 - Leaving the Smiths
It was sad to pull away from the sunny retreat on East Lake where we found such enjoyment in doing nothing, some of us more than others, Dalton got a bit antsy, however, I truly enjoyed every second of every day.  It helped that it was a bit rainy, we were expecting a downpour but it was just a faint drizzle.

We stopped at Casino Rama along the way, what a huge place, we were there for about 1 1/2 hours and we managed to get a free lunch out of it.  Food was good and it was fun.  Gave us a bit of relaxation before getting in the car again.  We were about half way to our destination, Mildmay.

Didn't do too much for the next couple of days, Dalton built a gate on the back of the Hoegler property, hopefully it will prevent people from cutting through their yard.  Hard to believe people still do that.

August 30 - Stratford on Avon (yes it's true)
We took a drive to Stratford, the home of Justin Beber (for those who are interested) and for those who are not, the Canadian home of the Shakespeare Theater Productions.  There are several theaters there, they do have more than just Shakespeare, however, we wanted to see Henry V, it was at the Festival Theater, I think it is the most beautiful one in Stratford.  The walk along the water (it really is the Avon River) was beautiful, people on paddle boats, tour boats, and loads of picnickers feeding the swans and ducks.  The gardens are beautiful, the theater is laid out perfectly, no bad seats in the house.  Some are just better than others.  If you go at noon you can get rush tickets for that days performance at about 40% off, which we did.  We were the second in line and we got really good seats.  The performance was 3 hours long and we both really enjoyed it. 

After the performance we toured the downtown area and found a really nice restaurant for a leisurely dinner, food was great.  We left for home and just arrived after dusk, a beautiful day temperature was 27 degrees. 

Shakespeare in the Garden

The Festival Theater and some of the grounds

One of several flower gardens

Another view of the theater

There is a fanfare outside the door advising the show is about to start

Swans along the Avon River

The Courthouse at Stratford, I wouldn't have minded working there

City Hall in Stratford, I thought the architecture was beautiful

August 20 - Trailside Park - Perry Sound/Seguin
We took a walk around the park to fine the lake - lots of sites on he lake but couldn't find any access.  We met some kids and asked where they swam, they said "follow the road".  We followed, and followed, and followed but couldn't find the beach.  realized why everyone has ATVs.  It is much warmer today.  Never did find the lake.

Gas in Barrie, Ontario is $126.4 - a very pleasant surprise after passing some service stations.  We arrived in Mildmay at Rebecca's at about 4:00.  Rob was home and gave us a warm welcome, however, Rebecca had to work until 8:00.

August 21 - Mildmay - Population 1000, should be 1002 and will be 1003 in January.
We toured the Town on foot, quite small but very cute.  The buildings are all old and well maintained, lots of churches.  Rob's boat the "Green Bastard" now has duct tape across part of its name.  I will let you guess which part.

The Hoegler home was built in 1889 and is in very good shape.  It has been recently renovated and updated.  Rebecca took us on a tour of Hanover ad Walkerton.  they are really nice little towns, flower boxes on the bridges, well kept yards.  We went to the Gray Rose in Hanover for dinner to celebrate the 3rd Anniversary.  The place was really nice and the food was really good.

This is Sable, she is a really nice Australian Shepherd, very quiet, doesn't bark, likes to play, isn't she pretty!

cute little shed out back, could be a doll house

Rebecca and her dad on the back deck

I like the fire pit even though it is too warm to use, see the fish on the back fence, how appropriate

The happy home owners

Some of the flowers on the Walkerton bridge.  On every post, both sides there is the same arrangement, it is really lovely

These are the flower boxes on the Hanover bridge, couldn't get both sides, it is really attractive

August 22 - to Wilberforce
Rebecca left for Campbell River and we left for Algonquin Park.  Ontario has so much money they pave over good highways.  North of Barrie they had 1/2 paved and we drove on the unpaved portion - no bumps, no frost heaves, it was way better than some other ones we have been on and I am not talking about Manitoba and Saskatchewan either.

August 23 - 27
Terry Mowat-Smith and Gerry Smith live "out in the Back of Burke", really and truly, if Terry hadn't have come into Wilberforce to collect us we would still be driving around looking for their place.  They have a lovely home on East Lake, a small lake that doesn't allow anything with a motor on it.  It is beautiful as well as peaceful.  The lake is home to a couple of Loons, and no, I don't mean Terry ad Gerry, but some real, honest to goodness Loons.  There is a small family of Mergansers there as well, their family was larger earlier in the year but the Loons seem to like to keep their population down.  What a way to go to sleep though, listening to the Loons.  East Lake is in Harcourt Park, a privately owned park that doesn't show up on any maps.  It is a huge piece of property containing about 20 lakes.  Some you can water ski on and some you just have to paddle your way around. 

Gerry, Robi & Terry

Our first day there we had a glorious day, sitting on the dock, enjoying the sunshine.  Terry and I took a paddle boat all around the lake.  I could still walk when we were done.  I though that was quite an accomplishment.

Catching up on the news while drinking my morning coffee, what a life!!!

Terry and Gerry's home from the water side

Looking down at the dock from the patio

One side of the East Lake, isn't it peaceful!

We were supposed to be synchronize swimming but I didn't want to part with the noodle

The next day we took a drive into Algonquin Park, first we went to Barry's Bay which happens to be the home of the test pilot for the Avro Arrow, we read all about it and Dalton took pictures of the
model, couldn't get the real thing as it is said to be at the bottom of Lake Ontario after Diefenbaker had it dismantled and destroyed.

The Avro Arrow

We also went to the Visitor's Centre where we read all about the park and had a good look around, what an interesting place.  They have mock ups of beaver dams that you can see inside, they have tanks with different types of Trout..some of the wildlife, I found very interesting:

Aren't they cute!

Terry says the eyes look fake, I didn't care because they are the only Moose we have seen this trip

We also stopped at the Logging Museum, it was an outdoor display (1.3km).  The exhibits tell the story of Algonquin Park logging from the early square timber days in the 1830s right up to today's modern forest management.  Dalton, being in the business found it very interesting as did the rest of us...it was also a great day for a walk.

A Friend of Terry & Gerry, Rob (a very popular name it seems) invited us to his place for dinner, there was one catch, Dalton had to cook.  Rob lives on Allen Lake, it is about 200 yards down and across the road from the Smiths.  We had a very pleasant evening and a most beautiful sunset.

Rob goes to Texas every winter and he suggested we meet him down there, possibly at Christmas.  Sounds like a plan to me...

August 19 - Leaving Sault St. Marie
10 degrees and heavy fog, wearing long pants and a sweater - NOT happy.  Just realized we have been on the road, or at least we left home a month ago yesterday. 

Much happier now - noon and 21 degrees.  There was an accident on the highway, oncoming traffic is coming through about 4 cars at a time.  We, however, are sitting still.  We sat in the line up for about 1 1/2 hours before we finally got to the accident scene.  Don't know how it happened but a car in our lane was front end first into a rock face, there were no other cars in sight.  It had a buckled front end and all the seat belts had deployed.  There were First Responders there but nothing much was happening, looked like they were waiting for a tow truck.  When we past we check the odometer and the oncoming line-up was 4 miles long.  There was also a long line behind us. 

We are staying at Trailside Park, it is literally in the bush, surrounded by three lakes.  Very secluded so should be really quiet tonight.  It will take us about an hour to bet back on the highway, especially if we follow the GPS.  It seems to like to take us out of the way by several miles.  We keep going in circles.  The park is very large, provides electricity and water, however, you have to drive to the dump site.  This place is full of tenters.  Ontarians are a hearty lot.  We don't even want to sit out side because the black flies will carry us away.  We are giving BCers a bad name....

August 18 - Leaving Stillwater
Looking out at Lake Superior is like looking out at the ocean.  It is one huge lake.  I believe the leaves are changing already.  There are an awful lot of yellow leaves and even a few red ones.  I think we might be in for an early winter.

Marathon is where we were planning on spending the night last night but it was so windy and Dalton didn't feel like driving any further.  We stopped there today, I thought it would be a cute little town by the lake.  Not so.  It is a dying Pulp Mill Town, apparently the Mill closed about 3 years ago.  We did our part to support it, bought groceries and burgers.

We just passed the Town of White Water where the gas is $144.9...not stopping here!

Old Woman Bay on Lake Superior - we came around a corner and before us was the most beautiful sandy beach, you could have been in the Caribbean the water was aquamarine, probably would have froze the balls off a brass monkey, but it looked awesome.  We just turned 3000 miles (approx 4700 km).

We came upon three little lakes two on the north side of the highway and one on the south, very small lakes, the one on the south side was smaller than the other two...Dad, Mom and Baby Lakes, honest, would I lie. 

We arrived at Sault St. Marie, population 75,000 and the home of Roberta Bondar.  The gas is $133.5, we were tempted to cross the border but we didn't want to bother with the hassle so we paid the price and whined about it. 

We went to a Walmart Lot because we want to get an early start in the morning, took the car off only to find that the locking mechanism on the hitch pin was broken so we headed to Canadian Tire to get fixings to replace it.  That was a half hour job that we weren't expecting.  Off to a little pub for dinner and an early night.  

Sorry, no pictures today!!

August 16 - Leaving Winnipeg with fond memories
We drove about 15 km. south to a little town called Steinback.  It is a Mennonite Community with a very interesting Heritage Centre.  We took some time to look around but the best part was lunch.  They have a restaurant there, I am sure it is frequented by the locals as the food is really good.  On Thursdays, which is the day we were there, is all you can eat soup day for $5.99, you get a bowl of soup and whatever type of bread they have, they usually have more than one type.  When you are finished your soup you can go and try one of the other types.  Dalton had 3 bowls of soup, I only had room for one but wish I had room for more.  We also had a fabulous rhubarb crumble for dessert. 

We even spent some time in the Gift Shop, Dalton usually keeps me away from those places.  I bought some soap and some honey.  They had an old time General Store on the tour and we bought a beautiful wood carving.  I think we were both surprised about how much we enjoyed the place.

The General Store where we bought the carving and another little business, we forgot what it was

The print their own Newspaper and the Restaurant is on the far left, Great food

Blacksmith shop and Tinsmith shop was in behind it

A very large steam tractor

A beautiful Windmill, look how lovely the grounds are kept

One of the residences

Look how they painted the floor, this was the eating room separate from the living quarters of one of the larger homes

Streets are all so clean and the fences are all nicely painted, everything is so clean

The drive was really nice, we took the South route because we thought it was more picturesque, however, there are fewer RV Parks along that route.  You can tell the Country's capital is in Ontario, the roads are so much better than the rest of the country's roads.  The road from Regina to Winnipeg is really bad, I probably already mentioned this but it is worth repeating.  It is nearly washboard all the way, but once you get into Ontario, even the secondary roads are beautiful. 

We notice all the signs in and around Winnipeg are all bilingual, and I mean every one.  If there is a sign saying to slow down for school children, there is another sign right behind it in French.  I though that as we were getting closer to the Nations Capital that we would find more French.  Wrong.  Once we hit the Ontario border, back to English. 

One thing I really noticed was how nice all the yards are kept.  They mow all the way to the highway.  I know there are some areas of BC that looks like an auto wreckers, but you don't find that here.  There are lots of flowers and massive lawns.  Everyone must have a riding mower.  It is very impressive.  There are also lots of very large solar panels along the road.  There might be a dozen in one place, further down the road there may be three, but the three will be much larger than the dozen.  It was a bit of a different sight.

We stopped for gas in Kenora - $129.9 - it is a beautiful little town, 15,000 people.  It is on Lake of the Woods, a huge lake.  We followed it for hours.  Everyone seems to have a cabin and a boat.  Everyone here must fish.  The Town was full of Marinas and fishing shops. 

We were planning on staying at Fort Francis, however, I don't think I am allowed to mention it in the blog.  Dalton was so mad, he said we weren't even going to take any pictures of the place.  We stopped at a Walmart, we hoped to spend the night but a city bylaw prohibits overnight parking in the lot.  There were no other places to park, lots of tenting sites but nothing for us, or even anyone close to the size of us.  Dalton was so tired, the wind had been blowing all the way form Steinbeck so it was tough driving.  We were going to get some groceries, have a bite to eat and go to bed, but we had to move on.   We had to drive another 115 km.  We stayed in a little park in Atikokan for $25.00 for the night. 

There was a Bass Fishing Derby happening there and the park was filled with fishermen.  After the Derby they could go for a beer at the "Cat Sass Tavern" in Richter.  Dalton says that is what he wants to call his next boat, if he ever gets one.

August 17 - Thunder Bay
Nothing exciting happened today.  We drove all day in the wind, nearly as bad as the day we took the RV out for a test drive.  The gas at Thunder Bay was $132.9...getting worse.  We are staying at a little park called Stillwater Park.  We were just stopped on the Highway while some paving was happening.  The bridge had been ripped apart and they were fixing a new section of highway.  I brought out a deck of cards so the time passed fairly quickly for me.  I am sure the people in the vehicles were not quite so comfortable.  When we finally got moving, the oncoming line up was about 3km. We pulled off the highway about 5 minutes after that.  Soooo glad we did.