Rachael's trip

Wednesday, June 30, 2010

Canada Day 4

Rachael arrived safely at the hotel this morning. We looked out, saw the grey skies and set out for the Basilica. We packed sweatshirts, hats, water...but....no umbrella! Luckily it was only misty with showers as we wandered into Old Montreal towards the Basilica. Once we were there, we were not disappointed.

I was at the Basilica on one of those tours they take school kids on when I was a sophomore in high school. I was so impressed then, that I have loved Cathedrals ever since. Notre Dame was probably even more beautiful this time because I have more of an appreciation for the history and the beauty of the place. Even Rachael seemed to be impressed.

Once the rain started coming down in buckets, we ducked inside a little art gallery type place with designer boutiques. Wonderful to see all the unique designs. We ended up at a little Italian type bistro on Rue Saint Pierre watching Montreal go by until the rain stopped. Afterwards, we came back for a little siesta because tonight.....MORE JAZZ!

Tuesday, June 29, 2010

Canada Day 3

Most of today was spent getting here. We crossed the border at 11:15 this morning with no problems and traveled east to Montreal. We got here around 2:30 but our room wasn't quite ready. So, we wandered around old town for awhile trying to get our bearings. After we came back to our room, got settled in and cleaned up, we went out for our anniversary dinner.

We found this wonderful little restaurant over by the river. I had the best steak I believe I have ever had in my entire life! It was a pepper crusted Filet Mignon. I had forgotten how wonderful the food is here!! It started raining, so we ran to the hotel for shelter..

After about an hour, we wandered out to the jazz festival. I really didn't know what to expect. WOW, what a neat surprise! Streets are blocked off, there are stages with bands playing, and people out just having a good time. We saw two bands. Susanna and her magical orchestra and Lulu Hughes et le Montreal All City Big Band. Wonderful!!

Monday, June 28, 2010

Canada Day 2

What wonderful surprises we have found up north! In Pennsylvania we stopped at the Steam Town National Historical Site. It is a railway museum. I was really impressed with this relatively new National Park. If you are ever near Scranton, PA this place is definitely a must see. ESPECIALLY, if you love trains. I have decided that we so called "modern" Americans have missed out on the luxury of the Pullman cars. Wow, what a way to travel!!

On the passenger trains, service was the key...none of this hurry up and wait like in the airports. I guess this is why I like history...sometimes I feel as though I missed out on the simpler and more genteel America.



This evening we happened upon the neatest little town I think I have ever seen. I think this will be on the top ten "I want to go here when I redirect list". We went to a Brew Pub and had the local beer. (Do you see a pattern developing here?) The pub was right on Lake Ontario. We were able to drink our beer, have dinner, and look out on the lake. After dinner, we walked over to the Battlefield Park. Sackets Harbor is where the Americans built ships to fight the British in the War of 1812. Several skirmishes were fought there as the two nations raced to build ships and control Lake Ontario.

Sackets Harbor is a quaint little village that looks like it should be in a storybook. I have just fallen in love with the place. I bet I could live here..until the first big snow that is :) I am hoping to drop by and take a few pics tomorrow morning before we leave for Alexandria Bay.

Sunday, June 27, 2010

Canada Day 1

Took our time getting out of the house yesterday. Early in the morning, my WONDERFUL HUSBAND did surprise me yesterday with a new camera for my birthday. (I didn't have one of my own - I borrow everyone else's.) I was totally surprised because the trip is supposed to be my present. We left after lunch and drove for about 6 hours - stopping in Winchester Virginia. I have always liked this little town but, we really didn't get to see much of it on this trip. We just didn't want to get back into the car.

Along the way we stopped at Natural Bridge. However, it was $18 to walk down to the bridge which we felt was just a little too steep (pun not intended) so, we enjoyed the little gift shop and walked around the welcome center a bit before heading further north.

After we settled into our hotel, we went to Glory Days next door for dinner. It was a charming place with a good local beer on tap and good food. We really enjoyed ourselves there. Afterwards, we sat down in the hotel bar and figured out which way we wanted to head today. We have decided that our next overnight stop will be in Watertown, New York.

We aren't sure what we will stop and look at today - we are just playing it by ear. This evening I will post some pics.

Wednesday, June 23, 2010

AAARRGH gaining weight!

Wednesday is my weekly weigh in...for two weeks in a row now, I have gained about a pound. AAAARRRGH! So, I decided I should take a look at my "Five Things" from weeks earlier to see if I was following them. Of course, I am not...no wonder...

So to remind myself exactly what these five things are I am posting them again.


1. Get to the gym at LEAST three times per week.
2. A fruit or vegetable at EVERY meal(Including breakfast).
3. Choose water first when thirsty.
4. Park farther away to get in extra steps.
5. Switch to fat free milk for my coffee.


Last time I followed these to the letter, I lost a quick 3.5 pounds. But, I guess I got lazy and didn't always do them all. I have changed the coffee milk and I always park as far away as I can unless I expect to purchase something big and bulky - like a bed at IKEA...

I've been real good about vegetables/fruit at dinner but not so good at lunch and dinner. I haven't been to the gym at all this summer, but I have been using the WII fit three times per week. I guess I still need to add the gym. Also, I have been drinking regular soda for my caffeine pick me up in the afternoon....I will have to go back to the diet tea or water.