Toronto to Ottawa via Kingston

Mon 6th Aug 2006

Hi everyone, thanks to those of you who have left messages, it was great to hear from you.

We left Toronto at about 10.45am yesterday wth Di driving to go to Ottawa in our lovely blue HHR Chevvy

We travelled down highway 401 leaving at Bellvile to take the even more beautiful route by the side of Lake Ontario passing Picton. On reaching Glenora, the road ended and meant taking the 'free' ferry trip across to Adolphustown. (See photo)

We then stopped at Kingston which was the capital of upper and lower Canada between 1841 and 1843. (Had to be done due to Lou's surname!!) After lunch by the Marina, (see photo) Lou took over the drive to go the remaing distance to Ottawa - using highway 416 which is the Vetarans Memorial Highway. (See photo)

In the evening there was a spectacular Son et Lumiere show against the backdrop of the parliament buildings in Ottawa. We also visited the Cenataph. (See photos)

Today we sent to see the changing of the guard at Parliament Hill which kind of reminded us of the changing of the guard at Buck House back home. Amazing how none of them faint in their heavy ceremonial uniforms and bear skins. (More Photos!)

This afternoon we drove to Green Island where we paid our respects to Lou's great uncle on Di's side of the family - Geoffrey Addison Clegg. A very poignant and extremely peaceful and moving moment. The memorial has 2 walls with Geoff's name being almost at the top of the left-hand wall, panel 2, column 2. We also managed to locate all but 2 of the names of the other airmen from the RAf, RAAF and RCAF that are mentioned in newspaper clipping detailing the plane that he was on that was lost over the Atlantic (clipping states Washington February 22nd 1943).

Whilst there we also gave thoughts on behalf of other family members (surviving and also those no longer with us.) Freda, Colin, Simon, Jean and Peter. We also left a copy of Geoff's photo but have no idea how long it will stay there!!!

On the way back to drop off our hire car we called in at the home of the mounties in Ottawa - unfortunately there were none to be seen as they are on their annual tour of Cananda, the USA and elsewhere so we had to make do with a video of 'The Ride'!!!!!!!

Off to Montreal by train tomorrow and we will update you from there.

(Tues - 7th - Apologies for any incorrect French as we forgot the phrase book and are relying on French A Level from 15years+ ago!))

Nous arrivons a Montreal. We are staying at the La Place D'Armes and we arrived to find we've been upgraded to a suite - it's HUGE!!!! With a jaccuzi in the bathroom and walk in shower - the whole room is bigger than Lou's house!!

Love from Di & Lou

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