H A P P Y C A N A D A D A Y from Ottawa!

So, the lovely thing about having no schedule and no particular itinerary is that you can be lost and not even know it.

Today, I set Miss Hathaway up to take me somewhere close to Ottawa but to avoid all major highways.

It was a beautiful clear blue day to meander through the kelly green farmlands north of Toronto and then to re-experience the Canadian Shield around the Kawartha Lakes before slipping down into the wooded Ottawa Valley. The roads she took me on were in pretty reasonable shape but bereft of large transport trucks and anyone who was in much of a hurry.


Now, there are some pros and cons about traveling this way. The pros, as I mentioned, are light traffic; the sighting of many more animals (now I know where all the deer crossing signs should be); an absence of radar and radar-toting OPP's; no traffic lights in the middle of nowhere; the chance to drive through (not around) some very picturesque towns; and the chance to be able to look around and really enjoy the scenery.

The cons, on the other hand include a lack of service stations (it's OK I filled up yesterday); the lack of Tim's coffee; passing lanes; well spaced direction, highway and speed limit signs.

On the whole, I enjoyed the pros much more.


None the less, I spent most of the day, not knowing exactly where I was – but I did see a beaver beside the road, so I figured I must still be in Canada.


Tomorrow, I'm off to Ottawa – since there is no more fitting place to spend Canada Day – in my estimate.


Every store here sells fireworks so I imagine July first will be a real delight for my cats. Last night we had a big thunder storm and this morning they were still in their hidy holes. They have settled in to traveling now and while Nosey hides under the bed behind my suitcase, Digit climbs up into the bed under the covers and travels there. Once I stop and the air conditioner comes on, it seems to be their cue that they can come out for the evening.


I had the most delightful week with my best friend Ann last week as we toured the Muskokas and Algonquin Park areas. One of the great inequities in life is that she and I live in opposite parts of the country but I treasure her friendship and my cats are wondering where the cat-nip lady went. Clark, Anns husband is a pretty handy guy and was able to fix or answer many questions about running the motor home and that was so much appreciated. Love you guys!
I'm just 40 minutes outside Ottawa tonight, but have no wifi here so in case it is a few days until I get connected again.


Happy Canada Day everyone!

Just a Day at the Beach!

Well, I found out what you are supposed to pray for at the Canadian Martyrs Shrine at Midland. A sign right in the middle of the courtyard in front of the Church asks ”What would you do for a Klondike Bar?” Who knew?

Went to Wasaga Beach and dipped our toes in a very cold Georgian Bay but enjoyed some time on the big sandy beach. The place is an absolute zoo – I can't imagine what it would like in July. We also drove over to Collingwood to shop and are now back at Wasaga Pines Campground for the night.

I guarantee you have never tasted a steak as beautiful as the ones we barbequed tonight, served with baby purple potatoes and fresh, fresh asparagus. I'd show you a picture of them, but we ate them to the last crumb.

The countryside in this area is very pastoral with lovely red brick farmhouses decorated with very Victorian gingerbread, broad wrap around porches and surrounded by split rail fences. This is also the area where there seems to be a garden centre on almost every corner, so all the yards are bright with fresh summer flowers.

I have never seen so many Muskoka chairs in my life. Every trading post, general store, garden centre, drug store and grocery has them. They are painted all the colours of the crayon box and I would love to pick one up – however, I would have to move half my stuff out of the motorhome if I did.

Tomorrow, we are back at Ann's and I will hate to say goodbye to her. I'm anxious to get on my way but we have had so much fun this last week!!!!! The good thing is, I'll see her on the flip side so at least it's not goodbye for long.

The new voice on my GPS, which is finally set the way I want it, is a very proper, slow speaking American woman we have christened Miss Hathaway, after the bank secretary in the Beverly Hillbillies.

Quilty as Charged!

Yesterday we spent some time in a quilt shop in Dwight, just outside Algonquin Park. I couldn't resist the "Nova Scotia" themed one with the lighthouse, sailboats and seagulls - so I bought it! It makes the motorhome more cozy.

Maddie had suggested a place for breakfast this morning and did we ever have a good one. You were right, Maddie - the eggs were great!

Today, we are sitting on the shores of Lake Couchaching - right at the Marina. Again we have a pool to enjoy and a view that is amazing.Bill, all the fire hydrants here have 6 foot signs beside them with a picture of a hydrant on them. I guess we're now in the country of the big snow - not far from Collingwood.For all the deer and moose crossing signs we've seen, I feel like accusing the Ontario gov't of false advertising - narry a one in sight.

I think Midland will be our destination tomorrow and then back to Ann's on Sunday, so I can be heading east Monday morning. It has been a blast having here along - she's the only one I know who can make me laugh just with a look.

Have a great weekend.

Oh Really A! (Orillia)

The humidex today is 36 degrees so we decided to take a day off driving and get caught up on the laundry and such. There is a beautiful pool here and a mini-putt to we're just puttering around that.

Tomorrow we'll be heading back down through Bracebridge and Gravenhurst and on to Orillia and the beach country - Tomorrow is Christmas Day in June there and there is a parade of Christmassy decorated boats and rafts.

This morning we had a scrabble death match and went to the Cookhouse for breakfast. The Cookhouse is a very rustic (take that for whatever you think it means) but the food is really good --- and that's about our major excitement for the day.

Oh Moosey! Moosey! Moosey!

So today we went hunting for moose in Algonquin Park. There were "Moose Crossing" signs every few miles - but with the temperature hovering around 32 degrees C, all we saw/felt were blackflies, mosquitoes and a hundred gazillion daisies in the ditch. We did, however see some of the most incredible scenery and you can see by the photo.

We visited an amazing store called Algonquin Outfitters where I bought myself a moose in a canoe, so the day wasn't entirely mooseless.

This is the very best campground I've found so far - really neat and lovely owners (who are planning to relocate to Saskatoon soon). There is a pools and with the temperature hovering (oh, yeah, I've already said that) - I'm off for a swim in a few minutes. Then later tonight we're off to the Cookhouse bar for Open Mic night - should be a hoot.

Nellie and Elliott

I'd like anyone to figure out what this road sign means. Actually, it's right before the Buckwallow Cycle Training Camp at Gravenhurst. Thought it was kind of fitting given my apparent fascination with road signs.

We had a glorious couple of days at Muskoka. The weather is incredible and the scenery beyond any words I could conjure up. Yesterday we went on a two hour boat cruise on Lake Muskoka in the larger of the two ships in the picture. It was build in the 1890s to deliver people and stuff to their cottages and was really wonderful.

The trip up here was pretty funny. We have christened the GPS "Elliot" he was bound and determined we were going to travel the 400 highway while, we, on the other hand wanted to take Highway 11. As we headed off in our own direction, he kept telling us to make a U turn. Then he started saying it twice in a row. I swear he was more than a little snippy with us a few times. Nellie is the motorhome.

Gravenhurst is a wonderful summer town with lots to do and see. The Norman Bethune House is there and also the Gravenhurst Sanitarium - which is where my grandparents met. The beautiful old building has been replaced but the top of the bell tower still sits on the rocks by the lake. Below is an old photo of the original San. and on the right is the top of the tower. We also saw the Musoka Lakes fire training centre which is in the most gorgeous spot.

Today we are just on the edge of Algonquin Park and tomorrow we'll go and do some exploring around there.

I am so enjoying having Ann along with me for a while. Considering the fact that we only see each other every five years or so, we just seem to pick up our conversation where we last left off and go on from there. We are noticing, however, that our converations are a little different than they were 15 years ago. It's "Do you remember.......oh, what's his name....you know....he worked at that place.....you know"

Last night we had a great barbeque at the campground - fresh asparagus, purple potatoes and steaks. To die for...

Anyway, we now have ALL the systems on the motorhome figured out and we can set up/tear down in a couple of minutes.

The cats have found their favorite place to travel and everything is hunky dory! Hope everyone is having a great week!

Reorganized and Ready to Go.

I arrived at Ann's yesterday about noon and spent the afternoon at Upper Canada Mall, getting my glasses situation straightened out. It's great to be able to see again.

Today we spent time at the Dragon Boat Races in Port Perry, which is a beautiful, quaint town about an hour from here and then Ann (bless her little heart) gave me a hand reorganizing the Motorhome. That woman has more containers than Canadian Tire, so all my stuff is neatly stashed and ready to go.

Tomorrow, we're heading off to Muskoka for some R & R - which I think has a lot to do with shopping and sightseeing.

Thelma and Lousie Eat Your Hearts Out!

My favorite road sign today was this one:

Today, I saw a cute little black bear sitting in a berry (or is that beary) patch right beside the highway. He looked like he was enjoying himself immensely. I swear he was rubbing his belly and grinning as I passed by.

This evening, I'm in Parry Sound, home of Don Cherry and Charlie Farquarson. The campground reminds me a lot of Bragg Creek and I intend to spend the afternoon on the beach. No wifi here either, so this will have to go tomorrow.

Tomorrow I will reach my first major destination – Ann's house. Hopefully, she'll allow me to use her laundry and give the kittys a chance to stretch their legs. I need a major trip to Walmart to pick up all those things I either forgot or remembered but don't work very well. Then Ann and I are taking off for a road trip. Thelma and Louise ride again!!!

When I think of making this trip in a camper van, I had no idea what I was thinking. I love my big bed, my own kitchen and my shower.

Last night I broke the arm on my glasses and thanks to the Emergency Kit Bill gave me for mother's day, I had some duck tape – now I look just like Red Green – minus the beard.

From Chip Truck to Chip Truck

So, today I passed the turn off to the Yellow Brick Road. I almost turned off, but wizards make me just a little scatterbrained. I also passed an area where there was a lake on either side of the highway. On the right was Baby Lake and on the left, Mom Lake. Then a few miles along I came to Orphan Lake. I'm sure there's a story there. It got me to wondering about the guys years ago who had the fun of naming all these little bodies of water. What did they do when they ran out of animals, then coloured animals, then their family names, then all the cities in the world? I think that's how I found the Yellow Brick Road.

It was a really lovely drive today. Great roads and with the exception of a few big trucks and the odd pack of motorcycles, I had them all to myself. The scenery is so extraordinary. Rock, Lake, Moose Crossing Sign, Rock, Rock, Lake, Moose Crossing Sign etc. Beautiful – and I can't believe all those beautiful shorelines with absolutely no cottages on them.

I'm just north of Sault Ste. Marie and am camped, as you can see, right on the beach. Megan, I found some really great stones on the sand. I'm facing west and looking forward to a spectacular sunset.

Today, I became reacquainted with Black Flies. I have a distinct memory of my Mom sitting on the beach at Muskoka and there was blood dripping down her forehead from where a black fly had taken a chomp.

There is no wifi here, although I'm surprised at how many places have it – so I'll have to post this tomorrow.

June 16th

Tonight, I'm right at the tip of Manitoulin Island on Georgian Bay. I have finally left behind the great shores of Lake Superior. Once again I'm camped on some beach (I've always wanted to say that) and am enjoying a fabulous view. I know I'm in Ontario for sure now because today I saw my first Chip Truck, my first split rail fence and my first poison ivy (close call).

What I missed today were the thousands of inukchuks(no idea on the spelling there) people built along the highways through the Canadian Shield from all the rocks that fall beside the road.. They decorate them with flags, touques, scarves and all other sorts of adornment and some of them are pretty funny.

There the coolest picnic tables here, made out of logs. Very simple and probably pretty heavy to move around when the lawn needs mowing.

Digit has discovered that if she climbs up under the duvet on the bed she becomes invisible and I can put her in her crate for travelling (at least that's what she thinks) She always looks so surprised when I lift back the covers.

Has anyone seen Gordon Lightfoot?

Today I went to see the Edmund Fitzgerald Memorial Museum. I just love these little local museums. The lady there knew so much, you would think she's been on board.

Today, I'm grateful for Deep Woods Off, Judy's afghan, the fact that Ann finally figured out how to follow my blog, my cats have finally settled into the routine of the motorhome, that I've figured out the whole grey water, black water business - thanks to a lovely lady here at the campground, that the weather has improved considerable today and that I've met some really great people. The people who own the campground took me on a sight seeing excursion last night - and that was after a 12 hour workday. Super nice!

Campgrounds always seem to have flags - Ontario, Canada and US flying at their gates. Does that make them more patriotic than other businesses?

Has anyone seen Colonel Klink?

All along the highway, there have been adopt a highway signs. Well I'm here to tell you that some adoptive parents are a lot better than others. Also, if you adopt a highway, do you get to choose it's amenities? Some stretches have nice crisp lines and wide shoulders while others really need some sprucing up.

Am at Ney's Provincial Park today and just toured a WWII prisoner of war camp. Boy, if anyone tried the Great Escape here, they'd better be prepared for a looooong walk.

This part of the trip was the one I was dreading most, since it is pretty long and not very populated but instead I feel like I'm moving from one Group of Seven painting to another. No wonder they were so inspired by this area. It is sensationally unspoiled and lovely.

Tomorrow I am going to the Edmund Fitzgerald lookout.

Getting close to civilization again.

Oh, Canada!!!

Met some people from Wyoming at "Happy Land" yesterday and so we went and watched the RCMP Musical Ride perform just outside Thunder Bay. The Americans were blown away and I realized how lucky we are.

Heard a helicopter coming in over the camp site last night, but oh no - it was a northern Ontario mosquito. They are the size of small sparrows (Well, maybe I exagerate a bit).

Today I travelled the Terry Fox Highway of Courage and stopped at the Memorial. Another proud Canadian moment. Much of my trip today was along side Lake Superior. It was incredibly beautiful. I had no idea there were so many minnow and bait shops.

The Canadian Tire store in Nipigon is the size of a small Mac's store but very well equipped. When I get home, I'"m going to write a book about preparing for a motorhome trip. Can anyone tell me which is the black water valve and which one is the grey water one?

Off to the Sault tomorrow and am planning to find a big sandy beach and camp out there for a while. There are some really nice looking provincial parks in the area.

Are Moose More Dangerous at Night?

Saw my first "Moose Crossing" sign today and under the moose was a smaller sign that said "Night Danger". Does that mean that if you hit a moose during the day it doesn't hurt as much?

Tonight, I'm at Kakabeka Falls Provincial Park. (just a little west of Thunder Bay) It is a really beautiful place and I think I will stay for a couple of days to give the cats a change to mellow out a bit. You know those guys who travelled across Canada from Tim Hortons to Tim Hortons (at least in the commercial they did). Well I'm here to tell you that old Timmy is few and far between in this neck if the woods. (It's very piney here). Also, if you are travelling from Kenora to Thunder Bay anytime and you see a gas station - stop and top up - it's miles and miles between fill ups.

Long drive today, but I am now in yet another time zone and I caught a glimpse of Lake Superior just before I stopped for the night.

Not a Mosquito in Sight

I can't believe I got all the way through Manitoba and saw narry a mosquito. Just goes to show you how cold it was there!

This morning I was looking for a place to grab some breakfast and saw a place called Barney's Bait and Breakfast. I gave it a miss.

Tonight, I'm in the Lake of the Woods area, east of Kenora. New province but still the same time zone as yesterday.

I am amazed how quickly you go from prairie around Winnipeg to the Canadian Shield. Incredible rock outcroppings on each side of the road, covered in red and green moss and lichens. Speaking of green, I kept seeing these shale slides beside the road that were the same green as aged copper. "Lots of copper in those rocks" I said to myself (I've taken to talking to myself, by the way). Then it dawned on me that the green stuff was some type of weed killer sprayed along the way.

Did you ever notice all the plastic and cardboard packaging that come with your energy efficient light bulbs?

If you ever run out of things to read, visit your local tourist information location. Moooooore than you ever wanted to know - and more again.

Goodbye little Stetson.

June 7

Well – milestone 1 is complete. I have entered a new province and a new time zone today and am nestled in a pretty little campground just east of Portage La Prairie.

Manitoba is a pretty sneaky place. Just as you leave the Saskatchewan sign that says Thanks for Driving Safely, the highway broadens out with lovely painted lines and wide, wide shoulders.
Then you reach Russell (about 15k), the shoulder disappears and the quality of the pavement deteriorates considerably.

Grace, I stopped in Langenburg – such a pretty place.

The photo I've attached in the Happy Rock in Gladstone. Happy Rock, my eye! The little sign on the front of it says “Don't climb on the Rock”. Not very friendly, I'd say.

Gas in Manitoba is around the dollar mark, so that makes me happy. Let's hope it gets less as I go east.

I was treated by an aerobatics show just as I was coming in to Portage – 3 little red Tudors chasing each other in loop after loop. Cool!!

Today it's raining and Judy, the afghan has been a godsend! Thanks.

Off to Falcon Beach tomorrow.

I started out for Nova Scotia and ended up in Kandahar

So, I'm finally on the road. This blog will have to go by the name: I started out for Nova Scotia and ended up in Kandahar. Who knew Saskatchewan had a town by that name?
My cats who used to be called Digit and Nosey, and now have much more colourful names did not ENJOY their first day on the road. One howled from her crate and the other one from the bathroom and there was only so much volume in the old stereo. They are out of their confinement and getting to know the motorhome right now and seem a lot happier. Hopefully they'll adapt quickly. And speaking of road kill – there can't be a living porcupine between Saskatoon and Yorkton.
I had heard of the disappearing grain elevators of Saskatchewan, but today I was a witness. You used to be able to see the next town's elevator soon after you left the last place. I think I saw only about 3 all day.
There's a little town called Islinger that has the cutest little Ukranian Church. It looks like it could be one of those nesting toys where you open it and find an even smaller one inside.
Two quick observations:
Saskatchewan improves their highways from the big cities outward.
What I had expected to be wide open flat prairie between Saskatoon and Yorkton was actually a beautiful, green, rolling countryside with amazing stretches of wetland and an abundance of bird life.
Tomorrow is the 65th anniversary of D-Day and I can't help but think of my Dad. He was one of 13,000 Canadian Airmen, Sailors and Soldiers who landed on Juno Beach. Tomorrow I am heading off to Brandon to visit the British Commonwealth Air Training Museum. Hopefully they will be having some kind of commemoration to celebrate the day.