Georgian Bay and Parry Sound

5.07.12
Cruising the spectacular Georgian Bay!
After picking up yet another little rental vehicle, I headed over towards Parry Sound and Georgian Bay. I was keen to explore this area as this was one place we didn't get to visit in 2009. After an easy drive of around 5.5 hours (3 major highways) I arrived in the small town of Parry Sound. After hickory locating Bay StBnB and meeting the lively owner, Susan, I made my way down to the docks to purchase my ticket on the afternoon cruise. Georgian Bay is comparable to the 1000 Islands, except on Steroids. Located on the Canadian Shield, the
area is fetchingly picturesque with copious islands (many only accessible by boat) making for the perfect summer vacation spot for many Canadians.
Below are some photos of some highlights from Georgian Bay.

Prince Edward County

4.07.12.
American Independence Day spent in Prince Edward County!

The last couple of days nice returning from Ottawa have been a little less hectic with me catching up on some much needed sleep. I safely deposited my little Toyota back at the hire place. Luckily I only drove on the wrong side of the road once. This was when I turned off the 401 into Division St in Kingston. I happened to notice some cars coming towards me. Whoops! With a graceful swerve and some loudly uttered curse words, I swiftly returned to the correct side. No damage done.
Tuesday night saw me once again out and about with some of the girls from Holy Cross. We sampled the delights of Raxx Bar & Grill. The best part of this holiday is the opportunity to catch up with some of the people who made our year here so special. I love you ladies!

This morning as I rose under a steamy sky, another scorching summers day in Ontario loomed. I never really thought this was possible. Michele picked me up at ten and we headed down Bath road towards Prince Edward County (that's synonymous with wine country). On the way I excitedly pointed to a dead skink on the road. Having not yet sampled its odorous delights I hurriedly wound down my window for a quick whiff. Not too bad! We must have been far enough away for me to receive a faint tang that wasn't at all offensive. Still yet to sample the full skink experience.
The ferry to Picton was timely and we were soon exploring the best that PEC can offer. After visiting a couple of wineries, we lunched at Casa Dea, a small boutique winery in the heart of this region. I must say I managed to purchase some ice wine. Hope it survives the trip home. I'm now resting up as tomorrow, I head over to Georgian Bay - a trip of around 5.5 hours.

Canada Day 2012

1.07.12.
Canada Day!
After another long hot summers night, Canada Day dawned brightly and promised us another scorcher. Judy & John put on a great breakfast for their Aussie exchange friends as well as some Canadian friends. The photo below shows how the typical Aussie celebrates Canada Day in Canada!

Shortly afterwards, we caught a bus and headed downtown where we were greeted by a sea of red & white. Down town Ottawa was awash with Canada Day Pride and we were more than happy to be part of the crazy atmosphere. This crowd scene photo pretty much sums this up:

After a lengthy interlude in a pub (the Royal Oak), we made our way back up to Parliament Hill for a concert & fireworks. This was the highlight of the day and featured some big name Canadian Acts including the band, Simple Plan. The fireworks behind the Parliament building proved to be a fitting climax. The following photos give you an idea of the scope of the celebrations! We came away from the day with a greater sense of Canadian pride!

The week that was!

30.06.12
I finally have a couple of quiet moments to reflect on the week that was and, oh boy, what a week it's been! Saturday stared off with a charity walk for muscular dystrophy with Don & Linda and some of their friends. Despite the heat and humidity, there was a creditable turnout and we managed quite a few laps of the Holy Cross Football Field. Afterwards, Don & Linda hosted BBQ and I was lucky enough to be able to get to know their friends and family a little more.
Sunday dawned and Linda and I took a run up to Kilborns near Westport. This country store is a must for serious shoe shoppers everywhere. I even managed to swag myself a pair of swanky summer sandals which I'm already wearing in.
Monday - oh boy, the fun continues- saw me invited to Michele's house for lunch with theHCSS crew. Fun fun fun. Great food, a few good wines and convivial company made for a pleasant afternoon.
Tuesday saw me dining with the Check-Drumm family. Again, the warm weather saw us sipping cocktails on the deck. I'm loving the long days. Winter back home will be a little gloomy when I return. There was much reminiscing about my time at HCSS. Thanks Jon & Stacy for your hospitality.
Wednesday saw me hit the road to Ottawa. I picked up a little Toyota Yaris and headed up the 401 towards Ottawa to visit John & Judy Whiting. We met up with some Aussie exchangees and old friends, Bill & Jeanette Avery at a Chinese Banquet Enforce heading over to the RCMP parade ground for the famous sunset ride. Even though I had been there before, it was still spectacular. After drinks back at Judy's place I fell into bed past 1.00 am.
Thursday saw me sleep in before getting up to explore the Rideau Canal first hand on a bike. Fortunately, John Whiting knows his way around and readily pointed out some interesting landmarks. After a quick trip back down the 401, I returned to HCSS for graduation. I felt honored to be giving an award at this ceremony. Of course, the traditional get together at Minos afterwards was the best part of the night. I'm not overly sure how it happened but Liz & I staggered back to Micheles at 3.00am . That's two late nights in a row for me. Don't know if I can stand the pace.
Friday saw me rise a little worse for wear and i headed back to Ottawa. (I'm getting used to this trip and am enjoying the luxury of a gps in the car!) after a little nap, I headed out with John, Judy & Ellen to a Tapas Bar in little Italy. Dinner was followed by gelato (the dark chocolate flavour was exquisite) and a beer at Pub Italia. Not too shabby either!

Partying on the patio!

22.06.12.
Postscript
Dinner tonight was downtown on a patio at an Italian restaurant - Casa. I relished the opportunity to sample my second ever Caesar. There were plenty of laughs as I caught up with some of the girls from Holy Cross. Patio dining is all the go in summer here in this
Part of Canada. The photo below shows my self and Michele enjoying our Caesars as well as the girls who came that night. I know why I love Canada so much!

Beaver Dams & Bald Eagles

22.06.12
Beaver Dams & Bald Eagles!
I venture onto a lake and try kayaking!
Today Don took me to a fantastic lake not far out of Kingston for my first kayaking experience. I was not the first member of my family to venture here - John went with Don in 2009 when we were last here. A perfect summer's day with temps in the mid 20's made things seem comparatively cool. Canada's freshwater lake system is truly amazing. Australia is truly a dry continent when you think about it. We put in at Lower Rock and traversed through a creek replete with several Beaver Dams (one of which had to be cleared -by Don- before we could continue our passage. Upper 4
Rock Lake was quite deserted apart from a couple of Bald Eagles and several Loons who were quick to make themselves know. I even managed to get up relatively close and personal for a quick snap. The return trip was just as adventurous since I was entrusted to lead the way. The responsibility of having to locate the connecting creek weighed heavily on my mind as I attempted to remember and negotiate an array of notable landmarks. I quickly learnt the value of traveling rapidly upstream in order to successfully negotiate the Beaver Dam. After two goes at this tricky enterprise I enjoyed success! What a fun day.
The photos below give a panoramic viewpoint of the lake as well as the lovely Loon.

Downtown Kingston

21.06.12
Downtown Kingston.
Temperatures spiraling out of control.
One great thing about returning to Canada is the opportunity to catch up with old friends and enjoy summer in the Limestone city. Last night I caught up with Pat and Diane who were celebrating their last ever day of teaching. After a brief sojourn around their pool, we ordered Greek takeout before making our way down town for gelato to die for. As an added bonus I got to enjoy the summer solstice with many other like minded Kingstonians out for an evening by the lake.
The following day, Don and Linda also took me downtown to lunch at Woodenheads - a busy pizza joint. Again, we took every opportunity to escape the searing heat whilst still exploring the city. Being National Aborigines Day, there was entertainment (Aboriginal style) in the city hall amphitheater.
Back home , my gracious hosts and I sojourned to the back deck for drinks and dinner. It sure is nice to experience a little piece of summer!
The photo below shows the Kingston Town Hall lit up at night!

Return to Canada!

Canada 2012

17.06.12.
Two days of what seemed like interminable travel came to an end at 5.30 yesterday when I touched down at Toronto's Easton Pearson Airport. Friday was spent lugging my suitcases between the bus, train and cab to make it to The Airport Hotel in Arncliffe. An early start the following morning saw me dropping my luggage off at the Air Canada check in counter before breakfasting at various airport amenities. Naturally, I didn't sleep on the plane and nineteen hours later touched down in Toronto. Murray and Ashley were there to greet me with a box of Timbits! Yeh. I'm back in Canada!
On the way home Murray took us on a bit of a tour of the Beaches area where they are living for the year. Dinner saw us dining at Murphy's Law, an Irish themed pub near the Walpoles house. Naturally, I obligingly sampled some of their boutique beer. Needless to say it went down a treat after my long haul flight.

Some 27 hours after I last slept, I fell into bed and slept the sleep of the unconscious.

This morning saw me feeling vaguely refreshed and out of bed at 6. I was keen to have a look at the Beaches and took myself on a long walk. Wakefulness at last and feeling minimal effects from jet lag, I enjoyed a leisurely breakfast with Pam and Murray.

Shortly afterwards, we headed down town to the Rogers Centre to take in a baseball match between the Phillies and the Blue Jays. Needless to say, this was a unique cultural experience subtly enhanced by the ubiquitous hot dog replete with mustard, relish and tomato sauce (sorry - ketchup). Oh, yes, and Blue Jays were victorious.
Dinner saw us exploring Little India and consuming to die for butter chicken and naan bread from plastic plates on plastic chairs. Ambience aside, the food was highly recommended and did not disappoint.here is a photo of the Rogers Centre and also one of me consuming one of life's little joys: the traditional hot dog!

Pretty Beach 2012

Pretty Beach 2012

Eurobodalla Rep Soccer

First Day of School for Max & Nick!

Australia Day 2012

18 at Last!

Christmas Cheer

Last STEPZ Concert

Nicks Year at School

2011 signified Nick's last year in Primary school.He always does well in school and this year was no exception. With a trip to Canberra, state representation in swimming, soccer and athletics and awards for public speaking his year has been very successful. The transition to High school will be both exciting and important.

High School Reunion

Its been 30 years (very difficult to fathom!) since I left high school I mad a point of attending our reunion and had a very enjoyable weekend catching up with my cousin in Albury.

Dad has his 80th Birthday

I put together these photos as a tribute to my dad who was 80 on the 11.11.11.

For the first time in years, the whole family was able to come together to celebrate the event. Emily put together a slide show of Dad's life and after dinner we gathered together to watch it on the big screen. I think dad was quite moved by it all. Following this, cake and champagne were the order of the evening!