tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-62380825933634979152024-03-05T05:48:12.175-04:00The Accidental RVersArchie and Anne's adventures while traveling around Canada and the United States in a motorhome.Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16967250836952301795noreply@blogger.comBlogger163125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6238082593363497915.post-9049726201456133892014-10-15T13:00:00.000-03:002014-10-15T13:00:07.259-03:00The Maritime Museum of the AtlanticThe Maritime Museum of the Atlantic is one of the favourite stops for people on Arch's bus tour. And, believe it or not, we have never been there - the shoemakers children and all that, I guess. So one rainy afternoon a couple of weeks ago we decided to see what it was all about.<br />
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What an amazing place. Full of so many stories about Halifax and how our city has been impacted by its location on the North Atlantic Ocean. It would take many blog posts to tell you all of them so I will do three - one about the museum in general, one about the Halifax Explosion and one about Halifax's participation in the war of 1812.<br />
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So for this post let me give you a brief over view of the museum. It is located in the centre of the 2 to 3 km long boardwalk that runs along Halifax's waterfront:<br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ORuf9jUJe4M/VD1sQ9umrjI/AAAAAAAAGqY/J9n2sK9ZcdU/s1600/Halifax%2Bwaterfront.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ORuf9jUJe4M/VD1sQ9umrjI/AAAAAAAAGqY/J9n2sK9ZcdU/s1600/Halifax%2Bwaterfront.jpg" height="223" width="400" /></a></div>
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When you enter you are greeted by Merlin, the talking parrot;<br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-OMzhq3HM1Ww/VD1sllQdhDI/AAAAAAAAGqg/81DQN93w1sU/s1600/Merlin.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-OMzhq3HM1Ww/VD1sllQdhDI/AAAAAAAAGqg/81DQN93w1sU/s1600/Merlin.jpg" height="400" width="236" /></a></div>
Merlin is so famous he even has his own camera on <a href="http://www.novascotiawebcams.com/en/webcams/merlin-the-talking-parrot/" target="_blank">Nova Scotia Webcams</a><br />
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Theodore Tugboat is a Canadian children's television series about a <span style="color: black;">tugboat</span> named Theodore who lives in the Big Harbour with all of his friends. The show, which is no longer made, originated (and was set) in Halifax. It was filmed on a model set using radio controlled tugboats, ships, and machinery. At one time it was shown in 80 countries around the world. If you had small children during its hay day you may remember Big Harbour "the friendliest harbour in the world". It is now on display at the museum.<br />
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Most of the Museum focuses on the many wars that impacted Halifax and the people of Nova Scotia. Halifax Harbour is the second largest ice free harbour in the world (Sydney Australia's being the largest) and as such was a valuable resource to various navies in many armed conflicts.<br />
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The British founded Halifax in 1749 to counter the French fortified naval base at <a href="http://www.pc.gc.ca/eng/lhn-nhs/ns/louisbourg/index.aspx" target="_blank">Louisburg </a>and for 200 years Halifax's history has been shaped by the fact that we have contended with almost continual warfare. First as the British and the French fought to control North America, then through two world wars and on going conflicts around the world. Including the current conflict in the Middle East.<br />
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A small part of the museum is devouted to the sinking of the Titanic;<br />
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Of greater interest to most visitors to Halifax is the cemetery where the <a href="http://www.bing.com/images/search?q=Halifax+Titanic+Cemetery&qpvt=Halifax+Titanic+Cemetery&FORM=IGRE" target="_blank">Titanic victims are buried</a>.<br />
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There are many models of ships, a complete area telling about the Age of Sail, a naval ship at the dock that you can tour and much, much more. If you are interested in naval history plan to spend at least a day, and maybe two, here. It is a lot to take in.<br />
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Next blog post will be about the war of 1812 and the role Halifax played in it.<br />
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13.33px; line-height: 20px;">To enlarge the pictures simply left click on them</span><br /><span style="background-color: #fafafa; color: #333333; font-family: "Helvetica Neue Light", HelveticaNeue-Light, "Helvetica Neue", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13.63px; line-height: 17.27px; text-align: justify;">You can follow more of our adventures on our </span><a href="https://www.facebook.com/TheAccidentalRVers" style="-webkit-transition: color 0.3s; background-color: #fafafa; color: #009eb8; display: inline; font-family: "Helvetica Neue Light", HelveticaNeue-Light, "Helvetica Neue", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13.63px; line-height: 17.27px; text-align: justify; text-decoration: none; transition: color 0.3s;" target="_blank">facebook page</a><br /><span style="background-color: #fafafa; color: #333333; font-family: "Helvetica Neue Light", HelveticaNeue-Light, "Helvetica Neue", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13.63px; line-height: 17.27px; text-align: justify;">To contact me click</span><a href="mailto:annechisholm77@gmail.com" style="-webkit-transition: color 0.3s; background-color: #fafafa; color: #009eb8; display: inline; font-family: "Helvetica Neue Light", HelveticaNeue-Light, "Helvetica Neue", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13.63px; line-height: 17.27px; text-align: justify; text-decoration: none; transition: color 0.3s;" target="_blank"> here</a><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13.33px; line-height: 20px;"> </span><br /><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13.33px; line-height: 20px;">We enjoy and appreciate your comments. To comment simply click on the comments link below.</span> Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16967250836952301795noreply@blogger.com2Maritime Museum of the Atlantic, 1675 Lower Water Street, Halifax, NS B3J 1S3, Canada44.6476401 -63.57116921.557700599999997 -104.879763 67.7375796 -22.262575tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6238082593363497915.post-86149029863838111052014-10-14T14:05:00.000-03:002014-10-14T14:05:30.435-03:00A Nova Scotia SummerIt was quite a trip we took this past year. We saw so many interesting things. Met many wonderful people and made lots of new friends. And had a fantastic time.<br />
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And we saw so many beautiful places: The Great Smokey Mountains, the amazing beaches on the Gulf of Mexico Coast, the spectacular and endlessly beautiful deserts of Texas, New Mexico, Arizona and Southern California, the Big Sur Coast, the Oregon Coast, the Rocky Mountains, The spectacular and endless Prairies, the rugged beauty of the Canadian Shield. But the fairest of them all is our home province of Nova Scotia. It seems to have a little bit of everything we saw (except the desert) compacted into a small, user-friendly space.<br />
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In this post I am going to give you a general over-view of our Nova Scotia summer and in subsequent ones I will tell you about specific things we did that you may enjoy when you visit.<br />
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We entered Nova Scotia on a spectacular summer day and drove through the Cobiquid Pass to Truro to spend a night visiting Arch's family in Truro:<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-bamBqvCrfn0/VD1B5W6W_sI/AAAAAAAAGnA/-mGUSpR5wiE/s1600/Cobiquid%2BPass.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-bamBqvCrfn0/VD1B5W6W_sI/AAAAAAAAGnA/-mGUSpR5wiE/s1600/Cobiquid%2BPass.jpg" height="231" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Cobiquid Pass </td></tr>
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before heading south the Atlantic coast:<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-wnQt3MUTpU8/VD1ComJBHuI/AAAAAAAAGnI/38yF2GeTWXU/s1600/Peggys%2Bcove.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-wnQt3MUTpU8/VD1ComJBHuI/AAAAAAAAGnI/38yF2GeTWXU/s1600/Peggys%2Bcove.jpg" height="177" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Peggy's cove in the distance</td></tr>
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And <a href="http://waysidecampground.com/">The Wayside RV Park</a>:<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-jI51JPkZrTQ/VD1C9e84wCI/AAAAAAAAGnQ/yDhijZKipQM/s1600/View%2Bof%2BWayside%2Bfrom%2Bthe%2Bdock.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-jI51JPkZrTQ/VD1C9e84wCI/AAAAAAAAGnQ/yDhijZKipQM/s1600/View%2Bof%2BWayside%2Bfrom%2Bthe%2Bdock.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">That is us, second from your left</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPztCZRX6xtW2ctzBBokujaMzkHsFTWi2hl_cIeFWVuaXSC7aeZ3Cxw6sYxRHe1aGxUcZWVJPjMS2wJzHOhsMOI2VDKyY-L7qVeOW-yGOvqo5OcbyO3LL0G6aJ0Wo3kD6M4vhcNNdJur0/s1600/The+view+from+our+window+at+the+Wayside.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPztCZRX6xtW2ctzBBokujaMzkHsFTWi2hl_cIeFWVuaXSC7aeZ3Cxw6sYxRHe1aGxUcZWVJPjMS2wJzHOhsMOI2VDKyY-L7qVeOW-yGOvqo5OcbyO3LL0G6aJ0Wo3kD6M4vhcNNdJur0/s1600/The+view+from+our+window+at+the+Wayside.jpg" height="245" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The view from our window: sunset from the Wayside</td></tr>
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The Wayside was (and still is) our home base off and on all summer. This bay is across Peggy's Cove Rd from the campground and we were able to enjoy this view for most of the summer.<br />
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When we were not here we spent one month at<a href="http://www.novascotiaparks.ca/parks/graves.asp" target="_blank"> Graves Island Provincial Park</a> - two weeks as paying guests and two weeks as campground hosts - a job we really enjoyed. We recommended this campground to many people and all of who came loved it. It is hard to get into on weekends and there are limited hook-up sites that book up fast. Nova Scotia Provincial Parks open booking for their campgrounds April 1st of each year. If you are coming to NS and want to stay here I suggest you book as early as possible. We booked our two week site for mid July in early May.<br />
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The park is a small island near Chester, NS and you cross a causeway to get to it:<br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-STIjobmGmIM/VD1GCfTqtxI/AAAAAAAAGnk/pEUNUM2N1qA/s1600/Entrance%2Bto%2BGraves%2BIsland.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-STIjobmGmIM/VD1GCfTqtxI/AAAAAAAAGnk/pEUNUM2N1qA/s1600/Entrance%2Bto%2BGraves%2BIsland.jpg" height="235" width="400" /></a></div>
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All the hook-up sites and most of the other sites have views of the ocean:<br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-iMFJ-smanxk/VD1GXGMDO6I/AAAAAAAAGns/E9z-0q7EcXk/s1600/Quiet%2BMorning%2Bboat%2Btrip.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-iMFJ-smanxk/VD1GXGMDO6I/AAAAAAAAGns/E9z-0q7EcXk/s1600/Quiet%2BMorning%2Bboat%2Btrip.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-e2vN0g9uL4w/VD1Giy13-_I/AAAAAAAAGn0/vYNq6i36JHc/s1600/Chester%2BRace%2Bweek.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-e2vN0g9uL4w/VD1Giy13-_I/AAAAAAAAGn0/vYNq6i36JHc/s1600/Chester%2BRace%2Bweek.jpg" height="172" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The boats participating in Chester race week. This is a very distant shot.<br />
I asked permission to go on someone else's camp site to take this photo.</td></tr>
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The park has a boat launch (great for canoes and kayaks), a small pebble beach (bring beach shoes) and a walking/cycling trail circles the Island. It is also close to the Halifax to Lunenburg trail as well. Lunenburg, Mahone Bay, the Annapolis Valley and Halifax are all within driving distance.<br />
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We also spent 6 weeks house sitting for friends who live in our old neighbourhood. This gave us a great chance to have the Adventure Bus serviced, to clean it out and repack, etc. It also reminded us of why we sold our big house - so much work, so little time! The things we really miss from our days in a sticks and bricks house are our great neighbours and the view. This stay gave us an opportunity to enjoy both.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-PXTjl2wYE-g/VD1Iu5_R3bI/AAAAAAAAGoA/c8BPcrLOIBQ/s1600/View%2Bfrom%2BToni%2BAve.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-PXTjl2wYE-g/VD1Iu5_R3bI/AAAAAAAAGoA/c8BPcrLOIBQ/s1600/View%2Bfrom%2BToni%2BAve.jpg" height="223" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The view from the deck of the home we house-sat</td></tr>
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Unfortunately my computer gave up the ghost a couple of weeks ago and I lost many photos from our stay here so no pictures of the neighbours. We are having dinner with some of them next week and will post them then.<br />
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And most important of all has been time with our family:<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-CwONCLIwIfw/VD1Je44MXlI/AAAAAAAAGoI/E4xj03dpYi8/s1600/Family%2BPhoto.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-CwONCLIwIfw/VD1Je44MXlI/AAAAAAAAGoI/E4xj03dpYi8/s1600/Family%2BPhoto.jpg" height="256" width="400" /></a>a</td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A small part of the clan.</td></tr>
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I am not going to bore you with a lot of family photos but have to show you this one. It says so much about Nova Scotia:<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-AMpUGuBjXT8/VD1J7CqVeHI/AAAAAAAAGoQ/Yrgj-zqSrhc/s1600/Jonah%2Band%2BOliver%2Bwith%2Blobster.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-AMpUGuBjXT8/VD1J7CqVeHI/AAAAAAAAGoQ/Yrgj-zqSrhc/s1600/Jonah%2Band%2BOliver%2Bwith%2Blobster.jpg" height="301" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Jonah, Oliver and a lobster. Two boys fishing, Nova Scotia style</td></tr>
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These are two of our great nephews. My sister's grandchildren. There is a neighbourhood wharf and beach in front of her home. Jonah and Oliver spend a lot of time scuba diving and looking for treasure there and caught this lobster one day. They brought it up to the house for a photo-op then returned it to its home on the bottom of the ocean. Lobster season does not start in this area until the end of November and anyway, they do not have a licence to harvest lobster.<br />
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Any of you who know Arch know he is much for sitting around and he was worried about what he was going to do all summer. And then, through the magic of Facebook we learned that<a href="http://www.ambassatours.com/" target="_blank"> Ambassatours</a> - a Halifax based company who runs tours for visitors - was looking for tour bus drivers. He applied, got the job, underwent training to upgrade his licence and learn to drive the double decker antique tour buses:<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-TTO2UuR8mEY/VD1NpTzZWyI/AAAAAAAAGoc/p8KWGV7e2HY/s1600/Arch%2Bin%2Bdouble%2Bdecker.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-TTO2UuR8mEY/VD1NpTzZWyI/AAAAAAAAGoc/p8KWGV7e2HY/s1600/Arch%2Bin%2Bdouble%2Bdecker.jpg" height="310" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This bus is a training bus. He actually drives a pink bus</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-mxsin9ZftAs/VD1OQaT3qeI/AAAAAAAAGok/rW7zYxA5g8U/s1600/Double%2Bdecker%2Bbus.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-mxsin9ZftAs/VD1OQaT3qeI/AAAAAAAAGok/rW7zYxA5g8U/s1600/Double%2Bdecker%2Bbus.jpg" height="177" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">You will notice that they are right hand drive - quite a challenge at first.</td></tr>
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So he spent the last two months driving cruise ship visitors around Halifax on a pink hop on hop off tour bus. And having a grand time.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-f7qdbR-xyOE/VD1PJDw25MI/AAAAAAAAGow/ZB2vlwHq6XM/s1600/Hollis%2BStreet.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-f7qdbR-xyOE/VD1PJDw25MI/AAAAAAAAGow/ZB2vlwHq6XM/s1600/Hollis%2BStreet.jpg" height="290" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Halifax is an old (for North America) city and the downtown streets are narrow and crowded<br />
and challenging to drive these big buses through.</td></tr>
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He often works very long days as the cruise ships arrive at dawn:<br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-3gcx9BuadhQ/VD1PyvXMrcI/AAAAAAAAGo4/yFme3cAhejs/s1600/Cruise%2Bship%2Bat%2Bdawn%2B1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-3gcx9BuadhQ/VD1PyvXMrcI/AAAAAAAAGo4/yFme3cAhejs/s1600/Cruise%2Bship%2Bat%2Bdawn%2B1.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
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And leave at sunset:<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-UPpKIuxxY8w/VD1P9gYqyCI/AAAAAAAAGpA/jXJ2P2jC9I0/s1600/cruise%2Bship.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-UPpKIuxxY8w/VD1P9gYqyCI/AAAAAAAAGpA/jXJ2P2jC9I0/s1600/cruise%2Bship.jpg" height="250" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Photo from <a href="http://www.novascotiawebcams.com/en/webcams/pier-21/" target="_blank">Nova Scotia Web Cameras</a></td></tr>
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Giving the passengers lots of time to tour Halifax attarctions, or go to Peggy's Cove or Lunenburg, or visit the wineries in the Annapolis Valley, etc<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-wgCTiOqRbTk/VD1Q12SRq3I/AAAAAAAAGpM/OXddZVHYtq4/s1600/Cruise%2Bship%2Bat%2Bdock.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-wgCTiOqRbTk/VD1Q12SRq3I/AAAAAAAAGpM/OXddZVHYtq4/s1600/Cruise%2Bship%2Bat%2Bdock.jpg" height="250" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Buses waiting for passengers from the ship</td></tr>
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Some days there are so many cruise ships in town that the overflow ships are docked at the container port:<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-lSWB_uG8k_I/VD1RD-w4qmI/AAAAAAAAGpU/lyxNGpW1BNc/s1600/Waiting%2Bfor%2BArch.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-lSWB_uG8k_I/VD1RD-w4qmI/AAAAAAAAGpU/lyxNGpW1BNc/s1600/Waiting%2Bfor%2BArch.jpg" height="353" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">These folks are on such a ship and are waiting for the bus to transport them to the main cruise terminal.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ucaSQouJqxs/VD1SVCGLxdI/AAAAAAAAGpg/362VOe9TFIU/s1600/With%2Bpiper.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ucaSQouJqxs/VD1SVCGLxdI/AAAAAAAAGpg/362VOe9TFIU/s1600/With%2Bpiper.jpg" height="400" width="285" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Arch in his uniform. Note the Pebble Beach sweater - folks get a kick out of that</td></tr>
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This picture is a little blurry but I included it to give all you oldsters a bit of encouragement. The man with Arch in the Scottish kilt, et al is in his late 80s and comes to the port everyday that cruise ships are in town to play the bagpipes to greet the arriving passengers. </div>
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So to all you 50 and 60 somethings out there planning your retirement be sure to include the possibility of a job of some type. Hanging out around the house will get old very fast.</div>
<br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13.33px; line-height: 20px;">To enlarge the pictures simply left click on them</span><br /><span style="background-color: #fafafa; color: #333333; font-family: "Helvetica Neue Light", HelveticaNeue-Light, "Helvetica Neue", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13.63px; line-height: 17.27px; text-align: justify;">You can follow more of our adventures on our </span><a href="https://www.facebook.com/TheAccidentalRVers" style="-webkit-transition: color 0.3s; background-color: #fafafa; color: #009eb8; display: inline; font-family: "Helvetica Neue Light", HelveticaNeue-Light, "Helvetica Neue", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13.63px; line-height: 17.27px; text-align: justify; text-decoration: none; transition: color 0.3s;" target="_blank">facebook page</a><br /><span style="background-color: #fafafa; color: #333333; font-family: "Helvetica Neue Light", HelveticaNeue-Light, "Helvetica Neue", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13.63px; line-height: 17.27px; text-align: justify;">To contact me click</span><a href="mailto:annechisholm77@gmail.com" style="-webkit-transition: color 0.3s; background-color: #fafafa; color: #009eb8; display: inline; font-family: "Helvetica Neue Light", HelveticaNeue-Light, "Helvetica Neue", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13.63px; line-height: 17.27px; text-align: justify; text-decoration: none; transition: color 0.3s;" target="_blank"> here</a><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13.33px; line-height: 20px;"> </span><br /><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13.33px; line-height: 20px;">We enjoy and appreciate your comments. To comment simply click on the comments link below.</span>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16967250836952301795noreply@blogger.com0Wayside Camping Park, 10295 Peggys Cove Rd, Glen Margaret, NS B3Z 3H144.578772099999988 -63.912734519.056737599999988 -105.2213285 70.100806599999984 -22.6041405tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6238082593363497915.post-26193798324595522952014-09-01T15:23:00.000-03:002014-09-02T08:52:29.360-03:00Montreal and HomeThere is a strong connection between Montreal and Canada's east coast. It is our nearest "big" city and, back in the day, the place to go for shopping, big city holidays, etc. Or maybe that was just our family. Mom grew up in Montreal, my sister Ruth lived in Montreal for 40+ years, we went to university in Montreal and it was always our first night stop when driving between London, Ontario and Nova Scotia. So once we arrived in Montreal we were home - the rest of the drive was simply a trip over familiar roads.<br />
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The purpose of our stop in Montreal was to visit with Ruth's family so we planned a family bbq party at the Adventure Bus. Not many pictures I am afraid. I was too busy visiting. But here are a couple:<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ubuaxpcRO84/VASZwp7rmLI/AAAAAAAAGd8/xbByNVoEBfo/s1600/Rachel%2Band%2BMichael.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ubuaxpcRO84/VASZwp7rmLI/AAAAAAAAGd8/xbByNVoEBfo/s1600/Rachel%2Band%2BMichael.jpg" height="267" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My niece Rachel and her partner, Michael</td></tr>
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Rachel is a lecturer ar LSU in Baton Rouge LA. You may remember that we dropped in on her in Baton Rouge <a href="http://theaccidentalrvers.blogspot.ca/2013/11/dinner-with-rachel.html">at the beginning of this trip.</a> She took a leave of absence to be with her mom while she was ill and was to head back to Baton Rouge at the end of the month. (Which she did).<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-RLwv-e7MvGo/VASa-5eVRjI/AAAAAAAAGeE/t-6uGrJbnrE/s1600/Bill%2C%2BBarry%2C%2BArch%2Band%2BRivka.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-RLwv-e7MvGo/VASa-5eVRjI/AAAAAAAAGeE/t-6uGrJbnrE/s1600/Bill%2C%2BBarry%2C%2BArch%2Band%2BRivka.jpg" height="206" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">From right: nephew Jon's future mother-in-law and super chef, Rivka. Barry, Rivka's husband, brother-in-law, Bill and Arch</td></tr>
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We timed our visit to coincide with Rachel's 40th birthday and the next night Bill hosted a dinner party at the local yacht club to celebrate:<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-p74-RjJtvA0/VAScE15rulI/AAAAAAAAGeQ/VnO5oUkCd2c/s1600/At%2BRachel's%2BBirthday%2BDinner.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-p74-RjJtvA0/VAScE15rulI/AAAAAAAAGeQ/VnO5oUkCd2c/s1600/At%2BRachel's%2BBirthday%2BDinner.jpg" height="210" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My sister Mary and her husband, John (across the table), Barry Bill, Rachel,. <br />
Beside Rachel is her brother Jon and Rivka across from him.</td></tr>
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Our nephew, Jon, is engaged to marry Rivka's daughter, Amanda, next May in Nova Scotia. It will be a happy celebration we are all looking forward to. Rivka is generously allowing the aunts to participate in the wedding planning. Additionally, she voluntarily served as the family chef during Ruth's illness, preparing delicious meals and treats we all looked forward to. What a sweetheart she is!!<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-CVoGODEVLbs/VASgefpE68I/AAAAAAAAGeY/4u0hqxg7ME4/s1600/rachels%2Bbirthday%2Bsupper.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-CVoGODEVLbs/VASgefpE68I/AAAAAAAAGeY/4u0hqxg7ME4/s1600/rachels%2Bbirthday%2Bsupper.jpg" height="177" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">At this end of the table, Arch, Linda beside him and Al. <br />
They returned to Montreal from the cottage to attend the dinner and host Mary and John overnight</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Mm1wYnZ7uQk/VAShAwaGCwI/AAAAAAAAGeg/cjbvZKUXhJs/s1600/Jon%2Band%2BRachel.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Mm1wYnZ7uQk/VAShAwaGCwI/AAAAAAAAGeg/cjbvZKUXhJs/s1600/Jon%2Band%2BRachel.jpg" height="262" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Jon and Rachel. Rivka made Rachel's "cake" - is is a raw food, vegan key lime pie!!<br />
She is a genius cook.</td></tr>
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Jon and Amanda are both working on Phd's at universities in North Carolina. Amanda at Duke and Jon at UNC. We will see them next on our way south in November. I don't think we will see Rachel until next May.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-WHt4QsVIhNc/VASiRzdvzII/AAAAAAAAGes/OVWMzplNCoo/s1600/Boats%2Bin%2Bthe%2BMarina.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-WHt4QsVIhNc/VASiRzdvzII/AAAAAAAAGes/OVWMzplNCoo/s1600/Boats%2Bin%2Bthe%2BMarina.jpg" height="296" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Boats in the marina at the yacht club - Bill's boat is out there somewhere</td></tr>
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The next morning we were up and off to our next overnight, the Walmart in Edmundston, New Brunswick.<br />
<br />
There is much to see and do in Quebec - if you are visiting for the first time plan to spend two or three days in <a href="http://www.tourisme-montreal.org/">Montreal </a>(the KOA south has a bus service into the city), at least 2 days in<a href="http://www.quebecregion.com/en/"> Quebec City</a> (stay across the St Lawrence River in Levis and take the ferry back and forth to visit.). And be sure to drive around the <a href="http://www.infogaspesie.com/">Gaspe Peninsula</a> - a terrific drive that doesn't receive enough attention. The province also has a <a href="http://www.trails.com/stateactivity.aspx?area=10359">terrific trail system</a> for hikers and cyclists.<br />
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We have done all this before so we were headed straight to Moncton, NB to have some repairs done on the Adventure Bus.<br />
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We left Edmundston on a hazy morning for to drive down the beautiful St John River Valley:<br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ujFGjgKzBEI/VASotYh8qGI/AAAAAAAAGfA/70kBaIj8kDQ/s1600/St%2BJohn%2BRiver%2BValley.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ujFGjgKzBEI/VASotYh8qGI/AAAAAAAAGfA/70kBaIj8kDQ/s1600/St%2BJohn%2BRiver%2BValley.jpg" height="228" width="400" /></a></div>
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The weather cleared quickly as we drove along New Brunswick's seemingly endless section of the Trans Canada Highway.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-klOlG2T8rrs/VASpO7usndI/AAAAAAAAGfI/qL_yMlLe6ic/s1600/endless%2Bhighway%2Bin%2BNB.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-klOlG2T8rrs/VASpO7usndI/AAAAAAAAGfI/qL_yMlLe6ic/s1600/endless%2Bhighway%2Bin%2BNB.jpg" height="216" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Beautiful, isn't it? New Brunswick is very hilly (some would say mountiany, so, if you are in a large RV drive through with empty water tanks if possible.) </td></tr>
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Our next planned stop was Woodstock, New Brunswick which is just 10 kms from the USA border crossing and the Walmart at Houlton, ME. The plan was to unhook the car, drive across the border and pick up several cases of wine at the Walmart (we are allowed to import and pay taxes on 40 litres of wine per person for personal consumption.) Then we were going to spend the night at the Woodstock Walmart.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-A3CxgQQYCpY/VASniCGaZiI/AAAAAAAAGe4/MHKjc9_40WE/s1600/Walmart%2Bin%2BWoodstock.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-A3CxgQQYCpY/VASniCGaZiI/AAAAAAAAGe4/MHKjc9_40WE/s1600/Walmart%2Bin%2BWoodstock.jpg" height="245" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Not a bad spot to Wally-dock</td></tr>
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Unfortunately, we weren't able to get as much wine as we wanted (Houlton is not exactly a major metropolis) and when we got back to the Adventure Bus it was very hot out - about 30C - much too hot to spend the night without electricity (i.e. air conditioning). So we decided to drive on to <a href="http://www.tourismnewbrunswick.ca/Products/M/Mactaquac-Provincial-Park-Campground.aspx">Mactaquac Provincial Park</a> near Fredericton. Not our best idea. We should have realized that something was amiss when we saw a man selling a generator at the side of the road on the way into the park. Then we saw this:<br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-AQek_Tu6RKA/VASrfLyU1bI/AAAAAAAAGfc/_qyUqfszHok/s1600/storm%2Bdamage.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-AQek_Tu6RKA/VASrfLyU1bI/AAAAAAAAGfc/_qyUqfszHok/s1600/storm%2Bdamage.jpg" height="235" width="400" /></a></div>
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And this:<br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-H9eD76EubjE/VASrwgRzTvI/AAAAAAAAGfk/3m-sKHHNaH0/s1600/Trees%2Bon%2Bpower%2Bline.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-H9eD76EubjE/VASrwgRzTvI/AAAAAAAAGfk/3m-sKHHNaH0/s1600/Trees%2Bon%2Bpower%2Bline.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
And then this:<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-hyCmMErKkwg/VASrO4_oL1I/AAAAAAAAGfU/BvFWhvJtvEA/s1600/Not%2Blooking%2Bgood.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-hyCmMErKkwg/VASrO4_oL1I/AAAAAAAAGfU/BvFWhvJtvEA/s1600/Not%2Blooking%2Bgood.jpg" height="216" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Oh! Oh! This is really not looking good</td></tr>
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As it turned out this was storm damage from post tropical storm (aka hurricane) Arthur which blew through the week before. We had no idea the damage was so extensive and it turned out there was a whole area which still had no electrical service and had not yet seen a repair crew. They were not happy campers.<br />
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It was getting late (about 5 pm) and we had no idea where to go next so I called our friends Elaine and Rick of <a href="http://e-rstravels.blogspot.ca/">E & R's Travels</a>. They live in Riverview - 170kms away- and were our next stop after Fredericton. I was hoping they could suggest a campground close to where we were where we could spend the night. No such luck. Elaine suggested that we drive straight through to their place instead. We were frustrated, tired and the idea of doing this broke all our rules for RV driving, but after some discussion off we went. We knew that a late evening visit with them and a great RV hook up site on their property would be just the cure for a difficult day.<br />
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We spent two nights with Elaine and Rick. The plan had been to get our range oven repaired or replaced at the RV dealership where they both work but, as it turned out the part we needed was obsolete and a new range was $900+ so we decided to let it go for now and seek other solutions. Instead we enjoyed a great visit with Elaine and Rick, (thanks guys) a brief visit with my nephew David and his family who live just a few blocks down the road and then on to Truro for a two day stop at Arch's sisters and then home to St. Margaret's Bay.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-FLY0022h0mU/VASwicqUt-I/AAAAAAAAGfw/dJdZ6k9Sh58/s1600/view%2Bfrom%2Bour%2Bwindow%2B-%2Bwayside.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-FLY0022h0mU/VASwicqUt-I/AAAAAAAAGfw/dJdZ6k9Sh58/s1600/view%2Bfrom%2Bour%2Bwindow%2B-%2Bwayside.jpg" height="152" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The view from our window, Wayside RV Campground, Glen Margaret, NS</td></tr>
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And thus we ended a 16,000 km trip around North America from Halifax to the South Padre Island, to San Diego, to Vancouver, and then across Canada on the Trans Canada Highway. Not one breakdown, no crises situations (unless you count the<a href="http://theaccidentalrvers.blogspot.ca/2014/02/what-were-we-thinking.html"> "Car in the Imperial Sand Dunes"</a> episode), just a great time seeing lots of interesting sights and things and meeting lots of great people. The old Adventure Bus did us good as we say in Nova Scotia.<br />
<br />
Whats next? Well, summer and fall in Nova Scotia (more blog posts to come) then winter in Florida. After that, who knows.<br />
<br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13.333333969116211px; line-height: 20px;">To enlarge the pictures simply left click on them</span><br />
<span style="background-color: #fafafa; color: #333333; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13.63636302947998px; line-height: 17.27272605895996px; text-align: justify;">You can follow more of our adventures on our </span><a href="https://www.facebook.com/TheAccidentalRVers" style="-webkit-transition: color 0.3s; background-color: #fafafa; color: #009eb8; display: inline; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13.63636302947998px; line-height: 17.27272605895996px; outline: none; text-align: justify; text-decoration: none; transition: color 0.3s;" target="_blank">facebook page</a><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13.333333969116211px; line-height: 20px;">We enjoy and appreciate your comments. To comment simply click on the comments link below.</span><br />
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16967250836952301795noreply@blogger.com4Glen Margaret, NS, Canada44.579194 -63.91263900000001344.556574 -63.952979500000012 44.601814000000005 -63.872298500000014tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6238082593363497915.post-461385484729183222014-08-28T11:49:00.001-03:002014-08-28T11:49:06.243-03:00Canada Day in Ottawa Before I get to our day in Ottawa I want to tell you about a quick stop we made on our way from London to the Thousand Islands (I forgot to include it in my last post).<br />
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When we first started to think about the RV lifestyle one of the blogs I found (and continue to follow) was that of Mike and Dee White: <a href="http://gonerving.blogspot.ca/">GoneRVing.</a> Eventually we became Facebook friends. (I love facebook, such a great way to keep up with friends in far flung places). When we were in <a href="http://theaccidentalrvers.blogspot.ca/2014/01/bentsen-palms-village-rv-resort.html">Mission Texas</a> this winter Dee noticed that they were close by and suggested we get together for coffee. She also told us about <a href="http://fivejustrolling.blogspot.ca/">Ruth and Ken,</a> fellow RVers and bloggers, who were staying at the same resort as we were. So one afternoon we all got together at our site for coffee and conversation:<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Me, Ruth, Mike, Arch and Ken. Jackson (the retriever - Ruth and Ken's dog) and Timmie (Dee and Mike's dog ). <br />
Dee took this picture.</td></tr>
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Dee and Mike are full-timers who spend the summer at Musselman's Lake, north of Toronto and Ruth and Ken live nearby. (They are not ready to give up the "sticks" house yet).<br />
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So on our way to the Thousands Islands we made a detour to spend a night at the RV park where Mike and Dee are. Mike, Dee, Timmie, Ruth and Ken came to our RV for supper. Jackson stayed home - we missed him.<br />
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It was great to catch up with them in person.<br />
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Then on we went to <a href="http://theaccidentalrvers.blogspot.ca/2014/08/cottage-life-in-thousand-islands.html">The Thousand Islands</a> and Ottawa"<br />
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It was a short drive from our campground in Gananogue to the municipal campground in Ottawa and we arrived before lunch. And this is where our only mishap of the whole trip happened. The road to the campground was very rough and must have loosened something under the front end of our car. Which hooked into the dolly when he went to remove the car and tore the facia off. Arch made a temporary repair with duct tape (duct tape seems to fix everything) but we have a big bill in front of us I'm afraid.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-e1-79kIEyL4/U_8uyroY5SI/AAAAAAAAGYU/ghuITHqWB1c/s1600/Mercedes.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-e1-79kIEyL4/U_8uyroY5SI/AAAAAAAAGYU/ghuITHqWB1c/s1600/Mercedes.jpg" height="266" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Eventually, Arch added a few screws underneath and removed the duct tap. So far ( almost 2 months later) it is holding.</td></tr>
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Our campground in Ottawa was not far from where some of our college classmates were living so they dropped in for drinks later in the afternoon:<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Darlene Graham, Sue (Ward) Bryson, Don Graham, Don Bryson and Arch</td></tr>
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We attended university with Darlene, Sue and Don G (Don was in our class) - Don B joined the group when Sue chose to marry him. It is hard to believe that we will be returning to Montreal this October to celebrate the 50th Reunion of our class. Another lovely visit.<br />
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Our entire trip across Canada was timed so we could be in Ottawa on Canada Day so we were up bright and early July 1st to take the bus from a stop near our campground to downtown. Recommended - traffic downtown was a zoo.<br />
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We visited Ottawa many times in the past and have been to all the major museums and attractions at one time or another but, The War Museum was recently moved to a new, much larger, building with a much improved exhibit space so we decided to spend the morning there.<br />
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The museum is Canada's national museum of military history and covers all facets of Canada's military past, from the first recorded instances of death by armed violence in Canadian history several hundred years ago to the country's most recent involvement in conflicts. I especially like that it did not glorify war and emphasized the human experience of war and the manner in which war has affected, and been affected by, Canadians' participation. Go if you are in Ottawa.<br />
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We spent 4 hours there and could have spent another 4 but it is a huge place and we did a lot of walking while there and were exhausted. So we had lunch in the museum's cafeteria - excellent by the way - and took the bus back to the Adventure Bus. For a rest and a change of clothes then back downtown for the celebrations on Parliament Hill:<br />
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People were arriving from all points:<br />
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And The Hill was crowded:<br />
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We found a grassy spot and settled in to watch the stage show and the people. The show on stage had entertainers representing all types of Canadian musicians. It was fantastic. But, of greater interest to me was the makeup of the audience. It is said that Canada is the most ethnically diverse country in the world and I believe it. Here are some photos of faces in the crowd:<br />
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It is so great that so many people with such diverse origins have chosen to call Canada home.<br />
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As the stage show ended the sun set over the parliament buildings:<br />
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And the fireworks began:<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-cZSwUGcpW6o/U_89a2oDYCI/AAAAAAAAGa0/B65VNyDCk34/s1600/watching%2Bfrom%2Ban%2Boffice%2Bbuilding.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-cZSwUGcpW6o/U_89a2oDYCI/AAAAAAAAGa0/B65VNyDCk34/s1600/watching%2Bfrom%2Ban%2Boffice%2Bbuilding.jpg" height="200" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The workers in this office building across the street gathered in the windows to watch. <br />Not sure why they were working on Canada Day night.</td></tr>
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And then, as the fireworks ended, it started to rain and 350,000 people made a mad dash for home. And that is when we discovered to only disadvantage to taking the bus.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-QXg-G2dvPnw/U_8-O7qtWJI/AAAAAAAAGa8/aNGb6Cn2bcE/s1600/Getting%2Bthe%2Bbus%2Bhome.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-QXg-G2dvPnw/U_8-O7qtWJI/AAAAAAAAGa8/aNGb6Cn2bcE/s1600/Getting%2Bthe%2Bbus%2Bhome.jpg" height="220" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Canadian politeness went out the window as everyone pushed and shoved to get on the right bus</td></tr>
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There was no organization to this. Buses for all destinations stopped in the same spot and you never knew which was going to open their doors where so people were running back and forth trying to get on the right one. Chaos. But we did get on the right bus and made it back to the campground unscathed.<br />
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One happy result of this terrible time is that we now had two new friends to visit on our trip home. And they just happened to have a cottage in Ontario's Thousand Islands. Where we were planning a long (10 days) rest stop before heading home to Nova Scotia.<br />
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The cool thing about the Thousand Islands is that many of them are small and many cottagers own their own, private island:<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-9GftOtxnzbA/U991r1ba-xI/AAAAAAAAGL8/8GEo34CPhQM/s1600/one+cottage+per+island.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-9GftOtxnzbA/U991r1ba-xI/AAAAAAAAGL8/8GEo34CPhQM/s1600/one+cottage+per+island.jpg" height="165" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">one cottage per small island is the norm</td></tr>
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As do Al and Linda. Boats are the major means of transportation in this area (some islands are so close to shore you could swim to them but a boat does seem more sensible) So cottage owners must pick their land locked guests up at the marina:<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-8U7u3HjTSfE/U992VOt4BaI/AAAAAAAAGME/7rjti36gV-M/s1600/Here+they+come.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-8U7u3HjTSfE/U992VOt4BaI/AAAAAAAAGME/7rjti36gV-M/s1600/Here+they+come.jpg" height="272" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Here comes our ride</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-BuH3cw8ohOM/U993SBo8DII/AAAAAAAAGMQ/RmAdO8Huj4Q/s1600/Island+Cottage.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-BuH3cw8ohOM/U993SBo8DII/AAAAAAAAGMQ/RmAdO8Huj4Q/s1600/Island+Cottage.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">What a beautiful setting</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-o2HcBz-nDCg/U993z2oLZDI/AAAAAAAAGMY/__33208EccE/s1600/boathouse.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-o2HcBz-nDCg/U993z2oLZDI/AAAAAAAAGMY/__33208EccE/s1600/boathouse.jpg" height="400" width="380" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">you "park" in the boathouse rather than a garage</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-LcyzYjxdnqw/U994rwoXhxI/AAAAAAAAGMk/UWYV75wwWRo/s1600/Perfect+cottage+room.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-LcyzYjxdnqw/U994rwoXhxI/AAAAAAAAGMk/UWYV75wwWRo/s1600/Perfect+cottage+room.jpg" height="268" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A cozy and relaxing spot to spend "down time"</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-QH7Vra_7znc/U995GGHiT3I/AAAAAAAAGMs/wT7GhAWIffg/s1600/Al+and+Lindas+Deck.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-QH7Vra_7znc/U995GGHiT3I/AAAAAAAAGMs/wT7GhAWIffg/s1600/Al+and+Lindas+Deck.jpg" height="313" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Visitors with their own boats arrive at this dock and deck</td></tr>
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<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-QVEMYb_Te-U/U995tOZVg_I/AAAAAAAAGM0/zo7qNfrX8Xk/s1600/Bridge.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-QVEMYb_Te-U/U995tOZVg_I/AAAAAAAAGM0/zo7qNfrX8Xk/s1600/Bridge.jpg" height="203" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small; text-align: start;">Al and Linda actually have two islands with this bridge between them</span></td></tr>
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Al's sister, Helen, and her husband, Ron also own one of the Thousand Islands and have a lovely cottage on it. As it turned out Arch and I graduated from the same college in Montreal as Helen and Ron. All be it a few years later, so our paths did not cross. One afternoon Al and Linda took us over to meet them:<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-U4eLqDDhBC8/U_4217FADYI/AAAAAAAAGVI/y3zPwPsrl5o/s1600/At%2BRon%2Band%2BHelen's.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-U4eLqDDhBC8/U_4217FADYI/AAAAAAAAGVI/y3zPwPsrl5o/s1600/At%2BRon%2Band%2BHelen's.jpg" height="260" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">From left, Arch, Ron, Helen, Linda and Al</td></tr>
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I love this picture, what a bunch of healthy looking oldsters.<br />
<br />
Al also took us on a private boat tour of the Islands. There are lots of boats that do tours and I recommend you take one - it is the only way to really get a feel for the area.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-pkaITGGhbik/U_44BEJXgDI/AAAAAAAAGVQ/1i3Z_pTZdYM/s1600/Tour%2BBoat.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-pkaITGGhbik/U_44BEJXgDI/AAAAAAAAGVQ/1i3Z_pTZdYM/s1600/Tour%2BBoat.jpg" height="226" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Lots of people on the tour on this beautiful day</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-xMxMVaQP3K4/U_44TrlQfKI/AAAAAAAAGVY/d3qiUYU-fK4/s1600/international%2Bbridge.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-xMxMVaQP3K4/U_44TrlQfKI/AAAAAAAAGVY/d3qiUYU-fK4/s1600/international%2Bbridge.jpg" height="230" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The International Bridge spanning the islands and the St Lawrence River</td></tr>
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Another day Al and Linda took us to the <a href="http://www.kingstonpublicmarket.ca/" target="_blank">Kingston Public Market</a>. Ontario's oldest and longest running market:<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-A8dKja5HNF8/U_46By0qcHI/AAAAAAAAGVs/0MbGqnkRuqA/s1600/Kingston%2BPublic%2BMarket.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-A8dKja5HNF8/U_46By0qcHI/AAAAAAAAGVs/0MbGqnkRuqA/s1600/Kingston%2BPublic%2BMarket.jpg" height="242" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A great market - go if you are in the area on a market day (Tues, Thurs. and Sat - April to November)</td></tr>
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After the market off we went to another foodie experience - Wendy's Country Market. It is a little out of the way:<br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-cGucsRPfKvA/U_47gB4E_PI/AAAAAAAAGV4/uoR-r7XlQBc/s1600/the%2Broad%2Bto%2BWendys.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-cGucsRPfKvA/U_47gB4E_PI/AAAAAAAAGV4/uoR-r7XlQBc/s1600/the%2Broad%2Bto%2BWendys.jpg" height="276" width="400" /></a></div>
But the trip was worth it:<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIwke-zBw0SCu3PSyMr08hum-NYjMbU7hwSo4_DmWoPZJI00y3jR9e_zXYno3E5_NdkmPixdUg_vwkPBhVDzOIRH24JhhDDDjNha19shPA1VFB2V5sR5ExvG5M1NpxdhCMQTW-pQJztUg/s1600/Wendy's%2Bmarket.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIwke-zBw0SCu3PSyMr08hum-NYjMbU7hwSo4_DmWoPZJI00y3jR9e_zXYno3E5_NdkmPixdUg_vwkPBhVDzOIRH24JhhDDDjNha19shPA1VFB2V5sR5ExvG5M1NpxdhCMQTW-pQJztUg/s1600/Wendy's%2Bmarket.jpg" height="231" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">located in a historic school, it was rustic, to say the least but the food was very real and local.</td></tr>
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To quote Wendy's website<br />
"I am a proud 6th generation farmer from Lyndhurst, Ontario. I have always held a strong interest in agriculture and a number of years ago, after talking with some local producers, I felt the need to help connect consumers and restaurants with a healthier food system. Thus, our journey into the local food delivery business began and my husband Rick and I started <a href="http://www.wendysmobilemarket.com/">Wendy’s Mobile Market</a> and Wendy’s Country Market. <br />
<br />
We now proudly sell an ever expanding list of our own vegetables along with an abundance of produce grown by my parents on their farm,<a href="http://www.cornacrefarms.com/">Corn Acre Farms</a>, and food from over 70 local producers. We have developed a business that makes it convenient for consumers to have all things local in one stop shopping as well as giving the producers we work with another avenue to market their products. Since we are open all year round area producers are able to expand their growing season because they are no longer limited to seasonal farmers markets.<br />
<br />
With Wendy’s Mobile Market we deliver to individuals, restaurants, B & B’s, independent local food grocers and deli’s covering an area from Napanee to Kemptville. On the other hand, Wendy’s Country Market, which is located in a 19th Century heritage school house on my parents’ farm, provides consumers with the full country experience complete with animals, pick your own herbs, a seasonal greenhouse and children’s play area."<br />
<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-8Ioiq5FR8WE/U_4-KV-2UzI/AAAAAAAAGWM/9kYYT0gmsEs/s1600/Wemdys%2Bgreenhouse.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-8Ioiq5FR8WE/U_4-KV-2UzI/AAAAAAAAGWM/9kYYT0gmsEs/s1600/Wemdys%2Bgreenhouse.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The greenhouse and pick your own herbs</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-m6Hxdst_kHk/U_4-b6TW4ZI/AAAAAAAAGWU/BcgsIYptbj8/s1600/Wendys%2Bcanteen.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-m6Hxdst_kHk/U_4-b6TW4ZI/AAAAAAAAGWU/BcgsIYptbj8/s1600/Wendys%2Bcanteen.jpg" height="203" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Eat in (in the garden) or take home</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-e3AgCqtbIBI/U_4-0nKQSZI/AAAAAAAAGWc/PUYF9JU7px8/s1600/Wendys%2Bmeals%2Bto%2Bgo.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-e3AgCqtbIBI/U_4-0nKQSZI/AAAAAAAAGWc/PUYF9JU7px8/s1600/Wendys%2Bmeals%2Bto%2Bgo.jpg" height="400" width="331" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Unique Menu</td></tr>
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Even if you miss the Public Market in Kingston be sure to go to Wendys. Directions are on their <a href="http://www.wendyscountrymarket.com/">website.</a><br />
<br />
We dined at Linda and Al's several times while we were there and one night they joined us at the Adventure Bus for dinner:<br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-NXApVfUCBYg/U_5AMQutfGI/AAAAAAAAGWo/_Wm1Ukh30T4/s1600/Dinner%2Bat%2Bthe%2BAB.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-NXApVfUCBYg/U_5AMQutfGI/AAAAAAAAGWo/_Wm1Ukh30T4/s1600/Dinner%2Bat%2Bthe%2BAB.jpg" height="214" width="320" /></a></div>
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Thanks Linda and Al for your great hospitality.Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16967250836952301795noreply@blogger.com3Gananoque, ON, Canada44.330618 -76.1618639999999844.285185500000004 -76.242544999999978 44.3760505 -76.081182999999982tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6238082593363497915.post-27385253872579412402014-08-07T13:00:00.000-03:002014-08-07T13:00:03.063-03:00Time with Old FriendsOur first stop in Southwestern Ontario was at the Greens in Grand Bend. Their neighbour was kind enough to let us stay in their driveway for the night. The Green's was on too much of a slope.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/--jWZIreENx0/U95h5-fCyRI/AAAAAAAAGJ4/bvOQ83_GIY4/s1600/Dinner+with+the+Greens.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/--jWZIreENx0/U95h5-fCyRI/AAAAAAAAGJ4/bvOQ83_GIY4/s1600/Dinner+with+the+Greens.jpg" height="293" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Emily, Adam, Arch, Julia and Kendra</td></tr>
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Kendra purchased The Little Red Roaster from me when we "retired" and moved to Nova Scotia. She was the manager of our first store and owner of our store in the<a href="http://www.coventmarket.com/merchants/the-little-red-roaster/" target="_blank"> Covent Garden Market</a>. She married Adam a year before we left. Now they are a family of four. Wow! Time flies. So much to catch up on.<br />
<br />
It was a wonderful visit. Not only did we catch up on their news and activities but we learned enough about soccer to enjoy the upcoming World Cup games. Beacuse it was "soccer night in Grand Bend" and Emily and Julia both play.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-WtRTB1dnFLE/U95ji74hQmI/AAAAAAAAGKA/fdbX8uM05HI/s1600/dressing+for+soccer.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-WtRTB1dnFLE/U95ji74hQmI/AAAAAAAAGKA/fdbX8uM05HI/s1600/dressing+for+soccer.jpg" height="380" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Emily suiting up</td></tr>
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Soccer is a great game for kids. The equipment requirements are minimal, so parents aren't out a lot of money if they decide soccer is not for them (Last year Emily and Julia were both into dance) and the kids get great exercise.<br />
<br />
Then home for dessert and coffee<br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-vyusXRzyKQw/U95kit0hLfI/AAAAAAAAGKM/WQ5-Z1TF0xI/s1600/With+Julia+and+Emily.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-vyusXRzyKQw/U95kit0hLfI/AAAAAAAAGKM/WQ5-Z1TF0xI/s1600/With+Julia+and+Emily.jpg" height="283" width="400" /></a></div>
And off to bed. Such lovely young girls.<br />
<br />
The next day we headed to the KOA in London for a week. Lots of friends to visit and some repairs to be done on the car - the air conditioner wasn't working. Not a good thing in Southwestern Ontario.<br />
<br />
One of the highlights of our visit was dinner with some classmates from our university days:<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-RthnJC3lV7U/U95lXg4oViI/AAAAAAAAGKU/vlZbOGNC8GE/s1600/dinner+with+the+Stephens.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-RthnJC3lV7U/U95lXg4oViI/AAAAAAAAGKU/vlZbOGNC8GE/s1600/dinner+with+the+Stephens.jpg" height="241" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sely, Arch, Kathy, Gill and Dave</td></tr>
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Gill is the odd man (woman) out here - the others all attended university together and are friends of 50 years +. She joined the clan when she married Bob - seen below- and has blended in well with this motley crew.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-B1zX7BnNPpE/U95mIORsTaI/AAAAAAAAGKc/W6R1uu2IAbc/s1600/Bob,+Sely+and+Arch.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-B1zX7BnNPpE/U95mIORsTaI/AAAAAAAAGKc/W6R1uu2IAbc/s1600/Bob,+Sely+and+Arch.jpg" height="250" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Bob, Gill's husband, Sely and Arch.</td></tr>
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The last time we saw Dave and Kathy was at<a href="http://theaccidentalrvers.blogspot.ca/2013/02/visiting-old-friends.html" target="_blank"> The Glades in Feb 2013</a> and we hadn't seen the others for several years so it was a wonderful visit.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-qGYD0_4Bf3o/U95m0R36_eI/AAAAAAAAGKk/4ixnYHjPer0/s1600/how+many+people.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-qGYD0_4Bf3o/U95m0R36_eI/AAAAAAAAGKk/4ixnYHjPer0/s1600/how+many+people.jpg" height="273" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The question here is "how many people does it take to open a bottle of wine?"</td></tr>
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Gill served a wonderful cold supper on this warm night:<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-tbtmhh9YIG8/U95nUGakf4I/AAAAAAAAGKs/6--xtjmDWIU/s1600/Gills+supper.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-tbtmhh9YIG8/U95nUGakf4I/AAAAAAAAGKs/6--xtjmDWIU/s1600/Gills+supper.jpg" height="215" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Poached salmon surrounded by green beans, hard boiled eggs, asparagus, olives and of course, potatoes. "After all" said Gill, "I'm Irish" accompanied by a lovely dressing</td></tr>
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<br />
This was our second "one-platter" meal. See the photo from our visit to the Greens, above. It must be a new trend. And such a great idea.<br />
<br />
Another day we played golf with buddies Dave and Dorothy<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Nj0RfXOcjEg/U95otK1E3HI/AAAAAAAAGK8/100kvWbTfmA/s1600/Arch,+Dave+and+Dorothy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Nj0RfXOcjEg/U95otK1E3HI/AAAAAAAAGK8/100kvWbTfmA/s1600/Arch,+Dave+and+Dorothy.jpg" height="305" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Both are excellent golfers and gave Arch a run for his money. I just tag along.</td></tr>
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Dorothy is a Party Lite representative and a very good one at that. While we were there she was enjoying the use of the Party Lite car which is awarded each month to a different representative, based on sales.<br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-qt3OZGgrdNg/U95pZBpySJI/AAAAAAAAGLE/R9jp8WoKsVY/s1600/Dorothy+with+Party+Lite+car.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-qt3OZGgrdNg/U95pZBpySJI/AAAAAAAAGLE/R9jp8WoKsVY/s1600/Dorothy+with+Party+Lite+car.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
We also made quick visits to several other London friends (I keep forgetting to take pictures), and between that and visiting old haunts and getting car repairs done the time went quickly.<br />
<br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13.333333969116211px; line-height: 20px;">To enlarge the pictures simply left click on them</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13.600000381469727px; line-height: 14.7839994430542px;" /><span style="background-color: #fafafa; color: #333333; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13.63636302947998px; line-height: 17.27272605895996px; text-align: justify;">You can follow more of our adventures on our </span><a href="https://www.facebook.com/TheAccidentalRVers" style="-webkit-transition: color 0.3s; background-color: #fafafa; color: #009eb8; display: inline; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13.63636302947998px; line-height: 17.27272605895996px; outline: none; text-align: justify; text-decoration: none; transition: color 0.3s;" target="_blank">facebook page</a><br style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13.600000381469727px; line-height: 14.7839994430542px;" /><span style="background-color: #fafafa; color: #333333; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13.63636302947998px; line-height: 17.27272605895996px; text-align: justify;">To contact me click</span><a href="mailto:annechisholm77@gmail.com" style="-webkit-transition: color 0.3s; background-color: #fafafa; color: #009eb8; display: inline; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13.63636302947998px; line-height: 17.27272605895996px; outline: none; text-align: justify; text-decoration: none; transition: color 0.3s;" target="_blank"> here</a><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13.333333969116211px; line-height: 20px;"> </span><br style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13.600000381469727px; line-height: 14.7839994430542px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13.333333969116211px; line-height: 20px;">We enjoy and appreciate your comments. To comment simply click on the comments link below.</span>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16967250836952301795noreply@blogger.com0London, ON, Canada42.9869502 -81.24317742.6130172 -81.891370500000008 43.3608832 -80.5949835tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6238082593363497915.post-45612418196997187772014-08-05T13:00:00.000-03:002014-08-05T13:00:03.450-03:00Heading to Familiar Territory - Sault Ste Marie to Tobermory, OntarioThe plan was to drive from Sault Ste. Marie, around the top of Lake Huron and Georgian Bay, stopping around Bracebridge for the night.<br />
<br />
When we were preparing to leave the Sault Ste. Marie KOA a group was gathering for breakfast in the kitchen pavilion:<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-o0Jm1m8ofCE/U90JwEzTR2I/AAAAAAAAGHw/El3Jft4LFT8/s1600/Alaska+Bound.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-o0Jm1m8ofCE/U90JwEzTR2I/AAAAAAAAGHw/El3Jft4LFT8/s1600/Alaska+Bound.jpg" height="248" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Caravan from Quebec</td></tr>
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They all met up here the night before and were Alaska bound. Arch was very envious as he is anxious to go to Alaska.<br />
<br />
We saw a lot of cyclists as we crossed Canada. It would be quite a trip. It took us 14 <b><i>driving</i></b> days to come from Abbotsford, BC to Sault Ste Marie. I cannot imagine how long it would take on a bike.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Y32fpBj3_u0/U90X3Ij1M_I/AAAAAAAAGIA/l3zl3829uLc/s1600/cyclist.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Y32fpBj3_u0/U90X3Ij1M_I/AAAAAAAAGIA/l3zl3829uLc/s1600/cyclist.jpg" height="277" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Heading across Canada - It is a long way to Newfoundland</td></tr>
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This was our seventh day on the road without a break and we were getting awfully tired of driving. So, at Espanola we turned the Adventure Bus south to Manitoulin Island and the ferry to Tobermory. The original plan was to drive to Sudbury, then go south. I calculated the cost of the ferry on the internet and thought it would cost about $350. Expensive as the extra gas to drive around would only be $100. But, enough was enough and we saw this as an investment in our sanity. So the ferry it was.<br />
<br />
We saw a lot of moose driving through Northern Ontario, especially on the drive from Atikokan to Thunder Bay. (If you do this drive be aware of the warning signs and be alert!) But the warning signs driving between Espanola and the bridge to Manitoulin Island were interesting:<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-OBxPZvwBbb0/U94fNGzwgBI/AAAAAAAAGIk/9kDoKqfdDnY/s1600/Moose+sign.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-OBxPZvwBbb0/U94fNGzwgBI/AAAAAAAAGIk/9kDoKqfdDnY/s1600/Moose+sign.jpg" height="400" width="390" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">First we saw this sign</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-1U6k4bcUjMA/U94fHBTxqBI/AAAAAAAAGIc/HZqL3ipNaOU/s1600/Moose+danger.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-1U6k4bcUjMA/U94fHBTxqBI/AAAAAAAAGIc/HZqL3ipNaOU/s1600/Moose+danger.jpg" height="400" width="210" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Then this warned that a moose was likely on the road. How the heck does the sign know that?</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ygLPjmtvU_M/U94fu3Bq2zI/AAAAAAAAGIs/zxDecyVF4nE/s1600/moose+detector.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ygLPjmtvU_M/U94fu3Bq2zI/AAAAAAAAGIs/zxDecyVF4nE/s1600/moose+detector.jpg" height="226" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The road was lined with motion detectors. Of course!</td></tr>
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But we did not see a moose on this leg of the journey. Maybe they don't like all the fuss about their presence.<br />
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The bridge onto the island is a very narrow one-lane affair:<br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-EKSLt8UiJW4/U94gZemV2PI/AAAAAAAAGI0/qEzWOAG8wLA/s1600/narrow+bridge.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-EKSLt8UiJW4/U94gZemV2PI/AAAAAAAAGI0/qEzWOAG8wLA/s1600/narrow+bridge.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
Once again very few campgrounds were ready for visitors and the one we stayed at was wet and mosquito-infested. But the sunset view from the Adventure Bus was beautiful:<br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ScgDZU6p6Kw/U94hHfdTeOI/AAAAAAAAGI8/bRM8L7Uln9M/s1600/manitoliun+Campsite.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ScgDZU6p6Kw/U94hHfdTeOI/AAAAAAAAGI8/bRM8L7Uln9M/s1600/manitoliun+Campsite.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
The next day we were up bright and early and off to catch the ferry at South Baymouth. When we purchased our ticket we were happy to find that it was "only" going to cost $250. What a bargain! Ha!<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-N51jzzNRtkw/U94hguvrOJI/AAAAAAAAGJE/G1sUHzzmcaQ/s1600/here+comes+the+ferry.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-N51jzzNRtkw/U94hguvrOJI/AAAAAAAAGJE/G1sUHzzmcaQ/s1600/here+comes+the+ferry.jpg" height="248" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Here comes the ferry</td></tr>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-1dPzF-dF-Qk/U94iXLTnFcI/AAAAAAAAGJM/8qz53ycq3OE/s1600/on+the+ferry.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-1dPzF-dF-Qk/U94iXLTnFcI/AAAAAAAAGJM/8qz53ycq3OE/s1600/on+the+ferry.jpg" height="210" width="400" /></a></div>
The ferry was quite comfortable. Arch settled in on the upper deck and I found a corner in the lounge to read. Animals must stay in your vehicle and we were a bit concerned about Princess as we were parked right at the front of the vehicle area beside the engines. But she is a great traveler and a trooper and was resting happily on the bed when we returned to the Adventure Bus.<br />
<br />
We arrived in Tobermory just in time for a quick lunch before headed out to explore the area. Tobermory is the home to two National Parks. <a href="http://www.pc.gc.ca/eng/amnc-nmca/on/fathomfive/index.aspx" target="_blank">Fathom Five National Marine Park</a>, Canada's first National Marine Conservation Area.<br />
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To qoute the Parks Canada website"<br />
<br />
"The park preserves a rich cultural legacy that includes 22 shipwrecks and several historic lightstations. Fathom Five's freshwater ecosystem contains some of the most pristine waters of the Great Lakes. The rugged islands of the park are a reminder of the impressive lakebed topography found beneath the waves."<br />
<br />
We knew the boat trip to this area was expensive and we blew all our play money on the ferry so we set out to explore a bit of the <a href="http://www.pc.gc.ca/eng/pn-np/on/bruce/index.aspx" target="_blank">Bruce Peninsula National Park.</a><br />
<br />
Again, from the Parks Canada website:<br />
<br />
"Located in the heart of a World Biosphere Reserve, the 'Bruce' is place of global significance. Thousands of visitors come each year to experience the massive, rugged cliffs of the park, inhabited by thousand year old cedar trees, overhanging the crystal clear waters of Georgian Bay. The park is comprised of an incredible array of habitats from rare limestone barrens to dense forests and clean lakes."<br /><br />
When visiting a National Park we always start at the interpretative centre. We were disappointed to learn that, due to budget cuts, the park was closed Monday and Tuesday. And it was Monday. However, when we arrived a park employee was just letting a group of school children out the door and, since it would take her an hour or so to close, she lets us in for a quick look-around. You could spend hours there.<br />
<br />
Access to the tower for a over all view of the area was open:<br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-xXA51X7jRTA/U94pcq7qmRI/AAAAAAAAGJc/tum39vK-bSA/s1600/bruce-peninsula-tower.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-xXA51X7jRTA/U94pcq7qmRI/AAAAAAAAGJc/tum39vK-bSA/s1600/bruce-peninsula-tower.jpg" height="251" width="400" /></a></div>
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It was quite a climb but the view was worth it.<br />
<br />
We spent some time exploring the hiking trails.<br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-10nANMrvEYs/U94rGl45eiI/AAAAAAAAGJo/Q2jA7kKadyU/s1600/Bruce+National+Park.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-10nANMrvEYs/U94rGl45eiI/AAAAAAAAGJo/Q2jA7kKadyU/s1600/Bruce+National+Park.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
Then back to the Adventure Bus to prepare for another day of travel. Tomorrow we are off to Southwestern Ontario and the driving marathon comes to an end. It was a long way from Calgary to Tobermory!!<br />
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<span style="font-size: 13.333333969116211px; line-height: 20px;">To enlarge the pictures simply click on them.</span></div>
<span style="background-color: #fafafa; color: #333333; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13.63636302947998px; line-height: 17.27272605895996px; text-align: justify;">You can follow more of our adventures on our </span><a href="https://www.facebook.com/TheAccidentalRVers" style="-webkit-transition: color 0.3s; background-color: #fafafa; color: #009eb8; display: inline; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13.63636302947998px; line-height: 17.27272605895996px; outline: none; text-align: justify; text-decoration: none; transition: color 0.3s;" target="_blank">facebook page</a><br style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13.600000381469727px; line-height: 14.7839994430542px;" /><span style="background-color: #fafafa; color: #333333; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13.63636302947998px; line-height: 17.27272605895996px; text-align: justify;">To contact me click</span><a href="mailto:annechisholm77@gmail.com" style="-webkit-transition: color 0.3s; background-color: #fafafa; color: #009eb8; display: inline; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13.63636302947998px; line-height: 17.27272605895996px; outline: none; text-align: justify; text-decoration: none; transition: color 0.3s;" target="_blank"> here</a><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13.333333969116211px; line-height: 20px;"> </span><br style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13.600000381469727px; line-height: 14.7839994430542px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13.333333969116211px; line-height: 20px;">We enjoy and appreciate your comments. To comment simply click on the comments link below</span><br />
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16967250836952301795noreply@blogger.com0Tobermory, ON N0H, Canada45.2527594 -81.66364010000000922.196280400000003 -122.97223410000001 68.3092384 -40.35504610000001tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6238082593363497915.post-41894117813352083102014-08-03T13:00:00.000-03:002014-08-03T13:20:35.335-03:00North of Lake Superior The trip around the north side of Lake Superior was another two day affair.<br />
<br />
We left the KOA campground (recommended - the only challenge is traffic noise from the Trans-Canada) on a rainy, unpleasant morning:<br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-RhuMjfEiy9E/U9u_DOVlHPI/AAAAAAAAGFA/hCQZCW9LEk8/s1600/rainy+morning.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-RhuMjfEiy9E/U9u_DOVlHPI/AAAAAAAAGFA/hCQZCW9LEk8/s1600/rainy+morning.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
And the first day of our trip was relatively uneventful. We enjoyed sightings of the lake, sometimes spectacular, as we drove along. Basically we seemed to chase the sun all day. We could see it in the distance but never caught it.<br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-FC7Pi5F6jb8/U9u_fH95ddI/AAAAAAAAGFI/gq9zH2R0kDg/s1600/lake+superior.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-FC7Pi5F6jb8/U9u_fH95ddI/AAAAAAAAGFI/gq9zH2R0kDg/s1600/lake+superior.jpg" height="200" width="400" /></a></div>
Our overnight stop was at Marathon - we stayed at Ley's Lunch Campground and do not recommend it. They cater to fishermen and bear hunters who are obviously not too particular about pleasant surroundings.<br />
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We had difficulty finding nice RV camping in Northern Ontario. I believe most people stay at the provincial parks but we were so appalled by the cost ($40 to $50 per night for a site with electricity PLUS a daily entrance fee of $10.75) we were avoiding them. There is also an excellent <a href="http://www.pc.gc.ca/eng/pn-np/on/pukaskwa/index.aspx" target="_blank">National Park</a> in this area that would be a good choice if you have a <a href="http://www.pc.gc.ca/eng/ar-sr/lpac-ppri/ced-ndp.aspx" target="_blank">Parks Canada Discovery Pass</a>. We did not stay there because we were just passing through.<br />
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As we were passing Marathon the next morning we saw this wonder high on a hill overlooking the highway:<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-vLRxeKBNv44/U9vFD-Dtl5I/AAAAAAAAGFY/URThW2y-zCs/s1600/round+thing+at+marathon.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-vLRxeKBNv44/U9vFD-Dtl5I/AAAAAAAAGFY/URThW2y-zCs/s1600/round+thing+at+marathon.jpg" height="240" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small; text-align: start;">What on earth!! Has a UFO invaded Northern Ontario?!?</span></td></tr>
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Called the UFO on the Hill it is actually a VOR. What is that you ask? Well., according to the tourism information folks in Marathon:<br />
<i>"The VOR provides directional information to aircraft equipped with VOR receivers. The Pilots tune in the frequency of the selected VOR, and identify them using Morse Code. For example, the Marathon VOR transmits on 115.9 Mhz and emits the Morse Code for Marathon. Once the station is identified the pilot can tune the receiver to determine the exact bearing of the aircraft to or from the beacon. The Distance Measuring Equipment will tell the pilot how far, in nautical miles, the station is from the aircraft. For example, if the aircraft is 50 miles south of the beacon, the VOR receiver will show the bearing to the station’s 360º to or bearing from the beacon as 180º from depending on whether the pilot requested information to or from the beacon. In either case, the Distance Measuring Equipment will display 50 nautical miles. The beacon here in Marathon is part of a continent wide airways network operated by NAV Canada and the Federal Aviation Authority in the USA. </i><br />
<i><br />This beacon, due to its proximity to the Marathon Airport can also be used to allow aircraft landings in instrument flight conditions such as reduced visibility, low cloud cover etc."</i><br />
Interesting.<br />
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Next we paid a visit to the Wawa goose:<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-tMyNZBh1794/U9vHKGX5p-I/AAAAAAAAGFk/X6cwUpaVf_c/s1600/Wawa+goose.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-tMyNZBh1794/U9vHKGX5p-I/AAAAAAAAGFk/X6cwUpaVf_c/s1600/Wawa+goose.jpg" height="332" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption">Wawa means “Wild Goose or Land of the Big Goose” in Ojibway</td></tr>
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Wawa is a lovely little town just of the Trans-Canada highway about halfway between Thunder Bay and Sault Ste Marie and well worth a visit. The Visitor Information Centre is the spot to start your visit. It has a wealth of information about the area and many plaques telling the story of the town's history through its people. I loved these lawn chairs - called Muskoka chairs in Ontario.<br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-wdNmYKPcx5c/U9vO1drtOuI/AAAAAAAAGF0/nGAm72hX_h0/s1600/2+glen+gould+chairs.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-wdNmYKPcx5c/U9vO1drtOuI/AAAAAAAAGF0/nGAm72hX_h0/s1600/2+glen+gould+chairs.jpg" height="288" width="400" /></a></div>
They are painted as a tribute to Glen Gould. When visitor season is in full swing they reside at <a href="http://www.virtualtourist.com/travel/North_America/Canada/Province_of_Ontario/Wawa-902931/Off_the_Beaten_Path-Wawa-TG-C-1.html" target="_blank">Magpie Falls</a> - a waterfall that he loved so much he built a cottage in the area. Or so the story goes.<br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-7lYjQ2T7Gi0/U9vQ0-aPukI/AAAAAAAAGGA/e8FKAhUBBZc/s1600/magpie+falls.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-7lYjQ2T7Gi0/U9vQ0-aPukI/AAAAAAAAGGA/e8FKAhUBBZc/s1600/magpie+falls.jpg" height="265" width="400" /></a></div>
There is a fun general store in Wawa with the mandatory moose as a mascot:<br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ydMOM5ihSeI/U9vReWbiRCI/AAAAAAAAGGI/UqQaxebczjY/s1600/Arch+and+moose.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ydMOM5ihSeI/U9vReWbiRCI/AAAAAAAAGGI/UqQaxebczjY/s1600/Arch+and+moose.jpg" height="387" width="400" /></a></div>
And a lovely park with a small fishing pier and a beach. We are now in the area of Northern Ontario where beaches proliferate and there are many inviting ones along the road.<br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-tR4zVn3qLyw/U9vT-GW5HDI/AAAAAAAAGGU/lP4hGPZrTV0/s1600/Beach.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-tR4zVn3qLyw/U9vT-GW5HDI/AAAAAAAAGGU/lP4hGPZrTV0/s1600/Beach.jpg" height="228" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-voDBz90sei4/U9vUWzO5SEI/AAAAAAAAGGc/uJA1b0zRwcQ/s1600/river+and+beach.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-voDBz90sei4/U9vUWzO5SEI/AAAAAAAAGGc/uJA1b0zRwcQ/s1600/river+and+beach.jpg" height="181" width="400" /></a></div>
Just before arriving in Sault Ste. Marie we stopped to visit this shop:<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-4kOIH-_Welc/U9vUt2P36ZI/AAAAAAAAGGk/TfOcLPq1xY8/s1600/Canadian+Carver.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-4kOIH-_Welc/U9vUt2P36ZI/AAAAAAAAGGk/TfOcLPq1xY8/s1600/Canadian+Carver.jpg" height="248" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The moose again</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
It is extensively advertised along the highway and surprisingly enough was worth the stop. They featured hand-carved items from across Canada. Most of which were very well done.<br />
<br />
And then we arrived at the KOA in Sault Ste. Marie (Canada):<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-sn7FZyw2H0I/U9vXszeDZ4I/AAAAAAAAGGw/A8WNfdLf93g/s1600/campsite+in+sault+St+marie.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-sn7FZyw2H0I/U9vXszeDZ4I/AAAAAAAAGGw/A8WNfdLf93g/s1600/campsite+in+sault+St+marie.jpg" height="400" width="391" /></a></div>
This was by far the nicest CAMPSITE we stayed in on this 9 month trip around North America. Very well run. Great services, including a dog agility area and a RV wash. Everything was spotlessly clean and the sites were very well maintained. 5 stars to them. Incidentally our favourite RV Resort was the<a href="http://theaccidentalrvers.blogspot.ca/2014/01/bentsen-palms-village-rv-resort.html" target="_blank"> Bensen Palms Village RV Resort </a>in Mission Texas.<br />
<br />
It would have been nice to spend more than one night there but we were getting close to our old stomping grounds (We lived in Southwestern Ontario for 40 years) and had commitments to keep.<br />
<br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13.333333969116211px; line-height: 20px;">To enlarge the pictures simply left click on them</span><br />
<span style="background-color: #fafafa; color: #333333; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13.63636302947998px; line-height: 17.27272605895996px; text-align: justify;">You can follow more of our adventures on our </span><a href="https://www.facebook.com/TheAccidentalRVers" style="-webkit-transition: color 0.3s; background-color: #fafafa; color: #009eb8; display: inline; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13.63636302947998px; line-height: 17.27272605895996px; outline: none; text-align: justify; text-decoration: none; transition: color 0.3s;" target="_blank">facebook page</a><br />
<span style="background-color: #fafafa; color: #333333; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13.63636302947998px; line-height: 17.27272605895996px; text-align: justify;">To contact me click</span><a href="mailto:annechisholm77@gmail.com" style="-webkit-transition: color 0.3s; background-color: #fafafa; color: #009eb8; display: inline; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13.63636302947998px; line-height: 17.27272605895996px; outline: none; text-align: justify; text-decoration: none; transition: color 0.3s;" target="_blank"> here</a><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13.333333969116211px; line-height: 20px;"> </span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13.333333969116211px; line-height: 20px;">We enjoy and appreciate your comments. To comment simply click on the comments link below.</span>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16967250836952301795noreply@blogger.com0Sault Ste. Marie, ON, Canada46.521857999999987 -84.34608960000002846.34708049999999 -84.668813100000023 46.696635499999985 -84.023366100000032tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6238082593363497915.post-45409877296817625622014-08-01T09:50:00.002-03:002014-08-01T09:55:02.587-03:00Northern Ontario, Kenora to Thunder BayIt was a cold, wet spring in Northern Ontario and I think we experienced the brunt of it. And we did not help the situation with the route we chose to drive from Kenora to Thunder Bay. Normally you take the Trans-Canada Highway 17 but we thought, been there, done that, it is a boring drive through the woods. Lets try Highway 11 through International Falls and Atikokan instead.<br />
<br />
It was a pretty drive:<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-_98KfJ-uLno/U9uA6AbBcJI/AAAAAAAAGDM/Uhyzjf6iXqc/s1600/Rocky+Cliffs.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-_98KfJ-uLno/U9uA6AbBcJI/AAAAAAAAGDM/Uhyzjf6iXqc/s1600/Rocky+Cliffs.jpg" height="211" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">In spots the road was lined by granite cliffs</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-XpqN4G_Pv2M/U9uBSEs3aSI/AAAAAAAAGDU/XXqrLOKhz2o/s1600/Birch+Trees.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-XpqN4G_Pv2M/U9uBSEs3aSI/AAAAAAAAGDU/XXqrLOKhz2o/s1600/Birch+Trees.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Lots of beautiful birch trees</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMFQ7Hm5XRljz10nD9_A9VccOYKB50bBDUrIXAgOES8SOeAUonm9evZU3gacfVOAMtV3WiIxLqtiNG_sKRSXCEk5cxkU6h2eeJUsMbSU3s8EhvXMx3p2WPdYStyaigng4DecTRIxLVG4w/s1600/marshlands.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMFQ7Hm5XRljz10nD9_A9VccOYKB50bBDUrIXAgOES8SOeAUonm9evZU3gacfVOAMtV3WiIxLqtiNG_sKRSXCEk5cxkU6h2eeJUsMbSU3s8EhvXMx3p2WPdYStyaigng4DecTRIxLVG4w/s1600/marshlands.jpg" height="220" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Interesting marshes</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-JuGaJLcj0JE/U9uB49NTh2I/AAAAAAAAGDk/kddr5J7KK_4/s1600/islands.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-JuGaJLcj0JE/U9uB49NTh2I/AAAAAAAAGDk/kddr5J7KK_4/s1600/islands.jpg" height="217" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Pretty lakes dotted with small islands</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ZfiEF9M_A30/U9uCPPxtbtI/AAAAAAAAGDs/lLNt64IXF8U/s1600/waterfalls.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ZfiEF9M_A30/U9uCPPxtbtI/AAAAAAAAGDs/lLNt64IXF8U/s1600/waterfalls.jpg" height="298" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Many small waterfalls where rivers spill into lakes</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-iXuLbxbB9J0/U9uDfvK9BhI/AAAAAAAAGD8/hOocUvg9Z7E/s1600/wild+rice.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-iXuLbxbB9J0/U9uDfvK9BhI/AAAAAAAAGD8/hOocUvg9Z7E/s1600/wild+rice.jpg" height="216" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Wild rice growing in the lakes and rivers</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-V7oAcSscj70/U9uD78FERqI/AAAAAAAAGEE/Ey3nho9rxKk/s1600/souix+narrows.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-V7oAcSscj70/U9uD78FERqI/AAAAAAAAGEE/Ey3nho9rxKk/s1600/souix+narrows.jpg" height="192" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This is not a touristy area but in Souix Narrows we found this shop selling native arts and crafts, among other things.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
This is fly-in fishing country so we saw several businesses designed to accommodate sportspeople with money:<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-5lBsUvMihWg/U9uDKp8aU0I/AAAAAAAAGD0/I4FosEn_Xs0/s1600/float+planes.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-5lBsUvMihWg/U9uDKp8aU0I/AAAAAAAAGD0/I4FosEn_Xs0/s1600/float+planes.jpg" height="322" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Add caption</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
This was a two-day drive for us. We planned to spend the night at a city park in International Falls but the park was still flooded with the spring run-off and pretty much un-usable. Although it was open.<br />
<br />
So we went on to Atikokan, a Native community known as the canoe-making capital of Canada. It was pouring rain when we arrived to another flooded, town-operated campground.With no potable water, a flooded dump station and minimal electricity. Cost $30. What can I say.<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-VIznCb1rlbE/U9uF0uRjiSI/AAAAAAAAGEQ/9at9znyUmLs/s1600/anticokan+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-VIznCb1rlbE/U9uF0uRjiSI/AAAAAAAAGEQ/9at9znyUmLs/s1600/anticokan+1.jpg" height="301" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The view from our front window.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
The rain did stop eventually so we thought we would head out and see what we could learn about canoe making but - when the rain left the mosquitos arrived. BIG mosquitos, HUNGRY mosquitos, NASTY mosquitos. So we quickly settled in to enjoy a quiet, indoor evening.<br />
<br />
The next morning we were up early and on our way to Thunder Bay. During the trip we crossed into Atlantic Watershed:<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-fD5lV6P945Q/U9uHpzqiMwI/AAAAAAAAGEc/NxhEwKnpSSQ/s1600/Atlantic+Watershed.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-fD5lV6P945Q/U9uHpzqiMwI/AAAAAAAAGEc/NxhEwKnpSSQ/s1600/Atlantic+Watershed.jpg" height="282" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">up until now all streams flowed north into Hudson Bay.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Ontario seems to be on a bridge-repair binge. It do not think we crossed one in the north that was not under repair.<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ia-wq3Jmdyg/U9uJDntHD7I/AAAAAAAAGEo/vVKKHpviUDs/s1600/bridge+construction.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ia-wq3Jmdyg/U9uJDntHD7I/AAAAAAAAGEo/vVKKHpviUDs/s1600/bridge+construction.jpg" height="233" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This one was nearly as narrow as the<a href="http://theaccidentalrvers.blogspot.ca/2012/10/our-first-five-days-on-road.html" target="_blank"> Tappan Zee Bridge </a>in New York that we crossed last year</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Eventually we arrived in Thunder bay:<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-RKrLBIFEyRA/U9uKIyytwKI/AAAAAAAAGEw/pYdElFo_alw/s1600/Thunder+Bay+grain+elevators.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-RKrLBIFEyRA/U9uKIyytwKI/AAAAAAAAGEw/pYdElFo_alw/s1600/Thunder+Bay+grain+elevators.jpg" height="281" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">We were pretty happy to see these ugly grain elevators at the Port of Thunder Bay.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="background-color: white; clear: both; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18.479999542236328px;">
<span style="font-size: 13.333333969116211px; line-height: 20px;">To enlarge the pictures simply click on them.</span></div>
<span style="background-color: #fafafa; color: #333333; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13.63636302947998px; line-height: 17.27272605895996px; text-align: justify;">You can follow more of our adventures on our </span><a href="https://www.facebook.com/TheAccidentalRVers" style="-webkit-transition: color 0.3s; background-color: #fafafa; color: #009eb8; display: inline; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13.63636302947998px; line-height: 17.27272605895996px; outline: none; text-align: justify; text-decoration: none; transition: color 0.3s;" target="_blank">facebook page</a><br />
<span style="background-color: #fafafa; color: #333333; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13.63636302947998px; line-height: 17.27272605895996px; text-align: justify;">To contact me click</span><a href="mailto:annechisholm77@gmail.com" style="-webkit-transition: color 0.3s; background-color: #fafafa; color: #009eb8; display: inline; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13.63636302947998px; line-height: 17.27272605895996px; outline: none; text-align: justify; text-decoration: none; transition: color 0.3s;" target="_blank"> here</a><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13.333333969116211px; line-height: 20px;"> </span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13.333333969116211px; line-height: 20px;">We enjoy and appreciate your comments. To comment simply click on the comments link below</span>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16967250836952301795noreply@blogger.com4Atikokan, ON P0W, Canada48.757169 -91.62552099999999225.7196975 -132.934115 71.7946405 -50.316926999999993tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6238082593363497915.post-83532893054382193412014-07-07T13:00:00.000-03:002014-07-07T13:00:03.648-03:00Crossing the Canadian Prairie<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
Arch says driving across the Prairie is
a lot like watching the water go over Niagara Falls. At first it is
awe-inspiring and amazing but after about half an hour it is just
boring.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
We started out from Okotoks, Alberta on
a beautiful, sunny day:<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-YjewV3nWnIw/U7XX5QQhJbI/AAAAAAAAGBM/ougYbGVbtRk/s1600/Good+by+Alberta.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-YjewV3nWnIw/U7XX5QQhJbI/AAAAAAAAGBM/ougYbGVbtRk/s1600/Good+by+Alberta.jpg" height="232" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">good by Rocky Mountains</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
As we drove along we were chatting and admiring the scenery and missed a sign that said “road closed at the Bow River” so after about 50 kms we were confronted with this:</div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-7oHHf30Fov4/U6r26EFYayI/AAAAAAAAF-g/Z-vyQasbHJg/s1600/Detour.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-7oHHf30Fov4/U6r26EFYayI/AAAAAAAAF-g/Z-vyQasbHJg/s1600/Detour.jpg" height="265" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The bridge was washed out by the floods, we assume</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
We weren't the only ones to miss the
detour sign. To the right you can see a white SUV. He was trying to
find a way around the detour. Eventually he turned around and came
back.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
So, for us, there was nothing to do but
take the car off the dolly, unhook it, turn the Adventure Bus around
and reconnect everything.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-B2_nplTYHOM/U7XYo_ZONyI/AAAAAAAAGBU/rL1UAaFuy84/s1600/Turning+around.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-B2_nplTYHOM/U7XYo_ZONyI/AAAAAAAAGBU/rL1UAaFuy84/s1600/Turning+around.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-HWYJmlM8Q0U/U7aHxj7wq0I/AAAAAAAAGBk/8SliPBu73Cs/s1600/hooking+up.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-HWYJmlM8Q0U/U7aHxj7wq0I/AAAAAAAAGBk/8SliPBu73Cs/s1600/hooking+up.jpg" height="263" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
In the photo above you can see, behind
us, another car that missed the detour sign. There were five or six cars that passed us and turned around. Obviously the road closed sign was not too visible.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
Eventually we headed out again around a
100 km detour and were on our way . Here are some sights from the
road:</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-mc3iKer4XKg/U7aIZ1GSovI/AAAAAAAAGBs/1W3tySk1FGQ/s1600/big+sky.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-mc3iKer4XKg/U7aIZ1GSovI/AAAAAAAAGBs/1W3tySk1FGQ/s1600/big+sky.jpg" height="306" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Endless Sky</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-yAshzdeUrCE/U7aIo0RCNaI/AAAAAAAAGB0/J9GfNiATzqM/s1600/endless+highway.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-yAshzdeUrCE/U7aIo0RCNaI/AAAAAAAAGB0/J9GfNiATzqM/s1600/endless+highway.jpg" height="162" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">and endless highway</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVHJ4qH5U5KC7O0EkZMOTfFxF8DAygr7A1BLfSXE7HhslDjkZV1r63uU0W2z8AT55ONwaoNw6z3tABP8BCnuj2ZVblktdiLGpTtPyL0cC_b7mWwomPEEZLIyjuHFhfTixuUyBKpKGI5fI/s1600/oil+rigs.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVHJ4qH5U5KC7O0EkZMOTfFxF8DAygr7A1BLfSXE7HhslDjkZV1r63uU0W2z8AT55ONwaoNw6z3tABP8BCnuj2ZVblktdiLGpTtPyL0cC_b7mWwomPEEZLIyjuHFhfTixuUyBKpKGI5fI/s1600/oil+rigs.jpg" height="240" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">oil wells</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-qqSWhq7oojQ/U7aKJmj9oVI/AAAAAAAAGCI/aFC4YLo1-FA/s1600/big+teepee.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-qqSWhq7oojQ/U7aKJmj9oVI/AAAAAAAAGCI/aFC4YLo1-FA/s1600/big+teepee.jpg" height="262" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The big teepee at the Medicine Hat Information Centre</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
I understand you can boondock here for
the night. We decided against it as it is very close to the highway
and therefore, very noisy.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
The day we crossed Saskatchewan it was
very rainy. But we still saw lots of grain elevators:<br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-DOmepYTPB5I/U7aKmmDn7aI/AAAAAAAAGCQ/-xHi0hQA7cg/s1600/grain+elevator.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-DOmepYTPB5I/U7aKmmDn7aI/AAAAAAAAGCQ/-xHi0hQA7cg/s1600/grain+elevator.jpg" height="263" width="400" /></a></div>
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
At one point we passed a man on a unicycle. I wanted to stop and find out what he was doing but the rain was pelting down and the wind was blowing it sideways so we decided against it. Later I "googled" him and learned he is cycling "across Canada" from BC to Ottawa to promote <a href="http://unityfortheclimate.ca/about" target="_blank">unity for climate change.</a><br />
<br />
What struck me most about Saskatchewan was the amount of wetlands we crossed:<br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-p-GHyMJaxXk/U7aNruxiksI/AAAAAAAAGCc/lPWozYxykvI/s1600/sask+waterlands.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-p-GHyMJaxXk/U7aNruxiksI/AAAAAAAAGCc/lPWozYxykvI/s1600/sask+waterlands.jpg" height="210" width="400" /></a></div>
It is no wonder they get so much flooding in the spring rains. As you can see in the photo above the water comes right up to the Trans Canada Highway.<br />
<br />
Saskatchewan is also home to the largest saline water lakes in Canada. This one is<a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chaplin,_Saskatchewan" target="_blank"> Chaplin Lake</a> between Moose Jaw and Swift Current:<br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-VLAC9YwFgbs/U7aPWkOk_KI/AAAAAAAAGCs/Mf6ToJzH8nk/s1600/salt+flats.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-VLAC9YwFgbs/U7aPWkOk_KI/AAAAAAAAGCs/Mf6ToJzH8nk/s1600/salt+flats.jpg" height="223" width="400" /></a></div>
The rain makes it difficult to see but that is hills of salt, not snow, at the edge of the lake.<br />
<br />
Manitoba was more of large farms and endless highway.<br />
<br />
It took us four days to cross the Prairies and we missed a lot but decided not to stop as we were running very much behind schedule and we were due in London, Ontario on June 10 so we pushed on through. If we could go back we would take a day to visit Aberta's badlands, a day in Moose Jaw to visit the <a href="http://www.tunnelsofmoosejaw.com/home/" target="_blank">Al Capone tunnels</a>, a couple of days checking out Saskatchewan's wetlands and Grasslands National Park and a couple of days at Lake Winnipeg. We missed a lot but that gives us a reason to go back some day.<br />
<br />
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<span style="font-size: 13.333333969116211px; line-height: 20px;">To enlarge the pictures simply click on them.</span></div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16967250836952301795noreply@blogger.com2Saskatchewan, Canada52.9399159 -106.450863933.773538900000005 -147.7594579 72.1062929 -65.1422699tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6238082593363497915.post-56257826583428399282014-07-05T13:00:00.000-03:002014-07-05T13:00:03.743-03:00Head Smashed In Buffalo Jump - A UNESCO World Heritage Site<br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-AclcE6NaBq8/U7VMX1FNrTI/AAAAAAAAGAc/XPNaLjUcpA0/s1600/had+smashed+in+sign.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-AclcE6NaBq8/U7VMX1FNrTI/AAAAAAAAGAc/XPNaLjUcpA0/s1600/had+smashed+in+sign.jpg" height="190" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
The name alone makes this<a href="http://history.alberta.ca/headsmashedin" target="_blank"> site </a>worth a visit but it also tells the amazing story of the life the aboriginal people of the plains lived for nearly 6000 years.<br />
<br />
This was a time when vast herds of buffalo roamed the great plains and foothills of Alberta. They were the main source of nourishment over the harsh winters for the aboriginal people. So once each year, in the fall, tribes from all over the west and north came together in this area to slaughter the buffalo they needed by driving them off steep cliffs.<br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-bg2ShMymYJI/U7VKDK2bpRI/AAAAAAAAGAM/TSUjRUPOakg/s1600/buffalo+on+cliff.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-bg2ShMymYJI/U7VKDK2bpRI/AAAAAAAAGAM/TSUjRUPOakg/s1600/buffalo+on+cliff.jpg" height="294" width="320" /></a></div>
Part of the process of herding the buffalo over the cliff is that one person runs in front of the herd, jumping out of the way at the last minute. The story goes that one brave warrior did not get out of the way in time and went over the cliff with the buffalo. He was found later with his head smashed in by the cliffs and buffalo. Thus the name.<br />
<br />
The interpretive site is staffed by native people and is extremely well done. Plan to spend at least a couple of hours here. History buffs could spend all day. The location is easy to reach but remote so plan to eat in the cafeteria or bring a picnic lunch.<br />
<br />
Start your tour by watching the on site movie telling the story. Then head out to explore the cliffs and imagine the experience.<br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-4H8ErDFYJYI/U7VL6GQEBBI/AAAAAAAAGAU/hBUUSW70FV8/s1600/cliff.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-4H8ErDFYJYI/U7VL6GQEBBI/AAAAAAAAGAU/hBUUSW70FV8/s1600/cliff.jpg" height="203" width="400" /></a></div>
Then return to the interpretive centre to learn the complete story of the Plains People and the life they led until disrupted by European explorers.<br />
<br />
From there we decided to take the "cowboy trail" back to Okotoks. So off we went but were soon diverted by a sign saying it was 30 kms to Crows Nest Pass. We both knew about the Crows Nest Pass but could not remember why. So we decided to go see what we could learn. And expected to climb to a very high pass through the mountains. But that is not what we found. But what we find find was far more interesting.<br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ucgCxYN4AVY/U7VQigN8faI/AAAAAAAAGAk/WjtOFoeCSB4/s1600/Frank+Slide+sign.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ucgCxYN4AVY/U7VQigN8faI/AAAAAAAAGAk/WjtOFoeCSB4/s1600/Frank+Slide+sign.jpg" height="288" width="400" /></a></div>
<a href="http://www.history.alberta.ca/frankslide/" target="_blank">The Frank Slide,</a> which occured in 1903, was Canada's most deadly rock slide. An estimated 90 people were killed. It happened when the side of Turtle Mountain gave away, burying Frank, a town of 600 people at its base.<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-x6filGTwsqs/U7VSDSdvSvI/AAAAAAAAGAs/ngGY6Jzs1v8/s1600/Frank+Slide+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-x6filGTwsqs/U7VSDSdvSvI/AAAAAAAAGAs/ngGY6Jzs1v8/s1600/Frank+Slide+1.jpg" height="223" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The slide area today</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
At the interpretive centre you can hike a trail out to the slide area itself but the must do is to view the 30 minute docudrama which recreates the night the slide came down. There is also a video about the history of the Crows Nest Pass and many interactive displays. Another 3 hour stop.<br />
<br />
By the time we headed back to Okotoks the weather had started to close in<br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-dSIfucMKzeA/U7VTv8IOs6I/AAAAAAAAGA0/0-EB88cF9E0/s1600/Alberta+Ranch+Land.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-dSIfucMKzeA/U7VTv8IOs6I/AAAAAAAAGA0/0-EB88cF9E0/s1600/Alberta+Ranch+Land.jpg" height="168" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
But it was still a spectacular drive through Alberta's vast ranching country:<br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-eFkoUwexuDU/U7VUE9GqZTI/AAAAAAAAGA8/Cd0dwiYB5ZE/s1600/Foothills.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-eFkoUwexuDU/U7VUE9GqZTI/AAAAAAAAGA8/Cd0dwiYB5ZE/s1600/Foothills.jpg" height="152" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: 13.333333969116211px; line-height: 20px;">To enlarge the pictures simply click on them.</span></div>
<span style="background-color: #fafafa; color: #333333; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13.63636302947998px; line-height: 17.27272605895996px; text-align: justify;">You can follow more of our adventures on our </span><a href="https://www.facebook.com/TheAccidentalRVers" style="-webkit-transition: color 0.3s; background-color: #fafafa; color: #009eb8; display: inline; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13.63636302947998px; line-height: 17.27272605895996px; outline: none; text-align: justify; text-decoration: none; transition: color 0.3s;" target="_blank">facebook page</a><br style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18.479999542236328px;" /><span style="background-color: #fafafa; color: #333333; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13.63636302947998px; line-height: 17.27272605895996px; text-align: justify;">To contact me click</span><a href="mailto:annechisholm77@gmail.com" style="-webkit-transition: color 0.3s; background-color: #fafafa; color: #009eb8; display: inline; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13.63636302947998px; line-height: 17.27272605895996px; outline: none; text-align: justify; text-decoration: none; transition: color 0.3s;" target="_blank"> here</a><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13.333333969116211px; line-height: 20px;"> </span><br style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18.479999542236328px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13.333333969116211px; line-height: 20px;">We enjoy and appreciate your comments. To comment simply click on the comments link below.</span>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16967250836952301795noreply@blogger.com0Head-Smashed-In Buffalo Jump World Heritage Site, Fort MacLeod, AB T0L 0Z0, Canada49.705334 -113.6534199999999826.8693035 -154.96201399999998 72.5413645 -72.344825999999983tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6238082593363497915.post-78459809526002054512014-07-04T13:00:00.000-03:002014-07-04T13:00:01.209-03:00A Visit to Alberta Ranch LandAs you may have discerned by now, we are not really "city people". We find them quite overwhelming and difficult to explore on a budget. As a result, we pick the cities we visit carefully and usually go to specific sites within the city. There was nothing we really wanted to see there so I can't tell you much about Calgary. Except that is is obviously very wealthy and interestingly, very colourful. Its skyline is spectacular, in an unassuming, Canadian kind of way:<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-G8x4b6LbEHk/U7Ux7xObaQI/AAAAAAAAF-8/AnBSJyueI5A/s1600/calgary+Skyline.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-G8x4b6LbEHk/U7Ux7xObaQI/AAAAAAAAF-8/AnBSJyueI5A/s1600/calgary+Skyline.jpg" height="200" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">note the different colours of the buildings</td></tr>
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The Children's Hospital was interesting and beautiful:<br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-KsZYhGB82-Q/U7UyhQFb5VI/AAAAAAAAF_E/ECiE0qV_Nzw/s1600/Alberta+Childrens+Hospital.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-KsZYhGB82-Q/U7UyhQFb5VI/AAAAAAAAF_E/ECiE0qV_Nzw/s1600/Alberta+Childrens+Hospital.jpg" height="175" width="400" /></a></div>
But we were really there to visit Arch's nephew, Fraser and his wife, Norma. They live in High River, a town about 25 kms south of Calgary. And take in some of Alberta's ranch country. It was a lovely and educational visit.<br />
<br />
In the spring of 2013 High River and surrounding area were drowned in flood waters from a fierce spring rain storm. Calgary and other towns around the area were also badly effected but High River took the brunt of the floods and is still rebuilding. I cannot begin to tell you the devastation we saw and won't even try. But what was impressive was the ability of the town to pick up the pieces and start rebuilding. They have a very long way to go and a lot of tough decisions to make regarding dike building and flood plain lands but one can see that they are getting there quickly.<br />
<br />
This is a photo from Fraser and Norma's deck:<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizoCF-nPr95af7m7PN-ZYs5wMLMgAFDJRxlCJmCP9PWaYlTPnNKyzB7odtg7nu0W-eX1DNNk8Q5jCmjFU12EWrkhyphenhyphenCVyiMQVqLsDq0NjAYhPmFCwh5I1b1pd5g7RQzNBaHs8eChhIdtSQ/s1600/View+from+Frasers+Deck.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizoCF-nPr95af7m7PN-ZYs5wMLMgAFDJRxlCJmCP9PWaYlTPnNKyzB7odtg7nu0W-eX1DNNk8Q5jCmjFU12EWrkhyphenhyphenCVyiMQVqLsDq0NjAYhPmFCwh5I1b1pd5g7RQzNBaHs8eChhIdtSQ/s1600/View+from+Frasers+Deck.jpg" height="135" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
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This entire area was completely flooded and most homes had their first floor full of flood water. Today it is so serene and beautiful with flower beds, walking trails and duck ponds that it is hard to imagine the devastation caused by the flood.<br />
<br />
Because of the floods the campgrounds in High River were closed so we stayed in <a href="http://www.okotoks.ca/" target="_blank">Okotoks,</a> a town just north of there. And enjoyed several meals with Fraser and Norma. One at their home where Fraser planked and barbequed a salmon he caught on his annual British Columbia fishing trip:<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-477EwmbfIS4/U7U4nKH2l4I/AAAAAAAAF_U/pJTCBqkCFvU/s1600/Fraser+and+Norma+making+Salmon.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-477EwmbfIS4/U7U4nKH2l4I/AAAAAAAAF_U/pJTCBqkCFvU/s1600/Fraser+and+Norma+making+Salmon.jpg" height="315" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">On go the secret spices</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-gWgV6tjB9Us/U7U4_qOG_TI/AAAAAAAAF_c/6GP2lnLmxek/s1600/salmon+on+the+bbq.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-gWgV6tjB9Us/U7U4_qOG_TI/AAAAAAAAF_c/6GP2lnLmxek/s1600/salmon+on+the+bbq.jpg" height="255" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ready to serve</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
It was delicious and Fraser agreed to share his "secret" recipe with you. Unfortunately, as I had no internet access for a while I tucked the recipe away where I would not loose it and you know what? Now, I can't remember where I put it. *sigh* Getting old is not for the faint of heart. Anyway, I think I remember most of it and, Fraser, if I missed anything please email the corrections.<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Planked Salmon</span></b></div>
<br />
<b><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Ingredients:</span></b><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">cedar boards - 3/4" thick, soaked in water overnight. (as you can see above they will still burn so watch them while cooking)</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">salmon fillets</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">olive oil</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">fresh dill</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">maple syrup</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">seafood seasoning (I think Fraser used Club House seafood seasoning but Old Bay would work well also)</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">salt and pepper</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<b><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Directions:</span></b><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Rub the salmon with olive oil and drizzle on maple syrup. sprinkle with dill, seafood seasoning and salt and pepper.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Place on wet cedar planks and set directly on barbeque grill. Set heat to medium, close lid and cook until salmon flakes easily. About 10 minutes per inch of thickness.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Serve at the table from the boards.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Fraser used cedar fencing (not hard to find in Alberta) for the planks. If you do this be sure it has not been treated with anything.</span><br />
<br />
Another night they joined us for s steak barbeque at our campsite:<br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-A9KrhXrdyjA/U7U-r7WTKwI/AAAAAAAAF_o/ZLqYF4Und14/s1600/bbq.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-A9KrhXrdyjA/U7U-r7WTKwI/AAAAAAAAF_o/ZLqYF4Und14/s1600/bbq.jpg" height="240" width="400" /></a></div>
We bought good Alberta beef steaks so no need for a recipe here. Just put on the barbeque and grill to desired level of done-ness. Do you know how to tell how well meat is cooked? It is easy using the touch system. Stretch out your arm full length and touch your muscle. What you feel is rare when you touch a cooking steak. Then bend your arm half way and touch the muscle. This is what medium feels like. Now, bend your arm all the way and show off that hard muscle. This is well done.<br />
<br />
And to end, our impression of Alberta ranch land:<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-3Rb8crn1l4Y/U7VAaDyb_MI/AAAAAAAAF_w/N43ZeWS2rXo/s1600/Ranch+land.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-3Rb8crn1l4Y/U7VAaDyb_MI/AAAAAAAAF_w/N43ZeWS2rXo/s1600/Ranch+land.jpg" height="190" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">It is a land of wide open spaces</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-nknawFefg0M/U7VAxY7ckkI/AAAAAAAAF_4/Ub-_nw8Xta4/s1600/Big+Tractor.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-nknawFefg0M/U7VAxY7ckkI/AAAAAAAAF_4/Ub-_nw8Xta4/s1600/Big+Tractor.jpg" height="350" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">And big farm equipment</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-nb98iHjIaFE/U7VBFxU7TnI/AAAAAAAAGAA/3AeTN3-gRTw/s1600/view+of+the+Rockies+from+Okotoks.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-nb98iHjIaFE/U7VBFxU7TnI/AAAAAAAAGAA/3AeTN3-gRTw/s1600/view+of+the+Rockies+from+Okotoks.jpg" height="195" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">overseen by the Rocky Mountains</td></tr>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16967250836952301795noreply@blogger.com1High River, AB, Canada50.5801021 -113.8707312000000250.5801021 -113.87073120000002 50.5801021 -113.87073120000002tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6238082593363497915.post-77821038227149467752014-07-03T07:20:00.000-03:002014-07-03T07:20:16.674-03:00Banff National ParkI had a camera disaster while we were in Banff - I lost its HDMI cord. And must order a new one from the manufacturer. Which must be mailed somewhere - Nova Scotia, I suppose. Meanwhile I must improvise with a remote charger.<br />
<br />
The result of this sad story is that I don't have many pictures of Banff and area.<br />
<br />
We stayed at the Tunnel Mountain Trailer Park - Parks Canada's name for an RV Park. Nice sites with full services.<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-7KD3Yc9rMXA/U45OXy5BUPI/AAAAAAAAF9g/Bi58fKO-l2I/s1600/View+from+our+window+Tunnel+Mountain+Trailer+Park.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-7KD3Yc9rMXA/U45OXy5BUPI/AAAAAAAAF9g/Bi58fKO-l2I/s1600/View+from+our+window+Tunnel+Mountain+Trailer+Park.jpg" height="358" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The view from our front window. <br />
When you choose a site on the reservation service look for one that faces south if possible.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<a href="http://www.banfflakelouise.com/" target="_blank">Banff National Park</a> was Canada's first national park and the world's third. Spanning 6,641 square kilometres (2,564 square miles) of valleys, mountains, glaciers, forests, meadows and rivers, it is one of the world's premier destination spots.<br />
<br />
As a result, both Banff and Lake Louise are very busy and crowded in the summer, so plan your visit accordingly. In Lake Louise there is over-flow parking on the highway - and a good bus service to transport you from site to site. Banff also has a good public bus service.<br />
<br />
I suggest you start your visit at the park information centre in either Banff or Lake Louise. There is so much to do and see you need to take some time to orient yourself to the park and its services. And watch any movies that are playing. The one we saw provided a lot of useful information about enjoying the park safely and in an ecologically friendly way.<br />
<br />
If you are a hiker there are endless hiking trails. If you cycle the bike trail from the eastern park entrance to Banff is amazing. If you are a fan of the arts there is the Banff Centre for the Arts. If you golf there is a wonderful golf course. Kayaking and canoeing, yes. And on and on.<br />
<br />
We drove the Bow Valley Parkway (great to cycle as well) from Banff to Lake Louise. The scenery is mostly rocks and trees but it provides access to many interesting hikes and view points. I recommend you take a day for this drive and stop at all the historical markers and especially go to <a href="http://www.banff.ca/index.aspx?NID=648" target="_blank">Johnston Canyon</a>. Spectacular. If you are able you must do this hike.<br />
<br />
Another "must do" is a visit to the Chateau Lake Louise in its spectacular mountain setting. It is so beautiful. Even with the ice and snow that was on the lake when we were there it was really beautiful.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-_DdYtgLZzo0/U7UrSKAs0sI/AAAAAAAAF-w/OL-LDHXYgEk/s1600/lake+louise.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-_DdYtgLZzo0/U7UrSKAs0sI/AAAAAAAAF-w/OL-LDHXYgEk/s1600/lake+louise.jpg" height="315" width="400" /></a></div>
I also suggest that, even if you visit in mid-summer, take some warm clothing. The park staff call this area "Canada's Icebox" and it can be chilly. It was a late spring this year and we were there mid-May which explains the ice. But, 40 years ago, we were there in the middle of July and I remember finding it cold. So go prepared. But go.<br />
<br />
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<br />
When we left Valemount the weather was not the greatest. Drizzly with low clouds. But we decided to push on taking the Yellowhead Highway to Jasper. We could decide there what to do next.<br />
<br />
Mount Robson was our constant companion on this section of the drive:<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-oWPDPvZmY_M/U43LehFclnI/AAAAAAAAF6o/YyIu04EtlVE/s1600/Mt+Robson.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-oWPDPvZmY_M/U43LehFclnI/AAAAAAAAF6o/YyIu04EtlVE/s1600/Mt+Robson.jpg" height="250" width="400" /></a></div>
A moment of excitement when we saw several moose. Unfortunately there was a semi truck behind us and the moose were on both sides of the highway with a narrow shoulder so we could not slow down to take a photo so the one here is a little blurry<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-uJtLzZykbA4/U43MG_bKpiI/AAAAAAAAF6w/HQDAJ0fsvgc/s1600/Moose.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-uJtLzZykbA4/U43MG_bKpiI/AAAAAAAAF6w/HQDAJ0fsvgc/s1600/Moose.jpg" height="260" width="400" /></a></div>
It is important to know that the Yellowhead Highway is relatively flat and the favoured route for truckers to take through the Rockies. We did not find their presence a problem (this is not the 401 between London and Toronto) but they are there. At Jasper they will continue of to Edmonton.<br />
<br />
Jasper is your typical skiing/hiking town with lots of hotels, restaurants and sports shops. not to mention all other types of shopping. But no big box stores in sight. Its main feature is the historic train station (Jasper was developed as a railway town):<br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Uc24DmESB0w/U43aBR6L1tI/AAAAAAAAF7A/RBxdRiCVO-M/s1600/Jasper+Train+Station.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Uc24DmESB0w/U43aBR6L1tI/AAAAAAAAF7A/RBxdRiCVO-M/s1600/Jasper+Train+Station.jpg" height="145" width="400" /></a></div>
It is now a major stop for <a href="http://www.viarail.ca/en/explore-our-destinations/trains/rockies-and-pacific/toronto-vancouver-canadian?gclid=CjkKEQjw5LWcBRCeh8uUlqqluN4BEiQAfr64cANZvAeW_s6AQXSU3YoQP5vCqngpivzh337s8Fu3cI3w_wcB" target="_blank">"The Canadian"</a> a popular train with dome cars that runs from Toronto to Vancouver. It was pulling into the station as we arrived. People disembarked to spend some time in Jasper while others were enjoying coffee and waiting to board:<br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-EpLdoITeDDA/U43bQ6sjyZI/AAAAAAAAF7I/me40_nE47Fg/s1600/The+Canadian.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-EpLdoITeDDA/U43bQ6sjyZI/AAAAAAAAF7I/me40_nE47Fg/s1600/The+Canadian.jpg" height="261" width="400" /></a></div>
About an hour later they were on their way through the Rockies<br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-QD5NXu3lX5M/U43brKea15I/AAAAAAAAF7Q/GPbTas8TBR4/s1600/On+their+way.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-QD5NXu3lX5M/U43brKea15I/AAAAAAAAF7Q/GPbTas8TBR4/s1600/On+their+way.jpg" height="275" width="400" /></a></div>
Also seen in Jasper:<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-7AsvZNH7HVs/U43cV7hBcBI/AAAAAAAAF7Y/_NsLCxmJBVQ/s1600/wicked+camper.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-7AsvZNH7HVs/U43cV7hBcBI/AAAAAAAAF7Y/_NsLCxmJBVQ/s1600/wicked+camper.jpg" height="210" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This company rents uniquely painted camping vans, cheap.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-tE3QCTzf7aA/U43cvHOQlaI/AAAAAAAAF7g/vkAoMVeivEM/s1600/I+see+dead+people.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-tE3QCTzf7aA/U43cvHOQlaI/AAAAAAAAF7g/vkAoMVeivEM/s1600/I+see+dead+people.jpg" height="336" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Not sure I would want to drive around in this</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
After a delicious lunch at the <a href="http://www.jasperpizza.ca/" target="_blank">Jasper Pizza Place</a> - Arch said it was the best pizza ever, and believe me he eats enough of it to be an expert - we headed down the Icefield Parkway. First excitement was when we spotted a bear grazing at the edge of the highway.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-qiqaoaqVmu0/U43d-bl_bPI/AAAAAAAAF7o/1xp3JHHp0uY/s1600/bear.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-qiqaoaqVmu0/U43d-bl_bPI/AAAAAAAAF7o/1xp3JHHp0uY/s1600/bear.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
If you see any wild animal on the parkway do not, I repeat, DO NOT get out of your car. In fact the parks service asks that you do not stop the car. Simply slow down, get your photo and keep on going. People who approach the bears are a danger not only to themselves but the bears as well. There is an excellent movie at the <a href="http://www.banfflakelouise.com/Plan-Your-Trip/Visitor-Information/Information-Centres" target="_blank">Lake Louise Information Centre </a>telling you how to interact with and protect yourself from the wildlife in the park. And protect the wildlife from you.<br />
<br />
The drive down the parkway is spectacular:<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-7ESC-1vTSWw/U43feIkYCpI/AAAAAAAAF7w/EbfMc40YuMA/s1600/0ne+of+the+parks+emerald+lakes.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-7ESC-1vTSWw/U43feIkYCpI/AAAAAAAAF7w/EbfMc40YuMA/s1600/0ne+of+the+parks+emerald+lakes.jpg" height="225" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">One of the Park's famous emerald lakes. caused by powdered lime in the melting snow. </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
There are two long high passes on the Parkway. The first is the Sunwapta:<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-6R-wiIRE23A/U43g4u10NWI/AAAAAAAAF78/dLhBWKmgChs/s1600/Suswap+River.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-6R-wiIRE23A/U43g4u10NWI/AAAAAAAAF78/dLhBWKmgChs/s1600/Suswap+River.jpg" height="201" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Near the top of the pass, but still climbing</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Glass skywalks seem to be the latest tourism attraction and there is one that just opened on the Parkway, at the top of the <a href="http://www.brewster.ca/rocky-mountains/destinations/columbia-icefield/activities/glacier-skywalk/" target="_blank">Sunwapta Pass</a>:<br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-v_W6mjiQKpE/U43iQkmUxbI/AAAAAAAAF8A/jvB68oJ_g5s/s1600/Walkway.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-v_W6mjiQKpE/U43iQkmUxbI/AAAAAAAAF8A/jvB68oJ_g5s/s1600/Walkway.jpg" height="241" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
We walked on the one at The Grand Canyon several years ago. and were totally unimpressed. It was very expensive. Not only did you pay to go on the skywalk but you first had to pay to enter the Hualapai Nation lands, after driving over 10 miles of dirt road. Then you pay to enter the skywalk. And you cannot take your camera out on the skywalk - they take a photo and charge big dollars for it.<br />
<br />
We did not take the <a href="http://www.brewster.ca/rocky-mountains/destinations/columbia-icefield/activities/glacier-skywalk/" target="_blank">Glacier Skywalk</a> but it appears to be much more spectacular and much more reasonably priced. And for $25 we suggest you try it.<br />
<br />
Incidentally, Canada's Nation Parks charge a <a href="http://www.pc.gc.ca/pn-np/ab/banff/visit/tarifs-fees_e.asp?park=1" target="_blank">daily admittance fee</a> or you can buy a yearly pass. At $120 for the two of us it is a little more expensive than the US National Parks pass ($80) but very much worth the money if you plan to spend more than 3 or 4 days in the parks system.<br />
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There is no parking at the Glacier Skywalk. They bus you up from the Columbia Icefield Centre. The Icefield Centre also offers dry camping spots for $15 per night. That is where we stayed for one night. If you do this be sure to get there early to get a relatively flat spot - it is on the side of the mountain.<br />
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We found a spot that was reasonably flat and had a great view of the Athabasca Glacier:<br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-WVIwzFbVQBg/U43yiH3U-vI/AAAAAAAAF8Q/YUcTcWa8ciQ/s1600/Sno+Cat+on+the+icefield.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-WVIwzFbVQBg/U43yiH3U-vI/AAAAAAAAF8Q/YUcTcWa8ciQ/s1600/Sno+Cat+on+the+icefield.jpg" height="173" width="400" /></a></div>
The glacier is very large. If you look carefully at the lower left corner of this picture you will see a orange spot that is circled. That is a snocat that was grooming the glacier in preparation for the many trips snow machines (large buses) make taking people up to the ice field.<br />
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It is a massive area. I took this photo of an info board at the Lake Louise Information Centre that shows the size of this ice field:<br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-0jjEbc4gG1E/U43zovJaMiI/AAAAAAAAF8Y/w0LbKCOxsQk/s1600/map+of+columbia+icefield+with+x.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-0jjEbc4gG1E/U43zovJaMiI/AAAAAAAAF8Y/w0LbKCOxsQk/s1600/map+of+columbia+icefield+with+x.jpg" height="323" width="400" /></a></div>
The red "X" indicates the Columbia Icefield Centre where I was when I took the picture above and the yellow "X" is the base of the Athabasca Glacier. In my picture the rest of the ice field is up and behind the mountains.<br />
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The trip down the mountain from the Icefield Centre is pretty spectacular:<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-mOIYElLOGik/U4309-bOY9I/AAAAAAAAF8g/WyryvjAA4V4/s1600/The+road+down+from+Columbia+Icefield.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-mOIYElLOGik/U4309-bOY9I/AAAAAAAAF8g/WyryvjAA4V4/s1600/The+road+down+from+Columbia+Icefield.jpg" height="197" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Look over the rail in the centre of the photo. <br />That small squiggley thing down there between the mountains, under the clouds, is where we are going.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-BW3gEp4jkt0/U431oOLiOKI/AAAAAAAAF8o/2hhTr8j6KSQ/s1600/The+road+down+from+Columbia+Icefield+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-BW3gEp4jkt0/U431oOLiOKI/AAAAAAAAF8o/2hhTr8j6KSQ/s1600/The+road+down+from+Columbia+Icefield+2.jpg" height="253" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The road down - that is a big curve up ahead!</td></tr>
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The only gas station on the Parkway is located at Saskatchewan River Crossing, just as you leave Jasper National park and enter Banff National Park. DO NOT PLAN TO BUY GAS THERE. It was 1.80/litre, expensive even for Canadian prices. Gas at other spots in Alberta was about 1.23/litre so fill up in Jasper before heading down the parkway.<br />
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The Weeping Wall:<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-DlTxTyzavwE/U433vu31t0I/AAAAAAAAF8w/yT4KelI8xRU/s1600/Waterfall+in+Banff+Park.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-DlTxTyzavwE/U433vu31t0I/AAAAAAAAF8w/yT4KelI8xRU/s1600/Waterfall+in+Banff+Park.jpg" height="400" width="385" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Way more spectacular than any of the falls we saw at Yosemite</td></tr>
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Our next big climb was to the Bow Summit:<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-uVNHKYPr2k4/U434SNdZLqI/AAAAAAAAF84/KmZDbxOl5Xg/s1600/climing+up+to+the+Bow+Pass.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-uVNHKYPr2k4/U434SNdZLqI/AAAAAAAAF84/KmZDbxOl5Xg/s1600/climing+up+to+the+Bow+Pass.jpg" height="222" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Up, up we went</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-5biZ1XYRQ9k/U434i7OjZXI/AAAAAAAAF9A/U2b-6u4PMcQ/s1600/Bow+Lake.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-5biZ1XYRQ9k/U434i7OjZXI/AAAAAAAAF9A/U2b-6u4PMcQ/s1600/Bow+Lake.jpg" height="217" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">To a frozen Bow Lake and lots of snow at the summit</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-W5D4P1BHNhQ/U4342DrkBmI/AAAAAAAAF9I/f6zIwuSBeWQ/s1600/Down+from+Bow+Pass.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-W5D4P1BHNhQ/U4342DrkBmI/AAAAAAAAF9I/f6zIwuSBeWQ/s1600/Down+from+Bow+Pass.jpg" height="288" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">What goes up must come down</td></tr>
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Then more spectacular scenery into Lake Louise where the road becomes a four lane highway and the wildlife is diverted over these especially designed overpasses:<br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-OnPW4M3A43k/U435gpuLoqI/AAAAAAAAF9Q/LDtBhxBDEMY/s1600/Animal+overpass.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-OnPW4M3A43k/U435gpuLoqI/AAAAAAAAF9Q/LDtBhxBDEMY/s1600/Animal+overpass.jpg" height="235" width="400" /></a></div>
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Next post: Lake Louise and Banff.<br />
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<span style="font-size: 13.333333969116211px; line-height: 20px;">To enlarge the pictures simply click on them.</span></div>
<span style="background-color: #fafafa; color: #333333; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13.63636302947998px; line-height: 17.27272605895996px; text-align: justify;">You can follow more of our adventures on our </span><a href="https://www.facebook.com/TheAccidentalRVers" style="-webkit-transition: color 0.3s; background-color: #fafafa; color: #009eb8; display: inline; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13.63636302947998px; line-height: 17.27272605895996px; outline: none; text-align: justify; text-decoration: none; transition: color 0.3s;" target="_blank">facebook page</a><br style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18.479999542236328px;" /><span style="background-color: #fafafa; color: #333333; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13.63636302947998px; line-height: 17.27272605895996px; text-align: justify;">To contact me click</span><a href="mailto:annechisholm77@gmail.com" style="-webkit-transition: color 0.3s; background-color: #fafafa; color: #009eb8; display: inline; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13.63636302947998px; line-height: 17.27272605895996px; outline: none; text-align: justify; text-decoration: none; transition: color 0.3s;" target="_blank"> here</a><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13.333333969116211px; line-height: 20px;"> </span><br style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18.479999542236328px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13.333333969116211px; line-height: 20px;">We enjoy and appreciate your comments. To comment simply click on the comments link below</span>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16967250836952301795noreply@blogger.com3Icefields Parkway, Jasper, AB T0E 1E0, Canada52.1702338 -117.0728960000000149.6752833 -122.23647000000001 54.6651843 -111.90932200000002tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6238082593363497915.post-72103864545901842002014-06-01T18:27:00.000-03:002014-06-01T18:27:47.516-03:00Time to Speed This Adventure up a BitThe time has come for us to seriously point the Adventure Bus east and head home to Nova Scotia. In the past 7 months we drove about 13,000 kms and we have 6,000 kms still to go. In 7 weeks. With friends to visit and lots to see. It is time to hustle our butt a little bit. So, with a few exceptions, from now on this blog will be mostly about the drive.<br />
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We left Peachland about a week and a half ago and headed north towards Jasper. With a couple of stops along the way. We are still getting the hang of "hustling our butt".<br />
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It was a spectacular drive:<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-fo8pUyQ8BW4/U4uPBvsYOpI/AAAAAAAAF4w/xFPWjBmCuCw/s1600/Looking+back+at+Peachland.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-fo8pUyQ8BW4/U4uPBvsYOpI/AAAAAAAAF4w/xFPWjBmCuCw/s1600/Looking+back+at+Peachland.jpg" height="175" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Lake Okanagan and Peachland in our rear view mirror</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-EmrHjXsq9dQ/U4uPU8fIdBI/AAAAAAAAF44/MsRGRe7hdJ0/s1600/Entering+Kelowna.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-EmrHjXsq9dQ/U4uPU8fIdBI/AAAAAAAAF44/MsRGRe7hdJ0/s1600/Entering+Kelowna.jpg" height="172" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Entering Kelowna from the south</td></tr>
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Kelowna is the Okanagan's major city - a very pleasant spot on the lake with good shopping, a beach, lots of golf clubs, wineries and orchards, etc.<br />
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North of Kelowna we drove by a number of lakes<br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-tVE04hrHHYQ/U4uQF9LnQqI/AAAAAAAAF5A/zKTtCl45pAY/s1600/Two+Lakes.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-tVE04hrHHYQ/U4uQF9LnQqI/AAAAAAAAF5A/zKTtCl45pAY/s1600/Two+Lakes.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-iuXivZglWs4/U4uQSPY0faI/AAAAAAAAF5I/KHFssShPVYk/s1600/Vineyard+beside+the+lake.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-iuXivZglWs4/U4uQSPY0faI/AAAAAAAAF5I/KHFssShPVYk/s1600/Vineyard+beside+the+lake.jpg" height="260" width="400" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-8qDZekS98Vk/U4uQinIMfdI/AAAAAAAAF5Q/38a68ReUVxU/s1600/Another+lake.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-8qDZekS98Vk/U4uQinIMfdI/AAAAAAAAF5Q/38a68ReUVxU/s1600/Another+lake.jpg" height="322" width="400" /></a></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-yNbUfrWNXHg/U4uQxmHGENI/AAAAAAAAF5Y/-a1t0szWf0I/s1600/leaving+the+Okanagan.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-yNbUfrWNXHg/U4uQxmHGENI/AAAAAAAAF5Y/-a1t0szWf0I/s1600/leaving+the+Okanagan.jpg" height="310" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Leaving the Okanagan Valley and heading to Salmon Arm BC</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9mAk9TnvkjGtnsnlK4BbZokKHYP-vFt2ACkz_cAQ_qtwHzl8CbFLHRtx4yJ2PVZ3Vr1hKyCbqosH86N1j0WB7ivlIQEFK-tOg4TjQ3LFmjwA5trUeNs5YUhAJVYiwlpSRY3X6BkiP6NE/s1600/Salmon+Arm.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9mAk9TnvkjGtnsnlK4BbZokKHYP-vFt2ACkz_cAQ_qtwHzl8CbFLHRtx4yJ2PVZ3Vr1hKyCbqosH86N1j0WB7ivlIQEFK-tOg4TjQ3LFmjwA5trUeNs5YUhAJVYiwlpSRY3X6BkiP6NE/s1600/Salmon+Arm.jpg" height="215" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Entering Salmon Arm</td></tr>
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I believe Salmon Arm is officially considered the north end of the Okanagan Valley. It too is surrounded by beautiful lakes and mountains. We stopped at the Walmart parking lot to make our lunch. Easy in and out.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-D4LcD8x7MH0/U4uRuYDNwPI/AAAAAAAAF5o/w07lZSoWpPw/s1600/Boondocking+at+walmart.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-D4LcD8x7MH0/U4uRuYDNwPI/AAAAAAAAF5o/w07lZSoWpPw/s1600/Boondocking+at+walmart.jpg" height="262" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">What a great overnight stop this would make. <br />
Grass, trees and a marshland full of birds on the other side of the fence. <br />
And it is away from the road.</td></tr>
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We went around Kamaloops and pointed the car straight north on the Yellowhead Highway (rte 5)<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-SJ-42fH8Hzc/U4uSoxapb6I/AAAAAAAAF5w/ZML8Id7xJEQ/s1600/Fire+damage+north+of+Kamloops.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-SJ-42fH8Hzc/U4uSoxapb6I/AAAAAAAAF5w/ZML8Id7xJEQ/s1600/Fire+damage+north+of+Kamloops.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Fire damage in the mountains north of Kamloops</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-i51R8BpPmXc/U4uS-mmF1fI/AAAAAAAAF54/aPuRcDXul4k/s1600/Following+the+River+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-i51R8BpPmXc/U4uS-mmF1fI/AAAAAAAAF54/aPuRcDXul4k/s1600/Following+the+River+1.jpg" height="305" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The road followed the North Thompson River most of the way</td></tr>
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,<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-rqkjdpP52G4/U4uTZMkSU-I/AAAAAAAAF6A/N1oC1wj1weY/s1600/North+Thompson+River.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-rqkjdpP52G4/U4uTZMkSU-I/AAAAAAAAF6A/N1oC1wj1weY/s1600/North+Thompson+River.jpg" height="210" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Which, due to snow melt in the Rockies, was very full.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-5mDWUMvYzXI/U4uT0yq522I/AAAAAAAAF6I/rlXvbU54pgc/s1600/Following+the+River.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-5mDWUMvYzXI/U4uT0yq522I/AAAAAAAAF6I/rlXvbU54pgc/s1600/Following+the+River.jpg" height="347" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">And flowing very fast with lots of rapids.</td></tr>
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That night we stayed at the<a href="http://www.chinookcovegolf.com/" target="_blank"> Chinook Golf and RV Park</a> in Barriere, BC. A beautiful spot with a great little golf course that ran along the side of the mountain. So naturally we had to stay an extra day to give it a go.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-D5P3L1j1nKc/U4uUlt-13JI/AAAAAAAAF6Q/TIkmrxFFeNw/s1600/Golf+in+Barriere.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-D5P3L1j1nKc/U4uUlt-13JI/AAAAAAAAF6Q/TIkmrxFFeNw/s1600/Golf+in+Barriere.jpg" height="376" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Arch is standing in the white tee box. The reds are where the two people are behind him. And beyond him you see a person on the green. A short hole but you hit straight down hill over a large ravine. We both lost balls here.</td></tr>
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The next day we entered the land of the big bears<br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-o3NjDXMRex4/U4uVvLFF6hI/AAAAAAAAF6Y/sMG4Gm28b6Q/s1600/Entering+the+land+of+big+bears.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-o3NjDXMRex4/U4uVvLFF6hI/AAAAAAAAF6Y/sMG4Gm28b6Q/s1600/Entering+the+land+of+big+bears.jpg" height="319" width="320" /></a></div>
And we pushed on to Valemount BC. The gateway to Jasper National Park. We did not see any bears, basically just rocks, trees and the river.<br />
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Next post will be about our drive down the Icefield Parkway in Jasper and Banff National Parks.<br />
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13.333333969116211px; line-height: 20px;">We enjoy and appreciate your comments. To comment simply click on the comments link below</span>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16967250836952301795noreply@blogger.com5Barrière, BC V0E, Canada51.183071 -120.1226480000000330.322059499999998 -161.43124200000003 72.0440825 -78.814054000000027tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6238082593363497915.post-70461301475268634492014-05-27T13:49:00.000-03:002014-05-27T14:00:26.679-03:00Peachland, British Columbia<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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As we journey around the United States and Canada many people ask "What is your favourite part of the trip so far?". That is a lot like asking which is your favourite child. And it is true. We loved every place equally. Until now. We love, love the Okanagan Valley.<br />
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We've visited many valleys on this trip - the Mississippi River Valley, the Rio Grande Valley, The Yuma Valley, The Valley of the Sun, The Imperial Valley and The Napa Valley, to name a few. But the Okanagan Valley is special.<br />
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It is the first to be comprised mostly of lakes. Six actually: Kalamalka, Wood, Okanagan, Skaha, Vaseaux, and Osoyoos. The lakes are surrounded by mountains with orchards and vineyards crawling up their lower reaches. Small towns and cities encompass the lakes, wherever the terrain permits and act as service areas for the wineries, farms and other businesses (including lots of golf clubs) supported by the unique surroundings.<br />
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Our original plan was to go to Osoyoos for two weeks but a short drive along the route between Chilliwack and Osoyoos convinced us that it was not the most suitable road for a gas motorhome towing a car. So we decided to come to Peachland. Not that the road was much better. It was four lane but consisted mainly of the 1728 metre (approx. 5500 ft) high Pennask Pass through the mountains. The trip up was slow. The trip down terrifying. Made even more so later when our neighbour in the RV park told us he lost his brakes on the way down.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Qy1Y_rzkZz0/U3ofZG54vUI/AAAAAAAAF1s/Ga4XIRU_KCM/s1600/top+of+pass.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Qy1Y_rzkZz0/U3ofZG54vUI/AAAAAAAAF1s/Ga4XIRU_KCM/s1600/top+of+pass.jpg" height="225" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The view at the top of the pass</td></tr>
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But Peachland and the Okanagan Valley are worth the trip<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-92QMLbRGI5o/U3of45Hzl9I/AAAAAAAAF10/4CaWLwYDTmk/s1600/Lake.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-92QMLbRGI5o/U3of45Hzl9I/AAAAAAAAF10/4CaWLwYDTmk/s1600/Lake.jpg" height="277" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Lake Okanagan</td></tr>
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Peachland is the perfect little town. Snuggled into the side of the mountain and with a population of about 5,000 it was a cozy spot from which to explore the mid-Okanagan Valley.<br />
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Most activity in town centres on the several kilometre long beachfront. All of which is a public park.<br />
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There are waterfront homes but they are across Beach Ave. from the water. That fact does not seem to affect the price of the homes:<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-BJU8RhY7fBw/U3opq2eDgYI/AAAAAAAAF2E/wg7BqJMxvDw/s1600/House+for+sale.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-BJU8RhY7fBw/U3opq2eDgYI/AAAAAAAAF2E/wg7BqJMxvDw/s1600/House+for+sale.jpg" height="247" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">2 bedroom, 2 bathroom - $950,000 </td></tr>
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There is an inviting and well used path from one end of the beach to the other used by walkers, runners, inline skaters and cautious cyclists, (like me)<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-OQrU_UT2oy8/U3oqsoydXyI/AAAAAAAAF2M/dHywU_dLjCo/s1600/roller+bladers.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-OQrU_UT2oy8/U3oqsoydXyI/AAAAAAAAF2M/dHywU_dLjCo/s1600/roller+bladers.jpg" height="248" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The sign you see here is the sign that greets you as you enter the town.<br />
No billboards. Simply what you need to know.</td></tr>
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The town (and the whole area) is very bike-friendly.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-bZ2rlhQ3f6k/U3osNY6en2I/AAAAAAAAF2Y/FGwGZU1r6ME/s1600/Bikes.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-bZ2rlhQ3f6k/U3osNY6en2I/AAAAAAAAF2Y/FGwGZU1r6ME/s1600/Bikes.jpg" height="208" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small; text-align: start;">Drivers are considerate and quite willing to share the road.</span></td></tr>
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There is a small shopping centre supplying all the necessities<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-3a5pMfPYf2o/U3os_HDbooI/AAAAAAAAF2g/0SYhZ6WCuC8/s1600/Shopping+mall.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-3a5pMfPYf2o/U3os_HDbooI/AAAAAAAAF2g/0SYhZ6WCuC8/s1600/Shopping+mall.jpg" height="173" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The grocery store, gas station, bank, fitness centre, etc.</td></tr>
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But my favourite is a 1.5 km trail that wound through the village across from the lake.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-RhiHwdUXMCA/U3otzbm52DI/AAAAAAAAF2s/u1_210Ug808/s1600/entrance+to+walking+trail.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-RhiHwdUXMCA/U3otzbm52DI/AAAAAAAAF2s/u1_210Ug808/s1600/entrance+to+walking+trail.jpg" height="257" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The entrance from Beach Avenue</td></tr>
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It is a fitness trail with lots of activities for all levels of ability.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-vPJ5qOlgEZg/U4S6IvHw_jI/AAAAAAAAF3E/xmWwk10UbCg/s1600/Fitness+trail.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-vPJ5qOlgEZg/U4S6IvHw_jI/AAAAAAAAF3E/xmWwk10UbCg/s1600/Fitness+trail.jpg" height="305" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Lots of funders involved here</td></tr>
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With different pieces of exercise equipment along the way:<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-zvD5PBg_QMw/U4S6icUcupI/AAAAAAAAF3M/Eu8cMJS1o_c/s1600/exercise+equipment+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-zvD5PBg_QMw/U4S6icUcupI/AAAAAAAAF3M/Eu8cMJS1o_c/s1600/exercise+equipment+2.jpg" height="400" width="361" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Most designed for two people so you and your walking partner can work out together</td></tr>
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A skate board park:<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Y7c66nm3dYM/U4S7HRO_hWI/AAAAAAAAF3U/mTaA07abxfc/s1600/Skateboard+park.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Y7c66nm3dYM/U4S7HRO_hWI/AAAAAAAAF3U/mTaA07abxfc/s1600/Skateboard+park.jpg" height="236" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">With a viewing stand</td></tr>
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And a very polite sign outlining the rules:<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-xxma6KH1SCU/U4S7dn1qM2I/AAAAAAAAF3c/4nNIHQJFkLY/s1600/Skateboard+park+instructions.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-xxma6KH1SCU/U4S7dn1qM2I/AAAAAAAAF3c/4nNIHQJFkLY/s1600/Skateboard+park+instructions.jpg" height="305" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">How many "pleases" can you count</td></tr>
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Dog walkers welcome<br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-d5kMr0V-CyY/U4S7_NgOAzI/AAAAAAAAF3k/oMIsVWUEy2E/s1600/dog+walking.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-d5kMr0V-CyY/U4S7_NgOAzI/AAAAAAAAF3k/oMIsVWUEy2E/s1600/dog+walking.jpg" height="334" width="400" /></a></div>
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And at the end a bakery and coffee shop. Where you can relax, enjoy a great view of the lake and regain all the calories you worked off.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-0tanT0x1-5c/U4S8Wqzmy_I/AAAAAAAAF3s/Sft9r9hXIYc/s1600/Coffee+shop.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-0tanT0x1-5c/U4S8Wqzmy_I/AAAAAAAAF3s/Sft9r9hXIYc/s1600/Coffee+shop.jpg" height="283" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Notice the apartments over the shopping area. We saw this a lot in BC. <br />
Such a great idea for St Margaret's Bay development.. </td></tr>
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Also seen in Peachland<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-trr-HEfmmDM/U4S9hcO1kXI/AAAAAAAAF30/Yoyn8fF-WP8/s1600/pedal+bikes.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-trr-HEfmmDM/U4S9hcO1kXI/AAAAAAAAF30/Yoyn8fF-WP8/s1600/pedal+bikes.jpg" height="230" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Pedal bikes, paddle board, canoes and kayaks for rent.</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-aSg5ghB5PTw/U4S-Blb5fyI/AAAAAAAAF4A/HRFDj-U2Gp0/s1600/Picnic+Area.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-aSg5ghB5PTw/U4S-Blb5fyI/AAAAAAAAF4A/HRFDj-U2Gp0/s1600/Picnic+Area.jpg" height="169" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This picnic area is across from the coffee shop.</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-PUi-7BBU6S8/U4S-0omIJXI/AAAAAAAAF4E/0791xQxZrrw/s1600/patio.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-PUi-7BBU6S8/U4S-0omIJXI/AAAAAAAAF4E/0791xQxZrrw/s1600/patio.jpg" height="345" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">There are no walls around homes here. This beautiful patio was part of a condo looking over the lake.<br />
I love the colour combination.</td></tr>
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The legend of Ogopogo, believed to live in Okanagan</div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-zMlJK0UF4mE/U4S_eO0HYAI/AAAAAAAAF4M/IknDRP15ETI/s1600/Ogopogo.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-zMlJK0UF4mE/U4S_eO0HYAI/AAAAAAAAF4M/IknDRP15ETI/s1600/Ogopogo.jpg" height="234" width="320" /></a></div>
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I could not find and promotion of Ogopogo in the shops - not even a postcard. But this home used his likeness as lawn decor:</div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-rT014i0JoIs/U4TAosPXm_I/AAAAAAAAF4Y/DGyvHd560Ys/s1600/ogopogo+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-rT014i0JoIs/U4TAosPXm_I/AAAAAAAAF4Y/DGyvHd560Ys/s1600/ogopogo+1.jpg" height="138" width="400" /></a></div>
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Most importantly Peachland, and every other town we visited in the Okanagan, has easily found, extremely clean public washrooms:</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-4oqQcnb1yx4/U4TBPpm-SCI/AAAAAAAAF4g/Bb_QiVgT29k/s1600/Washrooms.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-4oqQcnb1yx4/U4TBPpm-SCI/AAAAAAAAF4g/Bb_QiVgT29k/s1600/Washrooms.jpg" height="295" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Wouldn't it be wonderful if all towns were this thoughtful?</td></tr>
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All of these wonderful facilities are maintained by a staff of 7, employed by the town. We saw them out working in the park and its gardens everyday. </div>
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16967250836952301795noreply@blogger.com5Peachland, BC, Canada49.7702994 -119.7407898999999849.688260899999996 -119.90215139999998 49.8523379 -119.57942839999998tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6238082593363497915.post-16314075629531051042014-05-15T12:36:00.000-03:002014-05-15T12:36:59.207-03:00The Okanagan Valley - Wine CountryWe don't usually go to wine tasting events. Been there, done that. And it is no fun for the designated driver, especially when it is only the two of us. as one misses out on the tasting.<br />
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Also, we don't want to elevate our taste in wine above the level of our budget. Which generally runs in the "three buck Chuck" range. My US readers will know what that is.<br />
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Never-the-less, here we are in the heart of British Columbia wine country, and when in Rome.... And on Mother's Day many of the wineries in the Kelowna area were holding special open houses so off we went.<br />
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We chose to visit a group of small wineries that billed themselves as the "Fab Five". And, although we only got to three of them, fabulous they were.<br />
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Our first stop was at <a href="http://www.thevibrantvine.com/" target="_blank">Vibrant Vines.</a> Beside a bright yellow building, at the end of the lane lined with blooming apple trees, was this little truck:<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ETpB7aek0uA/U3S7qIRHcdI/AAAAAAAAFuo/Od7e094NN7U/s1600/Truck.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ETpB7aek0uA/U3S7qIRHcdI/AAAAAAAAFuo/Od7e094NN7U/s1600/Truck.jpg" height="281" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Wow! That's vibrant</td></tr>
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Then we turned the corner to the entrance to the tasting room:<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ReBPxJlMXQI/U3S8SfyRRZI/AAAAAAAAFuw/vLn3KzPr2NU/s1600/Winery.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ReBPxJlMXQI/U3S8SfyRRZI/AAAAAAAAFuw/vLn3KzPr2NU/s1600/Winery.jpg" height="200" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This is going to be a good experience - you know how I love colour, yellow in particular</td></tr>
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As we entered we were greeted by this incredible painting:<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-u4rURcBwabg/U3S83rrNr4I/AAAAAAAAFu4/3N4n9RdXU4k/s1600/Logo.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-u4rURcBwabg/U3S83rrNr4I/AAAAAAAAFu4/3N4n9RdXU4k/s1600/Logo.jpg" height="400" width="325" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Which is the winery's logo</td></tr>
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And this charming woman who turned out to be the mother of Phil, the artist who designed the logo. I believe she and her husband own the winery.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-GEnkxXUziCI/U3S-H1FY4lI/AAAAAAAAFvE/4enx68PcsH0/s1600/Owner.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-GEnkxXUziCI/U3S-H1FY4lI/AAAAAAAAFvE/4enx68PcsH0/s1600/Owner.jpg" height="400" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I was so busy chatting that I forgot to ask if I could photograph her - this picture is "borrowed" from the winery's <a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/76271193@N02/sets/72157629246389121/show/" target="_blank">Flickr page</a></td></tr>
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So this turned out to be a winery and an art gallery. Both the art and the wine lived up to the "fabulous" billing.<br />
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We were each given a pair of 3-D glasses as Phil uses a very unique combination of pen and ink drawing and computer work (I am at a loss to describe this) to create 3-D effect in his art. Amazing. He has a good description of what he does on his <a href="http://www.phillewisart.com/" target="_blank">website</a>.<br />
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I was very impressed with his art but even more impressed with his ability to use his artistic skills to create what I will call usable and wearable art. All of which is for sale on his website and some of which was for sale at the winery.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-h35ZslHacno/U3TCMdPr0TI/AAAAAAAAFvQ/F3aBlrLPAdw/s1600/More+Art.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-h35ZslHacno/U3TCMdPr0TI/AAAAAAAAFvQ/F3aBlrLPAdw/s1600/More+Art.jpg" height="290" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The boxes contain wine, and also on the table are "big kid" colouring books which allow you to create your own art from pen and ink drawings he created when doing the paintings.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKu2jwtJbau2aKQVlLF9C-uVXw3-p1BcrLu4F-C7FXdGv67UfBZgm-nBoIdGJSDKnIiAC3Sc5T4LvL67tIM4OH_v90lqaaI2PN2cOidkRv2HLioWjMe-hjOQa__PbCu6dipCnemhH9VZc/s1600/Jackets.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKu2jwtJbau2aKQVlLF9C-uVXw3-p1BcrLu4F-C7FXdGv67UfBZgm-nBoIdGJSDKnIiAC3Sc5T4LvL67tIM4OH_v90lqaaI2PN2cOidkRv2HLioWjMe-hjOQa__PbCu6dipCnemhH9VZc/s1600/Jackets.jpg" height="400" width="321" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Aren't these hoodies beautiful? And very well made of soft fabric and hand warmers in the pockets.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-17g5jUNeFOM/U3TDy2OI4UI/AAAAAAAAFvk/wu9EWqS9PD4/s1600/Puzzle.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-17g5jUNeFOM/U3TDy2OI4UI/AAAAAAAAFvk/wu9EWqS9PD4/s1600/Puzzle.jpg" height="362" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My favourite are these jigsaw puzzles. In the frame is a completed puzzle.</td></tr>
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They are made with 1/4" maple plywood and the finest archival paper and inks. No two pieces in any puzzle are alike, and each puzzle features dozens of intricate, charming whimsy pieces. Each puzzle has it's own special cut-pattern with shapes that contribute to the theme of the puzzle.<br /><br />All the above items and much more are for sale on his <a href="http://phillewisart.com/store.html" target="_blank">website</a>.<br /><br />But I digress, lets get back to the winery.<div>
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All the wines have shrink-wrapped labels of Phil's design:</div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-yJp1GbTbc9M/U3TFtBe1hfI/AAAAAAAAFvw/XlbdxfbsBlo/s1600/unique+display.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-yJp1GbTbc9M/U3TFtBe1hfI/AAAAAAAAFvw/XlbdxfbsBlo/s1600/unique+display.jpg" height="320" width="207" /></a></div>
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<br /><br />And are excellent. In 2013 their white wine blend - called OOPS <a href="http://www.castanet.net/news/Kelowna/106226/When-OOPS-is-a-really-good-thing" target="_blank">(it is a long story</a>) won the "best wine in the world" - out of 10,000 entries - in the<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 18.899999618530273px;"> </span>2014 World Beverage Competition in Geneva, Switzerland. This wine was sold out, of course, but we tasted the new version - called WOOPS - which was excellent, and purchased two bottles to share with our gourmet dining group when we get home.</div>
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Because of the tremendous success of this mistake the winery just opened an expanded tasting room the weekend we visited and were in the process of expanding their picnic area out front. So we enjoyed a picnic lunch in the orchard behind the tasting room</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-NITZ5wcOpNM/U3TLVQNkTuI/AAAAAAAAFwA/WGTBwLBJDb4/s1600/Picnic+Area.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-NITZ5wcOpNM/U3TLVQNkTuI/AAAAAAAAFwA/WGTBwLBJDb4/s1600/Picnic+Area.jpg" height="320" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A lovely and peaceful area </td></tr>
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After the vibrancy of the wine and the art it was lovely to sit in this area and enjoy the scent of the apple blossoms while having a late lunch.</div>
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Then it was on to the <a href="http://www.houseofrose.ca/" target="_blank">House of Rose Winery</a>. Home to the "world's largest rose".</div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Uf3Li9_BV2I/U3TOwKP_xRI/AAAAAAAAFwM/HQQK35Ax9vE/s1600/Worlds+largest+rose.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Uf3Li9_BV2I/U3TOwKP_xRI/AAAAAAAAFwM/HQQK35Ax9vE/s1600/Worlds+largest+rose.jpg" height="400" width="301" /></a></div>
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Here we tasted some lovely wines,and enjoyed a bit of cheese with a glass of wine in their picnic area. The tasting room was very busy and the winery owners were rushing about serving up tastes and glasses of wine, putting out cheese platters, etc. </div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-5fQx7beH5SM/U3TPu5O_HPI/AAAAAAAAFwU/GRh4fDhCYEY/s1600/Rose+Winery+Picnic+area.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-5fQx7beH5SM/U3TPu5O_HPI/AAAAAAAAFwU/GRh4fDhCYEY/s1600/Rose+Winery+Picnic+area.jpg" height="336" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Tasting room and picnic area</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-KNjJuLimoIQ/U3TQENWz8yI/AAAAAAAAFwc/GFJhv2F1WaA/s1600/Treats+under+the+tree.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-KNjJuLimoIQ/U3TQENWz8yI/AAAAAAAAFwc/GFJhv2F1WaA/s1600/Treats+under+the+tree.jpg" height="292" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Help yourself cheese and crackers were served</td></tr>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-lr2JCmfYIwM/U3TRJ7JgIGI/AAAAAAAAFwo/yrQBFYFQtDs/s1600/wine+and+cheese.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-lr2JCmfYIwM/U3TRJ7JgIGI/AAAAAAAAFwo/yrQBFYFQtDs/s1600/wine+and+cheese.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
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So no time to chat on this busy day. But a lovely atmosphere.</div>
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Time was running short by now so we chose one last winery to visit. </div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-xmdO78GT6Ro/U3TRzlXI4lI/AAAAAAAAFww/b4vsjJyjMO0/s1600/3rd+winery.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-xmdO78GT6Ro/U3TRzlXI4lI/AAAAAAAAFww/b4vsjJyjMO0/s1600/3rd+winery.jpg" height="202" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small; text-align: start;">The SpierHead Winery</span></td></tr>
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Which was very picturesquely set high on a hill, among the vineyards, overlooking Okanagan Lake. All day long we saw a lot of cyclists riding up and down the steep hills going from winery to winery. This woman was enjoying a well earned rest in the picnic area at <a href="http://spierheadwinery.com/" target="_blank">SpierHead.</a></div>
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I liked their shopping cart/wine transport system</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-x6DHe7viCIQ/U3TTkpWS1pI/AAAAAAAAFw8/LE9tnkoJ0LQ/s1600/Red+Wagon.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-x6DHe7viCIQ/U3TTkpWS1pI/AAAAAAAAFw8/LE9tnkoJ0LQ/s1600/Red+Wagon.jpg" height="355" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A little Red Wagon re-purposed</td></tr>
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The small tasting room was very busy but the gentleman overseeing everything made sure everyone got a chance to try the wines and so we were able to taste the offered selections and make a purchase from their selecttion of very excellent wines.</div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-pdykZENUw08/U3TU055VWEI/AAAAAAAAFxE/EenkjinoU-Y/s1600/P1040904-001.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-pdykZENUw08/U3TU055VWEI/AAAAAAAAFxE/EenkjinoU-Y/s1600/P1040904-001.JPG" height="400" width="288" /></a></div>
Our "basement" is getting pretty full of wine :).<br />
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13.333333969116211px; line-height: 20px;">To enlarge the pictures simply click on them.</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13.333333969116211px; line-height: 20.53333282470703px;" /><span style="background-color: #fafafa; color: #333333; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13.63636302947998px; line-height: 17.27272605895996px; text-align: justify;">You can follow more of our adventures on our </span><a href="https://www.facebook.com/TheAccidentalRVers" style="-webkit-transition: color 0.3s; background-color: #fafafa; color: #009eb8; display: inline; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13.63636302947998px; line-height: 17.27272605895996px; outline: none; text-align: justify; text-decoration: none; transition: color 0.3s;" target="_blank">facebook page</a><br style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13.333333969116211px; line-height: 20.53333282470703px;" /><span style="background-color: #fafafa; color: #333333; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13.63636302947998px; line-height: 17.27272605895996px; text-align: justify;">To contact me click</span><a href="mailto:annechisholm77@gmail.com" style="-webkit-transition: color 0.3s; background-color: #fafafa; color: #009eb8; display: inline; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13.63636302947998px; line-height: 17.27272605895996px; outline: none; text-align: justify; text-decoration: none; transition: color 0.3s;" target="_blank"> here</a><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13.333333969116211px; line-height: 20px;"> </span><br style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13.333333969116211px; line-height: 20.53333282470703px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13.333333969116211px; line-height: 20px;">We enjoy and appreciate your comments. To comment simply click on the comments link below</span><br />
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16967250836952301795noreply@blogger.com2Kelowna, BC, Canada49.8879519 -119.4960105999999849.5588894 -120.14420409999998 50.2170144 -118.84781709999997tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6238082593363497915.post-60850644513555455532014-05-14T13:00:00.000-03:002014-05-14T13:00:04.280-03:00A Tale of Two Markets - Part Two - The Granville Island Public MarketOn April 22 we crossed the US/Canadian Border at Abbotsford, BC. It is good to be home. I know we are still a long way from home, home, and I am not sure what it is, but Canada does feel different from the US. It started with the friendly, but efficient, customs officer who welcomed us home, wished us safe journey and waved us through. Although you could tell she was assessing the situation and examining us carefully as she did so.<br />
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And nowhere was the change more evident than the difference between the <a href="http://theaccidentalrvers.blogspot.ca/2014/05/a-tale-of-two-markets-part-one-pike.html" target="_blank">Pike Place Market</a> in Seattle, a busy, chaotic, every-man-for-himself kind of place and the Granville Island Public Market, an equally as busy, but orderly, would-you-like-to-get-in line-here, that will be $2 please and thank you kind of place.<br />
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We loved the <a href="http://granvilleisland.com/public-market" target="_blank">Granville Island Public Market.</a> Beyond everything else I guess it appealed to our Canadian sense of order and good manners.<br />
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The entrance was attractive but very unassuming:<br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-6_ki19y1T-Q/U3I9t0Hv7cI/AAAAAAAAFr0/rCVFmUNaXuU/s1600/Granville+Island+Market.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-6_ki19y1T-Q/U3I9t0Hv7cI/AAAAAAAAFr0/rCVFmUNaXuU/s1600/Granville+Island+Market.jpg" height="263" width="400" /></a></div>
But what food choices were behind it<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Idr9Esf-neM/U3I-DmwExJI/AAAAAAAAFr8/07HlqmV1NpA/s1600/Bread.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Idr9Esf-neM/U3I-DmwExJI/AAAAAAAAFr8/07HlqmV1NpA/s1600/Bread.jpg" height="191" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Bread</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-_K-JG_xW3ZA/U3I-TAsDRNI/AAAAAAAAFsE/Dl38Z7FFlPE/s1600/Berries.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-_K-JG_xW3ZA/U3I-TAsDRNI/AAAAAAAAFsE/Dl38Z7FFlPE/s1600/Berries.jpg" height="266" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Berries Galore</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-n2NU0K5zpE4/U3I-pEN1TCI/AAAAAAAAFsM/u6P4qomb5Xc/s1600/Vegs+and+flowers.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-n2NU0K5zpE4/U3I-pEN1TCI/AAAAAAAAFsM/u6P4qomb5Xc/s1600/Vegs+and+flowers.jpg" height="266" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I counted 5 veggie and fruit vendors, there may be more.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-dd2tAYcVdlY/U3I_CA3_VaI/AAAAAAAAFsU/U8Dp-HeTwJc/s1600/Thai+Veggies.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-dd2tAYcVdlY/U3I_CA3_VaI/AAAAAAAAFsU/U8Dp-HeTwJc/s1600/Thai+Veggies.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Including one that specialized exclusively in Thai veggies, spices and herbs</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-mqwydagcHHA/U3I_aI-5bbI/AAAAAAAAFsc/e4F5by8rXe0/s1600/pasta+making.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-mqwydagcHHA/U3I_aI-5bbI/AAAAAAAAFsc/e4F5by8rXe0/s1600/pasta+making.jpg" height="400" width="322" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Fresh pasta made while you watch.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-iSVXKBA2IqY/U3I_rCa_PaI/AAAAAAAAFsk/Dj4td_UKThE/s1600/seafood.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-iSVXKBA2IqY/U3I_rCa_PaI/AAAAAAAAFsk/Dj4td_UKThE/s1600/seafood.jpg" height="400" width="308" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Several seafood vendors. We bought some beautiful fresh salmon.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-x2Z2MpvYD9M/U3JAGLFeDqI/AAAAAAAAFss/DGXYGuLk-hQ/s1600/Pastries.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-x2Z2MpvYD9M/U3JAGLFeDqI/AAAAAAAAFss/DGXYGuLk-hQ/s1600/Pastries.jpg" height="266" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Pastries galore</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-JjH1mYYf_PY/U3JAYTkWlqI/AAAAAAAAFs0/l2Xp5Aa0I9I/s1600/pies.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-JjH1mYYf_PY/U3JAYTkWlqI/AAAAAAAAFs0/l2Xp5Aa0I9I/s1600/pies.jpg" height="231" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">And pie</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-pmniXw7GKtA/U3JAqDP2uTI/AAAAAAAAFs8/58qWzb4c9wI/s1600/Pot+Pies.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-pmniXw7GKtA/U3JAqDP2uTI/AAAAAAAAFs8/58qWzb4c9wI/s1600/Pot+Pies.jpg" height="213" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Including these wonderful pot pies</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-512yKXI3G1w/U3JBCPnWlyI/AAAAAAAAFtE/QYYKgWWF5Bk/s1600/Seating+area.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-512yKXI3G1w/U3JBCPnWlyI/AAAAAAAAFtE/QYYKgWWF5Bk/s1600/Seating+area.jpg" height="358" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Which you can enjoy in the indoor dining area or outside on the patio</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-p6UPwcyd5Sk/U3JBgQI2UuI/AAAAAAAAFtQ/QjLlrOGr41s/s1600/Hammock+shop.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-p6UPwcyd5Sk/U3JBgQI2UuI/AAAAAAAAFtQ/QjLlrOGr41s/s1600/Hammock+shop.jpg" height="223" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Where you can enjoy a marvelous view of Vancouver's downtown condos.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
People living in these condos (and other areas along False Cheek) can travel to the market via these cute little Aqua Buses which dock right in front of the patio.:<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOislEEoP-au5brsGiJGey6UCg_6Md0dwI98itfL4iYh_r5rc3MZbMKNahpJLKNPgM81UDF6w9bd509qAe5NJJ89Lk2-XEpYWeWmrqapW4tR68zfvHeTSRdspPRCTX-tva4A9OtAP-xV8/s1600/Aqua+Bus.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOislEEoP-au5brsGiJGey6UCg_6Md0dwI98itfL4iYh_r5rc3MZbMKNahpJLKNPgM81UDF6w9bd509qAe5NJJ89Lk2-XEpYWeWmrqapW4tR68zfvHeTSRdspPRCTX-tva4A9OtAP-xV8/s1600/Aqua+Bus.jpg" height="211" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Wouldn't these be great in Halifax Harbor and Bedford Basin.</td></tr>
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As you may have assumed the market is located on Granville Island and is linked to the rest of Vancouver by a bridge. Our original intention was to spend two hours at the market then spend the rest of our day exploring tourism spots in the city. But the island was so interesting we stayed there for the day.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://granvilleisland.com/" target="_blank">Granville Island</a> was originally an industrial area and many of the buildings have been converted to house small shops, art galleries and studios, the <a href="http://www.ecuad.ca/" target="_blank">Emily Carr University of Art and Design</a> and much, much more. But one industrial operation has remained - Ocean Cement. They have gone to great effort to fit in by having an annual open house, installing an art piece that explains the cement making process with animated clods and wheels, etc.<br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-_m1l3_6sgyY/U3JF-6gHLSI/AAAAAAAAFtk/6x_WV7X0ucg/s1600/Ocean+Cement.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-_m1l3_6sgyY/U3JF-6gHLSI/AAAAAAAAFtk/6x_WV7X0ucg/s1600/Ocean+Cement.jpg" height="400" width="300" /></a></div>
And decorating their trucks with a market theme:<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirFZWTFk4eRv01hRtkZd0LaPUJC4kbmZ0mOOqt9cJ0gw-f_NRBKG61QGswqC1YjVbFgQqFkVrLYXZi2NdJL89oCJAqhivgyo_ZeCYYqHvfKufnU9koBCr3Cbnbjl9WxY9gXVYHeL97z-Q/s1600/asparagus+cement+truck.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirFZWTFk4eRv01hRtkZd0LaPUJC4kbmZ0mOOqt9cJ0gw-f_NRBKG61QGswqC1YjVbFgQqFkVrLYXZi2NdJL89oCJAqhivgyo_ZeCYYqHvfKufnU9koBCr3Cbnbjl9WxY9gXVYHeL97z-Q/s1600/asparagus+cement+truck.jpg" height="400" width="392" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I could not get a good photo of the other two trucks but one was a strawberry and the other a beet or turnip (I think)</td></tr>
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Two other highlights of our visit to the Island:<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-vFm2G-XnZ8I/U3JG3muhsjI/AAAAAAAAFt0/CWhS5OGlNOg/s1600/hammock+shop+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-vFm2G-XnZ8I/U3JG3muhsjI/AAAAAAAAFt0/CWhS5OGlNOg/s1600/hammock+shop+1.jpg" height="223" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This great little hammock shop</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
And these Smart Cars (<a href="http://www.zipcar.ca/?siteconf&gclid=CLjqoOitqb4CFZJbfgodnQkAig" target="_blank">called zip cars</a>) which are used in Vancouver's car share program.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-5Oa8jTDPoFw/U3JH2pcCCGI/AAAAAAAAFuE/3lwOxy0mKfs/s1600/Smart+cars.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-5Oa8jTDPoFw/U3JH2pcCCGI/AAAAAAAAFuE/3lwOxy0mKfs/s1600/Smart+cars.jpg" height="296" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I owned a Smart Car before we started this adventure and they hold a special place in my heart.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
The campground where we stayed during this part of our trip was Cultus Lake Thousand Trails RV. Our final stay with the TT organization. This was a great spot located about 100 km (60 miles) from Vancouver, beside the Cultus Lake Provincial park, near several golf courses and just minutes from Chilliwack, BC.<br />
<br />
We planned to spend a couple more days in Vancouver exploring and visiting friends but unfortunately it rained (and I mean RAINED - as it buckets full!!) for most of our stay so we finally gave up an moved to Peachland BC. Where we are now. We love it here and will stay until the snow leaves Jasper - hopefully next week.<br />
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<span style="color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13.333333969116211px; line-height: 20px;">We enjoy and appreciate your comments. To comment simply click on the comments link below</span>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16967250836952301795noreply@blogger.com2Granville Island, Vancouver, BC V6H, Canada49.270622 -123.1347410000000228.141423000000003 -164.44333500000002 70.399821 -81.82614700000002tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6238082593363497915.post-55991134974291790742014-05-13T14:00:00.000-03:002014-05-13T14:00:02.163-03:00A Tale of Two Markets - Part One - The Pike Place MarketWhen I was in the coffee roasting cafe business we opened a shop in the new <a href="http://www.coventmarket.com/merchants/the-little-red-roaster/" target="_blank">Covent Garden Marke</a>t in London Ontario. One of the markets used as an example of the type of market the city wanted this new market to be was the Pike Place Market in Seattle.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ZDw4qdqGBMI/U3Fl_1GbSNI/AAAAAAAAFqw/v7X5r62FY7U/s1600/Pike+Place+Market+Entrance.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ZDw4qdqGBMI/U3Fl_1GbSNI/AAAAAAAAFqw/v7X5r62FY7U/s1600/Pike+Place+Market+Entrance.jpg" height="290" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The market is housed in several buildings </td></tr>
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So, despite the fact that our time in Seattle was short, we did take an afternoon to visit this market. Unfortunately it was Easter Day so many of the business were closed and it was hard to understand what the London folks were so excited about. The seafood vendors all were closed but this one looked interesting:<br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-4NQOdS9xXVY/U3FmbKXmpfI/AAAAAAAAFq4/GhM9VdwdyW0/s1600/fish.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-4NQOdS9xXVY/U3FmbKXmpfI/AAAAAAAAFq4/GhM9VdwdyW0/s1600/fish.jpg" height="280" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
The cheese shop was very busy, as were the cheese makers:<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjd08hiyyjtyd7V_JdXXYo2DQTSjLqY33O0Jy-rC5PnukiZ4XyVMH7IRH4LtJi0Pnw53h0nsy4Q9NwhDeq7Ttoa0TjsCl2_U-t7yAvMc_LDmOVLEfWXLd0ixaCCdE0SVq0sQoUX9oiKrUg/s1600/cheese+making.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjd08hiyyjtyd7V_JdXXYo2DQTSjLqY33O0Jy-rC5PnukiZ4XyVMH7IRH4LtJi0Pnw53h0nsy4Q9NwhDeq7Ttoa0TjsCl2_U-t7yAvMc_LDmOVLEfWXLd0ixaCCdE0SVq0sQoUX9oiKrUg/s1600/cheese+making.jpg" height="260" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The vats were huge. </td></tr>
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There appeared to be only one vegetable vendor:<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-PUZCVlCdoCQ/U3Fnb3zprtI/AAAAAAAAFrM/sphznf4ZCJk/s1600/Pike+Place+Market+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-PUZCVlCdoCQ/U3Fnb3zprtI/AAAAAAAAFrM/sphznf4ZCJk/s1600/Pike+Place+Market+1.jpg" height="260" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I expected a larger display and more veggie vendors</td></tr>
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The bagels looked like they were made "Montreal-style". Yum<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-LYbs86SWapo/U3FoLklP8iI/AAAAAAAAFrU/UeVS7UrYEoE/s1600/Bagels.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-LYbs86SWapo/U3FoLklP8iI/AAAAAAAAFrU/UeVS7UrYEoE/s1600/Bagels.jpg" height="361" width="400" /></a></div>
And there were many tulips for sale:<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-SqFu7sA-xT4/U3FoenMGmpI/AAAAAAAAFrc/dgmuawZCL5s/s1600/tulips.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-SqFu7sA-xT4/U3FoenMGmpI/AAAAAAAAFrc/dgmuawZCL5s/s1600/tulips.jpg" height="400" width="377" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Beautiful!</td></tr>
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But the highlight of the visit was a cafe latte at the original Starbucks. They were really busy and there was no way I could get a photo that would show you what it was like so I "borrowed" this one from their website:<br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-qjgKjVZxWF4/U3FpLVBIqpI/AAAAAAAAFrk/jiRtR-gSGnw/s1600/starbucks.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-qjgKjVZxWF4/U3FpLVBIqpI/AAAAAAAAFrk/jiRtR-gSGnw/s1600/starbucks.jpg" height="223" width="400" /></a></div>
The store is quite unique and in no way resembles the Starbucks we see in most locations. You can read all about it on the <a href="http://www.starbucks.com/coffeehouse/store-design/1st-and-pike" target="_blank">Starbucks website.</a><br />
<br />
While an historic landmark in Seattle, this is not the original store. It actually opened first in another location and moved to this spot 5 years later. A smart move!<br />
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16967250836952301795noreply@blogger.com2Pike Place Market, Seattle, WA, USA47.6101359 -122.342056747.6047834 -122.3521417 47.615488400000004 -122.3319717tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6238082593363497915.post-21654401445895784082014-05-12T17:26:00.000-03:002014-05-12T17:26:08.211-03:00Mt. RainierAnother cloudy day, another spectacular mountain view missed. Or so we thought. But as we were leaving Seattle guess what appeared through the haze:<br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Oq5QU5AND9Q/U2A_K2WnWgI/AAAAAAAAFkg/HwkzrNo3FMk/s1600/From+a+distance.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Oq5QU5AND9Q/U2A_K2WnWgI/AAAAAAAAFkg/HwkzrNo3FMk/s1600/From+a+distance.jpg" height="226" width="400" /></a></div>
I took the picture from the Adventure Bus as we were driving along I-5.<br />
<br />
Two days before, despite the overcast and cloudy day, and after our good luck seeing the Timberline Lodge, we decided to drive over to Mt. Rainier National Park from Seattle and see what we could see.<br />
<br />
When we arrived at the park entrance:<br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-_L6GySOc0sM/U2BAk59JXzI/AAAAAAAAFk0/Yd1pqotSGAY/s1600/park+entrance.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-_L6GySOc0sM/U2BAk59JXzI/AAAAAAAAFk0/Yd1pqotSGAY/s1600/park+entrance.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
We were turned back because we did not have chains in the car. But there was a spot back in town where we could rent some. Of course! So back we went, rented the chains for $15 and put them in the back.<br />
<br />
On the way back to the park we spotted this<a href="http://coppercreekinn.com/" target="_blank"> restaurant</a> and decided to stop for lunch before heading up the mountain:<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-gjfr2Ju3sBg/U2BHWFCX7-I/AAAAAAAAFlE/ZtMOF7yMZyQ/s1600/Copper+Creek+Restaurant.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-gjfr2Ju3sBg/U2BHWFCX7-I/AAAAAAAAFlE/ZtMOF7yMZyQ/s1600/Copper+Creek+Restaurant.jpg" height="312" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Copper Creek Inn Restaurant</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
What a great choice this turned out to be. On the way in we met these two men:<br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-UQuei2HXDt8/U2BHqEyPiJI/AAAAAAAAFlM/iDbMMhyoAOE/s1600/new+friends.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-UQuei2HXDt8/U2BHqEyPiJI/AAAAAAAAFlM/iDbMMhyoAOE/s1600/new+friends.jpg" height="325" width="400" /></a></div>
We sat at a table next to them and had a great conversation. The man on the left was the owner of a motel in this area as well as several others in the Seattle area. He and his wife travel extensively on motorcycles - they toured Russia, including Siberia, and China last year. The man on the right is his best friend and looks after the businesses while he is away. That day they were taking a lunch break from cleaning up the motel and getting it ready to open for the season. When we were ready to leave we discovered they bought our lunch! A nice surprise.<br />
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Then we headed back into the park. It wasn't long before we encountered snow:<br />
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And more snow:<br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-L1CMphOlfvU/U2BKCepUk3I/AAAAAAAAFlg/sa1Uzn5v3-s/s1600/driving+into+winter.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-L1CMphOlfvU/U2BKCepUk3I/AAAAAAAAFlg/sa1Uzn5v3-s/s1600/driving+into+winter.jpg" height="400" width="360" /></a></div>
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As it turned out we did not need the chains but there was lots of snow at the end of the road. And not much was happening. A ranger taking people on a snowshoe walk and that was it. All buildings were closed. So Arch went for a short walk in the snow:</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I think it will be a while before summer activities start</td></tr>
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and we headed back down the mountain.</div>
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The men we met at Copper Creek Restaurant told us to be sure to have the blackberry pie. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNP6RoXe6ilRIeWL95EMGTGiz4hd_UCh_-TZpWLqQxscUyIVMF32Cu2jiAB5WXgWs6YxkCarZJ6yJXAF25IP4tT5x3C6EyPnj7t19eZdO_dnTAgsHrtnVQ6uk3uS3GlyCNk1SKdsC4srI/s1600/fresh+baked+sign.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNP6RoXe6ilRIeWL95EMGTGiz4hd_UCh_-TZpWLqQxscUyIVMF32Cu2jiAB5WXgWs6YxkCarZJ6yJXAF25IP4tT5x3C6EyPnj7t19eZdO_dnTAgsHrtnVQ6uk3uS3GlyCNk1SKdsC4srI/s1600/fresh+baked+sign.jpg" height="123" width="320" /></a></div>
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Our lunch was delicious but large and filling so we had no room. After spending a couple of hours on the mountain we were ready for pie. So back to the restaurant we went for an afternoon snack of pie and coffee. And ice cream, after all, Arch was ordering :)</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-rlQnZtgO758/U2EWgUuGVgI/AAAAAAAAFmo/hZF-LNyhsWU/s1600/blackberry+pie.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-rlQnZtgO758/U2EWgUuGVgI/AAAAAAAAFmo/hZF-LNyhsWU/s1600/blackberry+pie.jpg" height="365" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Best Pie Ever!!</td></tr>
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This August we will be volunteering as campground hosts at<a href="http://www.novascotiaparks.ca/parks/graves.asp" target="_blank"> Graves Island Provincial Park</a> in Nova Scotia.</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-JUUyjWPHnP4/U2EXk-x7OyI/AAAAAAAAFmw/-0Qnbd-_oUU/s1600/Causeway+to+graves+island.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-JUUyjWPHnP4/U2EXk-x7OyI/AAAAAAAAFmw/-0Qnbd-_oUU/s1600/Causeway+to+graves+island.jpg" height="235" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Entrance to Graves Island Provincial Park</td></tr>
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I know where there is a large blackberry patch on the island and August in blackberry season in Nova Scotia so....</div>
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I am not much of a pie baker but found the following recipe on <a href="http://allrecipes.com/">allrecipes.com</a>. My sister, Mary is a great pie baker so hopefully I will be able to twist her are to make this:</div>
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<b><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Blackberry Pie</span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b>Ingredients:</b><br />4 cups fresh blackberries<br />1/2 cup white sugar<br />1/2 cup all-purpose flour<br />1 recipe pastry for a 9 inch double crust <br />pie<br />2 tablespoons milk<br />1/4 cup white sugar<br /><br /><b>Directions:</b><br />1. Preheat oven to 425 degrees F (220 degrees C).<br />2. Combine 3 1/2 cups berries with the sugar and flour. Spoon the mixture into an unbaked pie shell. Spread the remaining 1/2 cup berries on top of the sweetened berries, and cover with the top crust. Seal and crimp the edges, and cut vents in the top crust for steam to escape.<br />3. Brush the top crust with milk, and sprinkle with 1/4 cup sugar.<br />4. Bake in the preheated oven for 15 minutes. Reduce the temperature of the oven to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C), and bake for an additional 20 to 25 minutes, or until the filling is bubbly and the crust is golden brown. Cool on wire rack.</span><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16967250836952301795noreply@blogger.com6Mt. Rainier, Mount Rainier National Park, Washington 98304, USA46.8537039 -121.758949646.6800044 -122.08167309999999 47.0274034 -121.4362261tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6238082593363497915.post-29146079775117245082014-04-29T13:00:00.000-03:002014-04-29T13:00:01.714-03:00The Timberline Lodge at Mount HoodThe West Coast's notoriously wet spring weather finally paid us a visit when we left the coast and headed inland to Portland. We didn't have pouring rain - but it was a drizzly, unpleasant couple of days. We were planning to visit Mount Hood, about 60 miles east of Portland, but were debating whether we should go or not. After all, the mountain was shrouded in clouds. After asking around many people said "Oh, go anyway - you must see the <a href="http://www.timberlinelodge.com/" target="_blank">Timberline Lodge.</a> So we went, and they were right. What an amazing work of art and example of American ingenuity it is!<br />
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High up on MT. Hood it was too clouded in to get an exterior picture of the lodge so this is one of a painting in the lobby:<br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-RZ7j9qmqHbQ/U12GHsc7BXI/AAAAAAAAFiI/zSsTP5KJ-nw/s1600/lodge.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-RZ7j9qmqHbQ/U12GHsc7BXI/AAAAAAAAFiI/zSsTP5KJ-nw/s1600/lodge.jpg" height="275" width="400" /></a></div>
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The Lodge was built by hundreds of hands eager to work after months or years of unemployment in the 1930s. Ninety percent of the men and women who built and furnished the lodge were hired by the Works Progress Administration (WPA), the federal agency created in 1933 to provide work for the hundreds of thousands of Americans idled by the Great Depression. <div>
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There are many, many amazing stories about its construction - It was built and furnished in just 15 months. My favourite part of the story is how it was decorated.</div>
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Margery Hoffman Smith, a Portland interior designer, served as the State Fine Arts Administrator under the Federal Art Project and had the assignment of creating an interior that would be suitable to the setting and furnished entirely by handwork. Mrs. Smith's background in art and crafts made her sympathetic to the idea, and many of the designs for textiles and rugs are her own. She worked closely with the supervisors of the furniture and wrought iron projects and commissioned the art. She created the color schemes and the Art Deco details in the interior. Mrs. Smith wrote later, "The job was to be done and done in a hurry. There was no time; there were no facilities for blueprinting. It was a quick swing into action - and what action it was!" There were not many skilled artisans in the area so she hired those available and had them train journeymen tradespeople to create the required pieces. The results are spectacular. <div>
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Unfortunately, in the lodge's early years, it had had four different operators, none of which was willing or able to maintain it. By 1955 Timberline Lodge was closed and in disrepair.<br /><br />Richard Kohnstamm, the patriarch of the family that currently operates the lodge, remembered those difficulties as being due to financing problems arising from the fact that the government owned it. Kohnstamm decided to maintain the place as if he owned it himself. He lost money during his first five years of operation, but his timing turned out to be fortuitous, since he began operating it only a few years before skiing started exploding in popularity in the late 1950s. That popularity helped the family generate a profit starting in 1960. Kohnstamm, "The man who saved Timberline", died at the age of 80 on April 21, 2006. Richard's son Jeff is now the Area Operator of Timberline Lodge.<div>
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Today it is a National Historic Landmark, its furnishings restored or recreated according to original plans and photos. </div>
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The resort has the longest skiing season in the U.S., and is open for skiers and snowboarders every month of the year. Activities include skiing, snowboarding, walking, hiking and climbing.</div>
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I took many photos while we were there - the lodge is very bright with natural light and then they added more- making photography difficult with my camera, but you will get the idea.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaw9knUPZlcbo6SZae9ekUYdxN9puFlmOE00wZyOgXYndjx1HciBXRIGnJobtWSG0ejZh5PmsP0bqi1OX7eiM9HXTOA40CGm45ICuZ6Ftxokw2vv3SXrcy1ZsXB1F2TW-O3oFpCmge6i8/s1600/Conference+room.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaw9knUPZlcbo6SZae9ekUYdxN9puFlmOE00wZyOgXYndjx1HciBXRIGnJobtWSG0ejZh5PmsP0bqi1OX7eiM9HXTOA40CGm45ICuZ6Ftxokw2vv3SXrcy1ZsXB1F2TW-O3oFpCmge6i8/s1600/Conference+room.jpg" height="225" width="400" /></a></div>
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All the furniture in this room, including the light fixtures are handmade. The art on the walls appears to be original. Each had a light in front of it and therefore I could not get a clear photo.</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-FaB19dG6K1I/U12UGcOZCXI/AAAAAAAAFig/EUsvH7EbI1A/s1600/diningroom.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-FaB19dG6K1I/U12UGcOZCXI/AAAAAAAAFig/EUsvH7EbI1A/s1600/diningroom.jpg" height="400" width="370" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The diningroom was being set up for lunch when we were there.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-84STGUkyqSY/U12UpeSyPoI/AAAAAAAAFis/IiBRnTgNfj4/s1600/ceiling.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-84STGUkyqSY/U12UpeSyPoI/AAAAAAAAFis/IiBRnTgNfj4/s1600/ceiling.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ceiling in the main lobby</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-sjx6OfVcHtw/U12VCgvqr6I/AAAAAAAAFi0/AQeEGVOySHQ/s1600/apres+ski+spot.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-sjx6OfVcHtw/U12VCgvqr6I/AAAAAAAAFi0/AQeEGVOySHQ/s1600/apres+ski+spot.jpg" height="255" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Seating area around the fireplace below </td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-6RBcU6E6520/U12Vo7Hz2YI/AAAAAAAAFi8/hYc4NDatt-Y/s1600/seating+area.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-6RBcU6E6520/U12Vo7Hz2YI/AAAAAAAAFi8/hYc4NDatt-Y/s1600/seating+area.jpg" height="241" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A closer look at the hand made furnishings, fabrics and rug</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Qg9fYf1quPU/U12WeUlfvbI/AAAAAAAAFjE/WLvICNiZruo/s1600/Blue+Ox+Bar.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Qg9fYf1quPU/U12WeUlfvbI/AAAAAAAAFjE/WLvICNiZruo/s1600/Blue+Ox+Bar.jpg" height="220" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Blue Ox Bar</td></tr>
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The Lodge was nearly finished when it was noticed that there was no bar. Improvising architects altered a space tucked away behind the lobby and designed for wood storage to create the Blue Ox Bar. The recently restored glass mosaic murals illustrate the well known Paul Bunyon legend and his beloved blue ox, Babe.<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-eUKejeghVyQ/U12XUdyCQ4I/AAAAAAAAFjQ/E8li6Dd2exE/s1600/bedroom.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-eUKejeghVyQ/U12XUdyCQ4I/AAAAAAAAFjQ/E8li6Dd2exE/s1600/bedroom.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">An example of the original bedrooms, on display in the main lodge</td></tr>
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Images of local flowers, wildlife and colours were woven into the fabrics and in the art on the walls.</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-kcSOQFixmZI/U12YOoXbYmI/AAAAAAAAFjY/nN0ZWiTbQr8/s1600/Newell+Post.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-kcSOQFixmZI/U12YOoXbYmI/AAAAAAAAFjY/nN0ZWiTbQr8/s1600/Newell+Post.jpg" height="400" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">All the newel posts were carved from telephone poles. </td></tr>
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The artistry is amazing:</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Wwblx05NhLo/U12Y1NAkcZI/AAAAAAAAFjk/KgtREK_gwbI/s1600/carving+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Wwblx05NhLo/U12Y1NAkcZI/AAAAAAAAFjk/KgtREK_gwbI/s1600/carving+1.jpg" height="320" width="236" /></a></td></tr>
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I could go on and on. The place was quite overwhelming. I think you would need to stay there a few days to take it all in. </div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16967250836952301795noreply@blogger.com0Timberline Lodge Post Office, Mt Hood National Forest, Oregon 97041, USA45.3309513 -121.7114654000000123.905971800000003 -163.0200594 66.7559308 -80.402871400000009tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6238082593363497915.post-14981017945079148972014-04-28T13:00:00.000-03:002014-04-28T13:00:07.725-03:00Crabbing on the Oregon CoastOne evening, while we were having a beer on the deck and enjoying the sunset at the <a href="http://www.yourlittlebeachtown.com/pelican" target="_blank">Pelican Pub and Brewery </a>in Pacific City,<br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-4YLzZ96-_JA/U10SoBg1gqI/AAAAAAAAFgE/ayXfIK7ACgA/s1600/Sunset+at+Pacific+City.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-4YLzZ96-_JA/U10SoBg1gqI/AAAAAAAAFgE/ayXfIK7ACgA/s1600/Sunset+at+Pacific+City.jpg" height="280" width="400" /></a></div>
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the couple sitting beside us suggested we go cabbing at <a href="http://www.yelp.com/biz/brighton-marina-rockaway-beach" target="_blank">Kelly's Marina </a>in Rockaway Beach.<br />
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So the next day we did just that.<br />
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Kelly's Marina was a fascinating spot. Very informal and very popular with locals. Always a good sign. And so eclectic it is almost impossible to describe.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Bit9pS1Q10c/U10TVpvfGxI/AAAAAAAAFgM/dOIzywh07p4/s1600/Kelley's+Marina.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Bit9pS1Q10c/U10TVpvfGxI/AAAAAAAAFgM/dOIzywh07p4/s1600/Kelley's+Marina.jpg" height="271" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Don't you love the car?</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Tt70RlZaHKo/U10T6pmnpII/AAAAAAAAFgU/4XZB8F-dLjM/s1600/Kelleys+from+the+wharf.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Tt70RlZaHKo/U10T6pmnpII/AAAAAAAAFgU/4XZB8F-dLjM/s1600/Kelleys+from+the+wharf.jpg" height="215" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Looking back from the crabbing wharf</td></tr>
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We went <a href="http://theaccidentalrvers.blogspot.ca/2012/10/janes-island-state-park-and-crabbing-in.html" target="_blank">crabbing in Maryland</a> when we were there in the fall of 2012. There, you tie a chicken neck to a string and dangle it in the water until a crab bites. Then you carefully haul it up and snag the crab with a net. Here, Arch purchased a salt water fishing licence and for $10 we rented a crabbing basket with a huge fish head in it. And they give you a bucket for your crab and a measuring device to make sure the crab is legal. Males under 5 inches and any female must be returned to the ocean.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-t-TQEmPhKrc/U10WP6E8jlI/AAAAAAAAFgo/ubLbe_CtKNg/s1600/crab+baskets.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-t-TQEmPhKrc/U10WP6E8jlI/AAAAAAAAFgo/ubLbe_CtKNg/s1600/crab+baskets.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Crab Baskets for Rent - already loaded with fish heads</td></tr>
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Thus armed we headed out to the dock to try our luck:<br /><br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-kXi_brcw_HY/U10XXVHWEYI/AAAAAAAAFg0/HbAxDGk4Q6I/s1600/crabbing+wharf.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-kXi_brcw_HY/U10XXVHWEYI/AAAAAAAAFg0/HbAxDGk4Q6I/s1600/crabbing+wharf.jpg" height="341" width="400" /></a></div>
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The basket had a rope attached, the idea is that you toss the basket into the water, hanging on to the rope, then wait 20 minutes or so:<br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Xk5UXns7WyA/U10YkE72fAI/AAAAAAAAFg4/ugeFigwys-4/s1600/waiting+for+a+crab.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Xk5UXns7WyA/U10YkE72fAI/AAAAAAAAFg4/ugeFigwys-4/s1600/waiting+for+a+crab.jpg" height="355" width="400" /></a></div>
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and pull it in quickly (the crab will get out the top of the basket if you are not fast enough) and count your catch.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-f3AmXL_vkkU/U10Y3_VLIkI/AAAAAAAAFhA/OoMBFnX65Vw/s1600/P1040548.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-f3AmXL_vkkU/U10Y3_VLIkI/AAAAAAAAFhA/OoMBFnX65Vw/s1600/P1040548.JPG" height="286" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">a couple of small ones in here</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-UfVsvMb9Kvg/U10Zy4exieI/AAAAAAAAFhI/XjmqldXDOvQ/s1600/female+crab.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-UfVsvMb9Kvg/U10Zy4exieI/AAAAAAAAFhI/XjmqldXDOvQ/s1600/female+crab.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This one was female and was returned to the ocean.</td></tr>
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After an hour and a half of trying we had nothing to show for our efforts and quit trying. Patience is not Arch's strong point. Also, it was not the best time of year to be crabbing.<br />
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But Kelly's is ready for that. They sell crab, clams and oysters to take home. Or they will boil the crab and clams right there and you can eat them at one of their many informal dining areas.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-CwvtgyHevWM/U10cSPxm00I/AAAAAAAAFhU/IThqGWiQZEs/s1600/inside+dining.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-CwvtgyHevWM/U10cSPxm00I/AAAAAAAAFhU/IThqGWiQZEs/s1600/inside+dining.jpg" height="336" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Under a shelter if the weather is not the best</td></tr>
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Or outside, at a selection of tables, some made of west coast redwood:<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-kd6DMKBbH_s/U10c07cKH6I/AAAAAAAAFhc/BcwxAPYPI6E/s1600/a+cozy+spot.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-kd6DMKBbH_s/U10c07cKH6I/AAAAAAAAFhc/BcwxAPYPI6E/s1600/a+cozy+spot.jpg" height="278" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Around the fire pit or at a picnic table overlooking the water</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-frQ69RvWQ5w/U10dTb_4_CI/AAAAAAAAFhk/0QIwUeNVJnc/s1600/large+table.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-frQ69RvWQ5w/U10dTb_4_CI/AAAAAAAAFhk/0QIwUeNVJnc/s1600/large+table.jpg" height="273" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Or at this large table made with one very wide board</td></tr>
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The chairs were amazing:<br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-o7t4bB2iMG8/U10d33cvA5I/AAAAAAAAFhs/x5uys8hu2LM/s1600/chairs.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-o7t4bB2iMG8/U10d33cvA5I/AAAAAAAAFhs/x5uys8hu2LM/s1600/chairs.jpg" height="331" width="400" /></a></div>
The front edge of the seat is shaped to be comfortable to sit forward and enjoy your feed of crab and the remainder is perfectly sloped to sit back in comfort and enjoy the sun.<br />
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And, if you want to spend the night and try your luck the next day, there is a small RV parking area with electric and water hook-ups overlooking the docks:<br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-lIpqteZlsSk/U10gDk5ghxI/AAAAAAAAFh4/9RCaXRaxH1Q/s1600/RV+Area.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-lIpqteZlsSk/U10gDk5ghxI/AAAAAAAAFh4/9RCaXRaxH1Q/s1600/RV+Area.jpg" height="225" width="400" /></a></div>
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All in all a great spot run by lovely people.<br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-q1UHp-luSrA/U1wSCT7othI/AAAAAAAAFe0/4X6v7fbFsxM/s1600/Me+in+front+of+Tillamook.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-q1UHp-luSrA/U1wSCT7othI/AAAAAAAAFe0/4X6v7fbFsxM/s1600/Me+in+front+of+Tillamook.jpg" height="400" width="386" /></a></div>
The first thing that you see is this ship on the lawn in front of the factory. And we wondered what on earth a ship had to do with cheese making.<br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Qxt-F25LaBg/U1wTCp8dYSI/AAAAAAAAFe8/V-eVoIYVuw0/s1600/morning+star.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Qxt-F25LaBg/U1wTCp8dYSI/AAAAAAAAFe8/V-eVoIYVuw0/s1600/morning+star.jpg" height="225" width="400" /></a></div>
As it turns our this ship in an important part of the Tillamook story. Tillamook residents built the Morning Star, Oregon's first official ship, to carry their dairy goods to market. At the time, the rough wagon trails over the mountains took too long, so the sea-faring Morning Star helped bring fresh dairy products to Portland, where they could be distributed more widely. Today our products return the favor by carrying a small Morning Star schooner on their logo.<br />
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Cheddar cheese making came to the area in 1894 when renowned cheesemaker Peter McIntosh brought his cheddar cheese-making expertise to Tillamook County, where he taught the locals all he knew and earned himself the nickname "Cheese King of the Coast." Over 120 years later, the same cheddar cheese recipe he developed all those years ago is still used to make the famous cheese!</div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-WcqWYVKab3M/U1wUbiioIDI/AAAAAAAAFfI/ZuFWgrRVzJk/s1600/Cheese+King.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-WcqWYVKab3M/U1wUbiioIDI/AAAAAAAAFfI/ZuFWgrRVzJk/s1600/Cheese+King.jpg" height="260" width="400" /></a></div>
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In 1909 several small creameries joined forces to ensure all cheese made in the Tillamook Valley was of the same high quality. They formed the Tillamook County Creamery Association (TCCA)…and the rest is delicious history. The company is still a farmer-owned co-op today.</div>
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Over one million people a year visit the facility and their products are widely available in western states.<br />
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The factory tour is self-guided with many excellent storyboards that tell you what is happening. And there are large viewing windows where you can watch the action on the factory floor. We were there on a Sunday so not much was happening:<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-gEu_8tJSfOs/U1wWqofTXtI/AAAAAAAAFfU/APMmqoNTp-c/s1600/packaging+cheesw.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-gEu_8tJSfOs/U1wWqofTXtI/AAAAAAAAFfU/APMmqoNTp-c/s1600/packaging+cheesw.jpg" height="321" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">These people were packing very large blocks of cheese</td></tr>
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The tour exits you into a very efficient tasting area:<br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-GLyaCPw3J8s/U1wXFEQz8aI/AAAAAAAAFfc/lcnFkjtWx-4/s1600/Cheese+tasting+station.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-GLyaCPw3J8s/U1wXFEQz8aI/AAAAAAAAFfc/lcnFkjtWx-4/s1600/Cheese+tasting+station.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
Which then exited you into a cheese shop and restaurant. Which Arch really appreciated as it featured his two favourite food groups:<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-e6-y_ZT3EDA/U1wX9yoJA1I/AAAAAAAAFfk/M6TcPY4Dm-A/s1600/fudge.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-e6-y_ZT3EDA/U1wX9yoJA1I/AAAAAAAAFfk/M6TcPY4Dm-A/s1600/fudge.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Fudge</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-3fUZooNQhbU/U1wYWRUn9AI/AAAAAAAAFfs/ELwg-UCSFO4/s1600/Ice+Creamery.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-3fUZooNQhbU/U1wYWRUn9AI/AAAAAAAAFfs/ELwg-UCSFO4/s1600/Ice+Creamery.jpg" height="228" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">and Ice Cream</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-y_NIeEJc_Yo/U1wYp741BRI/AAAAAAAAFf0/cVmAqDiOOhU/s1600/ice+cream+flavours.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-y_NIeEJc_Yo/U1wYp741BRI/AAAAAAAAFf0/cVmAqDiOOhU/s1600/ice+cream+flavours.jpg" height="400" width="338" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">in many yummy flavours</td></tr>
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So I purchased enough Tillamook extra old cheddar cheese and butter (which is fabulous - a very low moisture content and therefore very rich) to last us quite a while. Arch bought fudge and ice cream, which disappeared very quickly.<br />
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We love cheese and buy and eat quite a bit of it. So always have bits and pieces of leftover cheese in the fridge. I use them up by making Welsh Rarebit:<br />
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Rarebit (sometimes called rabbit) is a British cheese dish. In Britain, it is often served as a small savoury at the end of a meal or as a lunch or supper dish with a salad.<br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Welsh Rarebit</span></div>
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<b>I<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">ngredients</span></b><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">2 tbsp butter<br />12 oz grated old cheddar cheese (make this your main cheese - about 6 oz at least, then add any leftover HARD cheese you have in the fridge to make up the other 6 oz.)<br />1 tbsp lemon juice<br />1 tsp Dijon mustard<br />Pinch cayenne<br />¼ cup beer<br />1 tsp Worcestershire sauce <br />6 slices thick toast<br />2 tbsp chopped parsley<br /><br /><b>Directions</b><br />Combine butter, cheese, lemon juice, mustard and cayenne in a pot. Stir in beer and Worcestershire sauce. Heat gently, stirring until cheese is melted and mixture is combined, about 7 minutes.<br /><br />Spoon mixture over toast making sure cheese mixture covers edges to keep them from burning under the broiler. Place under broiler and broil for 1 minute or until cheese is golden and bubbly. Sprinkle with parsley.<br /><br />Serves 6</span></div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16967250836952301795noreply@blogger.com1Cheese factory, Oregon 97141, USA45.4834 -123.8439832999999924.1064785 -165.1525773 66.8603215 -82.535389299999991tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6238082593363497915.post-1796797252561252422014-04-26T13:00:00.000-03:002014-04-26T13:56:35.783-03:00Oregon's Art Deco Bridges<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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The minute we saw the first bridge on US 101 heading up the Oregon Coast we knew we were in for an interesting drive. It was spectacular and as we went along we saw several more. Unfortunately I had to take all pictures from the window of the Adventure Bus as there were no suitable (for us) pull outs to stop at. Until we came to the Cooks Chasm Bridge. Fortunately there was an information plaque there.<br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-lXxo_Ydpb2o/U1qe2ZYrSCI/AAAAAAAAFdg/p384vyRvWkM/s1600/about+Oregon+bridges.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-lXxo_Ydpb2o/U1qe2ZYrSCI/AAAAAAAAFdg/p384vyRvWkM/s1600/about+Oregon+bridges.jpg" height="271" width="400" /></a></div>
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Below is a close-up of the description<br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-4jTCnzeUR0E/U1qfqvkV9YI/AAAAAAAAFds/iRwYRMOSDrw/s1600/about+Oregon+bridges+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-4jTCnzeUR0E/U1qfqvkV9YI/AAAAAAAAFds/iRwYRMOSDrw/s1600/about+Oregon+bridges+1.jpg" height="400" width="280" /></a></div>
And my photo of today's rebuilt bridge:<br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-K06UptUWakE/U1qgNNLqGeI/AAAAAAAAFd0/cW1Y15WI54c/s1600/Cooks+Ghasm+Bridge.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-K06UptUWakE/U1qgNNLqGeI/AAAAAAAAFd0/cW1Y15WI54c/s1600/Cooks+Ghasm+Bridge.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
Several of these bridges were built during the depression years as part of FRD's New Deal to put people back to work. I am going to add pictures of several that we crossed so you can see the variety of design.<br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Dl-mpJQjpSo/U1qgpNEzKTI/AAAAAAAAFd8/L9m6Yny6N_0/s1600/Big+Creek.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Dl-mpJQjpSo/U1qgpNEzKTI/AAAAAAAAFd8/L9m6Yny6N_0/s1600/Big+Creek.jpg" height="400" width="380" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-v8PJxsmyDTc/U1qg_s_wjtI/AAAAAAAAFeE/Dc3A8e7PWa4/s1600/Gold+Beach+Bridge.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-v8PJxsmyDTc/U1qg_s_wjtI/AAAAAAAAFeE/Dc3A8e7PWa4/s1600/Gold+Beach+Bridge.jpg" height="397" width="400" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-7GkZ8EcF9J8/U1qhQxwRf-I/AAAAAAAAFeM/8KtWIwbFf4M/s1600/Gold+Beach+Bridge+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-7GkZ8EcF9J8/U1qhQxwRf-I/AAAAAAAAFeM/8KtWIwbFf4M/s1600/Gold+Beach+Bridge+1.jpg" height="248" width="400" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-dLtXEZRBkKU/U1qhdITIL4I/AAAAAAAAFeU/_A_lKUePmzs/s1600/Bandon+Bridge.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-dLtXEZRBkKU/U1qhdITIL4I/AAAAAAAAFeU/_A_lKUePmzs/s1600/Bandon+Bridge.jpg" height="153" width="400" /></a></div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-IJ5rXcGGFgA/U1qhsVH7hWI/AAAAAAAAFec/KihtBHilz3o/s1600/Umpqua+River+Bridge.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-IJ5rXcGGFgA/U1qhsVH7hWI/AAAAAAAAFec/KihtBHilz3o/s1600/Umpqua+River+Bridge.jpg" height="400" width="346" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This bridge was being restored</td></tr>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-IuQFiGUWZ5M/U1qiNQ9qJQI/AAAAAAAAFek/JU9di4sn6Kg/s1600/Yaquina+Bay+Bridge.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-IuQFiGUWZ5M/U1qiNQ9qJQI/AAAAAAAAFek/JU9di4sn6Kg/s1600/Yaquina+Bay+Bridge.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="background-color: #fafafa; color: #333333; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13.63636302947998px; line-height: 17.27272605895996px; text-align: justify;">To contact me click</span><a href="mailto:annechisholm77@gmail.com" style="-webkit-transition: color 0.3s; background-color: #fafafa; color: #009eb8; display: inline; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13.63636302947998px; line-height: 17.27272605895996px; outline: none; text-align: justify; text-decoration: none; transition: color 0.3s;" target="_blank"> here</a><span style="color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13.333333969116211px; line-height: 20px;"> </span><br />
<span style="color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13.333333969116211px; line-height: 20px;">We enjoy and appreciate your comments. To comment simply click on the comments link below.</span>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16967250836952301795noreply@blogger.com1Oregon, USA43.8041334 -120.5542011999999737.970633899999996 -130.88134969999996 49.6376329 -110.22705269999997tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6238082593363497915.post-61490921322846244522014-04-25T13:00:00.000-03:002014-04-25T14:24:35.935-03:00California Coast - Part 3We explored the Northern California Coast from RV parks in the Sonoma Valley - one in Santa Rosa and a Thousand Trails Park in Cloverdale - <a href="http://www.thousandtrails.com/california/russian-river-rv-campground/" target="_blank">The Russian River RV Campground.</a>.<br />
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I know several readers are interested in the Thousand Trails parks in this area. We really liked this one. It was isolated with limited cell and MiFi coverage (2 bars 3G) and no TV reception but really beautiful and well located on the border between the winerys of Sonoma and Napa and the redwoods of Northern California and just a 30 minute drive from the coast.<br />
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We've come to realize that Thousand Trails Campgrounds (and they are campgrounds, nor resorts - although they all have club houses, swimming pools, etc.) are indeed "get-away from the real world" spots. If you want TV - bring a satellite dish.<br />
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One day we drove out to Bodega Bay to have lunch at the <a href="http://www.spudpointcrab.com/" target="_blank">Spud Point Crab Company</a>. This was a tiny spot with a big reputation:<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-KWqbgwBqJeA/U1mxSP_cYQI/AAAAAAAAFbc/hVK8F_ATRDs/s1600/spud+point+crab+co.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-KWqbgwBqJeA/U1mxSP_cYQI/AAAAAAAAFbc/hVK8F_ATRDs/s1600/spud+point+crab+co.jpg" height="256" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Basically a small take-out spot on the side of the road with outside seating</td></tr>
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The seafood chowder is kept hot in large pots outside and the crab cooker is outside as well:<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-wHl91x4Vj-g/U1myIRZQ_AI/AAAAAAAAFbk/yPTqC4nfZLQ/s1600/Crab+cookers.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-wHl91x4Vj-g/U1myIRZQ_AI/AAAAAAAAFbk/yPTqC4nfZLQ/s1600/Crab+cookers.jpg" height="278" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The large pot in the foreground is the crab cooker</td></tr>
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The menu appeared to be pretty limited but when we got to the front of the line (there were about 10 people in front of us), inside the building there was a much more extensive menu. Which you can view on their website.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-56YuqEwymxk/U1mzMPV6NCI/AAAAAAAAFbw/vHBOKjtirYQ/s1600/Menu+spud+point+crab+co.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-56YuqEwymxk/U1mzMPV6NCI/AAAAAAAAFbw/vHBOKjtirYQ/s1600/Menu+spud+point+crab+co.jpg" height="400" width="281" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">These are the specialties of the house.</td></tr>
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Arch had the clam chowder and crab sandwich and I had the crab cakes. All very delicious. I am not sure why all the restaurants we visited served clam rather than crab chowder. Maybe the crab chowder does not "hold" very well after it is made. There is a recipe on this blog for <a href="http://theaccidentalrvers.blogspot.ca/2012/06/first-guests.html" target="_blank">Lobster and Scallop Chowder.</a> If you can get fresh crab I suggest you substitute crab and clams for the lobster and scallops - really yummy.<br />
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We took a different route home and stumbled upon the <a href="http://www.northwoodgolf.com/" target="_blank">Northwood Golf Course</a>, Set among the redwoods in Monte Rio. A unique and historic spot. To quote their website:<br />
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Northwood Golf Course combines the magic of the architecture of Dr. Alister MacKenzie (Augusta National, Pasatiempo, Cypress Point) set amidst towering Redwood trees. It's like nothing you have played before, and prompted Travelin' Joe Passov of Golf Magazine to place Northwood on his top-5 MacKenzie courses... in the world!</div>
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It was quite affordable so Arch wen back to play another day:<br />
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He booked a tee time and asked the booker to pair him with other players. His partner turned out to be a lawyer from San Francisco. Between the stories his partner told him and the challenge of the golf course he had quite a day.<br />
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Close to our campground in Cloverdale was The Hamburger Ranch & Bar-B-Que. We soon realized it was a very popular BBQ place frequented by the locals. So we decided to try it out.<br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-aYdlXcLISa8/U1m8_CsQwYI/AAAAAAAAFcM/ToqZ_ZcLAAE/s1600/Hamburger+Ranch.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-aYdlXcLISa8/U1m8_CsQwYI/AAAAAAAAFcM/ToqZ_ZcLAAE/s1600/Hamburger+Ranch.jpg" height="281" width="400" /></a></div>
Arch ordered the ribs and tri-tips plate - it was huge and he ate every bit of it:<br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-aWLLa94Dokc/U1m9Xwy7ucI/AAAAAAAAFcU/ThY_yR_1jg0/s1600/At+BBQ+Place.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-aWLLa94Dokc/U1m9Xwy7ucI/AAAAAAAAFcU/ThY_yR_1jg0/s1600/At+BBQ+Place.jpg" height="400" width="300" /></a></div>
And paid the price the next day. I think he is through with US Bar-b-que for this year. For my Canadian readers - in the United States BBQ means smoking and slathering with special sauces (usually sweet or spicy, or both) and then grilling - not cooking on the barbecue.<br />
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We left California wine country and headed north along route 101, Taking a side (but parallel) route along the Redwood Scenic Byway - a 39 mile drive through towering redwoods:<br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-tl3h7LYYSTs/U1nELOMOIqI/AAAAAAAAFcs/iqDWgareBcA/s1600/A+drive+through+the+Redwoods.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-tl3h7LYYSTs/U1nELOMOIqI/AAAAAAAAFcs/iqDWgareBcA/s1600/A+drive+through+the+Redwoods.jpg" height="320" width="188" /></a></div>
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Arriving back at the ocean at Eureka. Unlike the coastline between San Diego and San Francisco, the California Coast north of San Francisco is really quite accessible, with much of the land preserved as state parks and beaches. And beautiful.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-QboiZTrofto/U1nDQGpBjfI/AAAAAAAAFck/Bqvgp64MQ6M/s1600/driving+up+the+coast.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-QboiZTrofto/U1nDQGpBjfI/AAAAAAAAFck/Bqvgp64MQ6M/s1600/driving+up+the+coast.jpg" height="178" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This is just North of Bodega Bay</td></tr>
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Our final night in California was at Trinidad, on the Oregon border. We stayed at the <a href="http://www.cheraeheightscasino.com/" target="_blank">Cher-Ae Heights Casino</a> - a great boondocking spot - and after unhooking the car took a very scary drive along the ocean. Beautiful but.....<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/--bKzSX7Diws/U1nHBdT3cPI/AAAAAAAAFc8/2xUYr_oLn8I/s1600/scarey+drive.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/--bKzSX7Diws/U1nHBdT3cPI/AAAAAAAAFc8/2xUYr_oLn8I/s1600/scarey+drive.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">In most places the road was washed out one way - it is left to the drivers to decide who goes first - with several washouts and no guardrails. I was too scared to take pictures.</td></tr>
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At one point we stopped at a look-off:<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-yjkOVdCWq-E/U1nIo0cWUcI/AAAAAAAAFdI/oc4W4GCu4Lk/s1600/dangerous+walk.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-yjkOVdCWq-E/U1nIo0cWUcI/AAAAAAAAFdI/oc4W4GCu4Lk/s1600/dangerous+walk.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">That is Arch out on the end of the walkway. No way I was going out there.</td></tr>
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Then it was on to the Oregon Coast. Beautiful and quite different than California. But that is a subject for another day.<br />
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16967250836952301795noreply@blogger.com3Bodega Bay, CA, USA38.33325 -123.048057138.28342 -123.12873809999999 38.38308 -122.9673761