Fourth Week-August 13-20

 

Saturday August 13-Sault Ste. Marie to Thunder Bay

 

We were up and on the road right on time this morning.  The first leg took us to Old Woman Bay in Lake Superior Provincial Park.  There were no dog signs for the beach, but we were able to walk a bit away from the public area and find a little spot where Willow could have a brief swim. 

 

Off to The Side-Old Woman Bay

Happy With a Quick Dip

The next leg took us to Marathon where Willow got another swim, this time quite legal, at Pebble Beach.  We also had our picnic lunch there.  We pretty much made the rest of the run to Thunder Bay with just a quick switch right off the road.  We were admittedly going too fast just outside of Thunder Bay and almost got caught at it but luckily for us the truck behind us was going faster and took the attention away from us.

Picnic

Pebble Beach-Marathon

After checking into the Holiday Inn Express we tried to get a porch spot at the restaurant on the same lot but were informed it was not pet friendly.  We found a porch that was downtown Thunder Bay, and drove there for some dinner.  Then we took a walk along the very nice waterfront they've developed.  Finally we returned to the hotel for laundry night.  

Waterfront Thunder Bay

Nanabijou in the Distance

Sunday August 14-Thunder Bay to Winnipeg

This was the third of four long road days.  After the stop in Saskatoon tomorrow night all the driving days are shorter.  Past English River we had a rest stop where Willow was able to have a swim in Lodge Lake.  People seem to camp at this rest stop-some were still packing up.  Worth a thought if we're ever towing a trailer.  Our stop for lunch was at Vermillion Bay.  We thought Willow might get a seconds swim, but the rest stop didn't offer access to the lake well below.  We then drove hard for Winnipeg, only stopping to fill up in Kenora.  

 

Willow Likes To Hold The Middle Spot At Start of Each Drive

 

After we checked into the Best Western Plus Winnipeg West we took a walk towards the Assiniboine River around some neighbourhoods near the hotel.  It was hot and we had to give Willow plenty of water when we got back.  Then we went to an Original Joe's restaurant about 2km from the hotel that had a porch where we could dine with Willow.  We took turns having a dip in the hotel pool.  

Assiniboine River

A Porch Table

Waiting For Treats

Monday August 15-Winnipeg to Saskatoon

We were off by 8 again this morning for our longest drive on the return journey.  We were helped today by gaining an hour via the time zone change the right way!  The journey today started with what I believe is a common occurrence in prairie travel.  As we headed West we could see flashes of lightening across the horizon.  Once we turned onto the Yellowhead Highway it started to get darker and darker, like night was falling.  Then the rain started sheeting down. With the wipers on full speed I was having difficulty seeing the road at times.  And the lightening across the sky was dramatic. We drove with this for about an hour, then we drove out of it.  The rest of the day was clear and hot.  

 

Our first stop was in Russell Manitoba to grab a Saskatchewan map at the Information Center, have a stretch and washroom break and take this iconic photograph with Arthur the Bull.  It's hard to believe the weather we had come through seeing this picture. 

Russell Manitoba-Arthur the Bull

Our next run took us to a little town called Saltcoats.  We were looking for a spot to have our lunch, and found this lovely spot with Muskoka chairs right next to a little lake.  

Saltcoats

Saltcoats Lunch

 

We did stop for gas, and felt the need for coffees.  We could only find an A&W on the route but picked up coffees and an order of onion rings.  I asked for coffees with one cream in each.  It's very disappointing to hit the road and discover minutes later when it's cool enough to sip that they added sugar.  Just a waste.  Note to self that A&W is not a good coffee spot.

After checking into the hotel we took a 6 minute drive over to a parking lot at a trail head, and did a 6km walk along the South Saskatchewan River and back.  Part of this lovely trail was leash free.  The river walk is really beautiful.  We could see pelicans down on the river.  Willow got to have a swim with a dog we walked a while with, while the owner gave us directions for the trail and told us about Saskatoon.  

Saskatoon and the South Saskatchewan River

Pelicans on the Water

Along the River Walk

I reserve final judgment on a hotel until after breakfast-but this hotel is competing strongly to be best of the trip.  We had a little free social hour that they do Mondays-Wednesdays where Megan had a glass of wine and I had a beer.  We also both had some snacks.  All for no extra charge.  I'm doing the laundry tonight in a nice little laundry room.  I took my change purse down that I've always needed, but didn't here as the machines are complimentary.  The room is easily the nicest we've stayed in.  That breakfast room is kind of cool as it's on the 9th floor and looks right down on the Husky's playing field.  I'm going to make a list of hotels that we will most definitely return to if passing through certain cities again, and this hotel is likely to be on the list.  Also, Saskatoon is worth some more time!  I'll also make a list of cities I want more time in-but maybe a different hotel.  And a list of places I've seen enough of never mind the hotel-to be called the 'Wawa List'.

From Hotel

Tuesday August 16-Saskatoon to Edmonton

 We lazed in a bit and weren't on the road until 8:30 this morning.  Breakfast was excellent and the Staybridge Suites in Saskatooon looks to be a lock to win 'best hotel' award on our trip.  We only had a 5.5 hour drive so did a road switch, and were then looking to pick up a coffee in Lloydminster.  That's when I saw a text from Brad that copied in Brad Junior who lives in Vermillion suggesting we give him a call on the way through.  After another series of amusing texts we determined that we'd pick up coffee and go the few blocks along to Brad Jr.'s house and visit in his back yard.  We had about a 45 minute visit and an excellent time.  We're welcome back as long as we bring coffees and Willow.  I really wish we had gotten a few pictures. 

We then drove on to Edmonton, checked in and called Brad and Terry.  We drove to a pub fairly close to the hotel that allows dogs on the porch.  After some snacks we drove back to the hotel, then all got in Brad and Terry's van and went to Terwillegar Off Leash Park where we walked around a loop and Willow got to have swims in the North Saskatchewan River as well as a dog pond.  She Approved.  

 

Terwillegar Park

 

Then we went over to Al's where we visited on his very nice porch and had pizza with Al, Carolyn and Sarah.  Again, not true to form I missed pictures.   Finally we headed back to Brad and Terry's and Megan, Willow and I got some more steps just walking back to the hotel from there.  We didn't have the full ten thousand today but were close at about 9 000. 

Wednesday August 17-Edmonton

We got to sleep in a bit this morning then just laze with a couple of lobby coffees this morning.  Brad and Terry picked us up at 9am, and then took us to Mill Creek where we had a nice breakfast, and then a walk along Mill Creek where Willow was able to have a swim.  

 

Mill Creek

One is About to Jump In

 

We went back to Brad and Terry’s for some lazing. It was a very hot day.  After regathering ourselves we headed over to Whyte Avenue.  We were able to poke into some stores, and get a porch seat at a pub where we had some drinks and food.  The day had become very hot-we had some concern about Willow’s feet on the hot pavement, so we went back for another relaxation break.  Finally we waded out for a walk at Jackie Parker Park where Willow was able to have another swim.  

 

Vote-Who Poses Better?

We finished off the day with a coffee and tea outside a Starbucks. 

Thursday August 18-Edmonton to Blue River

We were up and on the road at 8 am again.  The Four Points doesn’t do breakfast but we had a couple of yogurts, muffins and hard boiled eggs on hand to get us started.  Our first driving switch was just before Edson.  Our four hour mark took us to Jasper where we parked at Annette Loop Parking to have a nice walk with Willow.  Being used to driving through, or just stopping in town, I realized I had pushed Megan to take the through lane and we didn't have a day pass for Jasper, so we left our parking spot and went into Jasper to seek a pass.  Once we had gotten one we go turned away for 'dog on porch' at a pub, but then found the Raven Bistro just across the street which was a happy circumstance as we had a Nicoise salad that was as good as any we had in Nice. Then we headed back to Annette Lake.  This time there was a fellow with a stop sign that said we couldn't go into parking.  Just a tad upsetting as we had gone and spent $21 on a park pass just to do this walk.  We were able to park on the road and walk into the lake.  The lake was advertised as being an hour to an hour and a half around.  Not really.  We were done in 30 minutes and still needed steps, but it was a really nice path around.

We Always See Wildlife Through Jasper

Lunch

Swim But On Leash in Park

We left Jasper heading West.  We did stop for a stretch and information at the Mount Robson Center, and we also stopped south of Valemount to walk to the first observation tower in the Cranberry Marsh.

 

 

Mount Robson

Cranberry Marsh Valemount

Finally we checked into Glacier Mountain Lodge in Blue River.  We took Willow for a swim at a nearby small lake and got some dinner at the Grizzly Food Shack and then relaxed.  

 

Eleanor Lake-Blue River

We did learn of a recent Covid exposure, so will let our next hosts know and do some tests in the morning-we did carry quick tests with us expecting it was a probability on a long road trip with the illness being so prevalent. 

Friday August 19-Blue River to Armstrong

We were able to relax at the hotel later than usual given the short day ahead.  I discovered the hotel didn't have a guest laundry, but did laundry for guests.  The very helpful proprietor took our laundry bag and delivered folded laundry back an hour later.  Breakfast fare wasn't particularly impressive though-toast with jam and coffee. We made right for the Monte Creek Winery in Kamloops to start.  The road was miserable, however.  There were constant slowups and industrial traffic from the army of folk building the pipeline.  I might have picked another route and stayed away from this one had I known before.  At the winery they wouldn't let Willow on the porch bistro, but we were able to order a couple of poke bowls and eat at a picnic table just outside.  Finally, we made the run to Andrea and Ryan's. 

Walk in Armstrong

Saturday August 20-Home

We had an easy start to the day again having coffee and yogurt with Andrea.  We had a chance to meet her horses.  The drive home from Armstrong was fairly easy and uneventful.  We did stop in Merritt for some lunch and coffees.  Willow had a greeting from AJ and Beth as we arrived home.  

Willow Meets Horses

 

 

 

Third Week-August 6-12

Saturday August 6-Charlottetown

We got up this morning and had breakfast-which was decent though crowded in the breakfast room.  We ate out on a deck with Willow in her under table office.  Then I had some business with the hotel.  We had a rude awakening at about 2am as our neighbours, who were a group of young men, came in loudly and obviously drunk.  One kept yelling that their room smelled.  It went on for quite a while, and I got up and turned on the light to dial the office.  Just then it started to tone down and I decided if I called and the night attendant knocked on their door it would all just start back up.  I asked at the desk if the same guests were booked in next to us again tonight.  He said yes, and noted he was aware that they had returned loudly and drunk in the middle of the night-saying that they really had little control over such things.  I said that was fine but they needed to move us-I didn't want to be left in the same room.  Eventually we came to the solution that Megan and I pack out like we were checking out-then we could come back to the room after check in time and they would have a different room for us.  This worked out.

We headed out to a beach.  Willow was ecstatic and we have some great video of her bombing around and having a great time.  

 

 

She's Coming For Me

Beachcomber

 Then we headed to the oldest lighthouse in PEI at Point Prim.  We were able to tour the grounds, and Megan went up into the lighthouse.  We had a lunch of lobster roll and fish chowder at a nearby restaurant.  Then on our way back into town we visited something called Orwell Heritage Village.

 

Northumberland Strait

Point Prim Lighthouse

Megan in Lighthouse

Having Some Fun

Restaurant on Point Prim

Schoolhouse at Orwell Heritage Village

Inside Schoolhouse

We have put 7500 km on the Prius since leaving Coquitlam.  Toyota needs a service every 8000 km-at this point we need an oil change and some time in the next day we'll hit that mark.  It seemed easiest to just get it looked after today so we're good all the way home.  So we found one of those drive in oil change places and got it done.  Then we returned to our hotel to get our new room and have a break, as it's very hot out today.

In the late afternoon we drove back down to the waterfront and parked again.  We walked around for a while poking into shops and got some ice cream.  After a walk around we went into a restaurant on the harbour and had some mussels, salad and ciders.  After dinner we walked around the rest of the waterfront walk and headed back to the car.

Salt and Sol

Dinner View

Sunday August 7-Charlottetown to Rivière-du-Loup

Being a road day it was breakfast, then on the road at 8.  Megan drove the Confederation Bridge onto PEI, so I got the outward bound duty.  Our first stop for coffee and to switch drivers was in Moncton.  We then drove to Fredricton where we went to Glynis and Rick's place to pick up the flat cap Mike had left behind.  They were out but left the cap on their porch.  I drove on to Woodstock where we had our picnic lunch, then on for a bit.  We switched drivers at a quick highway pullout, and Megan finished the day. 

 

 

Once checked into our hotel (Comfort Inn), we drove to take a walk along the St. Lawrence in Park of the Pointe.  

 

 

The St. Lawrence Widens Here

Park of the Pointe-Rivière-du-Loup

This wasn't enough of a walk to make our steps, so we drove up to Parc des Chutes where we walked through some more trails.  Megan and I were able to have a conversation with a couple who had questions about Willow and our drive entirely in French.  

 

 

Power House

Parc des Chutes

Waterfall

Parc des Chutes

 

Finally we picked up some dinner at a Chinese restaurant close to the hotel, and ate at the room.  We didn't want to try to deal with Willow and porch restaurants in Quebec again, and many of the restaurants were closed anyway (being a Sunday). 

Monday August 8-Rivière-du-Loup to Uncle David and Aunt Cèline's (Cowansville)

Breakfast at the Comfort Inn was a bit hit and miss this morning.  They rationed the scrambled eggs on a plate through a door and the waffle maker was out of business.  We had our breakfast and got on the road. We stopped at an Information Center at Kamouraska to get some information on the area we were traveling to and a little map.  We swapped to Megan driving after about two and a half hours, stopped once in the townships to gas up, and made it to Bromont where we had hot chocolates and quiches at the Chocolate place.  Finally we drove on to Céline and David's place.

Willow was able to get her swim in off the dock, and did some fetching of the squirrel.  We had a fabulous meal with salmon en croute.  The chef is excellent.  It was raining quite hard-so this is the first day on the whole trip where Megan and I weren't able to get our 10 000 steps in.  

Tuesday August 9-Cowansville to Bruce and Laure's (Frelighsburg) 

We got up and had breakfast with David and Cèline and then went to their favourite park, Parc Jean Paul Forand, for a walk through woods and by a waterfall.  We tried to stop for some lunch on the way back but the deli was only doing takeout and we couldn't really even eat on the porch so we went back to Cèline and David's place and had a salad lunch.  

 

Park Walk

Waterfall

Along Stream

An Awesome Mantel Display

Then we said our farewells and headed off to Frelighsburg.  We stopped at a cider place on the way, and then back to the village to pick up some duct tape to help keep the fridge plugged in the car, where we coincidentally ran into Bruce and Laure.  We followed them back to their property, which is right on the border with Vermont.  Megan and I took a walk for a couple of kilometers through the property to a river and back.

 

In Frelighsburg

Bruce and Laure's Garden

Walk through Property

Then we had a nice trout, ratatouille and potato dinner taken entirely from the property.  After a nice visit it was time to turn in. 

Wednesday August 10-Frelighsburg to Chris' Apartment Toronto

We had a great breakfast of chard with eggs and a smoothie this morning and had a last visit.  We were on the road by 9am.  We were sad to go but Willow wasn't.  Felix' dog, Seraphim, who is staying with Bruce while Felix is in Greece, was very nice with people but kept stalking and taking angry runs at Willow and she was quite terrified of him and trying to stay right under our feet.  She was visibly elated to be jumping up into the car.  

 

 

I drove the first leg to the border, which we made in pretty much exactly two hours.  I had an email from Cal this morning and he and Donia have set up a barbeque with his family, my Aunt Carole, Uncle Bob and cousin Ken as well as Andre and his partner Liza for 5pm this evening.  We did have a pretty good slow down for traffic on the road so it was more like 5:30 when we got there.

 

Liza, Donia, Andre, Ken, Bob, Cal, Willow, Me, Carole, Megan

Breeze Shooting

Using Cal's New Porch

Ken, Cal, Donia

At Chris' apartment we were worried about how long it would take to get into the front door as the fob is in the apartment, but within a few minutes of arriving a UPS delivery was made and I was able to follow the driver in to get to the apartment.  After quickly loading our stuff in we headed for Cal's.  

Thursday August 11-Toronto

We had a slow start this morning, and got our laundry done in the building.  We then went out and decided to walk some paths through the green belt to a nearby dog park.  It was a real hot day.  We made a mistake and ended up on some non-paths but found our way out of the difficulty, crossed Bathurst Street and found are way via a good path on the other side down to the park.  After that we walked over to a coffee shop to pick up coffees, and went back to Chris' place during the hottest part of the day.

 

John Bales House 1824

In the Same Park Where Willow Had a Dog Park

After the break we drove all the way down Bathurst to the waterfront.  We had some dinner at a spot on the waterfront, then took an hour long cruise on the schooner Kajama.  The air felt great out on the water and it was a very nice cruise, including the bottle of Pinot Grigio we had purchased to be included in the cruise. Willow was a very good girl, sitting at our feet.  She did get a little upset for a few seconds when for some reason they decided to set of a little cannon when we were out on Lake Ontario.  After the cruise we found our way all the way back up Bathurst, did a little shop to have breakfast and lunch for tomorrow and filled up the tank so we have an easy start in the morning.  

Dinner-Harbour Behind

Kajama

Heading Out

Coming Out to Lake Ontario

Willow Is A Good Girl

Friday August 12-Toronto to Sault Ste. Marie

 

We got to the end of today and realized we had no pictures.  It was a pure driving day.  Off from Chris' apartment at just after 8am.  We had lunch at a little park in Sudbury called St. Charles Park.  We had to avoid letting Willow get close to where the water was.  She would have been very upset to have the graphic sign that showed that dogs weren't to go in the water explained to her, and she would have blamed us.  We continued on to the hotel in Sault.  We were able to take a long walk despite the heat getting to our steps goal, pick up some burritos across the way and retire to our room to recuperate for tomorrow's drive.