Aug 21,2019

Lightning flashed throughout the night and light rain continued to fall until about 4:00AM.  I woke early and Debbie wanted to sleep in so I quietly slipped out of the bed, grabbed a granola bar and stepped outside. 

The sun was trying to break through the light mist that hung over the lake and it was a perfect time for taking those early misty photos. 

I stalked a blue heron, fishing on the edge of the lake and watched as several paddlers left the river to go camping at a remote wilderness campsite.  It was just a perfect quiet morning to see nature waking up to the sunrise.

When I returned to the trailer, Debbie had started breakfast and I began to dismantle the campsite.  Today we were headed for the nation’s capital, Ottawa.

We finished breakfast and headed out.  We had been on the road for about fifteen minutes when the phone rang!  It was Sorab calling and he said, “Hey Bill, I just passed by you, pull over and I will turn around!”   What a coincidence!  He was driving from Ottawa to Huntsville.  The three of us stood on the side of Hwy #60, laughing about how strange it was and how coincidental to meet again in Northern Ontario!  We caught up on each other’s news since last seeing him and Victoria in Thompson. He was on his way to meet his son in Huntsville so we said goodbye again, took a selfie and headed out.

Debbie set up Miss Taken to take us to our campsite in Minatock, just on the outskirts of Ottawa, and we wanted to take the secondary roads there.  We had a wonderful trip passing through the countryside and rural towns.

Our campsite is the Long Island RCMP campsite on the Rideau River.  This campsite is situated on the Parks Canada Historical Site grounds of the Rideau Lock systems for the Rideau Canal.  It has been in existence for over 50 years and is available to RCMP and police officers serving and retired.  There are cabins, swimming pools, docks and large tennis courts and play areas for children.  Gerry, the campground host set us up in the overflow sites.  

We set up camp and I started the barbeque, just as the thunder started and the rains came down.  That black cloud found us again.  We enjoyed the rain sitting under the awning, I set out a series of blogs and we planned for for tomorrow in Ottawa.  Unfortunately, our time here is somewhat limited as our reservations for our cargo ship trip on the St. Lawrence had been moved forward by one day. 

Aug 19, 2019

I made a batch of pancakes, bacon and eggs for breakfast. We are anxious to get out onto the water and kayak Whitefish Lake and the river connecting it to Rock Lake. 

We were on the water by 10:00 and spend the morning and early afternoon cruising the shoreline.  We wanted to see wildlife but we were disappointed.  Nevertheless, we had a great paddle, although typically the winds came up around 1:00 and were not in our favor.  We paddled into the wind for the last half hour.  We rewarded ourselves with a swim in Rock Lake and came back to our camp.  Debbie wanted to do some laundry and so we had showers, did laundry and I caught up on the blogs.  I am finally up to date!!  

We returned to the camp, had another great barbeque and enjoyed the campfire.  The sky was clear so we walked to the beach and sat in the darkness admiring the night sky and the looking at the stars.  Another great day in a great land! 

Aug 20, 2109

I got up before breakfast and trundled my kayak to the lake. It was going to be a beautiful day, the waters were calm and no one was up yet.  I was hoping to find wildlife this morning and my camera was ready. The only creatures I found were ducks and early fishermen.  The paddle was great and I explored all of Rock Lake and its islands.  

Algonquin Provincial Park is huge and is filled with many lakes and small rivers linking them.  It is a popular park for folks who want to go wilderness camping.   There are two canoe rental outfitters that rent canoes to take you to the many wilderness and backcountry campsites. They were doing a brisk business.

I returned back to the campsite around 11:30, Debbie was feeling better and had been enjoying the peace and quiet without me.  We needed some supplies and also wanted to visit the Park’s visitor center. 

The center is a beautiful building dedicated to the Park in 1993, and features a theater, cafeteria, book and souvenir store and the information center.  We spent some time there using the internet to do some blogging and securing campsites further east.

The village of Whitney is just a few miles east of the park boundaries so we bought some groceries and then enjoyed an early supper at the “Mad Musher” restaurant. 

When we returned to the campsite, we joined our neighbors across the lane.  Monty and Jonica are from the Niagara region and have been camping in the Algonquin Park for many years.  They are avid fishers and know many of the best fishing spots and areas of the park. 

Thunder was rumbling in the hills and occasionally lightning flashed through the trees so we decided to rain proof our campsite, and prepare for tomorrow’s trip to Ottawa.  We said goodnight to our neighbor and then went to bed.  Moments later, the thunder rolled over us and torrents of rain continued late into the evening.                      

Aug 17, 2019

We were in a section of the campground that did not have a nearby shower facility, so we decided to set up our own.  We had not had to use it for quite some time.  It was great to have our own shower at the trailer even though we had to conserve our water.  We had breakfast and our neighbor Barrie came over to apologize for his car alarm going off at 12:30. I remember waking up thinking it was ours but fell right back asleep.  Debbie hadn’t heard it.  Barrie’s wife Brenda came over and we talked for a long time about camping, trailers, and Ontario.  Barrie is a retired conservation officer and Brenda a retired teacher. They had just purchased a new trailer that was built in Ontario and this was its inaugural run. They were still learning about it, but enjoying it.  Barrie and Brenda live in Minden, Ontario.  We were heading into Parrie Sound to check it out so, we agreed to see them in the evening for cocktail.

Parrie Sound is a small community that thrives on the cottage industry.  The area boasts 30,000 islands and most of these islands have summer cottages and even lakefront permanent houses.  Most of these cottages are accessible only by boat in summer or by snowmobiles in the winter. The Sound freezes up in late November and the ice melts in late April.  The town has a large marina and boat storage facilities.  Many of the industries in Parry Sound are support facilities to this cottage  lifestyle.

Parrie Sound is also the home of Bobby Orr.  There is a Bobby Orr Hall of Fame inside the impressive Performing Arts Theater.   

Our eldest daughter, Myra, worked extensively in the Parry Sound region about two years ago and suggested that we buy a coffee and a coconut cream pie at Richard’s Café,  we weren’t disappointed, the pie was delicious.  We continued our tour of the town and remarked that the only real way to see Parry sound is by boat.  The Island Queen is a sightseeing boat that provides regular trips around the area and between the islands.  We tried to book a trip for today however the only one available is tomorrow morning. We decided to book anyway as we would be back and still have enough time to break up our campsite and leave for our next leg.

We made a quick trip into Sobey’s for groceries and fueled the truck and returned back to the campsite.  After another delicious barbeque we sat around the campfire and then walked over to Barrie and Brenda’s site.  We talked and exchanged stories until 11:00 and it was time to go to bed.

Aug 18, 2019

Today we are going into Parrie Sound and boarding the Island Queen for a two-hour tour in the Sound.  The boarding time was at 9:30. 

The Island Queen is a well-designed boat for sight seeing around the islands.  It can carry 550 passengers and weighs 550 tons.  It has a shallow draft, making it easy to move through some of the shallow channels between the islands.  There is a small cafeteria on board and a liquor bar for the evening cruises. Today there were only about 50 passengers.

We slowly departed Parry Sound and as we cruised by the various islands, the Captain gave us an informative talk about the points of interest. We passed by the community of Nobel, named after the inventor of dynamite.  This community grew and prospered in the first and second world wars, as it was the base for CIL, a large explosive manufacturer, which built ammunition for both the Canadian and the American Armed Forces.  After the wars and because of changing technology the plant eventually closed.  

We cruised though the sound looking at the many cottages and some very impressive permanent houses built on the many islands.  We developed a much better appreciation of the beauty of Parry Sound.  

It was now time to go back to our campsite, dismantle and head down the road again.  Our destination this time is the Algonquin Provincial Park. 

We had not reserved a campsite at Algonquin so we are hoping that there will be a campsite available for us in this famous and popular park.  Debbie and Miss Taken navigated our way through Huntsville along highways # 141, #11 and Hwy#60, arriving at the West Gate at 4:30.  We were informed that there were a few sites still open and we chose to go to the Rock Lake Campsite. 

This campground is on the western edge of Rock Lake, and our campsite was right in the middle of the Campground.  Our intent is to kayak in the lakes and rivers near our campsite so it was a very good choice.  The campsite is full and the trees are pines with no low growing underbrush, making it quite an open campground with very little privacy. 

We set up camp and enjoyed a campfire and supper and went to bed looking forward to tomorrow’s adventures.

Aug 16, 2019

We were leaving Craigleith today.  This campground is positioned on the edge of Lake Huron and we really wanted to enjoy it, unfortunately the weather had changed that and we had run out of time.  I went for a quick dip in the lake and then got ready to dismantle the camp.  The white Prius was still on the edge of our site with our lady still sleeping in it.  I apologized to Lester for the noise last night.  He was also breaking down his campsite.  We told him our story and then he pointed out the Ontario licence plate on the Prius. HIPNTIST.  We said goodbye to Lester and drove out of the campground, leaving our sleeping lady and campsite #13. 

This leg of our journey was to take us to Parry Sound. We had heard a lot about the Muskokas and Parry Sound, and we would be remiss to not go there.  We set up Miss Taken to take the back roads there and this time she did a fabulous job.  We were going to the Killbear Provincial Park.  We had not made a reservation for this campground so we were taking a chance. Because it was a Sunday, we felt we had a good chance.  When we arrived we were told there were two campsites left.  Whew! That was close.   We ended up with a very nice campsite, secluded and quiet in the Granite Saddle section.  We had arrived at 2:30 and set up camp, and enjoyed a leisurely supper.  

During our travels in this part of Ontario, we learned that there is a species of rattlesnake that is indigenouse to the area – Mussasauga Rattlensake. There are also the fox snake, popular to this campground and Snapping turtles also live in this part of Ontario. We are familiar with deer and moose warning signs but snake and turtle crossing signs are new to us!

In the amphitheater this evening was a performance by James Gordon.  James is a folk singer, poet, whose specialty is writing and singing songs about the Parry Sound region.  James did a wonderful performance for an audience of about 200 of us campers.  He was witty and funny and played the guitar, banjo, mandolin and harmonica.  His songs featured stories of various historic instances and places in the Muskokas.  He also sang songs about knitting sweaters from Old Dead Rover and knitting sweaters for penguins. He is on YouTube, if you look him up.  We thoroughly enjoyed the evening.  We returned to the campsite and enjoyed the campfire before going to bed.

Aug 15, 2019

It rained all night and was still raining in the morning. The wind is blowing very steadily off the water.  This was going to be an off day.  It is a perfect day to go to into town and find a strong WIFI and do some blogging. Debbie stayed in the camp and I went to Collingwood.  I went to the information center and was directed to go to the library for the best WIFI. This gave me an opportunity to drive around Collingwood.  

This city is also a port city on the south end of Owen Sound.  Judging by the new construction that is happening and the many large condominium buildings this city is flourishing.  It is on the eastern edge of the Blue Mountains, a vibrant skiing and resort area.  Positioned on the shores of Lake Huron, this city is enjoying the results of the tourist recreation.  I was able to post several blog entries here but I am still lagging behind.  I left the library late in the afternoon to return to the trailer. 

 Debbie was feeling better and had started a delicious supper.  I set up the campfire and Lester came over.  He had his best golf game ever today and we congratulated him. We talked to about 10:30 and it was time to turn in.  

As I was putting out the fire and securing the campsite, a small white Prius pulled into our campsite.  The woman rolled down her window and told me that we were camping in her spot as she had reserved it!  Debbie was in the trailer getting ready for bed.  I argued with the lady and agreed to meet her at the gatehouse to sort this out. At the gatehouse, the discussion continued and the park attendant told me that we were not booked for tonight and should have left at 2:00 in the afternoon!  This did not sound right to me and I was hesitant to break down our camp at 11:00 at night!  The lady was adamant that she was not going to share our campsite with us, which I had suggested, and she wanted us off.  I returned to the campsite to inform Debbie.  Debbie told the lady that we were not moving, that she had paid for the campsite and that she wanted to see the Park attendant.  We returned to the gatehouse and Debbie insisted that she should phone her manager, as we were not moving and this was not our mistake and the lady is welcome to share our campsite (she was sleeping in her car!). After a phone call to the manager, we were told that we would not have to leave.  They refunded the lady her reservation fee and they would find another spot for her.  She insisted to stay in her car, on site #13!   We returned to our trailer and went to bed. 

Aug 13, 2019

I had made an appointment to bring our truck in for a warranty service today.  The Hyundai dealership is in St. Catherines.  I set up Miss Taken on the GPS to get me there and I left early. Debbie had some domestic chores she wanted to do, and she wanted to rest and swim in one of the three pools at the KOA.

The Performance Hyundai in St. Catherines, turned out to be a top-notch dealership.  The service department provided me with all the details of the service, and was right on with the cost estimate of the work.  No up sales, and a through inspection of the truck.  During the 2-hour wait I worked on the blog in the business center of the waiting room.  This dealership was displaying several automotive awards of excellence and I can see why.

I set up Miss Taken to take me back to the KOA on an alternate route which turned out to be another pleasant drive in the country. Debbie wanted to buy some groceries and I fuelled the truck for our next leg tomorrow.  

I barbequed a nice chicken breast, we enjoyed some wine and beer and just relaxed for the remainder of the day.  Life is good.

Aug 14, 2019

Miss Taken and I had a bad day today.  Debbie was not feeling well again and she had set up Miss Taken on the GPS to take us to Craiglieth Provincial Park, near Collingwood.  We are trying to avoid the major highways or toll highways, but in this area we have to go through Hamilton and Burlington, both very large centers and the only way through them is on the major highways. We had to make a “pit stop” near Burlington and after leaving the 403, we set her up to take us on the secondary roads around Guelph.  We ended driving around in an industrial area of Burlington, and it took some technical maneuvering before she finally put us onto the secondary roads to Craiglieth. The drive through the farms and the variety of crops growing here made for a great cruise.  

We stopped near a vegetable farm to buy some fresh corn and veggies.  Debbie was preparing a lunch in the trailer as I walked into the farm to buy the sweet corn. The farm set up was on the honor system and they were selling vegetables that Debbie needed.  I walked back to the trailer and told her that we should pull the trailer into the farmyard so that she could choose what vegetables she wanted. During that 200-yard drive into the farmyard, the water tap stayed on and we pumped a few quarts of water over the kitchen counter and cabinets and on onto the floor.  I spent the next half hour mopping up the water with towels. Thankfully there was no damage and we had caught it on time!   

We ate lunch there and then carried on, arriving at Craiglieth at 4:00.  Debbie had reserved the campsite a week ago, however we stayed an extra day in Niagara Falls so she had to re-negotiate a new campsite to take us to the 16^th. We booked campsite #13, a few short steps from the edge of Lake Huron.  It had no services but we liked the location.  Debbie seems to feel better as the day goes on.

After setting up the camp, we took our beer and wine and sat in our chairs on the beach and enjoyed the late afternoon.  The wind was picking up and the waves were high but it was a beautiful crisp way to end the day. We enjoyed a barbequed steak, and started the campfire. We had to atch the un go down again tonight.   

We met our nextdoor neighbor, Lester.  Lester set up his tent next door, and is golfing in the area.  Lester lives in Brampton, and comes up here often. He is looking after his 96-year young mother and when his sister and brother spell him off of these duties, he takes off to go camping and play golf.  We invited him over to sit with us around the campfire and we talked and got to know each other until 10:30.  It was time to go to bed.

Aug 12, 2019

We got up early, dressed and headed out so that we could be at the Niagara Falls and have breakfast before it became too crowded.   The shuttle bus was only about a ten-minute ride to the Falls.  Even at 8:30, the crowds were gathering.  We had a quick breakfast and walked along the boulevard, looking at the Falls and admiring the sights.  We had tickets to the underground tunnels to get behind the Falls.  Our designated time was 10:30 so we entered the queue to walk down into the tunnels.  Debbie was a little anxious and although she would rather be in front of and above ground, she hung in there and experienced the wet, cold mist and splashing torrential water  pouring down in front of her.   We had been given yellow plastic body covers to wear and we joined the throng of people walking slowly through the tunnels, taking selfies and photos and then slowly walking back to the elevators for the ride back to the entrance. 

We had tickets to the show about the formation of the Falls, called Niagara Fury, but we decided to have lunch and a beer first.  We sat in the restaurant watching the Falls and the Maid in the Mist, loaded with people, slowly pushing into the huge cloud of spray towards the Falls.  Debbie opted out of the show and stayed in the restaurant while I went.  The show was interesting and informative, however it was geared more for children.  The special effects of snow and rain, thunder and lightning were fun.  The show lasted about 15 minutes and for the price and the time of standing in line I did not feel it was worth the money. 

Our next adventure was taking the Maid of the Mist to the falls. Because there are so many visitors at Niagara Falls, the processes to move people in large groups through to the different attractions is done in timed intervals. The long queues move fairly quickly.  Each boat can carry approximately 550 people. We were fortunate to be at the front of our large group and were able to go to the front of the top deck, the best seat in the house.  The ride on the boat into the mist and spray of the Falls is exhilarating and although we were wearing the plastic body covers we got soaked. It was amazing to be so close to the huge torrents of water that pours over the falls.  

We decided that we had enough of the crowds for a while so we made our way to Niagara on the Lake.    Our next attraction was at 7:30, the Wild Water Walk, so we had lots of time to explore Niagara on Lake.  We got there through a series of shuttles buses and the last shuttle bus was a community bus.  The driver informed us that the last bus back to the Falls was at 6:00.  During that discussion he also informed us that it was “usually the younger people who miss that last 6:00 bus”.  We walked into the downtown area and came across a horse drawn carriage.  Debbie wanted to go for a tour of the community and so we enjoyed a ½ hour horse drawn tour.  We admired the many historic homes and beautiful yards.  The Niagara on the Lake has a microclimate that allows for the growth of many types of plants that are not indigenous to the region.  It is the reason for the growth of the vineyards and winemaking industry in the region.

After the tour we went along main street to checkout some of the shops. Debbie wished that she had more time to scout them but unfortunately our time was limited.

We were getting hungry and found a small Greek restaurant and we ordered some wine and shared a lovely chicken Slouvaki and and plate of dolmades.  As se were sitting on the patio we saw the community bus drive by and I said oh there is the community bus.  We continued eating and then in a moment of truth I checked the time and realized that we had just missed the last bus out of Niagara on the Lake!  The driver was right, it usually is the younger people that miss the bus!

Since we missed the bus we finished our meal and our waitress called a taxi for us.  The taxi driver was very understanding and proceeded to give us a cabby’s tour and presentation as we drove out of Niagara on the Lake.  It turned out to be a $40.00 cab ride but we had a good laugh about our stupidity.  We connected with the shuttle bus and made it to the Wild Water walk on time. 

We found this attraction to be very interesting as we descend 230 ft. by elevator to the banks of the Niagara River.  The board walk takes you past the rapids that are a Class 6.  There are six classifications of rapids and Class 6 is considered to be un-navigateable. The rapids roar through the gorge and standing waves are over 12 feet high.  It is spectacular to see these enormous waves rushing by at forty miles an hour.

It was time to return to our campsite.  We were both tired and foot sore and I was tired of the throngs of people.  We took the shuttle bus back to the campground and went to bed shortly after.  

We enjoyed Niagara Falls and Niagara on the Lake.  The history of the area, the vineyards, and the Fort are all attractions that need to be seen.  Unfortunately the throngs of tourists (like us) are overwhelming and we both agreed we will come back again on the offseason to see the things that we missed.

Aug 11, 2019

Unfortunately it is time to leave.   Our destination today is Niagara Falls.  Brian and Laurel were already awake as we slipped into the house. The smell of fresh baking welcomed us. Laurel enjoys cooking and she handed me a plate with sliced banana bread, saying, “Here you go, have some Nanaimo Bars!, (wink, wink.)”.   Sorry, Laurel that is banana bread.  It was delicious.  We sat around telling tales and then it was time to leave.  We gave them some Nanaimo memorabilia and pins, as well as an official recipe for Nanaimo Bars.  Debbie gave Laurel an appreciation gift of a handmade patry rolling pin. She loved it.  For the short time that we had known them it was amazing how relaxed they were with us, the fuggees.  We laughed some more and said our goodbyes.

We headed out and again winding our way towards Niagara Falls, taking county roads and secondary highways.  As we neared Niagara Falls the landscape changed from country farms to commercial and industrial, and busy streets and highways.  We had reserved a commercial KOA campground near the Falls. As we entered the campground it was evident that we were deep in the heart of tourist country.  Huge motorhomes and fifth wheel trailers dwarfed our tiny trailer.  The KOA is very large, with hundreds of closely placed campsites, three swimming pools, cabins and washroom/shower facilities.  We chose this campground as it is a short shuttle bus ride to the Falls. We bought two daily passes for the Falls and attractions as well as bus passes.

We were too late to go to the Falls so I barbequed a fine steak and we watched a movie and went to bed.

Aug 10, 2019

It was time to explore this famous town of Stratford!  We broke into their house and used the showers and then enjoyed a leisurely breakfast.  It was time to walk into the town.  

Stratford is another beautiful town, and is famous for the Stratford Theatre. We had checked to see if we could take in a show, however, they were all sold out.  There are actually three theaters in Stratford and a new building is under construction.  We walked from the house through the park along the meandering paths.  Swans and geese are swimming in the small lake. There is an art show in the park and the vendors and artists have erected their displays throughout the trees. We walked through admiring the works and eventually we ended up on the main street.  We went to a newly refurnished coffee shop called Balzac Coffee House. The coffee is terrific and the pastries amazing. The main street is lined with funky shops and high-end clothing and interior decorating stores. Of course Laurel and Debbie had to browse through them as Brian and I patiently followed, talking to other patient husbands sitting on benches on the street.  We stopped in at a small local brewery and enjoyed a beer.  We then wandered back, admiring the many historic and well-kept brick houses that lined the streets.   Laurel had to have a swim in the back yard pool as we enjoyed drinks and watched her.  She really enjoys swimming.

We had decided to go out for supper so we got out of our shorts and flip-flops and dressed up a little.  We drove back downtown and enjoyed a beautiful meal at “Keystone Alley”,  another great restaurant on our journey. Thanks Laurel for choosing it.

We had decided to go out for supper so we got out of our shorts and flip-flops and dressed up a little.  We drove back downtown and enjoyed a beautiful meal at “Keystone Alley”,  another great restaurant on our journey. Thanks Laurel for choosing it.

Stratford has built a plaza in the front of the local town hall.  Tonight they had erected a large inflatable outdoor screen and were featuring a recent movie.  The plaza was filled with folks sitting in lawn chairs and watching the movie. We stood and watched for a few minutes and roped a man into taking pictures of the four of us.

We returned home and talked some more, had a nightcap and soon it was time for bed.  Brian and Laurel are great hosts, having to put up with the “fuggees”!

Aug 9, 2019.

Today was a travel day, as we wanted to be in Stratford in the late afternoon.  Brian and Laurel had offered to show us their town and we were looking forward to that. We got up early so that we could take advantage of seeing as much as we could of this area as we drove south.  

We had learned that the world’s largest nuclear power generating plant, Bruce Power, is just down the road from our campground so we drove in to see it.  They provide free tours of the plant during July an August.  This plant is enormous and produces 30% of Ontario’s electricity. It employs over 5000 employees directly. Eight nuclear reactor generating plants are housed in the facility. Bruce Power also produces 40% of the world’s Cobalt 60, an isotope that is used in the medical field for treating cancer as well as sterilizing medical equipment.  After signing up for the tour, we waited in the visitor center and browsed through the displays and learned more about the process of nuclear electricity generation, as well as about the care and disposal of nuclear waste. A small amphitheater just off to the side of the lobby provides a short video of the processes.

It was time to climb onto the bus for the tour.  There were about 25 of us visitors.  Before we can go onto the bus we have to produce government identification, obviously to do a government check on us, no cameras or cell phones are allowed on the bus and a security guard travels on the bus with us.  Security is a major issue here, as Bruce Power employees it own police/security personnel who are all trained and armed.  The bus has to pass through checkpoints and the fences around the 23000 acre facility are topped with coils of razor wire.  

 Our tour guide provided a continuous narration to us as the bus wound its way through the many roads and lanes on the property.  He showed us the buildings that housed the various generating plants as well as the ancillary support buildings.  Lake Huron is the water supply to the plant and the water enters and leaves the plant through a small canal system.  The tour was very informative and provided in-depth information about the subject of another source of alternate power.  Ironically, across the fence at the entrance to the plant is a large wind turbine generator. We left with a better understanding about nuclear hydro generation. 

Our next stop was the town of Kincardine, another beautiful coastal town, almost a twin to Port Elgin.  We pulled into the main beach downtown and saw the many folks who were swimming in the surf and enjoying the sun.  I felt like I wanted a swim and jumped into my bathing suit.  Debbie wasn’t too keen to go into the high waves, but joined me on the beach.  The waves were rolling in and it was a blast running into them and having them crash onto you.  I felt like a kid again!  We then walked the shoreline for about an hour and then it was time to head south toward Stratford.  

We had lost track of time so we phoned ahead to Brian to tell him when to expect us. Debbie dialed Miss Taken to take us to Stratford on the secondary roads.  The drive was fantastic, meandering along county roads, through rich farmland.  The farms grow a wide variety of crops and the farms appeared prosperous.  

We finally arrived at Brian and Laurel’s home at 6:15pm.  Brian welcomed us in, as Laurel was still at her hairdresser and wasn’t expected home for another hour.  Brian gave us a tour of their beautiful home and offered us a drink.  We decided to eat supper without Laurel and she breezed in shortly after we began. Laurel admitted that she had “creeped” us on the Internet.  She had told her co-workers that they had let perfect strangers into her home!  She called us fugitives, which was shortened to “fuggees”!  As the night wore on that became funnier. We sat in the living room and talked and told stories until we were all tired and ready for bed.  Of course we slept in our Armadillo on the driveway, even after their insistance that we sleep in their guest room.  We have become so accustomed to sleeping in our trailer, that it just makes it easier on us.  We do appreciate using their showers!!  It had been a long day.