julie and otis

Still a bit road buzzed...a long day of driving (1100 kms) and Otis and I made it home! I don't think Otis knew where he was, until he started climbing the stairs, then he ran upstairs and just rolled, drank water, rolled on the bed....yes, we are home! The drive was beautiful...and long. The trip has been awesome. Tomorrow I will post highlights, funny moments, and Otis tails... and now, signing off until the next adventure!... read more

Got caught up with some blogs, and now back on the road to Winnipeg! First stop Half Pints Brewery Company. My friend Richard wanted me to check it out, and I'm glad I did! It was a real treat! Locally owned. Husband was a home brewer, the passion took over and the wife is an accountant! (Nicole is the one who gave me the tour and their story). Their market is Western Canada, with one place in Toronto (which I now have to find!). (By the way, the beer is great, I have been enjoying the beer over the last couple of days). Drove downtown and walked along the river to the Forks and parked right in front of the Provincial Legislation building. Crossed into Ontario today! Very melancholy for me....my adventure to Yellowknife is just ... read more

Another day of driving! I still haven't made it to Edmonton! Stopped at Peace River, what a beautiful town! the scenery along the way has been extremely beautiful! wheat, canola, green pines...even saw a coyote when I left Hutch Lake! Lots of different birds. Today, magpies, hawks, ravens...With driving, you never know what is going to be around the bend. In Alberta, I was driving, and I came across, soft green, rolling hills known as Swan Hills. Beautiful! Once again, found a campsite where it is self serve. Set up, cooked, went for a walk about and turn in early. Otis and I were the only ones at the campgrounds! Pretty cool. ... read more

Woke up early to rain and thunder....able to get back to sleep, thank goodness! Another bright and sunny and hot day today, great day for driving. Started talking to my neighbour and discovered he is from Guelph! Small world. He is still traveling and heading into the states before he heads back to Guelph. Packed up and back on the road. Spent the morning wondering around Saskatoon. Another beautiful city, and very friendly people. Otis and I enjoyed some of the walking trails around the city and the Saskachewan River. Drove off the highway to a small town, with a salt lake! Lake Manitou. Went for a quick swim, which was very refreshing, cool, salty and I was very buoyant! Some information from the Canadian Encyclopedia: "A hydrologically closed system, evaporation leaves the water concentrated in ... read more

My last weekend in Yellowknife! On Friday, Nigel and Mel invited their friends, Michael, Bianca and Shannon over for games (pictionary, eventually). Shannon brought her dog, Otis (a Boston Terrier) over as well, so the 2 Otis's could meet and play together! What a riot! Shannon's last day at work was on Friday...she's on her last 3 weeks before her baby is due. Her husband is away, so she came to join us! I asked all of them how they ended up in Yellowknife! Fun stories. I liked the fact Michael and Bianca came from Vancouver in February because they wanted a change! The weekend they choose to come up that year, was one of the coldest (-50 C) and their flights were canceled! But, once the Canada Goose parka was gotten...well, they have been enjoying ... read more