What a trip! I've been home now for a week, sometimes glued to my recliner, sometimes out and about, being squired to share a bite with friends, and some days, like today, in full lounge mode! Calm tunes on, coffee nearby, in my “sleepy pants” just grooving with my slow thoughts. Yup, this is what being retired isabout. Do I feel guilt that Im not out for a brisk walk? Not painting a memory from the trip? Not going out with friends? Nope. This is just fine. Tis now August long weekend, my 70th. I feel good. Its sunny out, kind of hot, so the day wont be spent indoors, I am sure.
“August creates as she slumbers, replete and satisfied” What a cool quote! Its been described as a slow almost melancholic month, from the top of the ferris wheel that is August one can almost see the end of the year creeping up on you. But tis not all downhill! It’s giving me time to reflect on the past weeks on an amazing road trip to Ontario.
Armed with coffee, egg salad sandwiches, and a reliable vehicle, my man and I headed east! The occasional pee breaks, we whipped thru Saskatchewan into Manitoba, and into Winnipeg for the night. He took me for a marvellous dinner, and in the lovely weather we dined outside, where I had an epic portion of pickerel fried in “a shitload” of butter. It was amazing! He swore I got a whole fish! Then back on the road to Thunder Bay. My first Arby’s meal in decades…budget dining! Lol a third day on the road, and this time we drove through miles of lakes, and the Canadian Shield. Gorgeous! I mean huge cuts through massive gorgeous rock, layers, colours - and lakes! Mind blowing. Occasionally we stopped for a Subway (i love their tuna salad..lol) and a surprise stop by a lake.
Now I talking through the bush, on a skinny grassy lame, to a very romantic spot, with a big smooth rock coming put of the water. Where a person could easily slip and fall if they were unlucky. It was a place I’ll never forget! Filled with wild flowers, blueberries not quite ready to pick, and birdsong. Yup, lovely! And not a black-fly in sight.
Then onwards to our destination that evening New Liskeard Ontario. Travelling with the local, ex pipeline inspector, Former road construction dude I learned where he paved, raked, etc through the area. And where hed pipelined, what the little yellow signs meant…very cool! A running dialogue made miles tick by.
So we’d arrived, stayed for a few days, and were treated just awesomely by his sister-in law and her hubby. And their daughter and her family…great people! My concerns were gone, I felt welcomed and loved. It was great! Also my first Chip Stand experience! OMG why cant I get these in Alberta? Fresh cut from Russet potatoes, twice fried…amazing!
Onto Arnprior, his sister’s place, where her hubby and their grown daughter lives. Shes a ball of energy, cooking, canning, knitting…lol I have a gorgeous new pair now! Then onto the grandsons wedding, outdoors, at White Lake, 30C…very scenic, the wedding party were gorgeous, and after we danced and ate and I met More family! Im so glad I had a big sunhat, since others got a wee sunburn. And on day 4 I fulfilled another goal: beavertail! Big flat fluffy fried dough, with brown sugar and cinnamon, heaven!
We’d made a quick trip to Toronto, then stayed at a glorious casino in Pickering on the return. Huge suite, great hot tub, loved every minute of it. TO however made me nervous, I dId not belong there!
So back to his sisters and a day exploring Ottawa. It was good, sunny, and saw many sites. The War Memorial which looks huge on TV, was much smaller! I saw the Rideaux Canal, the Parliament buildings, and had a shady cold drink where we people watched. And now I can say I understand The Humidex. 38C of Sweat! Lol its smothering. I’ll take dry heat any day.
So I was convinced he’d planned a romantic dinner in Ottawa for my birthday. When actually we were taking sister and her hubby to the wee town of Carp, to the ag grounds for a Bingo! Where everyone parked on the grounds, ate fantastic pie ($5 a slice and they sold out of hundreds of pieces!) Where I got stuck in the fence much to the amusement of three ladies sitting on their endgate drinking wine, had my name announced with a birthday greeting, And had a cake waiting for me when I returned from the trip to the biffy. A birthday I shall never forget! It was Perfect!
Eventually we bid adieu, one more family stop in Sudbury (worse roads ever!) then home along The Big Lake they call Gitchee Goomee. It was Huge and we drove alongside it for a full day. Beautiful? It was like being in a Group of Seven painting! White Pines - look magical! Rugged rocks, endless lake vistas…I loved it. And waterfalls? He made sure I got the full meal deal as they say. Just wonderful. Kakabecca Falls .. everything I dreamt it would be. Yup, trip o a lifetime.
Now in 1991 I made this trip on motorcycle on the way to Nflnd. In the rain. In a hurry. But it was nothing like this past July. Did we get tired of each other? Nope. Did his family no accept me? On the contrary they were loving and kind and welcoming! And fun!
I checked off my 3 goals: chip stands (almost daily!) beaver tails and poutine. Hot weather, no blackfly bites, some rain, a lot of smoke on the way home!
Speaking of the return trip we took an extra day and stayed in Saulte St Marie overnight. My new fav city! Gorgeous national historic site at the Mills. Lovely stroll, fab dinner out, and amazing hotel room. I cant get over the size of the lakes, the maple leaves, oak trees…loved it!
And now, older and wiser, I’m home, happy, and reflecting on many August long weekends past. My first long car vacation, hoping not my last! Its coming end of summer now. Gardens are giving fresh treats. People are dealing with sweltering Alberta weather, and sadly birds are starting to flock up.
It’s a last stand. “It’s a smile, it’s a kiss, it’s summertime “
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