On Monday we didn’t do much other than catching up on things, doing washing and just hanging out. It was Victoria Day here so not much open anyway. On Tuesday we set off in the morning for a trip to the USA. We crossed the border at Thousand Islands and although Chris and I have our visa waivers the girls had to get theirs. It wasn’t very busy there and so we were through in about 20 mins and into the USA.

We stopped off at Syracuse and visited the Carousel Centre where we all spent a few hours shopping. Stacey found Abercrombie & Finch and was very happy. We left the centre late afternoon and traveled to Buffalo where we had booked hotel rooms for two nights. The girls had wanted to go to Canada’s Wonderland last week, but due to the bad weather at the beginning of the week couldn’t, so we suggested Darian Lakes instead. We planned to go the following day, however upon arrival at the hotel discovered it was only open at the weekends. We decided to go out for dinner and decide what to do after.

We went to a great restaurant a short walk from the hotel, had a fabulous meal which was very cheap considering the huge plates of food we got! We then all went back to our room at the hotel to discuss what to do the next day. We had always thought that the American side of Niagara Falls was inferior to Canada and so had never been, but decided as we were so close it would be silly not to.

So the next morning we met for breakfast and then travelled to Niagara Falls for the day. We purchased a Discovery Pass at the information centre for $33 each and off we went.

First we went on the Maid of the Mist boat ride. We had done this before, but it really is the best way to experience the falls so it had to be done. Also it was included in the ticket price. This is me and the girls in our best outfits!

After the Maid of the Mist we went to the Cave of the Winds walk. We weren’t sure what to expect from this but it was brilliant. Once again you are given rain coats (yellow this time) and you have to wear the footwear provided. They give you a plastic bag to put your own shoes in to keep them dry. You then walk along a walkway underneath the falls. This is also a nesting colony for gulls and so there are thousands of gulls in the cliffside. We saw lots of chicks in their nests which were really cute.

The walkway takes you right under the falls and you do get very very wet, but it is awesome. This is Stacey & Amy getting wet.

We then wandered around the area as there is some beautiful parkland and of course stunning scenery. You can stand on the edge in between the American Falls and the Bridal Falls and literally be part of the waterfall. We felt that this side of the falls was in fact much better than the Canadian side as you get to be a real part of the whole thing.

We also went to the Niagara Aquarium, which to be honest was pretty poor and not really worth the effort, but again it was included in the ticket price. All in all we had a brilliant day in Niagara Falls, NY and I would recommend anyone in the area to visit and not miss out on what the American side has to offer.

We ate again at the same restaurant that night and after a terrible night at the hotel (Do not stay at the Comfort Inn University it is terrible) we then went across the border at Rainbow Bridge and back into Canada.

We then spent the day in Niagara Falls again, but this time in Ontario. When we got there it was very misty and the falls were almost invisible so we decided to go to the Butterfly Conservatory first to let the mist clear. There are thousands of free flying butterflies here and we always love to visit. It was the girls first time here and they loved it too. This is Stacey with one of the butterflies.

When we came out of the Butterflies we drove down to the falls and parked in the car park then wandered over to the falls. Took lots of photo of the Canadian Falls as well as the American/Bridal Falls from Canada. Then we walked down to Clifton Hill.

The girls wanted to go to Ripley’s believe it or Not, so we all went. It was very interesting with lots of interesting facts. Our ticket also included the wax museum and the movie theatre, so we did those too. The wax museum was hilarious. Every wax figure had a name tag on, and believe me they were needed. I have never seen so many bad models in my life. Having been to Taussauds in London many times, this place is just a laugh and needs to be viewed that way. The 4D movie experience was pretty good though.

This is Chris auditioning for Star Trek. Yes that really is Spock and Captain Kirk – honestly!

After wandering round town we went to Bird Kingdom and spend an hour admiring the many birds here. It had changed from the last time we went and there was another room with some parrots and lizards etc. Worth a visit if you like birds.

After this we went to Planet Hollywood for dinner. The girls loved their lasagna but Chris and I were very disappointed in our meals which cost twice as much as the restaurant in Buffalo but nowhere as good.

When we left the restaurant it had been raining so we walked back to the car (approx. 2km). During the walk it started to rain again and by the time we got to it we were all totally soaked. After this it was a drive back to home via Toronto which turned out to be a doddle, traffic-wise. We sailed through and got home in about 3.5 hours.

Friday we went into Belleville so the girls could spend the last of their money and then went home where they cooked us lasagna which was vey nice.

Saturday was the last day and as their flight was not until midnight, we were able to spend the day together before setting off at about 6pm for the airport. Once again traffic was great and we arrived at the airport at 8:20. The girls checked in their luggage to get rid of it then we all sat in the restaurant and had drinks before they had to leave. This was the worst bit – the goodbyes. Lots of hugs and tears and we finally had to say goodbye at around 10pm. The drive home was very sad and quiet.

Sunday the house seemed deserted and we already missed them being around. We hope that they can come back soon, although work commitments for them means it will not be until next year unless we win the lottery before then.

Phoned my aunt and uncle on Monday morning and told them all about the visit. They were very happy for us all but also jealous that they were not here. Once again we are all awaiting that lottery win!

Final photo of Chris & the girls.

On Sunday our daughter Stacey and her girlfriend Amy were due to arrive from the UK for a long-awaited two week trip. On Sunday morning we started the day with a phone call to my aunt and uncle in Spain who seem as excited as us regarding our visitors although I think they wish it was them coming here. Soon I hope!

Anyway, we set off for Toronto having looked on the web at traffic conditions to see everything was moving great and with it being a Sunday we hoped it would stay that way. Well, traffic was great up until we got right into Toronto on the 401 when it stopped. Apparently there is construction along the route and lanes were closed and everything was getting snarled up. At one point we were only a few km’s from the airport but at a total standstill and wondering if we would ever get there.

Stacey & Amy’s plane was due in at 5:10 and we eventually got to the airport just before this. We knew it would probably take them an hour to get through customs so had plenty of time in the end, especially as the plane actually landed at 5:22. As it was they didn’t come through arrivals till 7:10. We were beginning to wonder if they were even on the plane!  Lots of hugs and kisses and we were finally all reunited and ready for the long drive home. Although traffic was congested on the way home we didn’t encounter too many delays and got home late evening. After a little more chatting we all went to bed exhausted.

Monday rain was forecast all day and as the girls were still a little tired we decided to pop into Belleville, especially as Amy had never been before so Stacey wanted to show her the lay of the land. We also went grocery shopping for things the girls wanted. The rest of the day was spend just chatting and general stuff.

On Tuesday more rain was forecast which put paid to our plan of going to Toronto Zoo. So instead we went to Kingston for a little shopping and a drive round the city and a scenic route drive home.

The weather for Wednesday was again rain for Belleville and Toronto, so we decided to go east to Ottawa for the day. Stacey had loved Ottawa last time she was here and was eager to show Amy all the sights. We took the scenic route via highway 7 and encountered showers, but by the time we got to the city it was warm and dry. We all ventured over to the canal, then Parliament Hill where lots of photos were taken. This is Stacey (right) and Amy outside the Parliament buildings.

We then went across to Byward Market and at this point we decided to split up and meet later. We wandered around the mall for a couple of hours and then the market and had dinner at The Exchange which was very nice. After some more walking we decided to get a Tim’s at the food court and came across the girls. They had eaten at the Hard Rock Cafe. All of us had done what we needed to do and so decided to head home once beverages had been consumed. As we left Ottawa it started to rain, so our timing was perfect.

On Thursday we drove the girls to Toronto as we had booked them into a hotel for a few nights so they could explore the city. In order not to waste the day we all went to Toronto Zoo as the weather promised to be a bit better. As it turned out the weather was magnificent. Bright sunshine, temps in the 20′s, in fact almost too hot. I know it sounds silly but I had really forgotten what it felt like to be out in the heat.

The drive into the city after the zoo was pretty uneventful, but the DVP leaving the city was like a car park, so we decided when we returned home we would take a different route. We dropped the girls off at the hotel after checking them in at around 4:30 and after a detour though the city, hit the 401. Guess what – standstill again. After we got past the main toronto area it thinned out and we picked up speed, but then near Ajax it stopped again. In the end we didn’t get home untill 8pm, just in time for the last episode of The Big Bang Theory.

Yesterday (Friday) we didn’t do too much. I went shopping to stock up the cupboards and Chris tried to fix Stacey’s laptop for her. Alas it seemed it was a futile attempt and he decided it would be easier to give her one of our old laptops. So he spent the rest of the day transferring stuff from one to another etc.

Today Saturday, I have been spring cleaning and Chris is on his tractor mowing the lawn. Once again the weather is stunning, lets hope it stays like that for next week.

The zoo is easy to find from the 401 and cost us $23 each entrance fee as well as $10 for parking. When we got there I realized I had forgotten to put on sun lotion and it was baking hot, so I bought some there, just to be on the safe side. We also bought a hat each – another $50 spent!

Here are a few of he photos we took – more can be found in the photo album.

Emu

Flamingo

Zebra

Hippo

Tiger

I cannot make up my mind whether I agree with zoos. They do a great job in trying to protect animals and especially endangered species, but some of the areas they live in are small and you have to feel sorry for them. Toronto Zoo has loads of space, but unfortunately not all of it is allocated to the animal habitats. Tigers and polar bears are kept in very small areas for example and when you see how much space is available it is a shame they cannot allocate more space for them.

More photos can be found in the photo album

We stopped off at Perth for the obligatory Tim’s and on route we stopped off at an outdoor shopping area, visited an outlet centre and had dinner. We then drove to our hotel which was the Hampton Inn where we have stayed a few times before. This hotel is very nice and although not in the centre of the city there is a bus which stops just along the road which takes you straight into town in about 20 mins. The fare is $3 each person each way which is cheaper than paying for all day parking in the city – and easier to navigate.

Here is a quick snap of the hotel room I took with my little pocket camera.

We stayed at the hotel that evening and didn’t really do much at all. The following day after a nice free breakfast we got the bus into town and spent the day wandering round the mall, the street and of course around the Parliament area. We also wandered around the locks and took a nice walk alongside the water. Eventually we had dinner in town and then went back to the hotel with very sore feet, then chilled.

The next morning after breakfast we made our way back home via Ikea. All in all a very nice weekend. The weather stayed lovely. It was warm and dry and since our visit we have had cold, wet weather, so good timing.

In the evening we didn’t really do too much as the jet lag was catching up with them and they went to bed early.

On Wednesday we went up to Algonquin Park. We had a really good drive up there and stopped off at Tims in Bancroft. This was their first taste of Tims and they really liked the donuts and muffins. We then carried on the journey to the park.

We were lucky with the weather as it was nice and warm but not too hot so walking around was pleasant. One car park we stopped in had lots of black butterflies fluttering around. I managed to get a couple of pictures. They are apparently Mourning Cloak butterflies!

We did the beaver pond trail which goes round two beaver ponds. We saw the dam they had built as well as a couple of lodges where they live.

We then visited the visitors centre and took a look at the photo gallery they had there. There are some stunning photos on display and anyone into nature and photography should definitely visit. We also went round the exhibits they have on show and of course the girls went in the shop.

At the rear of the centre is a viewing platform where you can see across the park and we took some more pics there. When we had visited before they had a feeding station for birds and squirrels etc. This time however the area was a little run down and no food out so no birds or squirrels.

After having a bite to eat at the restaurant we ventured on to one of the many lakes in the park. We spotted some tracks in the sand and when we looked them up they appear to be coyote – unless anyone knows different!

We did a few other trails but failed to see any significant wildlife. The girls wanted to see a moose, but none were playing the game!

At the weekend we took the girls to Toronto where they stayed for two nights. They had a great time and went up the CN Tower, explored the lakefront area and of course shopped. We picked them up on Sunday evening and they were excited but pretty exhausted.

Yesterday we went to Toronto Zoo as this was somewhere they really wanted to go. We drove down together but then split up so they could do their own thing and us oldies were not cramping their style!

We saw some lovely butterflies pictured here.

There were also some amazing animals – here are a few. I will put the rest in my photo album section as soon as I have a few minutes.

This is an acrobatic orangutan baby posing is a slightly undignified way!

A rather stunning tiger

Some lazy river hogs

Just how cool is she?

A grizzly bear who was unfortunately wandering around in circles which is never a good sign in a bear!

And this handsome creature is a Southern hairy-nosed wombat. Now he has a face only a mother could love!

Today we dropped the girls off in Cobourg where they are spending the day on the beach. The weather is going to be great in the mid 20′s so they should get a bit of a tan.

As you can see the wether was beautiful, very hot with sun shining and not a cloud in the sky. Along side the marina a lots of new condos. Some are already built but others are still being built. They looked really nice (as condos go) and when I got home I looked up on MLS to see how much they were. They ranged from around $250k for a one bed apartment to half a million dollar for three beds and a harbour view.

After exploring the marina we then went to the beach area. Cobourg has a large beach with lots of amenities such as cafe, toilets, showers, children’s play area and Victoria park backs onto it. We will probably bring the girls here when they stay as they want a day on the beach.

We were going to take them to Sandbanks, but by going to Cobourg instead they get the all the other bits the town has to offer as well as the beach. Plus the cafe and toilets are right on the beach so the amenities are better.

We cannot believe that the girls arrive on Monday. It seems like forever ago that they originally booked their flights etc. With their new flights they arrive early on Monday morning , so an early drive to Toronto for us. Lets hope the traffic won’t be too bad.

We parked the car at the airport and helped them with their bags to the checkin. Trouble was we were too early, so they decided they would wander round the airport for a while. We said a rather tearful goodbye and then they were gone.

The journey home was uneventful and we chatted about the last two weeks, reminiscing already! When we got home I cooked the two pork steaks David had left for us – to his cooking instructions and they were lovely.

On Tuesday morning I had a business meeting to attend and when I got home found they had not phoned to say they had landed which was a little worrying. But looking at the plane schedule on the web it got in ok, so we figured they had got the car and driven straight to their friends house in the UK where they are staying for another week and fell asleep. At about 2pm aunt Judy phoned to say they were okay, but that her friends mum was ill in hospital so they were going to visit that evening and would phone us again later in the week.

The weather has certainly taken a downturn since they selfishly took the Spanish weather back with them. We haven’t gone into double figures yet and have had rain and even some snow flurries yesterday – SNOW!!!!! The weekend sounds warmer but wet.

On Tuesday we spotted the groundhog for the first time this year, lovely to see him back. The deer seem to have moved on though as we haven’t seem them much at all. Now there is plenty of food in the woods they cannot be bothered with us!

When Judy & David left they were had decided that they really wanted to come and live over here. I cannot believe it as I never in a million years did I think they would be prepared to leave the warm climes of Spain to come to Canada, but they loved it. I can possibly sponsor them, so you never know. If they sell their Spanish house – buyers queue up here please, then I think they will seriously look at moving here rather that another area of Spain. We will have to wait and see what happens.

Yesterday was out first full day together and they got up really early as they were still on European time. We spent the morning catching up on thing and then later took them into Belleville to show them the sights. We took them to the mall and Chapters book shop which they were really impressed with. We toured the city and went across the bridge to The County and went along Rednersville Road where there are some really nice waterfront properties.

We went shopping and they were very impressed with the choice and price of food available. $200 of food shopping later we went home and my uncle cooked us a meal. I know you are all thinking, poor man, he comes here on holiday and has to cook a meal. But he loves cooking and is very good at it so is doing us all a favour – honest!

Every night we get deer in our garden and we had told them about this. So, with video camera set we waited for them to come – but no, the deer decided that last night was going to be their night off – making liars of us, typical!

The evening was spend watching telly and chatting, but soon the jet lag was catching up and they went to bed.

Today we went to Presqu’ile Provincial Park in Brighton. Trouble was many of the trails were flooded and inaccessible, but we still managed to visit a lot of the places and the lighthouse etc. They were amazed that Lake Ontario was so vast and looked to all intense and purposes like the sea. The weather was great and temps up to 16C so they haven’t got frostbite yet!

Tomorrow we are going up to 1000 Islands and Charleston Lake which should be really nice.

On Tuesday we went to the Auto Show in Toronto. I was a very pleasant day as the weather was +5C, the first time above zero since Christmas. Had a good drive down and found the car park straight away. It was only half full, so no problems parking.

We had pre-purchased our tickets off the Internet and what a hassle it was to redeem them. We kept getting sent to different ticket booths until finally we reached one that could help. They stamped our hands and we were on our way.

The show was set out in three different buildings, The North Convention Centre, South Convention Centre and the Rogers Centre where the Blue Jay’s play some sport or other. We found the directions and mapping within the buildings and in the brochure to be very vague. It told you that such and such were in a certain building, but did not tell you how to get from the place you were to the new location. Even the in-building maps didn’t have a simple “you are here”.

The buildings were connected by car park walkways and inflatable tunnels and it was all very confusing. Lots of people were wandering around lost, so it wasn’t just us!

All this aside the show was pretty good and not very busy which was nice. It was very obvious the difference in quality from the European and Asian cars to the North American cars. Although some American manufacturers seem to be addressing the issue, the quality of finish in the Audi’s, Mazda and Toyota etc was far superior to the GMC, Pontiacs etc.

There were some truly spectacular concept cars. One I fell in love with from Mazda was beautiful and is expected to be the future MX5, but we will have to wait and see.

One car, the Efijy, was a brand new car but in the old style was another beauty (purple car). There were a few other funky ones too and Ford had the Postman Pat concept van on show – not much I can say about that one!

All in all it was a good day out and we got to look in a good few car although unfortunately you couldn’t sit in the Lamborghini or the Aston Martins.

Yesterday we had a rather exciting thing happen – the power went out for an hour and we finally used our generator – little things!

In the morning we had had a bit of snow and it was still snowing and during the day we probably had a couple of inches fall, so in total we had about a foot on the ground. Not the big storm we were expecting, but better for us.

The worst of the storm was felt west of Toronto where some places had 50 cm, although this is still nothing to the ten feet that people over the lake have been getting in northern New York state. They are literally digging their houses out!

We finally had to concede and have our driveway ploughed on Friday. Although our truck can manage to just about get round the drive, any visitors and delivery drivers etc get stuck. The guy over the road had his drive ploughed by his mate and we asked if he would do ours for us whilst he was here. Which he was glad to do for a few bucks. It took him about half an hour and he did a really good job, we can actually see gravel now!

We had a UPS guy come to collect a package and he had to park his truck in the main part of the road and walk up the drive. Now they will be able to access the house much better.

We have not seen the deer for a few days, not sure if it is the weather or not. They must have been around late in the night last night as we have some tracks in the garden, but they are obviously feeling shy at the moment. Typical, just when we went to the trouble of buying special deer food! We haven’t seen the raccoons for a while either!

We booked tickets for the Toronto car show today, so sometime next week we will travel to the city to take a look at the new cars on offer. We used to go to the car shows in the UK, so it will be fun. Chris is already scouting around for our next vehicle, even though we have only had this one for ten months. Perhaps on the way back we will pop into Ikea and finally get the shelving we want.