Relaxing weekend close to home and 2011 aren't in the same ball park!!!!!!!
Miss CuRVy and I transported Julie to school as it was her turn to provide treats for the staff. What, you may ask, was on the menu? Try this - ANZAC biscuits, Fairy Bread, Lamingtons, Tim Tams, and oh Vegemite Sandwiches. For those non Australians reading this blog I could summarise it with the following words sweet, Sweet, SWEET, SWEET and salty!!!!!!
Grace and Speed Volunteer Coordinator, Louise had organised an excursion for volunteers and I was off on an adventure to look at the historic steame the Bigwin http://www.myriadinc.com/bigwin/bigwinplan.htm ,the Dorset Museum and Robinson's General Store. Nice drive, good company and great fun!!! And wouldn't Grumbles love the fire engine!!!!!!
The only real problem was the weather. It rained and rained and rained AND RAINED!
But it didn't stop the enthusiasts
But it didn't stop the enthusiasts
It was fun although I couldn't really say, "haven't we been lucky with the weather"!
Was home early enough to pick Julie up from Beechgrove-Muskoka and save her from the drenching that would have occurred should she have attempted the fast walk home. Cup of coffee and some cake, (not Lamingtons and ANZAC biscuits again) before heading towards Bracebridge and the Griffin Gastropub http://www.thegriffinpub.ca/
Fellow Grace and Speed volunteer Verne, his wife Mervis and Studebakers http://www.ontariosdc.ca/component/option,com_easygallery/task,view/cid,721/Itemid,36/
were the reason we were here on this rainy night. We had been invited by a friend who is a Studebaker driver to come on a drive with their club. Unfortunately we weren't able to make the Saturday drive but we were able to make the PUB!!!
Interestingly Mrs Garmin wasn't able to locate the pub but we went to alternative technology opened our eyes and followed a .............Studebaker!!!
Great food (Bison Burger) good conversation and very nice beer made for a fun night. Home to watch some of the Montreal Canadiens v Winnipeg Jets (yes the Jets are back) game. Pam "the apiarist's" review was accurate and this visit won't be our last.
The next morning saw two unusual occurrances. I didn't get up until 8am. And Julie didn't rise until after 9.30!! Maybe it was the Canadian Facial provided by the students. All for a good cause - the "Terry Fox Run"!!!!!
Saturday morning eggs and bacon were prepared and eaten and we packed the necessities for the 12 km (7 1/2 mile) Save Otter Lake walk. Although it was cool (actually cold) we were pleasantly surprised that the weather it was bleak and windy but it was cloudless and dry a quantum shift in the last 12 hours. Besides colder weather improves my body and stamina immeasurably so at least I may make it 1500 metres. lol...
Hank and Barb Smith picked us up and we were on our way to the 48th annual "South Muskoka Memorial Walking, Marching, Cycling, Swimming, Paddling, Chowder & Save White Lake Society" outing. If you thought that sounded like a long name for a big day then you are right, It was a big day. Pine Crest Camp was an ideal place to start and finish the walk. In fact Pine Crest Camp was a nice place, FULL STOP.
What was the SMMWMCSPCSWLS outing all about. If you were an Australian (and I am) it started as a walk home from the pub 48 years ago. It continued and continues to grow and grow and grow with children, and grandchildren, family, friends and the occassional international visitors making up the hundreds that have done the walk over the years. A wonderful way to enjoy the company and scenery of the Muskoka.
By the way I did the walk, sort of, as they had a very good driver and big van who picked up those who had done enough walking and transported them back to the camp. For the record Julie did the full distance and actually did an extra 500 metres when she missed the turn around point while she was talking. Now that's a surprise!!
SMMWMCSPCSWLS finished with a great meal and a couple of "glasses" to restore the liquids lost through perpiration. A nice ending to a wonderful day.
Thanks John, Barbara and all who were a part of 2011 SMMWMCSPCSWLS.
Sunday started with pancakes and maple syrup but with only 2 litres 2 go we'd better get into it before Greg arrives. Over the breakfast table we discussed the options for the day as unfortunately the weather had made it impossible to go sailing with Leslie and Peter. Amazingly none of the options included having a nice rest. One day maybe...............
After our disjointed summer we decided to take the chance to catch up on some of the things we had planned to see earlier in the year. Pope John Paul II had made a visit to a place within an hour of home in 1984 and we we thought it would be interesting to see what would bring the Pontiff in rural Ontario. St Marie among the Hurons
http://www.saintemarieamongthehurons.on.ca/sm/en/Home/index.htm is a great recreation of the first white settlement in Ontario.
Cool weather and the occassional shower seemed to be the order of the day as we drank the obligatory Macca's coffee on our way to Midland but luckily the showers dodged us as we walked around what is a great piece of history. Saint Marie amongst the Hurons is the way historical stories should be told. A very moving place and ironically the inclement weather only added to the display.
Across the road frrom the Saint Marie Amongst the Hurons site is the Canadian Matyrs' Shrine. We had an amazing and educational day. http://www.martyrs-shrine.com/
All that education and led to what else....... Home to watch our Muskoka Shield!!!!!
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