30th Oct day 16 girl time

Was up early to see the girls in their outfits for Halloween. It's interesting here and in Canada there is much less emphasis on the dark side, so the children generally dress up in fun costumes and have parades and parties. You still see some houses with horrible creepy stuff but usually it's a celebration of Autumn. Naomi told me she was going to dress up as an Indian princess, and as we had just been talking about Disney films I asked if she would be Pocahontis! George whispered "no our type of Indian" whoops, big mistake so I quickly backtracked.

I had such an enjoyable walk to school with Naomi, she held my hand (one of my favourite things walking and holding a little one's hand) and we chatted about all sorts of things. I strolled back just in time as George was driving to her school to watch their little parade. That was fun as some of the adults had dressed up as well as the kids, including a banana and Minnie Mouse. It was great to chat to some parents and grandparents, people here are really friendly but I suspect it helps as George is so warm, extrovert and interested in everyone.

I managed to FaceTime the Miti family, unfortunately I didn't manage to speak to Noah on his birthday yesterday, it probably worked better because he was buzzing with all that had happened, as well as his gifts. Then I rang Cheryl, she was round at the Moran's next door so I saw her, Sally, Guy, Seb and Tom. It's sooooo good to catch up with family & friends and hear a little about what they are doing, in some ways it feels like I am in this selfish bubble right now, 

The sunshine in the afternoon was glorious and the walk through tree-lined avenues peaceful. I am struck by how noisy NY is, even in the suburbs especially with sirens and horns but either I didn't notice them because I was lost in my own world, or it was genuinely quiet. Having picked up Naomi early I took her home for a snack and then to her girl scout class. Later the girls had ballet and then salsa classes locally which I was able to watch.

I managed to persuade Claire and George to go out for dinner so I could have a movie night with the girls and they could have quality couple time. They weren't out too late and Claire got to sit with Naomi as she drifted off to sleep in the bed next to where Anwen and I were finishing Mr Stink. It was the perfect end to my time with them. Having established a proper relationship with the girls my challenge for the future will be to maintain it when they visit the family farm in Aberbeeg, Abertillery.

29th Oct part 2

I After a late lunch and more sightseeing I headed back to pick up Anwen. We had such fun together playing initially with Rebecca her American girl doll who she got for her birthday recently. They have child and doll clothes to match, so I have pictures of them both as Snow White, in matching nighties and this one, which is my favourite in their pjs.

I was so impressed that she did over an hours homework without complaining before we started to play. George had picked up Naomi and had some quality one to one time with her. When Naomi came back we did a puppet show with George as a very enthusiastic audience. You know me I love a little show! The girls thought it was brilliant and thankfully Claire arrived home in time to see the finale, when the frog was able to drink the magic flower juice, kiss the prince and and turn back into Princess Poppy, much to the delight of Queen Helen who looked very much like Miss Piggy!

Claire, the girls and I then did the pumpkins ready to put out on their porch for Hallowe'en. I can't tell you how much doing memorable things with the kids I love means to me, so that's with Claire as well as the girls.

29th Oct day 16 school run and sightseeing part 1

Anwen and I took the Q train to Ave U and then walked to school. It's wonderful for me to have quality time with these gorgeous girls who I hardly ever see. She is extremely articulate so is a good travel companion. Having got her to school on time I then went into New York until it was time to pick her up.

The Subway was absolutely packed as it was rush hour, I admire people who do that every day of their lives it must take its toll as after a few stops everyone was jammed in like sardines. Once in Times Sq I was ready for coffee so headed to the Hard Rock Cafe - would you believe it had finished serving breakfast and was closed til 11 to get ready for lunch! Thankfully there is no shortage of eateries there so I went to the Europa where I had a scrumptious fruit/yoghurt/granola dish with steaming coffee. Then it was onto the open-top Big Bus for the downtown tour. It was a beautiful, sunny morning and itwas refreshing to be out in the sunshine. I took lots of pictures but my main priority was to see what they had done with the twin towers site since I was in NY in 2010 for Claire and George's wedding. 

This is the Freedom tower built on the site of one of them and here are the memorial falls on the other site. This one really show how small the plot was for such tall buildings.

The tour guide was a hoot and told us all sorts of interesting info but I was struck by this story about a B25-Mitchell bomber which flew into the Empire State Building in 1945. It was a freak accident for this US military plane that hit the 79th floor in thick fog killing 14 and injuring others, among them Betty Lou Oliver who was an elevator operator. She returned to work later and unfortunately one day the main cable snapped when on floor 79 and Betty Lou was plunged to the ground. Miraculously she survived and still holds the record for the longest elevator survivor in the Guinness Book of Records. That's some story to tell her grandkids eh? She only died in 2012.

28th Oct day 15 out and about in downtown NY

All of us slept too well so we had to get a wriggle on to get to where we were all going. George took me to drop off both girls who are at different schools in opposite directions. Anwen goes on the Subway with their Spanish childminder Christina if George can't take her and Naomi has a 30 min walk to school with her. This is Anwen's school Windmill Montessori and Naomi's is below Midwood Montessori.

I had a really lazy morning when I got back doing practical things like washing and taking time to read my Bible and pray for longer than over the last couple of weeks. Then it was off to Cafe Madeline's, which came highly recommended. For the first time this trip it rained heavily for the whole day but armed with a large brolly I did a test walk to Naomi's school, ready for taking/picking her up on Fri. 

After that it was time to get on my glad rags to go into Broadway to meet Claire and Beth for dinner at the Brooklyn Diner opposite the theatre. Beth was already there and had ordered champagne so we sat chatting and sipping bubbly, eating guacamole whilst waiting for Claire to finish work, such a civilised thing to do. We saw Beautiful the new musical about the life of Carole King singer/songwriter. It was a fast-paced colourful show with terrific music, singing, dancing, acting and costumes. Such a feel-good performance I would recommend anyone to see when it comes to the UK. 

Once home we had an hour chatting altogether with George, such a good day. 

27th Oct day 14 next stop New York

.The trip to the airport was amazingly easy, Carol and I were so thankful as the traffic from our bedroom window on Gardiner Express was anything but speedy. We went wrong so missed all the traffic by just following the lake and then eventually picking up signs past the roadworks, such a blessing. No problems dropping off the car so we had plenty of time to have delicious coffee and fresh raisin biscuits (our scones) at the airport before we said our farewell. 

The most stressful part for me was the US customs leaving Canada with long queues and at times only 1 Customs Officer. The 2 guys in font of me missed their 11.30 and 12.00 flights to NY and Dallas respectively as a result. Thankfully I just managed to board and was the last passenger to get on for my 12.15 flight to JFK.

Had a good flight and met a friendly, very bright young guy called Richard who was on his way to Berlin to be involved in new season decisions on international airline travel logistics, groundbreaking stuff. He gave me a tel no for a friend in San Francisco who could tell me the best places to visit, how kind.

George was waiting for me at the airport which was wonderful he took me back to their period home in Brooklyn, so precious to spend an hour catching up with him. Claire had kindly left me a Subway ticket so I quickly changed and left to go to her philanthropy event at the swish offices of BNP Baribas on 7th Ave, Manhattan. 

The event was fascinating hearing from 3 different speakers Dr Beth Breeze, Meera Ghandi and Julie the bank's own employee. Beth is a lecturer at Kent Uni and is an expert on the facts and figures about giving from major donors in the UK and around the world, it was fascinating. Meera runs her own Foundation called Giving Back and is herself a philanthropist. She runs a school in India on the one hand and then a training course in the US to help gifted young women reach their potential, so they can positively impact the world, on the other hand. She also encourages rich individuals to consider the advantages of giving. Julie works with world banks and businesses to educate them about the financial benefits of sponsoring projects on their bottom line, as well as the impact it has on staff in terms of them getting involved in local, national and international programmes. I was so pleased I had treated myself to a smart outfit, I would definitely have looked like the poor relation otherwise in this setting. 

Claire had organised it brilliantly and it was good to see her in her professional capacity, as well as seeing her office. Beth is a friend of Claire's from her days as a student at Atlantic College in St Donats Castle, South Wales. The event had been arranged because Beth was speaking at a conference in Indianoplis later this week, so Claire invited her to stay with her en route. It was fun to spend time with them as we chatted about the evening on the Subway home.

Anwen 8 and Naomi 6 were still up when we got back, it was delightful to see how much they have grown in the 3 years since I last saw them. Both liked their books, Anwen - Mr Stink by David Walliams, she immediately took it up to bed to start to read it - Naomi read Oi Frog to me. She reads brilliantly for her age and had no problem with the rhyming. When the girls had gone to bed Claire, George, Beth and I enjoyed a chilled wine, nibbles and good conversation before retiring.

Toronto part 3

After the CN tower we booked into our hotel and it all got even better. We were on the 41st floor (man do the lifts in these building zoom). We relaxed for an hour in their salt water pool and jacuzzi before heading out for a stroll along the water front and dinner. This is the bridge next to our lunch venue.

Sunset from our room with the tower in the foreground, later with the lights on, the purple light is the lift. 

We are leaving Canada after the best of holidays and with a desire to return if possible. So, so many happy memories and forever grateful to Val & Bob, Pat & Gord for their exceptional hospitality, but also to a huge number of strangers who have served us well over these weeks. Goodnight and thank You Father.

Toronto part 2

Later that afternoon we went up the CN (Carol Norman) tower and here she is.

The views from the top are sensational 360 degrees, you can see Lake Ontario with its island, fabulous trees and the bluest of skies which made me praise God for His creation, credit where it's due. But also the staggering endeavours/imagination/skill of men and women that have produced this magnificent array of buildings, railways, trams, cars and boats - they are certainly worth celebrating. How privileged we are to see, hear and experience this trip with all its diversity. Here are just a couple of day time views.

The food in the restaurant at the top is definitely a must have, neither of us can remember such a tasty pecan and cranberry dessert with such a breathtaking view, it was hard to leave there.

26th Oct day 13 last day and in Toronto part 1

We set off about 8.30 for the trip to Toronto as we wanted to be there for lunchtime in order to see something of the city. It was another glorious Autumn day, we have had so many for which we are really grateful, so it was a relaxed and easy drive. Thanks to Gord we found the Delta Hotel easily, it was right next to the CN tower and walking distance from the lake front. Toronto is a stunning modern city. Carol and I headed for the lake and had lunch in a trendy lakeside bar with the planes from City Airport taking off right in front of us.

We decided to try Civiche a Mexican fish dish which looked great but if I am honest chilled uncooked fish in lemon & coriander with onions and peppers with roasted vegetables more like giant crisps isn't for me - but the setting was superb, I would have chewed old leather to sit for an hour with that outlook!

Took this picture to send to my 3 grandsons, they know I love dogs.

25th Oct day 12 church Canadian style

Am impressed that Gord preaches twice on a Sun morning because the Gregory Drive Alliance Church is so thriving they cannot accommodate everyone at just one service. We opted for the later one at 11am. I was amazed at how many were there when we arrived, literally all ages from birth to older age, the place was buzzing with life, there were hundreds of people. Besides the church sanctuary there are offices, cafe, large gym, 2 fully equipped kitchens, full size library and a new kids extension that houses all ages from babies to teens.There is even a kids separate tuck shop! It would be wonderful to see lots of churches like this in the UK ordinary people following Jesus and just doing life together.

The worship was uplifting, there were 9 in the band, they sang a couple of really lovely new songs. Gord preached from Genisis 41 on the turn around in Joseph's life after years of terrible hardship including being in prison. He was talking about God being Sovereign over our lives even in the dark times and how things can suddenly change.  For me it was relevant and helpful as I think of the terrible suffering of individuals in our world, it's good to be reminded He is ultimately in control and we are all loved.

After church we went to the Satellite cafe with Pat, Gord, Maureen, Eric and their family for lunch. That's a tradition for them and it was fun to join them.

I had a really dipsy time in the afternoon when Carol, Pat & Gord all went for a siesta. I went for a walk in the beautiful sunshine. It was only when I started to walk back that I realised I hadn't kept a check on the direction I had taken. I walked for ages with all the houses looking familiar but couldn't find theirs. Eventually I tried ringing them but neither number worked and Carol's said unavailable. It was only then I realised I didn't know their address. Thankfully I asked a young woman for help and she drove me around the area but still we couldn't find it. I said it was no 51 in a street beginning with C. In the end she tried ringing Pat and thankfully got through. Turns out it was 151 Greenfield and we were just 20 yds away - honestly would you trust this woman to go around the world??? I passed these fabulous trees at least 3 times.

After the evening service, when there was a speaker from Jews for Jesus, we went for supper to Maureen & Eric's, along with her sister Ruth and husband Ray. We had a good laugh as they are all such good company.

24th Oct day 11 soooooo relaxing

Staying with friends is such a blessing when you feel you can just come to slowly when you awake. Pat & Gord had offered to drive us to the States to see an Austrian place and the phenomenal Christmas store but Carol had a migraine, and my back was bad after the drive the day before, so we passed on their kind offer.

It was restful to spend the morning chatting with good coffee and scrummy food. Gord came back from the men's prayer breakfast and made us all pancakes, with maple syrup - our first this trip. All I can say is he has the gift! Carol and I are going to attempt to replicate his success when home.

Then it was into Chatham for a look around, it was a much more attractive town than they had led us to think. We stopped at a newly renovated retro hotel that was fabulous, the owners renovate classic cars and so some of the fixtures are made from car parts including this bench.

Our drive later took us to Walpole Island which is an Indian reserve, it was especially interesting to us as we hadn't encountered anything of the native culture this trip. We drove along the banks of St Clair waterway which is the divide between Canada and the USA. Like the Welland Canal it takes ocean going vessels, strange to be driving along right next to them.

This is a monument to Chief Tucumseh who was born in 1768 and was the native leader in a tribal confederacy which fought against the USA in 1812, they were allies of the British. But what struck me was that this is also a war memorial site for those from Walpole Island who lost their lives in both world wars, as well as other wars since, including Vietnam. The price this small community has paid for freedom has been very high indeed.

It was takeaway night in the Reynolds home and we can definitely recommend their local Thai place. Gord had prep to do for Sunday so Pat, Carol and I watched an excellent and very moving film called Unconditional based on a true story. All in all an easy, delightful, slower day. 

23rd Oct day 10 on the road again

After time in the pool and jacuzzi we set off from Waterloo to Chatham which is very near the US border. Either we could drive straight down highway 401 or we could take the scenic route along the northern coast of Lake Eerie. Am sure you can guess which we chose. It was a beautiful day and the hotel receptionist kindly printed off directions for reaching Port Stanley, which is a small port on the lake with an unspoilt beach. It was a stunning drive on a bright day with breathtaking Autumn colours all the way down south on Route 4.

We had lunch in the grubbiest cafe there, it was an example of not judging a book by the cover, it looked so appealing on the outside. We then walked to the beach and stopped to look in the most fascinating art gallery. The art work was all from local artists and there were some beautiful creations across a whole range of mediums, both of us would have loved to buy something from there but commonsense prevailed.

Having been cheated of decent coffee (the coffee in Canada has been excellent mainly) we tried another place in Port Stanley. This time it was the exact opposite, the place looked tiny on the outside but was like Mr Ben's shop (that description will only make sense to those around 40 or with kids that age). It went way back and opened up into such stylish space but best of all they were serving hot filter coffee and warm, fresh apple fritters for just $3.25 that's around £1.70!

Our next stop was to have been Shrewsbury which is right along the lake before we needed to head north for Chatham and civilisation again. Carol and I thought we would have tea there but to no avail. It's a tiny hamlet with just a few houses. On the map it looks the same size as Port Stanley which is a thriving fishing community with all facilities. 

We have found Canadian maps and road signs are extremely lacking. For some reason in general they don't seem to see the need to put place names on signage, nor distances on maps. It's certainly made journeying around this stunning country a challenge. Also you can travel for miles before you come across the number of the highway that you are on, which makes checking you're on the right road interesting. 

We had a very funny trip when journeying to and from Tobermory a few days ago. I was driving so asked Carol roughly how far we were from a couple of places, she searched the area map for distances, when she realised they weren't on there she looked for a scale. Interestingly that wasn't on there either and the best she could come up with was which species of fish were in which lakes. We now know that Lake Sydenham has only 1 species i.e. brown trout, which would be good if it were the £1,000,000 question on Who wants to be a Millionaire but is useless when you are trying to find your way to highway 6.

I digress, as you know I often do. So back to Shrewsbury we came to the end of the road and had to turn around and drive a considerable way before there were any signs for the 401. But our trip was rewarded because suddenly out of nowhere, from between some small homes, leapt a fully grown doe. She bounded across the road just in front of us and disappeared into the cornfield before I could whip out my iPad.

Our onward journey to Pat & Gordon's was without further event and we received the warmest of Irish welcomes and hospitality, it was so good to arrive.

Please don't misunderstand

I just wanted to clarify that I am having the most blessed, enjoyable, happy time and that tired 'world tour wobble' was just momentary. Carol has been a gem and we have got on brilliantly without any tensions between us in almost 2 weeks of 24/7 living. That's pretty remarkable as we have both lived alone and pleased ourselves for years now, that says a lot about our special friendship.

During our day in St Jacobs we saw this truth as a canvas and I wanted to remember it for when the days of my life are not quite as sunny as at present

God didn't promise days without pain
Laughter without sorrow
Nor sunshine without rain

But He did promise
Strength for today
Comfort for sorrow
And light for the way

22nd Oct day 9 St Jacobs

OAfter our early swim we headed out to St Jacobs the heart of the Amish community. It's a very pretty little town with excellent shops, not at all what we expected. In my 13th Oct pre flight panic I took out of my case nearly a third of my packing as Cheryls dodgy scales showed me seriously over 23kgs. Reminder for me on next foreign trip treat myself to baggage scales. Included in the 'left behind' items were 2 dressy winter outfits. I had put them in because I am attending a smart reception next Tues organised by Claire in New York for her company about philanthropy.

Carol was very good and allowed me to try on items in various shops in St Jacobs things that might be suitable for that evening. I found 2 items and then couldn't decide which to buy so eventually bought both - so unlike me, but I could almost hear Cheryl saying "just buy the 2 Mum" - so I did.

One of the things I have enjoyed seeing here are the displays to celebrate Autumn both inside and outside homes and shops, this isn't the nicest by any means but gives a flavour of them. I have decided I am going to do that in my apartment next autumn, it seems an excellent way to mark a beautiful season. In reality it will just have to be a something inside and a door wreath in the apartment, I think the mill residents may object to hay bales and pumpkins!

The only evidence of Amish lifestyle we saw were some girls dressed in their very traditional outfits. We were disappointed as we drove to/from the market as we didn't see any horse drawn carts or anything that showed the contrast between their humble, simple faith and our much more materialistic society. 

When we got back to the hotel Carol out her feet up and I went for a walk, this is the park by our hotel and also the very attractive lobby area.

Over the years of our friendship Carol and I have enjoyed lots of cinema trips so we went out for dinner and then went to see The Intern with Robert DeNiro and Ann Hathaway, a definite feel-good movie. It was especially enjoyable for me as next week I will be in Brooklyn, where its set, and then the following week in San Francisco where the characters visited - woohoo. 

World tour wobble

When we arrived at our hotel in Waterloo we went out almost immediately for dinner as we were hungry and tired after a long drive. When we got outside the hotel I realised I didn't have my iPad, stupidly in a moment of panic I thought I had left in on the top of the car at the last beauty spot. I rushed back up to the room and there it was on the bedside table under a pile of books and my Bible. It then dawned on me I had taken it out of my bag as soon as we arrived and taken the room picture - such a relief.

Later it needed charging so I went to plug it in and couldn't find my charger. I searched my backpack and emptied my case. Rubbish I must have left it at Cobble Beach but neither Carol nor I could understand it. It was such a massive suite we had both checked everywhere, so couldn't believe it had been overlooked. As my iPad contains all my photos since last Christmas and is my only means of communication with family and friends it's pretty important on this trip. My last resort was my soap bag - well not so much a soap bag more a heavy duty carrier (sorry Cheryl I know I am a bag lady) which was in the bathroom. It wasn't there but common sense dawned and I realised being in a city now it was no big deal to buy another one, so came out and said that to Carol.

I didn't sleep much that night I wasn't anxious but things were on my mind. I realised I was homesick for the first time. It's not possible to put the light on and read or make a cuppa when sharing a room with your friend so it seemed a long night. Eventually I dropped off after 3am.

In the morning reason returned and we worked out quite a bit of my tensions are around living out of a suitcase, packing up every few days and not really knowing where everything is located. You see I am a person with a high need for order e.g. after a 40 hour non stop journey from NZ in the past I could never just go to bed, I would have to put on my first load of washing and empty the case! and put it away. or if friends come for dinner I have to clear the kitchen before bed. 

The up side of my kind of personality is its been of real use over the many years I was an Operational Manager for the PO, Care for the Family and Ignite, that's because I get things done and organised. 

Sorry for this long post but I wanted to log for myself that this kind of trip isn't the easiest for my personality type. Anyway a bit of time with God and an early swim in this fabulous pool and my positive contented nature returned, thank You Lord so much.

21st Oct day 8 leaving luxury and drive to Waterloo

Because of the terrible wind when we arrived and then the storm we didn't look around he grounds so did that before we left. To our surprise there was a lake view and an outdoor swimming pool brrrr. We left Cobble Beach and headed for Meaford and Thornbury both of which had been recommended by the hotel staff. They are pretty places on Nottasawaga Bay with harbours. We visited a candle factory where Carol bought some really lovely bargains for gifts. Unfortunately it's not possible for me to add to my baggage weight but I decided I would buy a Christmas tree decoration in each of my destinations. I can use them in NZ when I decorate the tree with Nicholas (how exciting) and then they will be a precious reminder each year of this incredible trip.

We enjoyed the best coffee and cake so far in Canada at McGinty's in Meaford - definitely recommend it. It was a leisurely drive through Beaver Valley, sadly didn't see any beavers, but did see pheasants and lots of black squirrels.

Then it was on to Waterloo a city of 133,000 (the population of the wider area is well over half a million) and booked into the Delta Hotel. To be honest it's more modern and much more to my taste than the opulence of Cobble Beach.

We walked down to an Irish Bar for dinner, we are getting ready for our time with Pat and Gordon this  weekend - they are from N Ireland and such a fun couple. He is a Pastor of a large church in Chatham.

20th Oct day 7 blond day

You might think it's a bit unkind of Carol but sometimes I am very much a dipsy blond, so when she said this morning I was to have a brunette day I had to agree with her. Good example was when I started packing I decided to cut out the labels, tags and hanger straps from of all my clothes to save weight. I thought this was very sensible given my weight restrictions for a 3 month trip but when I told Cheryl she said "honestly Mum you are bonkers". Of course she was right as twice I have realised when out and about that I have had my tops on back to front! Carol's suggestion for an idiots guide to dressing properly is to write a big B in the back of all my clothes, I may well take her up on it.

The morning got off to a slow start as we enjoyed chatting to a Canadian Christian couple at breakfast, Gary offered to take a picture of us together on the bridge outside the restaurant. There had been the most violent thunder, lightning and torrential rain the night before at dinner but the morning was much calmer.

We had decided to drive all the way up to the end of the Bruce Peninsula to Tobermory and hopefully take a boat trip. We should have listened to the subtle suggestions Gary and his wife were making about other beauty spots, but no these intrepid travellers were determined to get to Tobermory and take a boat trip. Thankfully we decided to stop at Isthmus Bay on the way. We asked a local guy the way to the bay when we got to Lion's Head. He couldn't believe we would want to see it, especially the lighthouse and tried to talk us into going further up the coast to a much bigger one. As we were undeterred he said "don't expect the carpet to be out".

When we arrived at the bay we couldn't believe how beautiful it was, if it was in the UK there would have been loads of brown heritage signs pointing us in its direction. We have learnt that the Canadians hardly advertise their major attractions at all. The water was so clean we even dipped our toes in.

We called at Miller Lake as Carol wanted to see a lake where you see it all, the scale of the others blow our minds. Then it was up to Tobermory - all I can say is it was shut, shut, shut. Even trying to find somewhere for coffee was a challenge. The ferry that goes from Tobermory to the Manatoulin Islands had stopped running the weekend before and the whole place had shut down. 

We managed to find a hotel which thankfully had wifi so I chatted to Simon and Cheryl which was fantastic but the food left a lot to be desired. How do you get greasy vegetable soup? If you asked for blueberry pie would you expect it to come with cream/ice cream? Let's just say it was all basic and so far it's been the only place that's been a disappointment on this holiday, so we can't complain.

It's a long drive all the way north but because we felt a bit cheated we drove down to Sauble Beach which is on the Lake Huron side of the Bruce Peninsula. A bracing walk along the beach was invigorating, for all the world this looks like a seaside place - but not so.

We returned to the hotel and had a fabulous meal to finish off our stay in this luxurious hotel.

Hi diddly dee this is the life for me, well us

All the hotels in Canada were organised by Carol and she has done an amazing job but the Cobble Beach resort is opulent. It's right on the edge of the water and is a new golf complex, similar to the standard of the Celtic Manor (apologies to any non Welsh readers) but much better located. Originally Carol got confused between £s/$ so thought we could afford to stay here and then realised we couldn't. But her honesty in emails with their booking staff paid off and they her gave her a great deal. 

So we had a fantastic 2 nights in the lap of luxury and eating in their 5 star restaurant. Both of us agree we could be ladies of leisure and enjoy this lifestyle all the time, but we suspect it wouldn't be such a treat if it was your norm, so we are blessed to do it occasionally. 

Wiarton Willie part 2

I thought groundhog was just a bad day but no it's a little rodent, a marmot actually. Apparently in Wiarton there lived a little white groundhog who used to come out every 2nd Feb predicting the Spring weather. I know you are thinking Helen has been in Indian territory too long and has lost the plot, but it's true. They now have a festival every year in his honour and here's the proof

So now you know...

19th Oct day 6 Waffles Waterfalls and Wiarton Willie to be continued ...

The day got off to a great start with an early relax in the jacuzzi followed by a scrummy breakfast of fresh fruit and maple syrup on the waffle we had made. Hope Argos stock a waffle maker for my return I am hooked. The waitress told us how to get to the Inglis Falls by car and that was definitely a detour worth taking.

She also told us the Indian Falls were worth seeing on our way up the Bruce Peninsula. There was a lovely picture in our hotel room and we only realised when we arrived there that these were those Falls. It was quite a difficult walk to reach them, at one point along the river bed so I found myself a decent stick, I felt like Moses striding out.

All that walking made us hungry so when we reached Wiarton we headed for the only cafe and had a delicious hot lunch - Carol chicken curry and me good old fish and chips. We then went in search of Wiarton Willie to be continued .....