DAY 17 - MONTREAL

We are staying in a very friendly park - in fact I must say that everyone we have met in Montreal is super friendly.   That includes people in the service industry and just generally people that we have spoken to.    Today started off with Bob & I receiving lovely anniversary cards from our travelling companions and then off for a visit to the Olympic Stadium.   An interesting stop - but my oh my what a hot day it was today - 35 degrees and extremely muggy.  Reminded me of Sochi in Russia!   After that us girls went to the Bay (mostly to take advantage of the air-conditioning)...however we did do some nice shopping at one of the ladies stores in the Mall.   The guys took a tour of the Bell Centre as well as the museum of the Montreal Canadians and their Hall of Fame.  Don W. said this was the highlight of the trip for him so far.    Went to Old Montreal for dinner - and all of us left for 'home' agreeing Montreal was a very beautiful and friendly city.

DAY 16 - MONTREAL

Riding on the top deck of the double-decker bus!

Notre Dame Basilica was Outstanding
(More Pictures below)

View of Montreal

What a beautiful city!   We left at 9 a.m. drove the two trucks to downtown Montreal and caught the double-decker hop-on/hop-off bus for a tour of the city.  It was great sitting on the top deck....a fabulous view and a nice cool breeze.   The Notre Dame Basilica was outstanding...we took a few pictures and then got back on the bus ending up at a Mall.   Us girls found it HUGE and we had trouble finding our way around - so needless to say didn't buy much.   Went to "Thursdays" for dinner and what a fabulous meal that was.  Some pictures are attached...but altogether it was a wonderful day.    Tomorrow is our Wedding Anniversary so whipped in to buy a card...however we won't have too much time for celebrating this year....we're just having one BIG celebration with a 'Trip of a Lifetime'!!

Dinner at "Thursdays"
Bob remembered it from eating there 30 years ago!

DAY 15 - OTTAWA TO MONTREAL

Arrived in Montreal  (the birth-place of my son-in-law Lu)...at 1:00 p.m. and look forward to the next 3 nights here.   I have been to Montreal once before a long time ago...so don't really remember it too well.   This was the first 'back-in' Bob had to do with the Rig (all the others have been pull-throughs) and he did a fantastic job - with Gil's great directing.  (I stayed far far away!!).   Name of the Campsite - Camping Amerique.   Again...fabulous weather...not too sure what the rest of the day holds but will let you know.   Well....I had a couple of disasters!  Had planned to make "Strawberry Gateau" for the group - but then realized I didn't have 'cream of tartar' and then to top it all off the container of chocolate chips split everywhere all over the floor.  As if that wasn't enough...I put the Spaghetti box in the cupboard upside down and it spilt all over.....it made arrangements on the floor that looked like a game of 'pick up sticks' !!  By this time I had to laugh and thought to myself "who needs Robin Williams with his RV movie - I could make one of my own"!!!  Sue graciously offered to host everyone tonight and we will play Jokers which will be fun am sure.   Tomorrow we look forward to taking a tour of Montreal.

DAY 14 - OTTAWA

Beautiful weather - AGAIN!   Must say that we have really enjoyed gorgeous weather except perhaps for one day - and even then the rain was only intermittent.    A day of relaxing here in Ottawa - us girls are off to check out some outlet stores!   Unfortunately the guys have a maintenance problem to deal with and also wash the trucks !!   Probably a barbeque tonight and maybe able to watch a DVD later.    Not much really to report today - but tomorrow will be different as we head for Montreal.   

DAY 13 - OTTAWA

It was nice to sleep in this morning.  Bob wasn't quite as smart as me though as he and his two brothers and Doctor friend all again decided to hit a ball around a golf course!!   Each to their own I guess!   It was laundry day for me - ran into a problem with the blanket on our bed creating all sorts of fluff on the sheets etc..   All the girls were a great help to me as I ended up with quite a disaster with lint EVERYWHERE!  Finally it was decided that to buy new bedding was probably the best solution.  that seemed like a great idea to me!
A small problem with the bathroom situation evolved around supper time - and Bob & I later both decided that our traveling companions are indeed the best!   They all worked very hard at solving our issues it seemed all day long!   Thank you to all of you!

DAY 12 - OTTAWA



Got a good view of the 'Changing of the Guard'



Take Outside the Parliament Buildings



We took a Tour of the Rideau Canal - It's a Skating Rink all winter long



My darling grand-daughter Katia's FIRST birthday!    Skyped her the other day and she waved to us - so am sure she understands we are away!   Looked out the window of the Rig this morning and it's another gorgeous day.  We decided to take 2 trucks down to the City this morning - hope we can find a place to park!

Well we did....and what a great day we had.   Visited the Parliament Buildings and were able to get a guided tour at 10:50.   Prior to that we watched the 'Changing of the Guard.   We had a great view - very interesting indeed.   Decided to have lunch outdoors at the Parliament Cafe - but due to a sudden downpour of rain had to be moved inside.   Good food however.

 The afternoon was spent taking a Canal cruise which we all thoroughly enjoyed and then a tour of the Senate Building.  The young man that was the canal cruise guide was awesome.  He was bi-lingual and virtually turned the tour into a comedy hour.  We decided that all guides should be like that - it makes it so much more interesting.  

 Fish and chips for supper and then on the way to the truck passed a wonderful bronzer statue of Oscar Peterson.  It was suggested I have my photo taken with him - as you can see.  He was so life-like it was incredible!  Apparently it is very new - the Queen actually unveiled it earlier this year.      Then home to our RV with all of us agreeing that Ottawa is a very pretty city.

DAY 11 - NEW LISKEARD TO OTTAWA



Max is a very important member of our group!



Found a nice 'Rest Area' to have lunch!

 Longest drive ever....540 kilometers with some rainy conditions and lots of road constructions.   We found a lovely rest area for us all to have lunch as you can see by the picture and of course little Max was an integral part. 

Now safely settled just outside of Ottawa and set up for 4 nights of sight-seeing and relaxation.   Camp Hither Hills was not a good site.   Very wet and the Laundry was horrid.  Scary street guys and an old cranky lady at the front.  Tomorrow we head down to the Parliament Buildings and the changing of the guard....ending with a river cruise down the canal.   It's nice to be set up - lovely dinner - and now to watch Fox News!!

DAY 10 - HEARST TO NEW LISKEARD ONTARIO

All of us seemed to gather for prayer early today!  No particular reason - just wanted to 'get on the road again' I guess.   The trip was not so picturesque as yesterday - however uneventful and we are always thankful for guardian angels that watch over our caravan of Rigs!    On this note...I should say that I am very relaxed driving with Bob.  Prior to coming I was considering getting him to sign a declaration (notarized of course) that he would never pass a vehicle under ANY circumstances and NEVER go over 80 kph.   I am surprised at myself - cause I actually am relaxed!   He is an excellent driver...constantly alert and doing an awesome job!   Probably not much more of a blog today as we decided my priority should be cleaning the rig and there wasn't much to photograph today.   Tomorrow we head for Ottawa - for 4 nights of REST!
(and some sightseeing of course!)...

After supper we decided to go for a walk by the Lake (see pictures) and then Jan made a lovely dessert for us all.  The guys mapped out the route for tomorrow and it's an all go for another wonderful day.

DAY 9 - NIPIGON ONTARIO TO HEARST ONTARIO



Typical scenery we passed mile after mile!



Don organized a game of Bocci!   Fun!



Of course it has to be EXACT!!

 We decided just to forgive the rude lady and move forward!!   Went for a short walk last night but the bugs forced us to go back to our Rigs early!

Left for Hearst at our usual time of 8:00 A.M.    It was our turn to be the leaders so we made sure we gave Ceciles Campsite information to 'On Star'.  We were set....HOWEVER weren't aware that Onstar had given us wrong directions and after the 3rd phone call - finally found our way.  We all had to turn around - but again - everyone was so forgiving.   (We'd had practise the night before!!)   Drove into Ceciles and as no-one was there to register at the office just chose our own campsite....very open...but decided not to hook up to the water - just use our own.   Need groceries - so off to the small town to find some.   After supper Don organized a game of Bocci.   Great fun!   We were in teams and Bob of course did the measuring to see we were all accurate!!!  
I should add that other than driving through the Rockies the route today would have to be the second most picturesque.   I'll attach a couple of photos to show you.   One other point the weather has been FANTASTIC...cloudless skies and beautiful temperatures.   During the whole week perhaps 1/2 hour of rain.
We are having a wonderful trip!

DAY 8 - WABIGOON TO NIPIGON

  Terry Fox was a wonderful young man.

If you want to stay at Wabigoon Lake RV park - then be prepared to wake up every way on the hour with a Train whistling - just like it was in your bedroom!   Oh of course...as well as that it is right by the freeway - so in between the whistling of the train you can hear trucks and cars rushing by on the freeway!!  Altogether I think the only one that got any sleep was Sue - and that's cause she wore Ear Plugs!!!   After joint prayer we left for Nipigon with the Doc heading the way!   We stopped at the Terry Fox Memorial (we found this quite emotional) and it was a very worth while stop.   (Pictures attached).   We finally arrived at Wabigoon - with not too great of a welcome by a very rude girl at the office who complained that we hadn't closed the door correctly!   (Some people's kids!!!).   A relaxing night tonight - tacos for dinner - and hopefully a quieter night so we can SLEEP!!

DAY 7 - WINNIPEG TO WABIGOON, ONTARIO.

I was talked in to playing the piano at the Mennonite Village!  

Decided on a little later start this morning (8.15!!) as we wanted to stop at Steinbach (a Mennonite community)...and it didn't open til 10:00 a.m.   Arrived a little early and enjoyed wonderful cinnamon buns!!   Toured the Mennonite Heritage Village which was very interesting.   I enjoyed playing a very old piano....even though some of the keys didn't work.   The trip to Wabigoon was uneventful - (I enjoyed a good sleep)...and we are now settled in at the Wabigoon Lake Ontario RV park.  Bob is happy as the Sattelite TV works and I am happy as I have Wi Fi.

DAY 6 - WINNIPEG

Bob, Marg & Gil outside their Grandfather's home.

No traveling today!   Slept in til 8:15 - glorious!!   Men all went golfing....how crazy is that that they gave up their 'sleep in' to hit a silly ball around a field!!   My plans are 'catch up' on laundry and e-mails.    My rocket stick doesn't always work - but this morning it is....who know's about later though!   Actually it's working now.....we had a great afternoon visiting the Royal Canadian Mint - did a tour - very very interesting.  Here are some pictures!  Bob, Marg & Gil took us to the two homes their Grandfather built in Winnipeg.   #423 and #425 Flora Street.   When we arrived we realized that Bob's dreams of a large fortune left for him was a pipe dream!    Combined their value might be $150,000.   Bob realizes his portion is nothing.   Lovely dinner at Earls...great not having to cook!

DAY 5 - BRANDON TO WINNIPEG

A shorter trip today....Arrived at Travelers RV Resort & Campground in Winnipeg.   Water slide was begind our rig...nice laundry rooms and |I managed to pick up a little watch for Katia at the shop in the front. 
Bob anxious to get to the RV place to get his 'left leg' fixed!   We all went straight to the park (nice one) and then the men went to the Mechanical Store with our "White Lightning".    I should perhaps tell you that Gil's is "Cowboy" Ted's is "Jaybird" Don's is "Silver Fox" and our's is "White Lightning".   We all have walkie-talkies and communicate as we drive in a convoy down the highways!   Point different points of interest out to each other - works well....except if Ted get's too far ahead and we lose contact with him!!!  (This only happened once!)..."White Lightning" got repaired...all is now well...played "Jokers" ...lot's of fun .  |While the guys were gone...Marg helped me with a very severe "lint" problem that misteriously was effecting everything I wore.  We discovered that it came from the blanket!  Poor Marg ended up vacuuming everything in sight!!!  Then when the boys came home everything was in a mess and now the draw was permanently in an 'outward' position.  Again...Marg came to the rescue!

Another important point - little Max is our Mascot...and occasionally he needs a treat (as you can see by the picture!)

Day 4 - REGINA TO BRANDON - MANITOBA

Spent the night in Regina almost sleeping on our heads as Bob couldn't level the Rig due to the broken left jack!   This is similar to his left knee.   Funny part about it is we both slept very well......maybe having the blood rushed to our brain is helpful!!   I see why everybody leaves Saskatechewan.   Jan's parents were both born in Swift Current and we drove slowly past paying tribute.  (I know that that's what I expect when I take my friends to Mt. Maunganui!!)....and then Bob's partner Greg came from Broadview.   Two beautiful 'holes in the wall'....Slept in the Wallmart parking lot.   This was always a plan so as the costs were evened out a bit....however Bob thought it would have been cheaper to have paid Camping at a Resort than letting me be so close to Wallmart, Winners etc!

DAY 3 - MEDICINE HAT TO REGINA SASK.,

Medicine Hat Alberta to Regina Saskatchewan!   Had to keep talking to keep Bob awake as the road is so so STRAIGHT!  Different scenery again...a couple of stops....uneventful trip - now going to make Chicken Cordon Bleu for supper!   Marg is contributing dessert tonight!   I added the Blueberries and it was great!  Gil & Ted helped Bob with a mechanical problem with our "White Lightening"....except after 2 hours it still wasn't fixed.   They teased Bob and said it would be $90 an hour...Bob said "what's so different about that"...I'm always paying $90 an hour for jobs that never get fixed!!!   Winnipeg - here we come to get our first repair (hopefully the last)!    When we arrived at our RV Park today - we nearly 'creamed' the bush...all of us had several 'gos' at parking!   Lots of fun!!

DAY 2 - CANMORE TO MEDICINE HAT - AB.



Max whispers something very important in Ted's ear!




An early start after a lovely stop at Spring Creek RV Campground in Canmore....very pretty nestled underneath the Rockies.  We begin with a prayer time and little Max is always a part of it.   Soon we left the Mountains and traveled on a very flat road surrounded by the Alberta Foothills.   A different kind of beauty  -  but still very lovely.   Headed for Medicine Hat...some scary moments when we thought we may be running out of gas and not a gas station to be seen!  Literally found a diesel pump after miles and miles of traveling.   We found it amusing that our Camp Site in Medicine Hat was called "Gas City Campground".    Made dinner tonight for the first time in the Rig and after a meeting with the other 3 couples planning our route headed for bed.   Tired but happy.

DAY 1 - KAMLOOPS TO CANMORE - ALBERTA



Pulling out from Lions Head Ranch in Kamloops



My wonderful caring daughter set up this blog for me and so now I am able to record this "Trip of a Lifetime" - a 10 1/2 week trip across Canada and the U.S.   We left the Ranch in Kamloops at 8:30 a.m. - had prayer together - and then began our amazing voyage.   I have never seen the Rockies before - they are AMAZING!   Will post photos later.......Now time for a barbeque with the other 3 couples..It is going to be so much fun!