Find me on the Road (or Trail): Ontario

September 05, 2015

Taking a Hike or two, crossing the Mississippi, visiting Canada's capital, and hello again Montreal

Aug 31: A day full of hiking after a rather frugal breakfast (coffee, fruit, vegan and normal yogurt, gluten free bread, Karen's tomatoes and vegan cheese, and Karen's cereal and rice milk). Thanks again, Karen. Our take-away from you was a lifesaver in this neck of the woods.

We got to hike several interpretive trails along the Hwy 60 corridor: the Whiskey Rapids trail (2km), the Hardwood Lookout trail (1km) and the Peck Lake trail (2km). They seemed rather short but they were partially steep and difficult, but well worth the views.

On Whiskey Rapids Trail

Hardwood Lookout Trail overlooking Smoke Lake

Peck Lake Trail

Around 3pm we took a break and found (you won't believe this!) a small amount vegan food options at a local greasy spoon called the Mad Musher in Whitney. There was Veggie stew for me that came with a gluten free bun and Chilli (the real one) for Roland.

After having taken a little nap at our cabin, we ventured out once again on the Spruce Bog trail for an evening stroll hoping to spot some local wildlife, alas to no avail. We got a nice sunset though.

Lake Opeongo

Sep 1: Again we packed up our stuff and took the slow route (there wasn't really a fast route) to Renfrew, where we were supposed to meet up with Canajun, a.k.a. Dave B, another moto-blogger who was kind enough to invite us into his home.

We learned that the area was heavily populated by folks from Polish and German descent. As a side effect the lawns and backyards would look really clean and well kept (something that people of that creed would do, it's in their genes).

Of course, being German and all we were once again arriving early at Tim's (where else?) in Renfrew, but so was Dave. After a quick stop for barbecue supplies we followed him home.

Where are we?

We would have never found his place, that's for sure. We arrived at his "cabin" in the woods which was surrounded by a lovely garden. Of course he had a lake view, too. Dave might call this place home, for us it seemed more like paradise.

Alright, this spot should become our home away from home for the next two days. Since we were reasonably hungry again, Dave had meanwhile fired up the barbecue, while I took possession of the kitchen.

Sep 2: Saw us sightseeing Ottawa - the fast way round. We only had one day to spend and we had to make the most out of it. First Dave would take us across the Mississippi River (yes, really!).

Then it was to the Remic Rapids to watch a rock balancing artist at work. If you are in the area make sure to see John Felice Ceprano's artwork. He began creating his ephemeral sculptures in 1986, and still does this to this day. Once nature (or winter) takes over, his art would be destroyed and rebuilt with a different theme the year after. A very zen moment for all of us.

Next stop: Ottawa downtown, and reasonably hungry we found a Vietnamese Restaurant to satisfy our needs before we continued with our whirlwind sightseeing tour.

The sculpture Maman at the National Art Gallery

View on the Parliament Building

At the Rideau Canal

The War memorial

Another view on the parliament building

We stopped for a drink at the Biermarkt, where believe it or not, they had a small selection of the gluten free kind.

Reasonably exhausted from all the sights (and me feeling a bit under the weather) we returned to Dave's place, and while the boys would have another barbecue night, I was down and out for twelve hours, very much in order to sleep off my cold.

Sep 3: Alas, once again we had to part ways with a new found friend. Thanks Dave, for making this short stop a memorable experience, and thanks for the loaf of homemade artisan gluten free bread. I am loving it.

After an uneventful drive we arrived back safe and sound in Montreal, or better at David's home. The car had served us well during our 1,200km roundtrip, and in return we spoiled it with a high octane drink in return. It didn't seem to mind the treat. Thanks again, David.

Sep 4: Can we please stop the time from flying by? It would be Roland's last day in town before his flight back to Germany, so David did his best to provide the second part of the all-you-can-see-eyecandy of Montreal.

View from St. Joseph Oratory

First we went up to St. Joseph Oratory and admired the impressive architecture and the view. After we were headed to the entertainment district, China town, the World Trade Center and got David's best-of-the-underground tour. (He would be a great tour-guide, so make sure to book him while he's still in town.)