Back Home

Theresa and I have been home for a few hours and already I am bogged down. Holidays are great but when you return the work unattended comes to roost and you have to dig in and rise out of the mess you left. It is amazing that two weeks can impact your yard and garden so dramatically. It therefore you can assume there is a similar effect on your relations with your kids and friends.

My neighbour had a heart attack, my brother-in-law died, my kids are packed for university and my mother-in -law will turn 93....all in two weeks. Good time to be away.

Our trip or adventure was amazing in so far as the weather was perfect, our schedule went according to plan, the lobster season opened three days before we arrived and our golf seemed above average. Most times we get a great charge out of the planning but this time the time utilized was greater than the expectation.We left the East yesterday at 9.30am and expected to take two days to return to our home.

When we crossed the Champlain Bridge in Montreal Theresa gave signals that we should go all the way home. I looked at the sign and it read Toronto, 540 kms and thought that since we came 1153 kms that maybe we would have to stay over and a town closer to home. Doris said she was OK and off we went. I was awake and only slept on the straight stretches but otherwise ready for the surge to Oakville. Some coffee and a little food made me feel good so we crossed into Ontario by 8.00pm. I thought we would be home by 1.00am but were confronted with lights from the OPP who closed the road because of an accident. We detoured and went God only knows and returned to our normal highway later. Travelling at a steady 115 kms brought us to our house at 1.40am.

We fell out of the van having travelled 1587 kms and Doris said she would sleep in. Theresa and I talked a little about the trip and I had a shower and a drink. I finally felt like I was on land again and retired at 245 am. Sleep came quickly but before we slept we expressed thanks for the wonderful 15 days and a safe journey home. Life really is rewarding and travelling with a loved one makes it all worth while. I have several blogs in the next days to share some of my love for the journey.

The only negative is the fact that we were separated from the family and were unable to share the experience except through e-mails and the telephone. Life is wonderful and worth sharing.

Cruising The Carribean

I have been away from blogging for about 10 days and have missed reading and writing every day. Theresa and I have been thinking about a cruise with our 92 year old mother as she loves to cruise. We used a line which featured special attention for seniors and we fitted that requirement. It was only a three hour drive over to everglades port and our ship.

Nearly new and carrying 3200 passengers and 1600 crew, the Crown Princess was a great ship. Everything you could dream of was on board. Swimming, golf, exercise rooms and of course 24 hr. restaurant service. The weather was a break from the dreary weather we experienced in Florida for much of January and February. Our ship was smooth and you never realized you were sailing unless you were leaning over the rail looking at the waves going by.

Our first stop was at Grand Cayman where the warm sun made us feel at home. Excellent shopping and prices on this island because there were no taxes and no duty. We were interested in the town and did not shop but were tempted, however the history and sights were really interesting and we were happy with a walk about.

Four other ships were there as well putting the population at 10,000 more than before we landed. These cruise stopovers are very important to the people living on these islands.

The people were very friendly and everyone felt secure and happy to share the day with the local population. Many guided tours are available but we chose to go our own way. As we boarded our ship at 3.30 to move on to the next island we felt well served by the experience we had in the Grand Caymans. We were off to Roatan in Honduras. We sailed all night and arrived there next morning. This turned out to be my favourite place as it was pristine and offered us a glimpse of how the island looked years ago.

Here we walked to the little village and saw the shops with local art and crafts. Everything was well priced but there were few people buying. Most were taking in the tours and experiencing the water activities. Snorkeling, scuba diving and all sorts of other water fun. This day ended as the rest with us returning to the ship for a magnificent meal and dancing. A professional show was performed in the Princess Theatre twice every night. It held 1,000 people and was always filled to capacity.

Theresa and I loved the smaller clubs with different musicians encouraging us to dance. Every night we sat on our balcony as the ship plowed through the blue water and watched the moon. There is nothing better than to spend a late evening with a drink with your loved one and exciting conversation about the day and planning more of the same tomorrow.

Gaspe

For over 50 years I have been driving from Ontario to Cape Breton down the Trans-Canada Highway. Never did I stop to think about making that route change and experiencing the most exiting and picturesque drive by leaving Riviere De Loup and taking that highway along the coast of the Gaspe.

Theresa and I were totally entertained the whole time while travelling about 700 kms along the rugged coastline.The road hugged the shoreline and we were never far from the water. Over every hill came a vista so beautiful that you thought you were going over the Cabot Trail several times. Villages were present at the head of every bay and inlet. We never saw a home or yard that was not cared for.

We stopped and took pictures, had lunch and talked to the locals. The people we met were proud of their culture and accommodated us even thought our French was not that good. The rock at Pierce was spectacular and we met people who shared the knowledge of the area that made our visit meaningful. There was so much to learn that we will have to revisit and take more time. I loved the area and would make it a must road trip if you wish to experience French hospitality and culture at its best.