Algonqin Park

Algonquin and Ottawa

We had a great time in Algonquin, although we were a bit disappointed that we didn't see a moose (but glad, as Michael W. said that we didn't meet up with one on the road).  We hear there are many moose in Newfoundland, so we might still see some!!  We went on a number of hikes, but I think the most impressive one was through the bog.

Our canoe trip was great, even with 2 kids and 2 dogs in a somewhat tippy canoe.  The one we are used to is much wider and easier to balance in.  It was a good workout for us paddlers!  Rianna just got the queen treatment as she was ferried about by us slaves!!

Speaking of Queens, check her out dressed up as Egyptian Royalty!  This was at the Museum of Civilization here in Ottawa.  Tons of cool stuff - they had to kick us out at the end of the day, and we had been there 5 hours!!!  The War Museum was excellent as well, just a bit much for Rianna and I.  There is a lot of really important things to learn about, but it is hard when you think about how many lives have been lost, and what so many men and women have lived through as soldiers, peace keepers, and civilians, too.  Sean particularly loved the huge room full of tanks and vehicles.

Today we did the Tour of the Parliament - quite amazing!  I think the Library is one of the most beautiful rooms I have ever seen!  The history in that block is very impressive!

Weather here has been very hot and humid - us dry Albertans find it very oppressive!  The bugs and mosquitoes are very bad and make it difficult to sit out in the evenings.  David seems to be particularly tasty and is starting to look like a contestant on Survivor with all his bites!  We need to stay at least another day and still will not get to see everything!!  David is already saying that six months is just not enough time!!!

Greetings from Algonquin and Lake Nipissing

We have made it to Algonquin Provincial Park!!  I have wanted to come here since I was about 13 and read an article in National Geographic  (and anyone who really knows me is not surprised that I was reading Nat'l Geographic at 13 - had my own subscription!)

The photo here is actually from Lake Nipissing, in North Bay.  This is the beach that Samuel du Champlain landed on in 1615 (or some such date).  It was about a block from our campground, and it was the most amazing sunset.  We took just a few pictures that evening!!!  I am particularly proud of these ones!

We hiked quite a few trails in Algonquin today - learned a lot about Black Spruce bogs and early logging.  It was about 27 degrees today (finally) and we were all pretty hot and tired by the end of it (especially the dogs).  Hershey and Oreo have discovered chipmunks and spend a great deal of time "on watch".  They actually vibrate with excitement when they are around!!

Tomorrow we are doing a half day canoe ride - looking forward to that!  We saw a baby bear crossing the road today but Sean really wants to see a moose!!  Rianna want to see a Payless Shoe source!

On Saturday we are heading to Ottawa and tons of stuff to see!

Jonathan, tell Cindy she is first on my list for an amethyst bracelet!  Rianna and I are going into the jewelery making business when we get home!!

Happy Trails, everyone!

P.S.  My S'mores tonight were particularly amazing!!

Sault Ste. Marie

Monday, August 10th

Yesterday we were Rockhounds!!  We went to the Amethyst Mine Panorama, just east of Thunder Bay, and it was awesome!!!  We took a tour of the mine, which is actually a huge fault line above ground.  We learned all about how amethyst is formed in the earth.  They take it out of the ground using high powered blasts of water, which washes away the mud and rocks and reveals the amethyst and other gems/stones.  This is what we did to find ours!!  There were so many, it was difficult to decide which ones we wanted to keep.  When you are done, you buy them by their weight.  There were also other ones that you could purchase, ranging from $10 - $2000. Unfortunately, we can't really afford the extra weight in our trailer!!

Next along the highway, we went to see Canada's longest suspension bridge.  It was a little freaky for Sean and David, but Rianna loved it!!

We saw a wolf on the highway today, and a bear a couple of days ago - that was really cool!

Last night we stayed in Wawa, and then drove today to Sault Ste. Marie.  These two places are not that far apart, but it was pretty hilly and foggy.  We stopped for a couple of hours at Lake Superior Provincial.  It had a really informational visitor centre.  The beach there was great, and the lake is so vast and beautiful, we just had to explore!

The off-leash park at the KOA we are staying at has an agility course for the dogs.  I think we might have to start training for the SuperDogs!!

Bye Bye from the land of the Gitchee Goomee  

Speed Bump In Thunder Bay

We have had a little trouble with our tires here in Thunder Bay, but we are now all fixed up and ready to continue!  

Yesterday we went to Fort William Historical Park, which is a recreation of the North West Company's trading headquarters from 1815.  It was very interesting (not to mention totally curriculum related!!!)

Thanks again, to all our friends who are reading and posting messages for us!

Greetings from Kenora!

We are staying for a couple of days at Anicinabe Provincial Park in Kenora. It is on Lake of the Woods and is very beautiful. The weather is not all that great, so a lot of the people who were staying here went home. Today is about 22 degrees and the clouds are in and out. It is plenty hot when the sun is out. We have the beach almost all to ourselves, and itès (o.k., donèt know why the computer is giving me french accents, it must know weère heading for Quebec - I blame it on using Davidès computer) Anyway, The kids are off catching minnows, and I am trying to sketch the scenery. Maybe by the time we get home Ièll know how to draw!!!

We decided to stay here an extra day because it is so pretty, and we needed a break! David is doing an awesome job of driving!! I drove for a bit, coming through Brandon, and I did fine, but it was pretty nerve wracking. Living in the trailer is working very well!

Rianna is still feeling home sick, and as a result, has been just a tad moody!!! Sean does not always help in making that easier! Sean is really starting to learn his jobs for set up and take down of the trailer - but we all still have a lot to learn.

Thank very much to the Brownès and Leckieès for posting a comment!!! The kids were sooooo excited to hear from someone. David was reading the Calgary Herald on line today and is sounds like you have been having some nasty weather - hope everything is fine!

We are headed for Thunder Bay tomorrow, hopefully getting to Algonquin park in a few days. We would like to stay there for a little bit.

TTFN
The MacGregors

We are taking the leisurely route, as only the MacGregor's can!! We stayed just outside Medicine Hat last night and the kids did a few quick rounds on a beautiful practice putting green course first thing in the morning!
Today was an exciting day as we visited Dog River!!! (from Corner Gas) It was very cool! We will post our picture in front of the Ruby ASAP.

On to Winnipeg tomorrow!

TTFN
The MacGregors !!