Summer 2014

It was so good to get back to Canada and breathe some fresh cooler air. 

Summer pretty much started with a trip to Boston (Maaaaaaarshfield) for a visit with the US P-G's and Rachel's graduation party. I would have more pictures but I left my camera there. 

It's hard to beat cycling on the East Coast. 

Jerusalem Road......stunning buildings and views.

 Ahhhhh.....tea. 

Happy birthday, Mum.

We had the pleasure of doing a 10 day Ontario tour featuring Toronto, three cottages and camping in Gatineau Park. 

First stop: Toronto

We loved Toronto's bike share program.

 

Vince.......wait up!!!!!

We then headed up to Georgian Bay with did a quick stop in Tiny to see Bruce and Marnie but for some reason, no pics.......

On to Honey Harbour where we met up with Kaitlin and Mike for a boat ride to the Wismer cottage. Beautifully peaceful and lots of water in which to play.

A bay of Georgian Bay....can you say that?

Kaitlin, Sandy (Mike's Mum) and Mike.

On to Bala, home of the famous Don's bakery. A very dangerous place.

Sophie and Noah practicing some yoga/levitation.

Bala Falls right near the cottage = swimming and sea-dooing in rapids.

.....like this

Playing cards in Bala, Ontario with Noah and Caroline (Noah's Mum)

On our way to Ottawa we stopped by for one night in Huntsville because we had planned to hike but it was pouring with rain. Plus, our brakes were making so much noise that it was getting embarrassing. A cheap motel with a Midas shop across the street was exactly what we needed. The next morning the sun was shining, our brakes were fixed and we were on our way.

I think it was called the Ridge Trail.

There was a ridge....

...and a trail

Last stop was Ottawa where we met up with Kaitlin and Mike for a car camping expedition in Gatineau Park. Lusk Caves is a popular hike ending with a opportunity to walk through tunnels with streams and ending in a pitch black partially submersed cave. We didn't make it to the last part because we didn't have a flashlight (phew) but the first part was great.

Kaitlin, Mike and I with a bunch of kids.

We survived....where's Mike?

Our campsite.

Hard work. I was carrying the camera....

Nap time.

Summer in North Hatley. We tried to do something every day because really, it felt like they were numbered. I hiked up Mont Chagnon on the opposite side of the highway as Orford. It's well maintained by Sentiers de L'Estrie and pretty quite....except for the highway.

Well marked.

View from the top.

We finally bought kayaks to add a new dimension. With only 7 days of holiday left we were still able to go out in them enough to realize what a good idea it was.

What is not a good idea is leaning out of a kayak to pick up a floating $10 bill. Let's just say that one day, somewhere near Hovey Manor I became $10 richer, a pair of glasses poorer and humbled by the fact that I could not get back in the kayak. Hmmmm. something to practice next year. I did have my life jacket on with the car keys securely fastened. 

The one criteria is that I needed to be able to put it on the roof solo.

Tomifobia River

Who knew there was a tree in the lake at Ayer's Cliff.

Last stop was beautiful Vancouver to visit Kelli and Jeff. We rented a super little place only 200m from Stanley Park.

View from the apt.

Kelli, Jeff and guard dog, Brady.

Day One, Kelli was working so I went off with my old friend Moe and her daughter, Kira to hike the Stawamus Chief trail just outside the city.

It involved some scrambling in tight spaces.

Kira leading the way.

Moe and Kira.

View from the top

Those are tiny sail boats and logs.

Hiking wasn't over. The next day Kelli, Vince and I headed up to Eagle Bluffs with an outstanding view.

The Blue Team....

Unbelievable......

I love that these don't phase the West Coasters. Me? I am amazed by them.

Mount Baker floating above the earth.

I love ferries.....so we took this one to Granville Island. 

Tom Sawyer and Huck Finn?

We could have ridden our bikes around but there are reasons we didn't. Mostly it was due to a beer-tasting tour. Maybe 1 pm was not the best time to do this....great little spot though.

Vince could not pass up eating at Da Dutch.

Da Dutchman at Da Dutch

Walking the Seawall.

I went for a little bike ride which ended up being way longer than I thought. I was looking for UBC.....and went the long way because a bike path along a coast is way too much fun to pass up.

Science Centre....saving for a rainy day.

Finally made it to the famous Kitsalano Pool.....will have to plan to swim it one day. 150 m long.

I found it!!!!! And it's HUGE!!!!!

Bike ride in Stanley Park on Kelli and Jeff's vintage bikes.....great way to travel.