October 8, 2004 –

We travelled into Kingston today. The town was originally named King’s Town by the British Loyalists who fled the American Revolution. Deb went to a chiropractor to get her back adjusted as she had pulled it the other day and has not been able to get it back into place. After the treatment, Deb said it still wasn’t perfect – but much better than it had been.

We walked around downtown Kingston. Got an opportunity to tour St. George’s Cathedral. As this is still an active church – they were getting it ready for the Thanksgiving Sunday service – and the church ladies were busy decorating. Kingston was the original “capital” of Canada for three years before moving to Montreal and then to Ottawa. Buried in a crypt under the church is Canada’s first Governor General – who made the trek to Kingston – but fell off his horse and died.

We spent the afternoon on a 1000 Island cruise – complete with live entertainment. There were some phenomenal houses on the islands – including one built by the doctor who invented the little pine trees that are often found hanging in cars. This house was actual build for his grandson – and its boat house is larger than most homes. Imagine how much this guy made off those little pine trees if he could build this home for his 23 year old grandson who is still attending university. It even had about a kilometre driveway – that had underground heating so that the snow and ice would not build up. Deb wanted to know if he was single?!!

Back to the campground for supper and the second night of Canasta – the boys are picking it up well – and although we only have time for one hand a night – it seems that we have started a bit of a tradition. Crib is next on the agenda to help the kids with addition. We thought we should turn in early tonight as we have a packed agenda for tomorrow and have a considerable drive before we get there.

October 9, 2004 –

Up and at ’em and off to Upper Canada Village an hour and a half away. We got there in time to stop for a second breakfast before it opened. Although they were winding down (second last day of the season), the kids got to see wool being carded and spun both by hand and machine, lumber mill, a working tinsmith, grist mill, blacksmith, tenant farm, farmstead, physicians home and a couple of rich townsmen’s homes complete with residents and workers. The boys were fascinated to see the wool being spun as well as the use of water to power the woollen factory, grist mill and saw mill. Deb was intrigued by the different styles and purposes for corn brooms and went in search of one to use as a pot scrubber, something she seems to have forgotten to pack. Pat was interested in the battle at Chrysler farm where 800 British and Canadian troops fought back 4,000 Americans as part of the battles of 1812.

Then we were off to meet the Sutherland/Hadley gang at Faye and Lloyd’s house in Prescott. The kids were delighted to be together again and once again engaged in Twister along with a game of golf and putting on a ‘show’ for the adults. Off for a Chinese dinner courtesy of Faye and Lloyd and then back to the campground. The wind, she blew hard all day, which made driving a bit exciting at times, we’ll hope for calmer weather tomorrow when we move the motor home closer into Ottawa.

October 10, 2004 –

Traveled north from Kingston on route to Ottawa. Went via Smith Falls and saw Pat’s mom and dad old house. They have painted the house white, the garage needs some repair work, and the garden seems to be overrun. It was too bad to see the house this way – after all the work that Pat’s parents had done to fix it up. Then up through Merrick to see the series of five locks on the Rideau Canal (and to waste some time before the Hershey Factory opened).

We back tracked about 2o kilometres to Smith Falls and the Hershey Factory. The tour for the most part is self guided with picture displays. However the major reason for going to Hershey’s was to stock up on a bunch of chocolate for the trip – a large bag of broken chocolates for $3.50.

After Hershey’s we continued north into Stitsville – and its very big flea market. We sent about an hour wandering around the market – and was able to find Mickey the rest of the Narnia series (C. S. Lewis). Then into a campground in Ottawa – in time to shower and wash up so that we could go to Sandy’s for Thanksgiving. Sandy put on a real spread – and the boys enjoyed being with the girls again. It was a great night – and it was sad to say good-bye to the Hadley clan. Hopefully some of them will look at coming out West next year.

October 11, 2004

Up early and down to the Parliament buildings first thing this morning for a tour. Spent about an hour walking around the outside – Keelan liked the home for the stray cats – and Dad was busy looking at all the grotesques (craving of faces and creatures in the archways) on the buildings. Then on to the guided tour of the Parliament buildings – Very interesting.

Off after lunch to Gatineau (Hull) to the Museum of Civilization. Very large and spectacular displays – especially the First Nations exhibits. Unfortunately, the people who visit the museum do not seem to have much respect for the exhibits – as there were coins thrown into a lot of the displays.

Back up to Sandy’s for left over from Thanksgiving – and another good visit.

October 12, 2004

Today was a two museum day. First into Ottawa – to the Museum of Nature. It is houses in a large four storey castle like building and is currently undergoing extensive renovations in preparation for some new exhibits in 2005 / 2006. We were a bit early so the security guard suggested the YWCA for breakfast – really great food and inexpensive. The museum has changed very little since Deb and Pat were here in the late ’80 – but is still really good. The kids enjoyed the creepy critters and plant and of course the dinosaurs.

After lunch it was off to the Museum of Science and Technology. We spend the afternoon there – going through a variety of exhibits on space, electricity, and telecommunications – with all sorts of hands on displays for the kids. Could have used more time – but by the time closing time came around everyone was tired and ready to head back to camp. Just got the burgers on the grill when Sandy came by for a visit and supper – great surprise.

October 13, 2004

Today was a lazy day – nothing scheduled or planned. The boys got caught up on some of their school work – while dad did some shopping – and worked on the computer (transferring pictures, etc.). It was nice to have a day to relax.

Off to the Roger Clan for supper. The boys enjoyed playing Lego with Cameron – and had a good visit with everyone.

October 14, 2004

On the road today – after packages mailed off to the boys school and a restocking of Deb’s wine supply. Bypassed Montreal – and continued by Trois Rivieres and into Quebec City. Stopped at a little campground just out of town – with the intention to spend tomorrow touring Quebec City’s old town. Had the campground pretty much to ourselves as they are in the process of shutting down for the season. There were plenty of paths for the boys to walk and ride their bikes around.

The only negative is that somewhere along the road today we lost a rear hub cap – and at the same time it ripped out the valve extender and part of the valve for the outside tire – which is now partially flat. We will look for a tire store on our journeys tomorrow – and make an appointment for Saturday morning to get the valve replaced.