With the repairs done (we hope) to the generator, we headed out of Oakville around 12:30 ish and pointed the nose of the bus east. Decided to take the 403 to the 401 and stay on the 401 all the way to Belleville. Traffic was quite heavy and backed up near Eglington as two lanes were closed. Stop and go, but we got to do a lot of looking around as a result. So many high rises, cranes and construction everywhere, and cars, cars, cars, resulting in smog, smog, smog! Such an incredibly large city it just never seems to end.
Finally getting out of the Toronto area and the scenery changed to lush rolling "hills". Everything still quite green and looking quite fresh considering it is getting to the end of August. I imagine when the first frost hits it will be a glorious sight.
We thought we'd found an RV park just north of Belleville but on a further telephone call, turns out they have gone to permanent "seasonals" and no RV parking, but, the owner did give us directions to a Wal Mart just off the 401 which turned out to be a perfect parking spot. Lots of room on the far end and we were the tourist attraction for a few hours.
My friend and kayaking buddy, Jackie, was in Belleville visiting her family thus the reason for our stop. I was not able to make the kayak trip this year so a good opportunity to catch up with Jackie. Also, her parents had rented my house in Victoria a number of years ago when I went to New Zealand/Australia and I had not as yet met them. Her dad is recovering from a broken hip and her mom is in a care facility (alzheimer's). Didn't get to meet Agnes, but did meet Peter and the four of us went out to dinner at a waterfront restaurant called "The Boathouse". Fabulous food...again. We are getting so spoiled. Had a great visit over dinner and it turns out Dale knows Peter's brother, Ike Unger, in Vancouver. It is truly a small world and it seems like we have known each other for ever. They also had some great travel tips and suggestions of places to see and visit along the way.
After dinner, we Jackie & Peter took us for a lovely drive around Belleville and to CFB Trenton. We weren't able to see too terribly much as it was getting dark but we certainly got a feel for the size of the base. HUGE...and can see where it has a very stablizing impact on the economy of the area.
This morning, after a quick shop at the Wal Mart Supercentre, we went over to Hwy 2 to take the back roads for a few hours. This was a suggestion from Jackie & Peter so we could see more of Ontario along the St. Lawrence first hand instead of from the freeway. Good idea except for one small detail. Going through several small towns, our bus is too big/wide for the streets; especially Kingston. Wow...we took up both lanes and don't think people weret too happy with us. Couldn't be helped tho', we didn't fit in just one! Then, missed a turn so had to unhook the car and Dale had to back up the bus to do a turn around...free entertainment for the locals and the tourists!
So much history here that we, in the west, easily forget. EG: Napanee was established in 1786 and I think we saw a couple of old barns that looked like that was when they were built!!!
Our destination was Gananoque where, we were told, was the ideal place to take a cruise up the St. Lawrence. Firstly tho' we had to find a place to park the bus.
Stopped at a vacant gas station at first and lo' and behold there was a "chip truck" parked there so Dale was able to get a feed of chips (and I must confess that I had to sample some as well). Found out from the "chip lady" that there was a casino down the road so a perfect place to park.
After we got ourselves settled in, we took the car and drove down to the waterfront, got our tickets and waited for our boat to arrive for the 3:30 sailing.
It was a 3 1/2 hours cruise up the St. Lawrence, through the 1,000 islands, both on the Canadian and American sides. The sun was shining, light clouds, nice breeze, just a perfect day to be on the water. Took lots of pictures, but once again, can't download them..I'm still trying!! Its hard to believe that this massive body of water can freeze over and stop shipping for several months of the year.
The islands, even the tiny ones, have homes on them, some permanent and some summer residents. Most have electricity and phone so must be a maze of cabling under the water. Even what we would consider a rock has a house on it. Most of smaller islands have cement/rock/brick walls built up around them. Probably to save land from being eroded..and many it is apparent have been there for decades.
After leaving the boat, we came directly back to the bus. Made dinner here as we have been eating out far too much and not getting our vegetables! So tonight made Dale eat his broccoli and salad before he "was allowed" to go over to the casino.
We only went to the casino for a short while. With our ticket stub from the cruise, we got free dollars for the slots, so that, plus our personal donations, made for a short evening of entertainment. I think all the fresh air this afternoon has made us a little weary somewhat early this evening.
So now, back at the bus to relax before turning in. Heading to Cornwall tomorrow, primarily to fuel (this time confirmed the Flying J is open to the public). Not sure if we will spend time there exploring or continue on....only tomorrow will tell.
Till then, thinking of you all ... till next time
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